Filmmaker Statement

Growing up in China and surrounded by the best “chefs” in my family and neighborhood, I know by heart that food carries much more meaning than its surface function. I decided to make Échale Ganas (after the first bite I took of Villa’s Tacos) because I passionately believe in the transcendent power of food. “Échale Ganas'' tells the story of Villa’s Tacos through a holistic exploration on how tacos have become the vehicle that salvages a family’s memories, embodies intergenerational lineage, unites a community, and is able to foster change in society at large. It also brings awareness to the forgotten Redlining policies that have led to gentrification in the historic Latino neighborhood of Highland Park where the Villa’s Tacos story began and continues.