Paul Nguyen
Toronto 43° 39' 12.53" N, 79° 23' 2.16" W Film Documentary Person
Nguyen was born in Toronto, Ontario to Vietnamese parents who fled to Canada after the fall of Saigon during The Vietnam War. After graduating from C.W. Jefferys Collegiate Institute, he attended York University and earned his Bachelor of Arts in film in 2004. Nguyen grew up in the troubled Jane and Finch neighbourhood. In 2004, Nguyen created the community website, Jane-Finch.com, after growing tired of the constant negative media coverage about his community.
Nguyen launched Jane-Finch.com on March 13, 2004 in response to negative stereotypes about the Jane and Finch community. The website gives an unprecedented look at the neighbourhood and features a multimedia library of information. In late 2005, a community news section was added to allow reporters to document local events not covered by the mainstream media. The website produces music videos, public service announcements, and broadcasts local political debates and town halls. In addition to the production of original content, the website also publishes submissions from residents. Reception
The website has received widespread critical acclaim and national media attention. In 2005, the website was featured on the Global Television Network evening newscast, Global National. In late 2005, CBC Radio host Shelagh Rogers featured the website for a special edition of Sounds Like Canada. In 2008, the website was selected by Now Magazine among "9 things we love about Jane-Finch". The website won unprecedented back-to-back Canadian Ethnic Media Association Awards in 2010 and 2011 for its ongoing community news coverage.