Center for Asian American Media

In 1966, at the age of nine, Deann Borshay came to the U.S. from South Korea as one of tens of thousands of children adopted by Caucasian American families after the Korean War. In this extraordinary personal documentary, she chronicles her struggle to reconcile the demands of two families, two cultures and two nations.

FIRST PERSON PLURAL explores not only the particular nuances of international and trans-racial adoption, but the broader cultural landscape of American society over the past several decades. Liem’s story is about how we define family, how we define self, the importance of our ties to individual and collective histories, and the reconciling of different identities and moral contradictions. This film challenges the notion of cultural assimilation and begs for alternative ways of looking at culture, race, family and identity.

“...A deeply moving, richly intelligent film evoking the complexity of cross-cultural issues...”

- International Jury, Golden Gate Award, San Francisco International Film Festival

“Emotionally poignant and politically relevant, FIRST PERSON PLURAL is personal documentary at its best.”

- Shari Frilot, Sundance Film Festival

Awards
Grand Jury Prize, Best Bay Area Documentary San Francisco International Film Festival
Emmy Award Nomination

Recognition
Official Selection, Sundance Festival
San Francisco International Asian American Film Festival
National PBS Broadcast, POV

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