Sask. filmmaker explores the truth of Chinese immigrants in the Moose Jaw tunnels

Tourists from across the world have visited the Moose Jaw tunnels, an attraction that teaches history with exhibits on Al Capone's bootlegging and early Chinese immigrants living underground whilebeing paid next to nothing.

WeiyeSu, a filmmakerfrom Saskatchewan, wanted to take a closer look at the lives of those immigrants. Su's new documentary, A Passage Beyond Fortune, takes its name from an exhibit in the tunnels,The Passage of Fortune.

Su joined Stefani Langenegger on CBC Radio'sThe Morning Editionto discuss the film, whichis screening in Moose Jaw Wednesday evening at 7 p.m. CST.

Su said the portrayalof Chinese people in the exhibit is "a little bit inaccurate."

Su said they felt shamewhen visitingthe tunnels, and that other Chinese people they talked to felt the same.

"It feels like[an] attack to me, and you know, and I have talked to many Chinese people who visited the place, they also feel a little bit likethey [didn't] feel respected, in a sense," said Su.

In order to separate truth from fiction, Su started to talk withChinese people in the community, including elders. Their stories were different than what theyheard in the exhibit.

"Especially about the hardship," Su said.

He said they talked about not being properly recognized for the contributions they made to building the city of Moose Jaw.

Su hopes the documentary informs future generations aboutwhat Chinese immigrants experienced.

"I think it's important for them to know about the history, because we always talk about moving forward, creating reconciliation in the future, but if we never learn from the past, we cannot really move on."

CBCreached out to Tunnels of Moose Jaw for comment. It saidthat for the past few years, staff have been spending more time consulting members of the Chinese community and thatthe tourist attractions have been updated to reflect some of those learnings.