This two-part series presents the history, challenges, and lasting impact of early Asian immigrants to the Americas, from the 1700s to the 1900s. The series follows their little-known journeys and stories, reveals their pioneering struggle against racial hatred and for basic rights, and depicts their lasting cultural, legal and economic contributions to the building of the Americas.. Using a “documemoir” approach, ANCESTORS IN THE AMERICAS brings to life this largely undocumented past and invites a new understanding of American history.. "Splendidly conceived and emotionally compelling, offering a new history of Asian America, indeed of America. The two programs contain a historical vision that is trend-setting. It is significant as art, but also as the writing of history, a claim very few documentary films can make." - Professor Gary Okihiro, Columbia University. "Editor's Choice. Eye-opening ... ambitious in scope, and exhaustive in coverage, this extraordinary series presents a fresh study of the Asian presence in the Americas.” - Booklist