AAPI Filmmaking Leaders Vow the Election Won’t Halt More Diverse Stories in Hollywood: ‘This Is the Best Time to Create’

As I delve deeper into understanding the resilience and strength of the AAPI community, I am continuously inspired by their unwavering spirit and determination to tell their stories. The struggles they have faced under President Trump’s administration are heart-wrenching, yet their response is nothing short of remarkable.

Never underestimate the strength and resilience of the AAPI community.

During October, the President-elect Donald Trump attended a “United for Change” campaign gathering in Las Vegas, an event that targeted the Asian American and Pacific Islander community. His commitment was to amplify AAPI voices, foster unity, and stimulate voter participation. However, he continues to label COVID as the “China virus.

During Donald Trump’s presidency in 2016, incidents of anti-Asian violence increased significantly in the United States. Given that Hollywood is preparing for a potential return of President Trump (Trump 2.0), which could exacerbate political tensions even more, what might a second term imply for the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community and its storytellers?

Without a doubt, the efforts currently being spearheaded by AAPI-led organizations within the industry will persist – this much is clear. The underlying implication is that the status quo remains unchanged. In fact, these narratives may improve and we can expect an increase in their number.

Leading up to the election, members of the Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) community frequently recalled President Trump’s derogatory remarks towards their community, such as labeling COVID-19 as the “kung flu.” Gold House co-founder Bing Chen utilized his social media platforms to emphasize this point. He stated, “Although several other issues are significant – the economy, foreign policy, and social issues – it’s crucial to remember that if you cannot safely walk down a street, nothing else truly matters. Everything begins with your first breath…[And] Chen is feeling motivated. Gold House, as a non-profit organization, focuses on creating connections; Chen is choosing to push forward instead of retaliate. He draws inspiration from Carrie Fisher’s words, “Turn your broken heart into art,” as he unites people across political parties, communities, and geographical boundaries.

The firm has lately extended its projects through The Gold House Creative Equity Fund, collaborating on financing, assuming executive producer roles, and offering cultural guidance for films. Chen expresses, “Now is the perfect moment for creation. Full stop.

According to Chen, it’s crucial to expand the use of energy-efficient green lighting on a global scale, rather than limiting it to specific cities or regions. He emphasizes that this initiative should not be confined to a certain hemisphere. Instead, he is particularly enthusiastic about creating and investing in projects, not just within Asia but collaboratively with Asia, as we are already doing.

Among Sean Wang’s latest works, you’ll find “Didi,” Lloyd Lee Choi’s “Lucky Lu,” and “Rock Springs.” These are some of his recent creations.

As I reflect on my experiences working with various film projects and directors, I find myself emphasizing less on reacting and more on guiding. The ability to lead is within us all; we simply need to peer into areas that others may overlook.

It’s crucial that the entertainment industry should invest more in amplifying stories by Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) creators. Beyond Gold House, Donald Young continues to be dedicated in his role as the Director of Programs at the Center for Asian American Media.

From 1982 onwards, they have been associated with films produced by Asian Americans, and in conjunction with PBS, have aided in making Asian American projects accessible on public television. Young expresses, “We understand there will be challenges, and we are striving to uphold the principles upon which we were established; these values should never be sacrificed.

For several years, the company has expanded to become a leading institution focused on fostering Asian American representation within independent media, particularly in realms such as television and movie production. “It’s crucial to strive towards creating avenues for these narratives to persist,” remarks Young.

The power of advocacy is undeniable. Over the years, CAPE (Coalition of Asian Pacifics in Entertainment) has been committed to championing and amplifying AAPI voices within the entertainment industry. As a non-profit organization, its executive director and CEO, Michelle Sugihara, doesn’t envision their mission shifting from this important work.

Yet, Sugihara expresses curiosity about the narratives that are yet to unfold. “Oftentimes, art mirrors our own reality,” she notes. “During the Stop Asian Hate movement, some of our alumni had the opportunity to pen episodes for their respective shows,” she adds. “Julie Wong crafted an excellent one for ‘Grey’s Anatomy,’ while Brian Shin did the same for ‘Good Trouble.’

Sugihara goes on to say, “By sharing these tales, occasions like this underscore the strength of unity and the significance of narratives that make our communities more relatable, depicting them as individuals rather than mere figures or data points.

Sugihara expresses optimism about additional narratives serving as catalysts for resilience within the community. “This element is what truly fuels the essence of our endeavors, sparking transformations in people’s thoughts and feelings, which must occur before policy changes can follow.

Kristian Fanene Schmidt, both executive director and co-founder of PEAK, is committed to broadening narratives that reflect diverse perspectives. However, he acknowledges that many Pacific Islanders living in the U.S. tend to hold conservative viewpoints. Schmidt expresses, “It can be challenging when you’re frequently at odds with your community in an effort to portray so many aspects of our humanity.

PEAK aims to reshape and broaden entertainment originating from the Pasifika region, fostering groundbreaking narratives that celebrate diversity throughout Melanesia, Micronesia, and Polynesia. For Schmidt, a significant part of their mission involves educating and addressing many internal community issues. He emphasizes, “It’s crucial for us to find ways to unlearn much of the white supremacy that permeates our shared existence.

However, in his dedication to amplify and progress the overlooked narrative of Pacific Islanders, Schmidt intentionally selected diverse representatives for his board, primarily women who identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community. As he puts it, “Much of our work involves raising the collective awareness among our people.

2024-11-14 21:48

AAPI Filmmaking Leaders Vow the Election Won’t Halt More Diverse Stories in Hollywood: ‘This Is the Best Time to Create’

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