Asian American Films

In the past 3-5 years, we have seen increasing number of Asian stars being featured in Hollywood movies. Meanwhile, Asian production companies are also starting to take an interest in Asian American filmmakers and Asian American projects. It perhaps began with Korea and its Pusan Promotion Plan (PPP), a financing forum where filmmakers can pitch their projects to Korean financers. Grace Lee's American Zombie, Gina Kim's Never Forever, and Michael Kang's West 32nd that are all co-produced by Korean production companies.

Ted Kim, executive VP of CJ Entertainment, Korea's largest media conglomerate which co-produced Michael Kang's West 32nd talked about the trend at the SFIAAF (San Francisco's International Asian American Film Festival).

He believed this natural flow came from PPP and the Asian American filmmakers who could speak the language, identify with the production companies, and have that ease of dialogue.

In fact, Korean has a very clear mindset about Korean films. For films that are mostly in English, they would be considered as a foreign film in the local market even if they are Korean American films. Such productions are not great commercial endeavors and Kim believed filmmakers noticed it. He stated, "I don't think you go into English-speaking, Asian-dominant films because you think you're going to make a lot of money. It's really to see the market, grow the market, and then hopefully be right there when it lifts off, and then you can ride along with the wave."

Tracing back the history and growth of the African American film industry, there were very similar stories and situations. These Korean companies are trying to accomplish a proven path by giving Korean American filmmakers opportunities to work on their craft.

"Young filmmakers need guidance," said Kim, "You have to go through the process once or twice to really know what you're doing from an efficiency standpoint. So that's what I am worried about. I just worry that these organizations will not be able to hit their benchmark and won't be able to find their success. And if they don't see the quality of film that they're looking for, will they become discouraged? I hope not."

Neither do I. Please support the Asian and Asian American film industries.