Documentary
United States of America,Cambodia
The Donut King is a documentary film directed by Alice Gu and released in 2020. The film is about Ted Ngoy, a Cambodian refugee who arrived in the United States in 1975 after escaping from the brutal Khmer Rouge regime. Ted settled in California and started working at a donut shop owned by a Cambodian immigrant. He soon learned the ins and outs of the donut business and decided to open his own donut shop.
Ted's first shop, Christy's Donuts, was a huge success and he soon opened several more shops across California. He became known as "the Donut King" and was making millions of dollars every year. Ted's success allowed him to sponsor hundreds of visas for other Cambodian refugees, who he then trained to work in the donut business.
However, Ted's success was not without its challenges. He became addicted to gambling and lost millions of dollars in casinos. He also had several failed marriages and his relationships with his children were strained.
The Donut King features interviews with Ted Ngoy and his family members, as well as other Cambodian refugees who were sponsored by Ted and worked in his donut shops. The film also explores the history of Cambodian immigration to the United States and the role that donut shops played in helping refugees establish themselves in American society.
The Donut King is a poignant and inspiring story of a man who overcame great adversity to achieve the American Dream, but who also faced his fair share of personal demons. The film highlights the importance of perseverance, hard work, and community in achieving success and finding happiness.
