Tag: film

Events, Featured

A Sisterhood Forged in Story: The Women of “The Joy Luck” Club Reunite

For a generation of Asian Americans, The Joy Luck Club was more than just a movie—it was a revelation. I was still a teenager when it came out, and I vividly remember the seismic shift it caused in the way I saw myself and my community. Here was a Hollywood film—backed by a major studio, no less—with an all-Asian cast, speaking English, talking about their … Continue reading A Sisterhood Forged in Story: The Women of “The Joy Luck” Club Reunite

Ben L.Leave a comment
Featured, Film Reviews, Reviews

Film Review: Andrew Ahn’s ‘The Wedding Banquet’ Reimagines a Queer Classic with Humor, Tension, and Generational Reckoning

In an industry still hesitant to fund stories like this, “The Wedding Banquet” is a welcome and necessary entry into a library that’s far too thin. At a time when both LGBTQIA+ and Asian American communities continue to face backlash and erasure, films like this remind us why visibility matters—not in a surface-level sense, but in the deeper work of showing lives, contradictions, and relationships that feel real. Continue reading Film Review: Andrew Ahn’s ‘The Wedding Banquet’ Reimagines a Queer Classic with Humor, Tension, and Generational Reckoning

Ben L.1 Comment
Film Reviews, Interviews, Reviews

Shirley Chen and Amy Wang Deliver SXSW Winner with Satirical, Genre-Bending Thriller Film ‘Slanted’

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’

Ben L.Leave a comment
AAPI Creator Spotlight, Film Reviews, Interviews, Reviews

Gillian McKercher’s “Lucky Star” Brings an Authentic Asian-Canadian Story to SBIFF

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

Ben L.Leave a comment
Interviews

Blending Culture And Heart: Pat Boonnitipat’s ‘How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies’ Explores Love And Legacy

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

Ben L.Leave a comment
Featured, Interviews

Legendary Actress Joan Chen’s Journey: Embracing Motherhood And Identity In “Dìdi”

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”

Ben L.Leave a comment
Film Reviews, Reviews

“Dìdi” Captures the Heartbreak and Humor of Growing Up Asian American

(This article originally appeared on Awards Focus) There’s a moment in Sean Wang’s “Dìdi” that stopped me cold: Chris Wang, a Taiwanese American teen in Fremont, California, quietly questioning where he fits—torn between the comfort of his Asian friends and the appeal of the white skater kids he hopes will see him as “cool.” That push-pull, that calculation of identity in real time, is something … Continue reading “Dìdi” Captures the Heartbreak and Humor of Growing Up Asian American

Ben L.Leave a comment
Film Reviews, Reviews

‘Joy Ride’ Pushes Boundaries With Heart, Humor, and a Few Stumbles

(This article originally appeared on Awards Focus) After the breakthroughs of “Everything Everywhere All at Once” and “Turning Red,” another important step for Asian American representation arrives with “Joy Ride,” directed by Adele Lim, the co-writer of “Crazy Rich Asians.” The film follows four childhood friends—Audrey (Ashley Park), Lolo (Sherry Cola), Kat (Stephanie Hsu), and Deadeye (Sabrina Wu)—who embark on a business trip to China … Continue reading ‘Joy Ride’ Pushes Boundaries With Heart, Humor, and a Few Stumbles

Ben L.Leave a comment