AAPI Entertainment: Hollywood’s Readiness to Tell Stories with Care
Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) entertainment has been making big waves in recent years, with hits like “Parasite,” “Spirited Away,” and “In the Mood For Love” gracing the top 10 of the New York Times’ list of the top 100 movies of the 21st century. This surge in popularity highlights the growing American interest in Asian entertainment.
One key player in this wave of success was the groundbreaking film “Crazy Rich Asians,” which opened the door for AAPI stories to reach a wider audience. The question now is whether Hollywood is ready to take on the responsibility of telling these stories with the care and authenticity they deserve.
A recent example that put this question to the test was the live-action remake of Disney’s beloved animated film “Lilo & Stitch.” Elena Creef, a Women’s and Gender Studies professor at Wellesley College, saw the film as a positive step forward. She noted the efforts made to ensure that the representation of Indigenous Hawaiian culture and people was respectful and well-handled.
Hollywood has come a long way in terms of diversity and representation, but there is still work to be done. As AAPI entertainment continues to gain popularity, it’s essential for the industry to approach these stories with the diligence and sensitivity they require. So, is Hollywood up to the challenge? Only time will tell.
