DOCUMENTARY | 37:17

Edelweiss is a remarkable blend of tradition and innovation, told through a 98-year-old, Mr. Tom Hom has rewritten Asian stories of American dreams with wit, courage and compassion—values which are at the very heart of traditional Chinese culture. His personal journey reflects the cultivation of perseverance and endurance, as experienced by many early Chinese immigrants in America.

Born and raised in California, he made history by not only becoming the first minority elected to the San Diego City council in 1963, but also the second Asian to win a seat in the California State Assembly in 1968. As a successful businessman, Hom’s contributions to California are far-reaching: from transforming Stingaree Row—a red light district—into a vibrant Gaslamp Quarter, to his family’s letting go of three downtown blocks for a baseball stadium, and his unwavering community commitment.

Mr. Hom worked alongside many high-profile politicians and businessmen, including President Reagan and Nixon, and Martin Luther King Jr.. Yet despite his significant accomplishments, the 98-year-old’s greatest memories are not of worldly success, but of his father’s guidance and his mother’s love—foundational values of family and society.

Through this film, Hom invites us to revisit the enduring traditions and timeless wisdoms that shaped his life and his community, leading to ongoing success of our society.

Director Biography - Lillian Zheng

Lillian Zheng (Director/Producer) has launched several media platforms and publications. Through her media career, she has studied both Western and Eastern cultures, histories, arts and social movements, that has enabled her to form a unique interpretation of Asian history and culture, broadening her appreciation for the western equivalent. By honoring her Chinese background, looking through a western lens, she enjoys thoroughly advancing our joined humanities to address our evolving world and diverse cultures, ultimately benefiting our growing communities and connecting people of all backgrounds.