The King of Trash Oakland Pre-Screening Event Recap

Oakland, January 10, 2026

The private pre-screening of The King of Trash in Oakland became a powerful, emotional gathering—one that felt less like a movie night and more like a shared moment in history. Hosted at Regal Jack London Square, the event drew nearly 280 RSVPs with more than 220 guests in attendance, filling the theater with elected officials, community leaders, media, family members, and longtime supporters.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XlxoZ9Ewo6M

The energy in the room was unmistakable. Anticipation, pride, and reflection were all woven together. From the moment guests stepped onto the red carpet, the evening carried weight. Media interviews captured heartfelt reactions as attendees shared why they felt compelled to be there. Many spoke of seeing their own family stories reflected in the film, a story they had waited years to see told with honesty and dignity.

A Story of Loss, Survival, and Rebuilding

As the lights dimmed, the room grew quiet. The King of Trash opens with archival footage of wartime Vietnam, grounding the audience in the reality of what was lost. The film follows the Duong family’s escape from communist Vietnam, their perilous journey by sea, time in refugee camps, and the humbling reality of starting over in America with nothing.

Scenes depicting the family’s early years, living in cramped conditions and surviving day by day, struck a deep chord. Many guests later shared that these moments mirrored stories from their own parents and grandparents—stories rarely spoken aloud but carried across generations.

The film then traces how the family slowly rebuilt their lives through hard work and determination. It began with a single truck hauling recyclables. They expanded step by step, eventually forming a family-owned recycling company rooted in Oakland. What emerges is not just a business story, but one of perseverance, integrity, and service.

A Theater Filled With Leaders and Longtime Allies

The audience included many individuals who have walked alongside the Duong family over decades. Among them was Former Mayor of Oakland Elihu Harris, whose presence carried special meaning. After the screening, David Duong offered an emotional acknowledgment of Harris. He credited him with encouragement, guidance, and opening doors at a critical time in the family’s early journey.

Also in attendance was Former Council Member of San Leandro City Benny Lee, along with other civic leaders and community advocates who have supported immigrant entrepreneurship and opportunity across the Bay Area. Their presence underscored the deep relationships and trust built over time—relationships rooted in shared values and a belief in lifting others up.

These supporters were not just guests; they were part of the story. Their early encouragement and advocacy helped shape opportunities that allowed the Duong family to grow, contribute, and give back.

A Room Moved as One

Throughout the screening, emotion filled the theater. Some guests wiped away tears. Others sat silently, absorbing memories the film brought back to the surface. When the credits rolled, the response was immediate and overwhelming—sustained applause that reflected gratitude as much as admiration.

In remarks following the film, David Duong spoke with visible emotion. He acknowledged the people and moments that shaped his family’s path. He shared reflections on leadership, responsibility, and the importance of giving back to the community that gave his family a second chance.

The presence of longtime allies, civic leaders, and respected figures in the audience underscored the broader impact of the story. Their attendance reflected decades of relationships built on trust, opportunity, and a shared belief in lifting others up.

More Than a Film — A Conversation

After the screening, conversations lingered in the lobby and on the sidewalk outside the theater. Guests spoke about the importance of preserving refugee stories, about representation, and about ensuring future generations understand the sacrifices that came before them.

Several attendees expressed hopes that the film would reach schools, community organizations, and broader audiences. They called it one of the most honest and human portrayals of the refugee experience they had seen. Due to limited seating capacity, we regretfully had to turn away several last-minute guests. The overwhelming response reinforced how powerfully this story resonates.

Looking Ahead

The King of Trash is not just a documentary; it is a reflection of resilience, memory, and the enduring spirit of those who rebuild from nothing and give back along the way. We are excited to continue this journey with upcoming private pre-screenings in Sacramento and Southern California, bringing the film to new audiences and continuing the conversations sparked in Oakland.

Thank you to everyone who attended, supported, and shared this unforgettable night. This is only the beginning. Stay tuned.

Stay updated at www.thekingoftrash.us. For media and screening inquiries: info@thekingoftrash.us. More photos, videos, and behind-the-scenes highlights will be released soon.