The documentary follows several modern-day 9-man teams throughout one season framed by a historical portrait of
Chinatown history and the game of 9-man. The first act of the film introduces the Boston Knights, Washington CYC (Chinese Youth Club), Toronto Connex, and the Boston Freemasons as they begin the season preparing for competition with other teams. As the first act closes a character from New York Haiyan Townsmen is introduced, and East Coast regional teams compete in the New York Mini tournament crowning an early-season favorite. The second act of the film introduces the history of the game—traveling to Toisan (
Taishan), China—and its modern-day rules, which include limiting participation by players who are not "100% Chinese." The sport and isolation of the game are revealed as direct descendants of the
Chinese Exclusion Act and racism faced by the community. The final act of the film unites the characters, teams, and conflicts at the
NACIVT championship tournament in Boston's Chinatown, setting up Olympian
Kevin Wong as the player to beat. As teams fight for the title, they also bring to light the cultural belonging and loss of the modern Chinatown and 9-man community. The film concludes with a scene featuring the funeral of a beloved community member and another scene where 9-man leaders contemplate moving the tournament to a new city—with no Chinatown. ==Awards==