Session 1
BAD AXE captures a closely-knit Asian American family living in rural Michigan during the pandemic as they fight to keep their local restaurant and American dream alive. With rising racial tensions, the family uses their voice and must unite as they reckon with backlash from a divided community, white supremacists, and intergenerational trauma from Cambodia's "killing fields."
38 AT THE GARDEN 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. A decade later, Lin’s stature as a groundbreaking, cultural icon stands in stark relief to the recent hate crimes against the Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) community.
UNCONDITIONAL is a slice of life of three families as they discover the challenges of caring for their loved ones living with disabilities. These family caregivers give so much of themselves, they develop emotional wounds of their own. Together, they learn that it’s okay not to feel okay. That therapy is like going to the gym. To embrace not knowing what’s next. It’s a unique window into a trending topic of our time. Of what more than 50 million Americans are facing today.
"Breakthrough Voices: how showcasing AAPI films can change the headlines" a panel with directors Frank Chi, David Siev, and Richard Lui moderated by NBC News Studio, Head of Documentary, Molly O'Brien will take place between 38 at the Garden and Unconditional in the program.
This event is sponsored by AARP, Asian American Documentary Network, Asian Pacific Filmmakers Experience and the Center for Asian American Media.
5:00 — Bad Axe (1 hr 40 mins)
short food break
7:00 — 38 at the Garden (38 mins)
7:40 — Panel with David Siev, Frank Chi & Richard Lui hosted by Molly O'Brien
8:10 — Unconditional (1 hr 25 mins)