Producer Sergey Ivannikov and Director Victor Migalchan are set to embark on an inspiring new documentary film that delves deep into the remarkable life of Mr. C.C. Yin, founder of the Asian Pacific Islander American Public Affairs Association (APAPA). The film aims to capture the essence of Mr. Yin’s life journey and family, wisdom, choices, challenges, and accomplishments while also highlighting the pivotal role of APAPA in empowering and shaping the API community in the United States.
Founded in 2001 by C.C. and Regina Yin, along with a group of dedicated civic and community leaders, the Asian Pacific Islander American Public Affairs Association (APAPA) was established to empower the API community. Responding to the need for greater representation, APAPA aimed to engage voters, partner with the community, and develop future API leaders. With national headquarters in Sacramento and a satellite office in Washington, D.C., the organization continues to grow, with volunteer-driven chapters expanding across the country each year.
CC Yin’s story is a testament to the American dream. Immigrating to the United States in 1964 with just $100 in his pocket and minimal knowledge of English, he displayed unwavering entrepreneurial spirit. Today, he and his family own 32 McDonald’s franchises across 12 cities in California. Alongside his success as a McDonald’s owner, Yin founded APAPA, dedicating himself to fostering political awareness, civic engagement, and leadership development among Asian and Pacific Islander Americans.
The documentary will mainly focus on preserving C.C. Yin’s life story for future generations, providing a captivating glimpse into his personal path and the creation of APAPA. Through in-depth interviews and heartfelt conversations, the film will explore how Mr. Yin developed and nurtured APAPA into the largest organization of its kind in the United States. It will also showcase his dedication to mentoring new leaders and his immense contributions to society.
“Mr. Yin has an amazing life story, and we want to preserve it for future generations,” said Director Victor Migalchan. “The same thing with APAPA. We want to capture this for generations so everyone can get knowledge, connect with APAPA, connect with great like-minded and successful people, learn, contribute to the society and become a proud member of society.”
The documentary will not only put the spotlight on Mr. Yin’s life but will also dive into the key milestones and events that shaped APAPA’s history. With Yin’s 88th birthday approaching, the filmmakers are eager to uncover the elements of his journey that he is willing to share, crafting a narrative that will leave a lasting impact on viewers.
To capture the essence of Mr. C C Yin’s character and the profound impact of APAPA, the filmmakers plan to take a unique approach. “Through intimate conversations over tea and walks in his magnificent garden and ranch, APAPA offices, and more, we aim to portray Mr. Yin’s kindness and accomplished spirit,” explained Victor Migalchan.
The production of the documentary is set to begin in August-September 2023, with pre-production already underway. The team is dedicated to creating a high-quality film that will captivate audiences around the world. Distribution plans include showcasing the documentary on the big screen and television platforms, both in the United States and internationally, ensuring that Mr. Yin’s inspiring story reaches as many people as possible.
