The King of Trash Sacramento Pre-Screening Event Recap

Sacramento, January 17, 2026

As The King of Trash continues its journey to reach audiences across the country, Sacramento marked a meaningful stop, one where the story deeply resonated with the Asian and Vietnamese American community.

The private pre-screening on January 17 welcomed 140 attendees, bringing together community leaders, professionals, families, and supporters for an evening that was both reflective and impactful. From the start, the atmosphere felt intentional and personal, less like a traditional film screening and more like a shared moment of recognition.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R9CFYyPmJP4

A Story That Mirrors the Immigrant Experience

The film traces the Duong family’s journey from wartime Vietnam to refugee camps, and eventually to rebuilding their lives in the United States. For many in attendance, these moments felt strikingly familiar.

Scenes depicting displacement, early hardship, and the uncertainty of starting over closely mirrored the lived experiences of many Asian and Vietnamese American families in the room. Several attendees later shared that the film reflected stories they had heard from their parents or carried quietly themselves stories of sacrifice, resilience, and survival rarely told on screen.

As the film progresses, it follows how perseverance, family unity, and hard work transformed those early struggles into a lasting legacy. What begins with humble beginnings grows into a family-owned enterprise grounded in integrity, service, and long-term community contribution.

Audience Reaction and Shared Reflection

Throughout the screening, the audience remained fully engaged. The theater was quiet, attentive, and visibly moved. When the credits rolled, applause followed, steady and heartfelt.

Afterward, many attendees stayed to share their reactions. Conversations centered on themes of legacy, responsibility, and identity. Several spoke about seeing their parents’ sacrifices honored, while others reflected on how the film reframed their own understanding of success, not just as achievement, but as giving back to the community that made rebuilding possible.

The screening became a space for connection across generations, opening dialogue about history, memory, and the importance of preserving immigrant stories with honesty and dignity.

More Than a Screening

The Sacramento event reinforced that The King of Trash is more than a documentary—it is a catalyst for conversation. Attendees expressed hopes that the film would reach younger audiences, schools, and community organizations, helping future generations understand the sacrifices that shaped their present.

The strong turnout and engagement underscored how deeply this story resonates within Sacramento’s Asian and Vietnamese American communities.

Looking Ahead

Sacramento stands as an important chapter in the ongoing journey of The King of Trash. The response affirmed the film’s purpose: to honor resilience, preserve memory, and highlight the enduring strength of immigrant families.

The journey continues with upcoming screenings in Dallas and Houston, where new audiences will be invited into the conversation.

For updates on future screenings, recap videos, and photos, visit www.thekingoftrash.us.

For media and screening inquiries: info@thekingoftrash.us

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.