Every May we take extra time to celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month by shining a light on AAPI experiences and filmmakers.

Why May? you ask. In 1977 the U.S. Congress (spearheaded by Representative Frank Horton of New York and Senator Daniel Inouye of Hawaii) chose the first ten days of May to commemorate the history and contributions of Asian American communities here in the U.S. The week’s observance became a month, the very month in which the first Japanese immigrants came to the U.S. in 1843. We also commemorate the completion of the transcontinental railroad on May 10, 1869 as the majority of workers who laid those railroad tracks were Chinese immigrants.

In 1873, an Indianapolis construction company contracted and brought to Augusta, Georgia about 200 Chinese male laborers to widen and deepen the Augusta Canal.

Enjoy this collection of films premiering this month as well as some gems to revisit. These documentaries celebrate the light and love in our diverse AAPI communities. We also recognize the need to face ugly truths about events of racism, xenophobia, and violence targeted towards AAPI communities. When we are honest about the past, we can begin to heal from the wounds of hate and in doing so, make a better future together.

https://www.pbs.org/articles/celebrate-asian-american-and-pacific-islander-heritage-month-may-2022