The inaugural Belly Laughs Festival brought over 30 Asian American comedians and a curated lineup of food vendors to L.A. Live for two days of stand-up and soul food. From Margaret Cho to surprise drop-ins, the event delivered something rare: a full celebration of identity, humor, and belonging. Continue reading More Than a Laugh: Belly Laughs and the Power of Asian American Storytelling
For Lee Jung-jae, returning to the world of “Squid Game” wasn’t part of the original plan. In our conversation, Lee discusses the physical and emotional preparation for returning to Gi-hun, the lingering impact of a particularly explosive scene with Gong Yoo, and why the show continues to resonate so deeply with Western audiences. Continue reading Lee Jung-jae Breaks Down Gi-hun’s Season Two Shift and the Global Message of ‘Squid Game’
(This article originally appeared on AwardsFocus.com) Few comedies this year have landed with the kind of tonal confidence and cultural swagger as “Deli Boys,” the FX and Onyx Collective series now streaming on Hulu. Created by Abdullah Saeed and developed with Jenni Konner and Nora Silver, the ten-episode series follows two pampered Pakistani American brothers who are thrust into their late father’s shadowy criminal empire … Continue reading Asif Ali on Comedy, Culture, and Chaos in FX’s ‘Deli Boys’
Debuting at SXSW, Amy Wang’s “Slanted” delivers a sharp and fearless take on identity, assimilation, and self-worth, wrapped in dark humor and body horror. The film, which won Best Narrative Feature, cements Wang as a filmmaker to watch, tackling heavy themes with a biting satirical edge. Anchored by Shirley Chen, McKenna Grace, Vivian Wu, Maitreyi Ramakrishnan, and Amelie Zilber, “Slanted” takes well executed risks in … Continue reading Shirley Chen and Amy Wang Deliver SXSW Winner with Satirical, Genre-Bending Thriller Film ‘Slanted’
The 2025 Santa Barbara International Film Festival has once again proven to be a hub for groundbreaking cinema, and among this year’s standout selections is “Lucky Star”, a gripping drama that offers a fresh perspective on the Asian-Canadian experience. Continue reading Gillian McKercher’s “Lucky Star” Brings an Authentic Asian-Canadian Story to SBIFF
Soo Hugh has established herself as a skilled storyteller, transitioning from the suspenseful worlds of The Terror and Under the Dome to the deeply personal, multi-generational drama of Pachinko. Soo Hugh recently spoke with us about her approach to casting the multi-generational characters, the challenges of adapting Min Jin Lee’s expansive novel, and the significance of particular scenes that deeply resonated with her during production. Continue reading Soo Hugh Reflects On Apple TV+’s Pachinko Season 2 And The Road Ahead
On Saturday night, leaders in the Asian American film and television industry descended on the Beverly Hilton to celebrate the Unforgettable Gala, produced by Character Media. Continue reading Unforgettable Gala 2024: A Celebration of AAPI Voices in Hollywood
In his feature directorial debut, Pat Boonnitipat introduces himself as a filmmaker with a keen eye for emotional depth in How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies. Pat Boonnitipat delves into the origins of the film, the artistic challenges of adapting such a personal story, and his perspective on the transition from television to feature filmmaking. Continue reading Blending Culture And Heart: Pat Boonnitipat’s ‘How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies’ Explores Love And Legacy
The recent rise in roles for Asian actors has created opportunities for both newcomers and seasoned veterans like Chen, allowing her to reintroduce herself to a broader audience. In her interview with us, Joan Chen reflects on her journey and emphasizes the importance of stories like “Dìdi” in today’s landscape. Continue reading Legendary Actress Joan Chen’s Journey: Embracing Motherhood And Identity In “Dìdi”
FX/Hulu’s Shōgun landed an impressive 25 nominations for the upcoming Primetime Emmy Awards, becoming the first Japanese-language series to be nominated for Outstanding Drama Series. Editors Maria Gonzales and Aika Miyake, who worked on three episodes individually before collaborating on the finale, ensured that non-Japanese-speaking audiences would be engaged with the story told mostly through subtitles. Continue reading Emmy-Winning “Shōgun” Editors Aika Miyake And Maria Gonzales On Crafting The Emotional Season Finale
