Bayard Street is a short film directed by Cindy Chu. The film is set in the 1980s, mainly in Chinatown. It delves into the struggle of Asian immigrants chasing their American dreams. They come to the US hoping for a better life but end up with menial jobs. It’s about them pursuing their dreams and struggling to survive in a city where no one cares about them. It’s also about a blossoming love despite the hardships and not giving up.
Bayard Street is the heart of Chinatown in Manhattan. The Cantonese film's first scene opens with Mei Cheng, a Taiwanese girl on call in the back of a restaurant, taking takeout orders. She’s overwhelmed by the calls as she rushes to prepare the orders. She also clashes with other workers as one of them spits just close to her. Before she’s done taking orders, the manager hands her the waiter's uniform. He orders her to serve as a waiter as they are not enough to handle the orders.
While trying to serve the customers, she was overwhelmed again by the rush. It’s her first time, and she has no experience as a waiter. Many dramatic events occur, including her accidentally running into Andy and dropping the glasses on the floor. Andy takes the blame, but that doesn’t stop Mei from quitting. She takes off the uniform and leaves the restaurant frustrated. At that moment, she misses the bus and stands out in the cold, waiting for the next.
Andy and his workmate finish their shift, and just as they are about to catch a bus, he sees Mei across the street waiting for the bus. He runs to her and scares off a stalker. He gives Mei his jacket and introduces himself formally. Andy invites Mei to a bar where they talk about their American dreams. They talk about how people think there are great opportunities in America, but only to find it’s all but a façade.
Andy reveals to Mei that he never dreamt of attending college because doing so wouldn’t allow him to work and make money. However, he dreams of owning a restaurant, which cheers Mei even more. She thinks he’s embarrassed about it, though. On the bridge, she tells him that her mother showed her how to shout out what’s in her heart. She asks Andy to shout out that he will own a restaurant. The last scene is at the bus stop, where Mei excitedly writes her number on a piece of paper and gives it to Andy. She boards. The ending of Bayard Street is the beginning of a possible love story.
What kind of film series would short film fit in?
This kind of film would fit in a film series about the struggle of immigrants coming to America to look for greener pastures.
What classes or college majors would benefit from the content covered in this film?
If you are a professor teaching a course on migration, internal relations, or economics, you should consider adding this film to your classroom syllabus.