AAPI Heritage Month: Videos

SummaryThis five-part series traces the story of Asian Americans, spanning 150 years of immigration, racial politics, international relations, and cultural innovation. It is a timely, clear-eyed look at the vital role that Asian Americans have played in defining who we are as a nation. Their stories are a celebration of the grit and resilience of a people that reflects the experience of all Americans.

Traces the history and experiences of Chinese Americans; also includes personal journeys of AIDS researcher Dr. David Ho, market research pioneer Shirley Young, author Gish Jen, physicist Samuel Ting, and architect Maya Lin.

Chinese-born, U.S.-raised Billi reluctantly returns to Changchun to find that, although the whole family knows their beloved matriarch, Nai-Nai, has been given mere weeks to live, everyone has decided not to tell Nai Nai herself. To assure her happiness, they gather under the joyful guise of an expedited wedding, uniting family members scattered among new homes abroad. As Billi navigates a minefield of family expectations and proprieties, she finds there's a lot to celebrate.

SummaryJoin host Archie Kao as he shares the incredible story of Chinese American achievement, from the first wave of immigrants in California's gold fields to the entrepreneurs of the 21st century's Information Age. Subjects include Jerry Yang and the creation of Yahoo!, Amy Tan's fascinating novels of Chinese American life, I.M. Pei and his magnificent architecture, Michelle Kwan, the darling of American figure skaters, Yo-Yo Ma's acclaimed cello performances, the legendary Bruce Lee and his extraordinary martial arts, and over 40 more stories of Chinese American achievers who have helped to shape American's leadership role in the 21st century.

"This Academy Award winner reveals the contentious origins of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and tells the inspiring story of its creator, a 21-year-old Yale architecture student. Beating out some of the most prestigious architecture films from around the world, Lin's plan was selected from over 1,000 different designs, a giant victory for such a young and unknown artist. But little did Maya Lin know that her battle was just beginning. In Washington to defend her design, Lin came up against a mighty opposition, challenging indignant veterans and a hostile Congress to ultimately prevail with her emotional 'Wall.' And what began as one of the country's most bitterly disputed public monuments became one of the world's inspirational and frequently visited memorials. In this riveting and dramatic portrait, renowned filmmaker Freida Lee Mock combines interviews and archival footage to chronicle Lin's story -- from its origins, dominated by her David vs. Goliath battle over the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, to a career designing other memorials, always with an innate talent, and resolute courage."--Back of container.

Tracing back more than 2,000 years to the Pacific Islands, tattoo is an ancient art form that began as a rite of passage for Polynesians and has become a form of expression for people worldwide. Recounting the history of the art of tattooing, Skin Stories, a one-hour documentary, airs on PBS on Sunday, May 4, 2003 (check local listings). Featuring traditional tattooing ceremonies, compelling interviews, and a breathtaking collection of tattoo body art, Skin Stories traces the roots of tattoo, highlighting individual stories and the evolution of cultural traditions in the Pacific.

Through candid interviews with first- and second-generation Vietnamese Americans, this program documents the process of assimilation into American culture of refugees from the former Republic of Vietnam. Topics includes stresses on the family unit caused by cultural and generational differences, gang membership and drug abuse among the young, anti-Vietnamese racial bias, and feelings about relations between the U.S. and Vietnam.

A riveting psychological thriller that investigates the nature of truth and the meaning of justice, widely considered one of the greatest films ever made. Four people recount different versions of the story of a man's murder and the rape of his wife. This eloquent masterwork and international sensation revolutionized film language and introduced Japanese cinema, and a commanding new star.

Exploring the origins of the myth and the intersections with past and present anti-Asian violence, NOT YOUR MODEL MINORITY reveals the many ways the model minority myth has been used to create a wedge between communities of color and perpetuate divisive narratives. The film also examines opportunities to build power and make progress toward addressing systemic racism in America.

EPISODE FIVE: PLACE MATTERS
"Increasingly, recent Southeast Asian immigrants, along with Latinos, are moving into long-neglected African American urban neighborhoods, and now their health is being eroded as a result. What policies and investment decisions create living environments that harm, or enhance, the health of residents? What actions can make a difference?"