Press & Media

When people talk about the American Dream, they often imagine wealth, success, and a perfect life tied up with a ribbon. But for families like the Duongs, the dream began in a place of fear, hunger, and the unknown. Their story did not start with opportunity. It started with loss. On April 30, 1975, Saigon fell into chaos. Families were separated in the streets. Boats were pushed into the water with no guarantee of survival. Parents carried their children through crowds of th

Before 1975, the Duong family lived a steady and hardworking life in South Vietnam. Led by their father,  Jim Duong Tai Thu , the family operated a respected recycling and scrap-collecting business. Their work was rooted in discipline, responsibility, and the belief that honest labor holds dignity. These early values shaped every member of the family and became the foundation they relied on when their world collapsed. April 1975 changed everything.When Saigon fell, the family

A Journey Defined by Resilience and Purpose David Duong is widely recognized as one of the most influential figures in the recycling and waste management industry, leading  California Waste Solutions (CWS)  in the United States and  Vietnam Waste Solutions (VWS)  in Ho Chi Minh City. His success today reflects decades of determination, sacrifice, and a deep commitment to his family and community. But behind these achievements lies a story shaped by hardship, courage, and unwa

The pre-screening of The King of Trash was a night filled with emotion, unity, and extraordinary storytelling. Held on November 16, 2025, the event welcomed more than 180 invited guests , including influencers, community leaders, elected officials, and supporters from across the Bay Area. What unfolded inside the theater became one of the most meaningful milestones of our journey. From the moment guests stepped onto the red carpet, the evening felt special. Laughter, convers

The momentum behind The King of Trash continues to grow. Following the powerful pre-screening earlier this month, the documentary has now been featured across multiple major news platforms nationwide. From finance publications to global media outlets, the story of David Duong and his family is resonating far beyond the Vietnamese community and into the mainstream. This week, The King of Trash appeared on: Benzinga Business Insider Markets MarketWatch Yahoo! Finance AP News

On November 16, 2025, we hosted the very first pre-screening of The King of Trash , and the night was nothing short of unforgettable. The event, featured on SBTN , brought together more than 180 invited guests , including community leaders, influencers, elected officials, business owners, and close friends of the Duong family. It was a full house, and it was a full-heart experience The moment the lights dimmed, you could feel the room shift. For 72 minutes, the audience journ

👉 Read the full article: 'The King of Trash' film showcases San Jose recycling mogul - San José Spotlight Thank you to the   San José Spotlight  team for attending our private pre-screening and publishing the very first media story about the documentary. The article highlights the heart of the film: the Duong family’s refugee journey, their decades-long commitment to the Bay Area, and the enduring legacy of service behind California Waste Solutions. It captures exactly why w

The King of Trash: Showcasing the Vision and Leadership of a Global Sustainability Pioneer OAKLAND, CA – In one of the most striking scenes from The King of Trash , the ocean stretches endlessly beneath a rising sun. A man looks out at the horizon, his voice calm and grounded. “We almost died out there in the ocean,” he says. “We had only one choice: survive.” Moments later, the screen cuts to the sound of machinery, conveyor belts, and bright light reflecting off metal and

The King of Trash: A Journey of Resilience and Hope The King of Trash , directed by Oscar-winning cinematographer Errol Webber , is a powerful and deeply human documentary. It tells the extraordinary true story of a Vietnamese family who lost everything after the fall of Saigon. They rebuilt their lives from the ground up in America. This is a story of survival, faith, and the courage to turn loss into legacy. The King of Trash Film Poster The Fall of Saigon When the Vietnam