A film by the community, for the community
“I’m Not An Activist” takes an inside look at the Dragon Combat Club (DCC), “an NYC-based volunteer initiative for community self-defense.” The club was formed in 2020. They offer free, self-defense classes in NYC.
I was able to speak with the short’s director, Dan Chen, and producer, len Chi, who both stressed the importance and immediacy of this film. It was created in reaction to the rising hate crimes against Asian American Pacific Islanders (AAPI) during the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent Stop Asian Hate movement.
The community members and volunteers in the film expressed frustration at trying to convince people to care about the violence against the AAPI community; the rate of which rose by 361% in New York City alone. Chi said that they kept hearing from potential funders that their film was “on the fringe.” No one wanted the story. If they weren’t directly in the AAPI community, they didn’t understand the fear and panic. It seemed like just another news story. Chen explained that this was “not some kind of abstraction that we can discuss and analyze, it’s a hotblooded reaction.” There was a feeling of helplessness in waiting for change to happen. So they took a stand and fought back, literally.
In the film, several members express frustration at seeing their loved ones being attacked. DCC offers them a space where they can learn and train in various self-defense methods for free. They hold sessions throughout different parts of the city, rain or shine, doing drills with fake knives, and implementing grappling techniques. This opportunity to take their power back helps to minimize the feeling that they’re helpless victims.
In speaking with Chen, it became clear that the entire filmmaking process, from the independent funding, to the filming, to the premiere, was a grassroots movement by and for the community. Chen said that he and Chi weren’t looking to make a profit. Everyone involved donated their time, resources, and talents. The film was funded thanks to the efforts of “Plan A Magazine,” a volunteer-run Asian diaspora organization.
Chen said that one of his proudest moments was the screening of the film. They were able to host the premiere in Manhattan’s Chinatown on July 27th, 2023; with most of the people who were featured in the film actually in attendance. “It was a true community night,” said Chen.
Dr. Z, a founding member of DCC, said of what he saw in the room, “This is what community looks like.” Assemblymember Ron Kim, whose district is home to a large Asian American demographic, hosted a Q&A. Chen remarked that this was one of the top three screenings he has ever participated in because the film went directly back to the community it was made for: the people who were most deeply affected. “I wanted to see more things from our point of view. Not trying to get someone to understand why it’s bad.”
A still from the film. (Image Credit: Plan A Podcast)
Chi noted that the DCC and the film are embodiments of not needing permission, training, or an official title to make a change. He also said that the in-person community aspect was the most rewarding part of the filmmaking process. “Everything was so fulfilling because everyone was in it for the right reasons, no politics.”
The subjects of this short film, as well as the production journey, show how a community can band together, heal, and fight back in the face of tragedy.
“I’m Not An Activist” is free to watch on YouTube.
DCC continues to hold weekly sessions in New York City. You can follow their updates and schedules on their social media.