The Friday Harbor Film Festival mourns the loss of Seattle filmmaker Della Chen, who tragically passed away on February 23, 2025 in an automobile accident. Della was a beacon of creativity and community engagement, and her presence deeply enriched our festival in 2023 when she presented her short documentary, She Marches in Chinatown.
Della's journey as a visual storyteller spanned over two decades, during which she captured the essence of weddings, families, and communities through her lens. Her commitment to social issues was evident in her multimedia projects addressing homelessness and the challenges faced by youth aging out of foster care. Since 2018, Della generously shared her passion for photography as a teaching artist with Pablove Shutterbugs, empowering children living with cancer to find their voice through art. She also served on the Board of Directors for Youth in Focus, a Seattle-based organization dedicated to amplifying teen voices through photography and arts education.
She Marches in Chinatown stands as a testament to Della's dedication to her heritage and community. The film chronicles the 70-year history of the Seattle Chinese Community Girls Drill Team, an organization founded in 1952 by Ruby Chow to provide extracurricular opportunities for Asian American girls. Through this documentary, Della celebrated themes of belonging, identity, sisterhood, and leadership within a diverse group of women. The film not only highlighted the team's resilience amidst challenges like gentrification and discrimination but also showcased the vibrant culture and spirit of Seattle's Chinatown.
Della's personal connection to the drill team added depth to her storytelling. As a first-generation Seattleite, she cherished the annual Seafair Torchlight Parade, where the drill team's performances fostered a sense of Asian connection to American traditions. Encouraging her daughter to join the team, Della immersed herself in its rich history, leading to the creation of her impactful film.
Her work received well-deserved recognition, earning awards such as the Audience Award at the DisOrient Asian American Film Festival, the Silver SpIFFy at the Spokane International Film Festival, and Best Short Documentary at the Universe Multicultural Film Festival. These accolades reflect her ability to touch hearts and minds through her art.
Beyond her artistic achievements, Della's warmth, kindness, and unwavering commitment to uplifting others left an indelible mark on all who knew her. Her legacy serves as an inspiration to continue fostering community, celebrating culture, and advocating for the underrepresented.
We extend our deepest condolences to Della's family, friends, and all who were touched by her remarkable spirit. Her contributions to the arts and her community will be cherished and remembered always.
In remembrance of Della's work, we invite you to watch the trailer for She Marches in Chinatown below.
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