MOCA x NYAFF Film Club: Chan Is Missing

Pay As You Wish*

MOCA is thrilled to partner with the New York Asian Film Festival to present the MOCA x NYAFF Film Club, a quarterly program celebrating the brilliance and boldness of Asian and Asian American cinema. This series highlights films of historic and cultural significance under the theme Subversion, spotlighting daring films that challenge the norm, rewrite narratives, and push boundaries.

Each session is more than just a movie night—it’s an opportunity to connect, discover, and engage. Following the screening, join us for a moderated conversation to explore the film’s themes, creative impact, and cultural context. Attendees are encouraged to share their thoughts and continue the dialogue during a casual networking reception afterward.

Don’t miss this chance to immerse yourself in the world of bold cinema and meaningful connections. Let’s watch, chat, and celebrate together!

*This ticketing policy is not intended to create barriers based on financial status but rather to ensure the sustainability of our practice—helping us cover event costs while keeping it accessible and welcoming to all. All registrations are final. Unfortunately, we are unable to issue refunds under any circumstances at this time.

Chan Is Missing (1982)

Directed by: Wayne Wang
Runtime: 75 minutes | Rated: Not Rated. Age 16+

Chan Is Missing is a groundbreaking black-and-white film that follows two American-born Chinese cab drivers, Jo and his nephew Steve, as they search for Chan Hung, a middleman who suddenly disappears with their money meant for taxi medallions. Their quest to find Chan takes them deep into San Francisco’s Chinatown, uncovering the complexities of his life as a Chinese immigrant struggling with assimilation and identity in America. As Jo delves further into Chan’s world, his frustration turns to empathy, revealing the nuances of the immigrant experience.

This film marked the directorial debut of Wayne Wang, an internationally recognized filmmaker known for amplifying Asian American voices through independent cinema. As one of the first feature-length films of the Asian American cinema movement, Chan Is Missing is celebrated for its authentic portrayal of Chinatown in the early 1980s, featuring characters that felt true to everyday life. The film won Best Experimental/Independent Film from the Los Angeles Film Critics Association in 1982 and was later selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry for its cultural, historical, and aesthetic significance. Wang later gained further acclaim for directing Smoke(1995), which won multiple international awards, including the Silver Bear at the Berlin International Film Festival.

Starring: Woody Moy, Marc Hayashi, Laureen Chew

Stay after the screening for a conversation between MOCA’s Curator Herb Tam and NYAFF’s Executive Director Sam Jamier, starting at 8:20 PM. Explore the film’s deeper meanings and behind-the-scenes context before engaging in further discussions with fellow attendees over beverages.

ABOUT New York Asian Film Festival

The New York Asian Film Festival (NYAFF) is North America's premier event showcasing the very best in new Asian cinema. Held annually in July at Film at Lincoln Center and various venues across New York City, NYAFF is celebrated for its bold, diverse, and dynamic programming.

The festival highlights a wide spectrum of films—from emerging voices to masterful auteurs—spanning genres such as cutting-edge blockbusters, independent treasures, and groundbreaking works.

As a vital platform for Asian filmmakers, NYAFF fosters cross-cultural dialogue and champions the innovation, creativity, and richness of Asian storytelling on a global stage.

Host or Publisher Museum of Chinese in America