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Mak Fai Insider: Building Culture & Community

Established by Grandmaster Mak Hin Fai in 1974, Mak Fai Kung Fu Dragon & Lion Dance Association is Seattle's premier lion dance troupe, performing hundreds of shows year-round. Highlighting members of Mak Fai, we learn the importance of martial arts and lion dancing, as well as the culture and community behind it. Through these interviews, we see lion dancing as a tool to teach Asian American youth the importance of preserving tradition, appreciating culture, and building community.

  • Han Edward So Eckelberg
    Director
  • Han Edward So Eckelberg
    Producer
  • Royal Tan
    Key Cast
  • John To
    Key Cast
  • Johnny Nguyen
    Key Cast
  • Martin Lau
    Key Cast
  • Kathy Dao
    Key Cast
  • Han Edward So Eckelberg
    Key Cast
  • Mette Knutzen
    Key Cast
  • Ngoc Nguyen
    Key Cast
  • Mette Knutzen
    Audio Technician
  • Johnny Nguyen
    Assistant Camera Operators
  • John To
    Assistant Camera Operators
  • Project Type:
    Documentary, Short, Student
  • Runtime:
    16 minutes 30 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    March 10, 2022
  • Production Budget:
    0 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital, 28-75mm, Sony
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16.9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    Yes - University of Washington, Seattle Campus
  • Digital Cinema Package:
    Unavailable
Director Biography - Han Edward So Eckelberg

I am Han Edward So Eckelberg, born in Seattle of Chinese (Cantonese) and German descent, living in South Seattle’s Beacon Hill neighborhood. In the Asian enclave of Beacon Hill, I grew up surrounded by many people I called “aunts,” “uncles,” and “cousins.” For three decades, my zip code was among the most diverse in the United States. My neighborhood’s cultural diversity fostered my passion for the arts, advocacy for the community, and pride in my heritage.

I am currently attending Communication Leadership at the University of Washington, Master of Communication in Communities & Networks. I graduated from the University of Washington with degrees in Art (Photo/Media), American Ethnic Studies, and minors in Oceania and Pacific Islander Studies and Diversity.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

I am greatly inspired by local artists, including MXT Visuals, Kcoyi, EddieJJen with Xuanda, and Blue Scholars. I focus on visually exploring issues and topics relevant to the Asian American and Pacific Islander American experience, as well as issues of mobility and gentrification around South Seattle. I often incorporate my background in martial arts, music, and American Ethnic Studies to produce video-narratives, social commentary, critiques, and unity. I represent my community, my heritage, my Ancestors; my home.