Peng Zhao and Cherry Chen Fund for AAPI Voices at Kartemquin
Film Screening & Panel Discussion
Preview, panel discussion, and audience Q&A with the directors of the 7 films supported by The Peng Zhao and Cherry Chen AAPI Voices Fund at Kartemquin Films. Meet the talent behind these impactful and dynamic films which reflect varied experiences of the AAPI community.
Dedicated to supporting the Asian, Asian American, and Pacific Islander communities, The Peng Zhao and Cherry Chen AAPI Voices Fund recognizes the critical importance of funding for filmmakers developing and delivering their films and the value of investing in Kartemquin’s collaborative model of nurturing early-career filmmakers. Through this fund, Kartemquin is advancing impactful and dynamic stories reflecting on the varied experiences of the AAPI community that challenge and inspire – both filmmakers and the communities they represent.
Saturday, May 18th, 2024
8:00 PM
Gene Siskel Film Center
164 N State St, Chicago, IL 60601
Kartemquin Films
For over 50 years, Kartemquin’s mission has been to empower the creation of stories that foster a more engaged and just society — turning toward and grappling with the most critical issues of our time.
We do this by producing documentaries on a wide range of issues, championing filmmakers in developing their craft, and aligning with partners who understand that documentaries are powerful vehicles for truth that can transform the world around us.
Untitled Scientist Project
Directed by Jiayan “Jenny” Shi [In-Person for Q&A]
As geopolitical tensions escalate, the ideas of open science and academic freedom are being interrogated in the name of national security. Can science ever transcend political borders?
EJ Lee: All American
Directed by Jason Rhee [In-Person for Q&A]
EJ Lee, a Louisiana legend nicknamed the “Korean Magic Johnson of NCAA women’s basketball,” has been overlooked her entire career. Finally, at the age of 60, EJ receives her first opportunity to become a college head coach and lead an underdog team of young women in rural West Texas.
Nobuko Miyamoto: A Song in Movement
Directed by Tadashi Nakamura & Quyên Nguyen-Le [In-Person for Q&A]
After decades of groundbreaking cultural work that unites communities and sets the bar for Asian American storytelling, Miyamoto reflects on a life that has bridged coasts, industries, families, and history. Featuring rare archival footage, NOBUKO MIYAMOTO: A SONG IN MOVEMENT is a story of a changing community told through the singular life of one of its most beloved storytellers.
See the full feature length documentary in our showcase on Sunday, May 19th at 2:00 PM
Iris Chang: Power of One
Directed by Kimberlee Bassford
Produced by Lou Wang-Holborn [In-Person for Q&A]
Explores the intriguing life, unexpected suicide and lasting legacy of Iris Chang, the Chinese American activist and best-selling author of The Rape of Nanking: The Forgotten Holocaust of World War II, illustrating the ripple effect one person can have and raising critical questions about achievement, self-care and mental wellness in modern society.
Tasting Heritage
Directed by Emily Strong [In-Person for Q&A]
Coming of Heritage is a soulful story about Emily Flynn, a Korean-American adopted woman, and her brave journey to put the missing pieces of her heritage back together. When her Korean-adopted sibling is shot and killed by police during a mental health check, her cultural commitment intensifies.