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.April 18, 2025April 19, 20251 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.March 15, 2025Leave 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.December 12, 2024February 1, 2025Leave 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.July 25, 2024April 27, 2025Leave a comment

Interviews

‘Unprisoned’ Star Jee Young Han on Seeking Identity in Hulu Comedy’s Second Season

Jee Young Han spoke with Awards Focus about how Esti evolves in Season Two, the joys of working with acting legends Delroy Lindo and Kerry Washington, and why it is so important to get to tell her the stories in ‘Unprisoned’. Continue reading ‘Unprisoned’ Star Jee Young Han on Seeking Identity in Hulu Comedy’s Second Season

Ben L.July 18, 2024February 1, 2025Leave a comment

Featured, Interviews

Emmy Nominated Maya Erskine On Learning to Kick Ass in ‘Mr. and Mrs. Smith’

In a star making role, Maya Erskine plays the titular character Jane Smith, opposite Donald Glover in Amazon Prime’s “Mr. and Mrs. Smith” reimagining of the 2005 film that created the “Brangelina” pop culture phenomenon. Maya recently spoke with us on several topics including how she was able to create on-camera chemistry with co-star Donald Glover, a perhaps surprising reference she drew from and what being cast for the role of Jane means to her and the inspiration she hopes it brings others. Continue reading Emmy Nominated Maya Erskine On Learning to Kick Ass in ‘Mr. and Mrs. Smith’

Ben L.June 13, 2024February 1, 2025Leave 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.July 7, 2023April 26, 2025Leave a comment

Interviews

Daniel Wu On Reinventing the Monkey King In ‘American Born Chinese’

“It really is why I’m doing this (series) now,” shares actor Daniel Wu. “As we’ve talked about the importance of representation, it’s the next generation of actors that are going to get the chance to represent our stories to the kids of tomorrow.” Continue reading Daniel Wu On Reinventing the Monkey King In ‘American Born Chinese’

Ben L.June 24, 2023February 2, 2025Leave a comment