ICYMI: See my previous blog post about changes to The APAHM Project for 2021
Last year's APAHM Project was a diverse mix of films that ranged from science fiction to epics to stoner comedies. The focus of last year was to include films that you may have never known were made or written by an Asian American or Canadian.
This year, I will admit, didn't have a specific theme other than I really wanted to watch these films/TV shows. I tried to make each week have some sort of unifying factor to tie them together, but what I really love about this year's line up is that they include a majority of very new or recent films and TV series!
Why is this important? I think it shows growth in how far we have come as far as Asian-centric stories and representation in media. I know I always talk about "Crazy Rich Asians" but it truly was a historical film that perpetuated a wave of change in Hollywood and I think we are seeing the direct result of that.
Furthermore, almost every single poster that you're going to see has an Asian face on it. These films STAR Asians. As an aspiring director and activist for more positive female/POC representation on screen, of course I will always believe the greatest change comes from the positions that hold decision-making power (like a writer, director, or producer). But it's an entirely different feeling when you see someone who psychically looks like you on a screen. If I stitched together all the posters of last year's line up, you would have a lot of non-Asian faces and wonder why they were included in something meant to celebrate APAHM. But not this year.
Without further adieu, here is your 2021 APAHM PROJECT LINEUP!!
May 1: Over the Moon
Where to Watch: Netflix
May 2: Single By 30 (Episodes 1 & 2)
Where to Watch: YouTube
May 3: Single By 30 (Episodes 3 & 4)
Where to Watch: YouTube
May 4: Single By 30 (Episodes 5 & 6)
Where to Watch: YouTube
May 5: All My Life
Where to Watch: Rent/Buy OnDemand 💸
May 6: Single By 30 (Episodes 7 & 8)
Where to Watch: YouTube
May 7: Kung Fu (Episode 1)
Where to Watch: The CW App
May 8: Wendy Wu: Homecoming Warrior (with Kelly Jeu)
Where to Watch: Disney +
May 9: Kung Fu (Episode 2)
Where to Watch: The CW App
May 10: Kung Fu (Episode 3)
Where to Watch: The CW App
May 11: Kung Fu (Episode 4)
Where to Watch: The CW App
May 12: Yellow Rose
Where to Watch: Starz
May 13: Kung Fu (Episode 5)
Where to Watch: The CW App
May 14: Kung Fu (Episode 6)
Where to Watch: The CW App
May 15: Columbus (with Simon Hua)
Where to Watch: Amazon with Premium Subscription
May 16: Asian Americans (Episode 1)
Where to Watch: PBS App/Website or YouTube
May 17: Asian Americans (Episode 2)
Where to Watch: PBS App/Website or YouTube
May 18: Asian Americans (Episode 3)
Where to Watch: PBS App/Website or YouTube
May 19: Chan is Missing
Where to Watch: YouTube
May 20: Asian Americans (Episode 4)
Where to Watch: PBS App/Website or YouTube
May 21: Asian Americans (Episode 5)
Where to Watch: PBS App/Website or YouTube
May 22: Bride and Prejudice (with Nirali Patel)
Where to Watch: Crackle
May 23: Never Have I Ever (Episodes 1 & 2)
Where to Watch: Netflix
May 24: Never Have I Ever (Episodes 3 & 4)
Where to Watch: Netflix
May 25: Never Have I Ever (Episodes 5 & 6)
Where to Watch: Netflix
May 26: Mississippi Masala
Where to Watch: YouTube
May 27: Never Have I Ever (Episodes 7 & 8)
Where to Watch: Netflix
May 28: Never Have I Ever (Episodes 9 & 10)
Where to Watch: Netflix
May 29: Raya and the Last Dragon (with Jenny Lam)
Where to Watch: Disney + with Premiere Access 💸
May 30: Finding Ohana
Where to Watch: Netflix
May 31: Nomadland
Where to Watch: Hulu
These films and TV shows were picked based on the following criteria:
Written/Directed/Produced by an East Asian, Southeast Asian, or Pacific Islander American or
Had an East Asian, Southeast Asian, or Pacific Islander American in a Leading Role or
Were chosen by a guest! (Saturdays)
Additionally, films preferably need to be accessible through popular streaming sites for easy viewing.
This list does not include:
Foreign films
Sequels, unless it had a great significance
I am SO excited for this year's line up! I've only seen about 5 of these films/television series and it's been a long time for some of them! And I'm very excited to be joined by guests this year! If there is anything I want people to learn, it's that the Model Minority Monolith is a myth - Asian people (as do all people) come from all sorts of unique backgrounds and personalities. We should not be categorized as one single unit.
I'm also excited because this year features a lot more Southeast Asian-centric films compared to last year.
Which films or series are you most excited for? Drop them down in the comments below and get ready for 31 Days of Asian/Pacific Islander Pride!
**PS! Don't Forget, every blog post for APAHM 2021 will feature a different, verified donation link to #StopAsianHate. I am matching donations to the number of page likes per blog post!**
Be sure to subscribe to my site so you don't miss any blog posts!
Hashtags to follow along: #TheAPAHMProject2021 #BeJeubilant
Support, Follow, Diversify Your Feed: Year of the Ox: Ways to Celebrate and Advocate
Changes to APAHM 2021: The APAHM Project 2021: Here We Go Again!
Last Year's APAHM Project Lineup: The APAHM Project: Celebrating Culture Through 31 Days of Asian American Cinema
The History of APAHM: The APAHM Project: The 30th Anniversary
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