Fred Thomas III

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Finally got a chance to watch "The Donut King" on HULU. Alice Gu and team did an outstanding job in presenting the story of Ted Ngoy. They used archival footage of the Cambodian war as well as images from the '70's to current so you can better understand the history. The theme is not new.....immigrants coming to the United States and finding a business/industry to work, learn the ropes and venture on their own. More importantly, leveraging their knowledge of operating the business and using it as a platform to bring others into the country. The work is grueling and you have to analyze for all of the sacrifices the payoff is generating a lot of money. However, having money can have its downfall. In the case of Ted, gambling became the mistress to steal his fortune. Also, Alice briefly mentioned this but while having a business is great, it can be very disruptive in raising a family because so much time is necessary to keep it running. But at the same time because it's a family business, the overhead or cost to run it is lower than traditional business or another reason why Ted's businesses are more profitable than name brands such as Dunkin Donuts. The doc moves well and is very informative whether you are intriqued from the business angle, refugee angle, donut angle, etc.

In 2010 I first met Gregory Everett when I was putting the film together. He invited a small group to KAOS studios in Leimert Park (Leimert & 43rd). There he showed some initial clips as well as having the Freeman brothers and other members of the Black Panthers to share their perspective. The showing at the Pan African Film Festival was in late February. Unfortunately Jeff passed away in January 2021. The film is a must-see and chronicles the Southern California Chapter of the Black Panthers as well as the 1969 controversial killing that occurred at UCLA at the hands of members of the US Organization.

Judith and I were treated to the initial screening by our friend Bobbie Howe, KTYM. There we met Randy Holland and Mrs. Carter and some family members (Bunchy Carter). The screening was at the Laemmle Theater in Santa Monica. It is a great documentary that highlights how and why ghetto conditions are created as well as the resilience from community members to improve their plight. It is a must see to understand the conditions which bring us to today.