First Vote

About This Movie

First Vote is a documentary that gracefully weaves the personal with the political. Yi Chen’s intimate lens captures the emotional landscape of four Asian American voters navigating their first electoral experience in a charged atmosphere. It’s set against the backdrop of the Rust Belt and South, where the peculiar rise of 'Chinese Americans for Trump' adds an intriguing layer to the narrative. The pacing feels organic, allowing moments of reflection as each character shares their motivations and fears. The cinema verité style draws you in, making it feel like you’re part of their journey—each interview, each encounter is laced with genuine emotion. What strikes me is how it explores themes of identity and belonging, a perspective often overlooked in mainstream political discourse.

Explores identity and political participation.Authentic cinema verité style.Highlights grassroots activism among Asian Americans.