Lakefront Trail Maintenance Alert: Over the next several months, repairs will be made throughout the trail, one section at a time. Work will start on the south end and move north. Signage will be placed ahead of the construction site. Please be alert and safe, and avoid these active construction work zones. Learn more: Lakefront Trail Maintenance. Posted 9/15/26
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What I Am Today: Maa Maa Dei
Directed by House of Bug Productions
Produced by Eunice Wangadi and Matt Hebron
Jessica “Jaye” Fong created Maa Maa Dei to capture her experience growing up as an Asian-American restaurant kid in the Midwest. After winning the Chicago Tribune’s 2022 Readers Choice for Best Pop-Up/Virtual Restaurant, Jaye’s story explores the immigrant experience and how our lineage shapes our paths and aspirations. From a Third Culture restaurant kid to an architecture/engineering career in Chicago, the film reflects on the courage to step beyond our comfort zones and create our own trajectory.
ABOUT THE FILMMAKER
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Residing in Chicago, IL focused on bringing folks beyond the plate, one story at a time.
SEE THIS FILM
Tue, Aug. 25
Thu, Aug. 27
MORE ABOUT THIS FILM
WATCH THE TRAILER
CHICAGO CONNECTION
What I Am Today: Maa Maa Dei documents Jaye Fong, a Chicago resident and chef. Winner of the Chicago Tribune's 2022 Best Virtual Restaurant the documentary explores how our lives are shaped by our families legacy. Chicago is featured heavily both as its where we filmed and where Jaye spent all her time after moving here from Bloomington for college. This dual story, split between Bloomington and Chicago I feel represents Chicagoans well as showcases the stories Chicagoans who moved here from more rural areas of Illinois to find community and connection.
STATEMENT FROM THE FILMMAKER
We absolutely adored Jessica's story and we hope you do too. As a fellow Midwestern Asian-American her upbringing resonated strongly with myself but even more we hope her story of resilience and lineage speak to anyone watching. Enjoy!
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