FATHER VIEN NGUYEN is a charismatic and eloquent speaker. He is the unexpected mix of a traditional, steady Catholic priest and a passionate, progressive social activist. Sometimes he speaks with an air of arrogance, sometimes with a sense of mischief, but we always know that Father Vien loves the Versailles community with all his heart and leads it with a sense of duty and incredible passion. Father Vien is our main storyteller.
Although 30-year-old MIMI NGUYEN is not from Versailles, she has more in common with the elders in the community than other people her age. Mimi’s family paid for her escape from Vietnam by boat when she already a teenager in the early 90’s, much later than most Vietnamese refugees. Like the elders 20 years prior, she spent time at a refugee camp. She relates to the Versailles elders and holds them dear in her heart, so much so that she uproots herself from Northern California to take a job as an aide to City Councilwoman Cynthia Willard-Lewis so she can fight for the community. Mimi is the emotional center of the film
NGO MINH KHANG is one of the most respected elders in the community. He is over 70 years old, but we can see the dogged fighter within his frail frame. Ong Khang treasures what he and his family and friends at Versailles have built, and will do anything to defend it. Ong Khang provides us with the community elders’ perspective..
Born and raised in Versailles, MINH NGUYEN and MARY TRAN were two 20-somethings starting their careers and considering leaving the community. After Katrina, the charming and likeable Minh rallied the youth of Versailles to step up, working hand-in-hand with the elders to fight for the community. The bubbly Mary, at times young and giggly like a teenager, has answered the call and taken the helm at the community development corporation in charge of the future of Versailles. They speak for the youth of Versailles.and a passionate, progressive social activist. Sometimes he speaks with an air of arrogance, sometimes with a sense of mischief, but we always know that Father Vien loves the Versailles community with all his heart and leads it with a sense of duty and incredible passion. Father Vien is our main storyteller.
Attorney JOEL WALTZER, the only non-Vietnamese lawyer with an office in Versailles, has represented community members for over 15 years. Versailles is a part of City Councilwoman CYNTHIA WILLARD-LEWIS’ district, and she has been an advocate of the community for as long as anyone remembers. Her New Orleans East district happens to also include the majority of the Ninth Ward, the area in New Orleans most devastated by the flood. These two outside supporters, both of who have suffered every bit as much from the storm and the flood as the Versailles community members, are instrumental allies in the fight against the Chef Menteur Landfill. They also provide the outsiders’ perspective on the Versailles story.