An Angel in the Village

Using the image of angels as the symbol of hope, Lily Yeh sees potential everywhere. AN ANGEL IN THE VILLAGE follows the Chinese-born, Philadelphia-based artist as she works to create social change through art in distressed urban environments. Her primary canvas is the Village of Arts and Humanities in North Philadelphia, an organization that builds community through innovative arts-based programs in education, land transformation and economic development.

The documentary addresses how Lily faces issues of race and ethnicity and, in particular, how her own Chinese heritage and culture infuse much of what she does. Colorful and beautifully shot, this inspiring, character driven documentary tells the story of how a creative, determined visionary excites others to transform their communities. By documenting the collaborative nature of Lily’s work, the film demonstrates how the power of art is used to advance understanding about cultural identity, community building and improving the quality of life in the inner city.

Awards
• 2000 Mid-Atlantic Emmy Award, best cultural documentary
• 2000 Gabriel Award, best inspirational arts program, national broadcast
• 2000 Society of Professional Journalists, Greater Philadelphia Chapter, first place, excellence in documentary

Quotes
• “Yeh is a community artist, who works with African Americans in North Philadelphia and Africans in Korogocho, Kenya. Together, they prove that every month should be Everybody’s History Month.”
  Jonathan Storm, The Philadelphia Inquirer, 5-12-99
• “The documentary makers, like Yeh herself, look for beauty and tranquility in the desolate landscapes they capture on tape. The makers do not rely on slick editing techniques or trick camera work; instead the camera lingers on the large brightly colored murals Yeh designs, the children she makes them with, and even the insects that make their home on the Korogocho garbage dump.”
  Dina Mendros, Citypaper, 5-13-99
• “AN ANGEL IN THE VILLAGE” deftly weaves Yeh’s Africa sojourn together with the story of her evolution from tradition-bound artist to social change visionary.”
  Eils Lotozo, Philadelphia Weekly, 5-12-99