The Asian Pacific American Heritage Month celebrations are still in full force. This upcoming week is an especially busy one, as there will be a variety of new shows coming out digitally in addition to virtual discussions. Check out these seven new recommendations from us and see how you can participate in them from the comfort of your own home.
1.Stage 13 and We Love BuHi‘s “Dine ‘N Discuss”
This Sunday, May 17, from 5:30-7 PM EST, get ready to be fed both literally and intellectually! Stage 13 is participating in a “Dine ‘N Discuss,” hosted by the Atlanta-based nonprofit We Love BuHi— an organization that specializes in building a multicultural community through place-based storytelling and design. Join “Foodie Fam” cast members Stacy Fan and Gilbert Galon on the series’ season one finale and stay for a Q&A with executive producer Marie Jamora and YOMYOMF’s Phil Chung. Free tickets are available on Eventbrite on a limited basis, so get yours now!
2. Hasan Minhaj‘s “Patriot Act” Returns
Are you missing the weekly political and cultural discussions hosted by the one and only Hasan Minhaj? Worry not, because he’s coming back with brand new episodes starting this Sunday, May 17 on Netflix. While you wait for the comeback, entertain yourself with the above clip of Minhaj adjusting to work-from-home policies.
3. Asian Pacific Islander Cultural Center’s “Finding Kinship”
The Asian Pacific Islander Cultural Center in San Francisco is back with their 23rd Annual United States of Asian America Festival (USAAF) throughout this month and next. This year’s theme, “Finding Kinship,” reveals the importance of community building and empowerment, regardless of familial, creative, cultural, geographical, spiritual and political boundaries. Visit the website for more details on which exciting exhibits to catch and bookmark this Spotify playlist including songs, poetry and music handpicked by USAAF 2020 artists.
4. Director Jon M. Chu‘s AAPI Movie Recommendations
As part of Fandango’s celebrations of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, they ticket-sellers have teamed up with “Crazy Rich Asians” director Jon M. Chu to compile a list of Asian American films that have shaped his directing identity. From the classics like “The Joy Luck Club” to the recent hit “Tigertail,” each movie has a special meaning for Chu and it also helps realize the importance of Asian American representation.
5. Act to Change’s AAPI Day Against Bullying + Hate
Join Act to Change for the second annual Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Day Against Bullying + Hate on May 18, 1-2:30 PM PST. Aimed at tackling xenophobia and racism, the program features influential AAPI politicians, celebrities, activists and performers. The event is donation-based and you can register here.
6. PBS’ “Mr. Tornado”
On Tuesday, May 19 from 9:00-10:00 PM EST., PBS’ “American Experience” will premiere “Mr. Tornado,”a documentary on Tetsuya Theodore Fujita, the Japanese American scientist who created the F-scale now used to measure tornadoes. Written, directed and produced by Michael Rossi and executive produced by Mark Samels and Susan Bellows, the film will provide great insight into Fujita’s journey from Japan to the U.S. Watch it live on PBS, PBS.org and the PBS Video App.
7. Eastwind Books‘ “Stand Up For Books” FUNdraiser
Give it up for the Eastwind Books of Berkeley as they bring you a night full of laughter on May 22, 7-8:30 PM PST. The line up includes: Margaret Cho, Joel Kim Booster (NBC’s “Sunnyside“), Sherry Cola (Freeform’s “Good Trouble“), Jenny Yang (FOX’s “Last Man Standing“), Andrew Orolfo (“The Late Late Show With James Corden“) and host Irene Tu (Vulture’s “Comedians You Should Know“). The event is donate-what-you-can, so register here today!
8. Lynn Chen’s “I Will Make You Mine” Premiere
“Saving Face” star Lynn Chen’s directorial debut, “I Will Make You Mine” offers a personal take on the struggles of the modern day women. Starring Ayako Fujitani, rookie star Ayami Riley Tomine, Yea-Ming Chen, and singer-songwriter Goh Nakamura, the film is a semi-sequel to “Surrogate Valentine” and “Daylight Savings” and presents a brand new perspective of recurring characters. Before you watch the film on May 26 on Cable on Demand and Digital Rental, make sure to catch the trailer and check up on all the fun Q&As and virtual screenings you can see this month.
