Go Hmong Boy, Go!

About the film

The documentary on Tou Ger Xiong is a poignant and essential film that highlights the extraordinary life and legacy of a young man who dedicated himself to community work, civic duty, and championing the marginalized. Tou Ger, who was tragically kidnapped and brutally murdered in Medellín, Colombia, on December 11, 2023. He was a relentless advocate for immigrants across the US, giving a voice to those who were often unheard. His involvement in various community initiatives had a wide-reaching impact, touching countless lives and fostering positive change. The documentary not only showcases his remarkable contributions and the indelible mark he left on his community but also delves into the harrowing details of his final days in captivity.

Through this film, viewers will gain a deep understanding of Tou Ger's unwavering commitment to justice and the heartbreaking circumstances that led to his untimely death, ensuring his legacy continues to inspire and motivate others to carry on his mission. We will also discuss the lessons learned from the death of my brother and the many American tourists who died in Colombia, and explore measures to prevent such incidents in the future.

- Eh Xiong - Tou Ger Xiong's Brother regarding the film

About the director

Go Hmong Boy, Go! will be the seventh feature length documentary that Joe Carlini will be directing. Joe has been working on documentaries for 15 years. Winning two Upper Midwest Emmys and has been nominated 10 times. His work has been featured on Fox, NBC, CBS, WGN, ABC, and many more. His feature length documentary "Josiah" had almost a thousand people in attendance during its premiere and received a standing ovation. In college, Joe earned two film degrees and made over 30 short films. In 2011, he won Best Picture at a 48 hour film festival in Wisconsin. Then in 2012, Joe entered the Suburban Community Channels Hall of Fame. Joe resides in Los Angeles.

Joe Carlini on directing Tou Ger Xiong's life story
"This will be a film that touches and inspires those who watch it. Go Hmong Boy, Go! will be one of the first feature length Hmong films created in Minnesota. This documentary will also be filmed overseas in Laos, Thailand and Colombia. I was friends with Tou Ger Xiong for over 20 years. We met through basketball and a friendship was created. I always had a great level of respect for Tou Ger as he helped me in different facets of life over the years, and he was a person that everyone got along with. It'll be an honor telling his story. This film will be an emotional rollercoaster that will have integrity, heart, and laughter. People from across the globe will discover the good that Tou Ger Xiong did in the world, and learn more about Hmong culture in which he cared so much about with teaching others.