In Focus is a discussion series centered around film culture and the communities shaping the future of it.
Program Title: Asian-American Film and its Media Representation
The release of the rom-com Crazy Rich Asians directed by Jon M. Chu) was a game-changer for Asian-American representation in film and has been described as a watershed moment in moving the needle on inclusion. However, other films such as The Farewell (directed by Lulu Wang), Minari (directed by Lee Isaac Chung) and Nomadland (directed by Chloé Zhao), have also broken into the mainstream and tell vastly different stories, some seemingly unconcerned with what we might consider Asian-American themes.
After years of receiving criticism for their lack of diversity, the upcoming 93rd Academy Awards have set multiple records for Asian representation in the directing and acting categories this year. Although this success is extraordinary and long overdue, this paradigm shift presents us with an opportunity to pose certain questions. What makes these movies Asian-American or what (ultimately) leads to what is it to be Asian-American? Has the industry finally begun to recognize the history of identity, contributions, and challenges experienced by Asian-Americans?
In the 21st century, audiences want something that is different, sincere, and genuine, as this unprecedented spotlight should reflect their actual experiences. Many people in the modern era obtain their cultural knowledge through the media in the form of the internet, movies, television shows, and stereotypes. The arts do not exist in a vacuum, and recent tragedies have exposed a charged political atmosphere leading to a disturbing rise in racial intolerance.
Join us for a special event focused on the recent emergence of Asian-American film, by the recognition of its success, both in popularity and awards that have been presented by critics as well as Hollywood, and the related media representation with a panel discussion, FACETS Virtual Cinema screenings, and a watchlist for enhanced viewing.
Panel
This panel convenes a group of exceptional individuals who will discuss this dilemma of Asian-Americans who want to be adequately portrayed through film, which should lead to the better representation of Asian culture, yet there are concerns that they may continue to be stereotyped by Hollywood and the media.
The panel discussion will be moderated by Charles Coleman, FACETS Cinematheque Program Director and “celluloid adventurist” (Chicago Reader).
Michael Phillips
The Chicago Tribune’s film critic since 2006, Michael Phillips has taught film studies, criticism and arts journalism courses at universities around Chicago. He appears regularly as a guest on Turner Classic Movies, the Filmspotting podcast and hosts his own radio show “The Film Score” for WFMT-FM (98.7).
Jenny Shi
Chicago-based documentary filmmaker and video journalist Jiayan "Jenny" Shi is passionate about social justice issues regarding people of color. Her debut documentary, Finding Yingying (MTV Documentary Films), premiered at the SXSW Film Festival and won the Special Jury Recognition for Breakthrough Voice.
Maryam Kashani
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Assistant Professor Maryam Kashani teaches Gender and Women’s Studies, Asian-American Studies and is also a filmmaker and anthropologist. Her research areas, to name a few, include racial/ethnic/religious diasporas and transnational political movements; gender and sexuality; Islam and Muslim communities; and documentary/experimental filmmaking.
Mia Park
Award-winning, multidimensional, Chicago-based artist Mia Park is powered by meaningful connections. An actress, yoga therapist, producer, advocate, volunteer, interviewer, and all-around outstanding Chicagoan, Mia has been featured on ABC's "Asian Influences" and NBC's "Making a Difference." Mia has professionally acted since 1997 and hosted the cult favorite, Chic-A-Go-Go!
Virtual Cinema Screenings
Deepen your understanding of our panel discussion before or after viewing with these hand-picked documentaries.
Reunification
Reflecting for 17 years on his family’s immigration legacy, filmmaker Alvin Tsang confronts the delicate images of a once intact family. In this award-winning film, Tsang focuses on his family’s migration from Hong Kong to Los Angeles in the early 1980s – fraught with betrayal from his parents’ divorce, economic strife and communication meltdown between family members.
Directed by Alvin Tsang, U.S.A., 2015, 85 mins.
Finding Yingying
Yingying Zhang, a 26-year-old Chinese student and aspiring scientist, comes to the U.S. to study and within weeks of her arrival, she disappears from campus. The film closely follows the journey of Yingying’s family as they search to unravel the mystery of her disappearance and seek justice for their daughter while navigating a strange, foreign country. Most of all, however, Finding Yingying is the story of who Yingying was–a talented young woman loved by her family and friends.
Directed by Jiayan "Jenny" Shi, U.S.A., 2020, 98 mins.
Watchlist
Are you the kind of person who just loves extra credit? Check out our additional viewing recommendations to inform you before or after our panel discussion.
In Focus is a discussion series centered around film culture and the communities shaping the future of it.
Program Title: Asian-American Film and its Media Representation
The release of the rom-com Crazy Rich Asians directed by Jon M. Chu) was a game-changer for Asian-American representation in film and has been described as a watershed moment in moving the needle on inclusion. However, other films such as The Farewell (directed by Lulu Wang), Minari (directed by Lee Isaac Chung) and Nomadland (directed by Chloé Zhao), have also broken into the mainstream and tell vastly different stories, some seemingly unconcerned with what we might consider Asian-American themes.
After years of receiving criticism for their lack of diversity, the upcoming 93rd Academy Awards have set multiple records for Asian representation in the directing and acting categories this year. Although this success is extraordinary and long overdue, this paradigm shift presents us with an opportunity to pose certain questions. What makes these movies Asian-American or what (ultimately) leads to what is it to be Asian-American? Has the industry finally begun to recognize the history of identity, contributions, and challenges experienced by Asian-Americans?
In the 21st century, audiences want something that is different, sincere, and genuine, as this unprecedented spotlight should reflect their actual experiences. Many people in the modern era obtain their cultural knowledge through the media in the form of the internet, movies, television shows, and stereotypes. The arts do not exist in a vacuum, and recent tragedies have exposed a charged political atmosphere leading to a disturbing rise in racial intolerance.
Join us for a special event focused on the recent emergence of Asian-American film, by the recognition of its success, both in popularity and awards that have been presented by critics as well as Hollywood, and the related media representation with a panel discussion, FACETS Virtual Cinema screenings, and a watchlist for enhanced viewing.
Panel
This panel convenes a group of exceptional individuals who will discuss this dilemma of Asian-Americans who want to be adequately portrayed through film, which should lead to the better representation of Asian culture, yet there are concerns that they may continue to be stereotyped by Hollywood and the media.
The panel discussion will be moderated by Charles Coleman, FACETS Cinematheque Program Director and “celluloid adventurist” (Chicago Reader).
Michael Phillips
The Chicago Tribune’s film critic since 2006, Michael Phillips has taught film studies, criticism and arts journalism courses at universities around Chicago. He appears regularly as a guest on Turner Classic Movies, the Filmspotting podcast and hosts his own radio show “The Film Score” for WFMT-FM (98.7).
Jenny Shi
Chicago-based documentary filmmaker and video journalist Jiayan "Jenny" Shi is passionate about social justice issues regarding people of color. Her debut documentary, Finding Yingying (MTV Documentary Films), premiered at the SXSW Film Festival and won the Special Jury Recognition for Breakthrough Voice.
Maryam Kashani
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Assistant Professor Maryam Kashani teaches Gender and Women’s Studies, Asian-American Studies and is also a filmmaker and anthropologist. Her research areas, to name a few, include racial/ethnic/religious diasporas and transnational political movements; gender and sexuality; Islam and Muslim communities; and documentary/experimental filmmaking.
Mia Park
Award-winning, multidimensional, Chicago-based artist Mia Park is powered by meaningful connections. An actress, yoga therapist, producer, advocate, volunteer, interviewer, and all-around outstanding Chicagoan, Mia has been featured on ABC's "Asian Influences" and NBC's "Making a Difference." Mia has professionally acted since 1997 and hosted the cult favorite, Chic-A-Go-Go!
Virtual Cinema Screenings
Deepen your understanding of our panel discussion before or after viewing with these hand-picked documentaries.
Reunification
Reflecting for 17 years on his family’s immigration legacy, filmmaker Alvin Tsang confronts the delicate images of a once intact family. In this award-winning film, Tsang focuses on his family’s migration from Hong Kong to Los Angeles in the early 1980s – fraught with betrayal from his parents’ divorce, economic strife and communication meltdown between family members.
Directed by Alvin Tsang, U.S.A., 2015, 85 mins.
Finding Yingying
Yingying Zhang, a 26-year-old Chinese student and aspiring scientist, comes to the U.S. to study and within weeks of her arrival, she disappears from campus. The film closely follows the journey of Yingying’s family as they search to unravel the mystery of her disappearance and seek justice for their daughter while navigating a strange, foreign country. Most of all, however, Finding Yingying is the story of who Yingying was–a talented young woman loved by her family and friends.
Directed by Jiayan "Jenny" Shi, U.S.A., 2020, 98 mins.
Watchlist
Are you the kind of person who just loves extra credit? Check out our additional viewing recommendations to inform you before or after our panel discussion.