Eight Biographies to Stream During Asian-American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
In May, we celebrate Asian-American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage and recognize their contributions to our country. In this blog, we’re highlighting biographies that document the lives of inspirational figures in AAPI history. From authors and artists to Olympic medalists and former legislators, these trailblazers have fought through challenges like racism, prejudice and personal struggle to become the icons they are today. Learn more below:
Independent Lens “Who is Michael Jang?”
Premieres Monday, May 19, at 10pm on CET
Premieres Thursday, May 22, at 10pm on ThinkTV16
After a long career as a commercial and portrait photographer, mischievous San Francisco artist Michael Jang sat for decades on a hidden treasure of pictures taken in his 20s. Then, during the pandemic, Jang set out to share his work with the world, street guerilla-style. Watch a preview: https://watch.cetconnect.org/video/trailer-who-is-michael-jang-ok2qxo/.
American Masters “Amy Tan: Unintended Memoir”
Saturday, May 17, at 9pm on CET
Friday, May 30, at 8pm on ThinkTV14
Amy Tan’s first novel, “The Joy Luck Club,” was published to great commercial and critical success. With the blockbuster film adaption that followed as well as additional best-selling novels, librettos and more, Tan established herself as one of the most prominent and respected American literary voices working today. Watch it now with CET Passport: https://watch.cetconnect.org/video/amy-tan-unintended-memoir-nwt3tq/.
American Masters “Tyrus Wong”
Tuesday, May 27, at 9pm on CET
Friday, May 30, at 8pm on ThinkTV16
Until his death at the age of 106, Tyrus Wong was America’s oldest living Chinese American artist and one of the last remaining artists from the golden age of Disney animation. The quiet beauty of his Eastern-influenced paintings had a pioneering impact on American art and popular culture. Watch it now on the PBS App: https://watch.cetconnect.org/video/tyrus-w30dou/.
American Masters “Waterman: Duke – Ambassador of Aloha”
Narrated by Jason Momoa, discover the inspiring story and considerable impact of five-time Olympic medalist Duke Kahanamoku. As a dark-skinned Pacific Islander, he shattered swimming records and globalized surfing while overcoming racism in a lifetime of personal challenges. Watch it now on the PBS App: https://watch.cetconnect.org/video/waterman-duke-ambassador-of-aloha-djus8w/.
Nam June Paik: Moon Is the Oldest TV
Born in Japan-occupied Korea, Paik went on to become a pillar of the American avant-garde and transformed modern image-making with his sculptures, films and performances. As the documentary traces through Paik’s own writings, experience his creative evolution as the father of video art and coiner of the term “electronic superhighway.” Watch it now with CET Passport: https://watch.cetconnect.org/video/nam-june-paik-moon-is-the-oldest-tv-c7qezh/.
Fanny: The Right to Rock
Co-founded by Filipina American and queer teenagers, Fanny is the first all women band to release an album with a major record label (Warner/Reprise, 1970). Revered by David Bowie, meet the most groundbreaking rock group you’ve never heard of in this documentary. Watch it now with CET Passport: https://watch.cetconnect.org/video/fanny-the-right-to-rock-bn4llg/.
Photographic Justice: The Corky Lee Story
Using his camera as a “weapon against injustice,” Chinese American photographer Corky Lee’s art was his activism and his unforgettable images of Asian American life empowered generations. This film’s intimate portrait reveals the triumphs and tragedies of the man behind the lens. Watch it now with CET Passport: https://watch.cetconnect.org/video/photographic-justice-the-corky-lee-story-jptcqb/.
POV “Who’s Afraid of Nathan Law?”
At 21, he was a leader of Hong Kong’s Umbrella Revolution. By 23, he became Hong Kong’s youngest elected lawmaker. At 26, he was Most Wanted under the National Security Law. Explore Nathan Law’s story to uncover what happens to freedom when an authoritarian power goes unchecked. Watch it now with CET Passport: https://watch.cetconnect.org/video/whos-afraid-of-nathan-law-81kqi6.
Looking to learn more about AAPI history and culture? Check out these other programs that are airing this month on CET and available to stream on the PBS App:
Amache: An American Injustice
Premieres Tuesday, May 27, at 10:30pm on CET and ThinkTV16
Explore the unjust incarceration of 120,000 innocent Japanese Americans when they were incarcerated without charge or trial after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. Watch it now: https://watch.cetconnect.org/video/amache-an-american-injustice-LuiWRA/.
Independent Lens “And So It Begins”
Premieres Monday, May 12, at 10pm on CET
Thursday, May 15, at 10pm on ThinkTV16
Follow the historic presidential race in the Philippines, between the son of Ferdinand Marcos and the incumbent woman VP. Watch a preview: https://watch.cetconnect.org/video/trailer-and-so-it-begins-ovf5bg/.
Great Performances “Yellow Face”
Premieres Friday, May 16, at 9pm on CET Arts
Saturday, May 17, at 9pm on ThinkTV16
Thursday, May 22, at 9pm on CET
An Asian American playwright protests “yellowface” casting, only to mistakenly cast a white actor as the Asian lead in his own play. Learn more: https://www.pbs.org/wnet/gperf/yellow-face-about/16696/.
Armed with Language
Saturday, May 3, at 11pm on ThinkTV16
Learn how a little-known military intelligence school played a pivotal role in WWII, training Japanese Americans to be translators, interrogators and more. Watch it now on the PBS App: https://watch.cetconnect.org/video/armed-with-language-j17oiy/.
Antiques Roadshow “Celebrating Asian-Pacific Heritage”
Monday, May 5, and Thursday, May 8, at 8pm on CET
Monday, May 5, at 8pm and Thursday, May 8, at 9pm on ThinkTV16
Sunday, May 11, at 8pm on ThinkTV14
Experts appraise items with Asian and Pacific Islands origins including a Hawaiian Kou Bowl, a Hiroshi Yoshida Woodblock Print and so much more. Watch a preview: https://watch.cetconnect.org/video/antiques-roadshow-snapshots-celebrating-asian-pacific-heritage-2016/.
