Queens Ballroom Premieres at CPH:FORUM, Highlighting the Journey of Immigrant Seniors in America

Filmmaker Hansen Lin Explores Immigrant Life Through the Lens of ‘Queens Ballroom’

Filmmaker Hansen Lin recently discovered an unexpected perspective on the immigrant experience in America when he entered a building in Flushing, Queens. As the producer of the award-winning documentary Always, Lin was scouting locations for a new film project when he stumbled into a vibrant Queens ballroom frequented by Asian American seniors.

“It’s completely dark outside, but the inside is really colorful,” Lin recalled. “It already has this mystery.” This discovery led him to embark on a documentary journey that he presented at the prestigious CPH:FORUM in Copenhagen. Currently in the late stages of development, Queens Ballroom is being directed and produced by Lin in collaboration with Siyi Chen.

Lin’s time at the ballroom proved invaluable, allowing him and Chen to identify potential documentary subjects. "We were just chatting with them, getting to know them,” Chen noted about the lengthy casting process. Ultimately, three protagonists emerged: Mary, 70, a former judge who left her life in China behind; Aaron, a romantic in his 60s always stylishly dressed; and Jimmy, an 83-year-old grappling with grief after losing his partner. Each character brings a unique narrative to the ballroom, described as a vibrant space filled with secrets and stories.

“The ballroom is a world of sequins and secrets,” Lin remarked, highlighting the active social dynamics at play. Through various anecdotes, they uncovered the intricacies of their subjects’ lives, including gossip that often circulates among patrons, revealing layers of complexity beneath the surface.

Chen expressed a particular connection to Mary, who came to the U.S. at age 39 after establishing a career and family in China. “It was a really courageous decision [for Mary to leave],” Chen said, reflecting on the parallel challenges faced by immigrants.

Lin, who also grew up in China before settling in New York, acknowledges the difficult choices that come with such a transition. "I questioned a lot about my career and living far away from my home in China,” he shared, emphasizing the universal nature of these challenges.

The film promises to encapsulate the nostalgia and cultural essence housed within the ballroom. Chen described it as reminiscent of an era long gone in China, where spaces like the ballroom served as a time capsule of the past. "It’s very nostalgic," she reflected. "When we go to the Queens ballroom, we’re like, ‘This is like a little time capsule that reminds us of the ’90s and the 2000s.’”

Co-producers Clara Vuillermoz and Laurence Buelens are also involved in the project, which aims to secure funding and partnerships at CPH:DOX. Lin noted their production plan includes approximately 15 days of shooting to complete the film.

Returning to Copenhagen echoes a personal journey for Lin; last year, Always won the DOX:AWARD at the festival, strengthening his connection to the event. “It’s a huge encouragement for me and for my whole team,” he remarked, looking forward to building new collaborations while nurturing existing relationships.