By Erin Chew, AsAmNews Staff Writer
If anything, it is streaming services which celebrate cultural diversity, representation and visibility. Netflix is one of those, with content from all over the world. To be honest, I have most enjoyed watching a number of Asian American made films and series, such as To All The Boys I Have Loved, to Master Of None and Wu Assassins ( just to name a few), because of the authenticity in its story telling. During the month of May this year for AAPI Heritage Month, there was an entire section on several streaming platforms devoted to Asian American/diaspora produced, directed, featured films, series and documentaries.
Just last week, Netflix released its multicultural slate for summer/fall 2021. There were around 14 new content revealed, with many introduced by the directors, producers, writers and lead actors. What was slightly disappointing was that there were only 2 series/movies mentioned which had AAPI directors and/or lead actors – Mindy Kailing’s Never Have I Ever season 2 (which will be released in July) and Sweet Girl ( which will be released in August) which has Jason Momoa as the heroic lead.
The other 12 released movies/series/documentaries are not focused on AAPI representation/stories, but regardless, they all appear interesting and worth checking out. Here are a few of the multicultural content movies/series which are interesting to keep an eye on ( The two with AAPI representation are bolded):
- tick, tick…BOOM! – Musical drama film directed by Lin- Manuel Miranda and its story is based around a composer who experiences a midlife crisis. Date of film release on Netflix is not confirmed yet.
- Colin in Black and White – This drama series from Colin Kaepernick and Ava DuVernay explores Kaepernick’s high school years and the experiences that led him to become an activist. Date of series release on Netflix is not confirmed yet.
- Never Have I Ever (Season 2) – The complicated life of a modern-day first generation Indian American teenage girl, inspired by Mindy Kaling’s own childhood. Season 2 will be released on July 15.
- Sweet Girl – A devastated husband vows to bring justice to the people responsible for his wife’s death while protecting the only family he has left, his daughter. Stars Jason Momoa. The film will be released on August 20.
- Maya and the Three (Animation) – A Mesoamerican warrior princess embarks on a quest to recruit three legendary fighters to help save the world of gods and humankind. This animated mini series on Netflix has no release date as yet.
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