FLY IN POWER spotlights the work of Asian migrant massage and sex workers of Red Canary Song (RCS), a mutual aid, abolitionist collective based in Flushing, NYC. We follow the stories of Charlotte a Korean massage worker/poet, KhoKhoi a bodyworker/healer, and Prof. Elena Shih, a Brown University, global human trafficking researcher as well as the broader Red Canary Song community. The film is a glimpse into their practices of care, autonomy, and survival against the oppressive systems that face Asian massage parlour workers and sex workers. Calling for ‘rights, not rescue’ these women and non-binary queers fight for their community, for decriminalization, and debunking the myths of sex trafficking that pervade the Asian diaspora. In 2023, FLY IN POWER won the Grand Jury Prize for Best Documentary at the LAAPFF.
The Amp | Kathy Ou, Writer "A stunning feat of mourning, loving, and community-building, Fly In Power stands alone in its unique aesthetics of care and collectivity. In order to protect the massage workers’ identities, the filmmakers never show us their faces, which is an enormous creative challenge that was accomplished beautifully."
Asian CineVision | Demi Guo, Writer "Fly in Power is a call to action...Everything about this film challenges our misconceptions of worlds we seldom give a second thought to, be it an Asian neighborhood, Asian woman, migrant women, or sex work."
Herizons | Cid V Brunet, Writer "Fly In Power’s juxtaposition of intimate moments with difficult political realities underscores the urgency of the issues Red Canary Song members have risked their safety to highlight...With incredible vulnerability and bravery, this film captures the incredible strength of Asian massage workers and sex workers surviving and thriving, while fighting for collective justice."
Citation
Main credits
Yin, Q (presenter)
Yin, Q (film director)
Yoon, Grace Ra (film director)
Xen, Nhà (film producer)
Other credits
Cinematography and editing, Yoon Grace Ra; music, Mel Hsu.
