Director Eugene Yi has long been intrigued by the definition and scope of the term "Asian American and Pacific Islander" (AAPI), questioning which ethnicities it encompasses. Yi, who identifies as Korean American, expressed his enthusiasm when he was approached to direct an HBO documentary focusing on AAPI identity and community.
Set to debut on May 31 during AAPI Heritage Month, the documentary, titled "The A List: 15 Stories from Asian and Pacific Diasporas," is the latest installment in "The List Series," created by Timothy Greenfield-Sanders. Previously, this series has explored the experiences of prominent Black, Latino, and LGBTQ+ Americans.
In "The A List," director Yi captures candid interviews with 15 individuals of AAPI heritage from various industries, conducted by journalist Jada Yuan. The noteworthy participants include TV broadcaster Connie Chung, Democratic Senator Tammy Duckworth, and DJ Rekha, the creator of "Basement Bhangra." Additionally, actors Sandra Oh, Kumail Nanjiani, and Bowen Yang, often recognized for their comedic roles, share their thoughts on identity, belonging, and the AAPI experience.
Yi noted that even professionals in comedy can feel comfortable conveying a depth of emotion outside their scripted performances. He appreciated the opportunity to dive deeper into the life stories of these prominent personalities.
One of the featured interviewees, Yia Vang, a chef and owner of Vinai, a well-regarded Hmong restaurant in Minneapolis, reflected on his interview experience three years prior. Born in a Thai refugee camp and moving to Wisconsin at the age of four, Vang described the filming process as deeply confessional. He recounted with emotion his childhood experiences of discarding traditional school lunches his mother prepared, emphasizing the importance of staying true to his cultural heritage. Vang proudly announced that the previously dismissed dishes are now celebrated on his restaurant's menu, symbolizing a full-circle redemption.
Vang’s reflections resonated with audiences at a recent Milwaukee Film Festival screening, where attendees recognized his Midwestern roots. Many expressed how significant it was to see a local perspective in the documentary.
Despite Asian Americans being one of the fastest-growing demographics in the United States, a recent survey by The Asian American Foundation highlighted the continued struggles for visibility facing the AAPI community. The annual STAATUS Index found that 40% of U.S. adults could not name a single famous Asian American, often mistakenly citing Jackie Chan, who is not American. Additionally, approximately half of the respondents failed to identify any notable Native Hawaiians or Pacific Islanders.
Norman Chen, CEO of The Asian American Foundation, remarked on the importance of media representation, pointing out that many Americans gain their understanding of Asian Americans primarily through media rather than personal interactions. Chen praised the documentary’s compilation of diverse narratives, expressing appreciation for the emotional impact these stories had on audiences—a testament to the rich and complex history of the AAPI community.
The production of "The A List" unfolded against a backdrop of a changing political climate, particularly during the presidential campaigns of Kamala Harris and Donald Trump. Yi acknowledged that the documentary may inherently be viewed as political due to the rapid changes in societal attitudes toward AAPI individuals. He emphasized the importance of sharing these stories, especially as awareness of AAPI struggles has risen in recent years.
Yi expressed hope that the documentary will encourage a renewed sense of confidence and community among AAPI individuals, as well as a greater understanding and acknowledgment of their historical and ongoing struggles. He emphasized the need for the AAPI community to reclaim their narratives and assert their place in a broader societal context.
