About this program
Culture, identity and food buttress the feeling of community among Asian Americans – especially those that have left their home countries and built a life for themselves here in America. In these series of short films, that sense of belonging is sometimes challenged, but also re-enforced and celebrated.
This film is part of the Asian American Pacific Islander Film Series, produced in collaboration with American Citizens for Justice (ACJ), with additional support from Rising Voices and funding from the Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Foundation, the Ford Foundation and the Michigan Asian Pacific American Affairs Commission (MAPAAC).
AFTER THE FILM: David Siev, director of “Bad Axe,” talks with the directors.
The program features the following short films:
‘Crossroads’
FedEx operates one of its largest US-based hubs in Indianapolis, where over 80% of the employees are South Asian/Punjabi. In April 2021, former Fedex worker Brandon Scott Hole opened fire, killing eight and injuring several others. While the Sikh community grieves the loss of four of its members, the police and FBI conclude their investigations by declaring the mass shooting not a hate crime. “Crossroads” is the story of a community responding to an act of violence, and their right to be safe and treated equally, as Sikhs living in America. Directed by Sarita Khurana. (2022)
‘Here, Hopefully’
A nonbinary aspiring nurse from China strives to build a life in Iowa. After graduating from nursing school, they work tirelessly to pass their licensure exam in hopes of obtaining a work visa. Directed by Hao Zhou. (2023)
‘Ethan Lim: Cambodian Futures’
Cambodian Futures is a densely layered exploration of Cambodian cuisine, historical trauma and an intergenerational family bond. Filmmaker Dustin Nakao-Haider follows Chicago-based chef Ethan Lim as he creates vibrant dishes inspired by the rich, complex history of Cambodia. Directed by Dustin Nakao-Haider. (2023)
‘38 At the Garden’
This short film chronicles the extraordinary ascendance of point guard Jeremy Lin during his landmark 2012 season with the New York Knicks. Lin, an undrafted Harvard graduate, shocked fans, stunned his teammates and galvanized the Asian American community when he scored 38 points at Madison Square Garden against the Los Angeles Lakers, solidifying Lin’s hot streak and the “Linsanity” craze. Directed by Frank Chi. (2022)
