What is it that connects us to the state where we live? What makes us adopt it as the one we're "from"? How do these places define us? States of America is a series of short documentaries--one from each of our 50 states--that ask these questions by featuring everyday people as diverse as the physical and cultural landscapes they call home. This is a story of Wisconsin.
Xong was born in a Hmong refugee camp in Thailand but moved to Wisconsin as a child after her family couldn't safely return to Laos following the Vietnam War. There she grew up as part of a large influx of twice dislocated Hmong refugees who were not always welcomed with open arms in the small city of La Crosse. Despite her experiences with racism, poor integration, and detachment from her own culture, Xong is determined to help the younger generation born in America stay connected.
*States of America is created and produced by Brad Barber
*Wisconsin is directed by Brad Barber & Susan Krueger-Barber, shot by Brad Barber, edited by Shelly Rose & Jared Jakins, with music by Micah Dahl Anderson. Title design by Brian Turley and Mark T. Lewis
