Movies by Evan Leong

Evan Leong is a trailblazing Chinese-American filmmaker whose documentaries offer a window into the vibrant, often overlooked Asian American experience. With a keen eye for human stories and a knack for capturing the cultural complexities of modern life, Leong has established himself as one of the most distinctive voices in contemporary documentary cinema. His breakthrough film, Linsanity (2013), was a captivating portrait of NBA star Jeremy Lin, chronicling the meteoric rise and the challenges of this pioneering athlete. Leong's intimate access and nuanced storytelling approach transformed a sports narrative into a deeply moving exploration of identity, perseverance, and the power of representation. The film's success at the Sundance Film Festival cemented Leong's reputation as a filmmaker unafraid to tackle complex, timely subjects with empathy and insight. In his other acclaimed works, such as the documentary 1040: Christianity in the New Asia (2010) and the short film BLT Genesis (2002), Leong continues to showcase his versatility and his commitment to shedding light on the diverse experiences of Asian Americans. With his latest feature, Snakehead (2021), Leong delves into the gritty world of human smuggling, blending elements of crime drama and social commentary to craft a gripping, genre-bending film that solidifies his status as a cinematic voice to watch.