Paul Nguyen


Paul Nguyen, is a Canadian filmmaker and social activist. In 2012, he was among the first 60 Canadians to receive the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal at the inaugural presentation ceremony at Rideau Hall to honour significant contributions and achievements to the country. Citizenship and Immigration Canada featured Nguyen on the list of Noteworthy Canadians of Asian Origin to highlight valuable contributions made by Canadians of Asian heritage.

Life and career

Nguyen was born in Toronto, Ontario to Vietnamese parents who fled to Canada after the fall of Saigon during The Vietnam War. After graduating from C.W. Jefferys Collegiate Institute, he attended York University and earned his Bachelor of Arts in film in 2004. Nguyen grew up in the Jane and Finch neighbourhood. In 2004, Nguyen created to address the constant negative media coverage about his community.

Jane-Finch.com

Nguyen launched on March 13, 2004 in response to negative stereotypes about the Jane and Finch community. The website gives an unprecedented look at the neighbourhood and features a multimedia library of information. In late 2005, a community news section was added to allow reporters to document local events not covered by the mainstream media. The website produces music videos, public service announcements, and broadcasts local political debates and town halls. In addition to the production of original content, the website also publishes submissions from residents.

Reception

The website has received widespread critical acclaim and national media attention. In 2005, the website was featured on the Global Television Network evening newscast, Global National. In late 2005, CBC Radio host Shelagh Rogers featured the website for a special edition of Sounds Like Canada. In 2008, the website was selected by Now Magazine among "9 things we love about Jane-Finch". The website won back-to-back Canadian Ethnic Media Association Awards in 2010 and 2011 for its ongoing community news coverage and the 2011 Heritage Toronto Award of Excellence in the media category.

Media career

Nguyen is a frequent media commentator on social issues affecting the Jane and Finch community.

Advocacy

Nguyen has used his media footing to offer his opinion or act as an advocate for various issues.
Nguyen has produced several documentaries featuring Toronto's Jane and Finch neighborhood. In 2006, Nguyen served as an associate producer on the Gemini Award-nominated CBC documentary '. Nguyen and Mark Simms spent 10 months following the lives of three troubled youth from the Jane and Finch neighborhood. The story was updated 6 years later in ', airing on CBC on October 26, 2012.