Stand Back, Move Along, Nothing to See Here, Just Murder

And Other Things to Know From Angry Asian America.



What We Know About the Death of George Floyd in Minneapolis
"I can't breathe." George Floyd died after being handcuffed and pinned to the ground by a Minneapolis police officer's knee. By now, you've seen or heard about the video of the incident. Let's not pretend that an Asian American officer wasn't one of the cops who stood watch while Floyd was murdered.

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Kumail Nanjiani, Lulu Wang, Hasan Minhaj, More Get Candid About Success, Failure - and Abs - in Hollywood
In honor of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, Variety gathered prominent AAPI creatives Kumail Nanjiani, Hasan Minhaj, Jon M. Chu, Ally Maki and Lulu Wang for a lively discussion about what it means to be successful in the entertainment industry, how their parents and family regard their careers, who their industry role models were as they came up and what what being successful means for AAPIs in the industry going forward.

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Celeste Ng's Everything I Never Told You is Being Adapted for TV
Annapurna Television has won the rights to adapt Everything I Never Told You, the bestselling debut novel from Celeste Ng, as a television limited series. The book explores the divisions between cultures and the rifts within a family, and uncovering the ways in which mothers and daughters, fathers and sons, and husbands and wives struggle to understand each other over a lifetime. Set in a small town in 1970s Ohio, protagonist Lydia is the adored but put-upon child of Marilyn and James Lee. When her body is found in a local lake, the delicate balancing act that has been keeping the Lee family together is destroyed, sending them into chaos.

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I Will Make You Mine
The movie I Will Make You Mine, written/directed/produced by and starring Lynn Chen, is now available on DVD and VOD. The semi-sequel to Surrogate Valentine and Daylight Savings, the indie feature centers on three women (Lynn Chen, Ayako Fujitani, Yea-Ming Chen) who wrestle with life's difficulties while confronting their past relationships with the same man (Goh Nakamura). It's a bittersweet story of growing up while continuing to reach for the familiar, all set to the real-life soundtrack of Goh Nakamura and Yea-Ming Chen.

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Fresh Off the Boat & Kim's Convenience Live Table Reads
This is going to be fun. Fresh Off the Boat and Kim's Convenience were breakthroughs for Asians on prime time television. Now, the casts of both shows are uniting for one night only -- to read their historic pilot episodes live, to raise support for Asian American / Asian Canadian arts during Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. The live stream is happening Saturday, May 30, 8pm PT / 11pm PT, on Seed and Spark.

They Call Us Bruce - Episode 99: They Call Us Lynn Chen

Jeff Yang and Phil Yu present an unfiltered conversation about what's happening in Asian America.



What's up, podcast listeners? We've got another episode of our podcast They Call Us Bruce. (Almost) each week, my good friend, writer/columnist Jeff Yang and I host an unfiltered conversation about what's happening in Asian America, with a strong focus on media, entertainment and popular culture.

On this episode, we welcome Lynn Chen, who wrote, directed, produced and stars in the movie I Will Make You Mine. She talks about getting the "band" back together, the song that almost busted her budget, and completing the lowest budget movie trilogy ever.

Here's Where You Can Report COVID19-Related Hate Incidents

And Other Things to Know From Angry Asian America.



Stop AAPI Hate
If you have witnessed or experienced coronavirus-related micro-aggressions, bullying, harassment, hate speech, or violence, use this form to report it. In the two weeks since its launch, Stop AAPI Hate has received more than 650 reports. Some emerging trends: Women are three times more likely to report harassment than men; 61% of respondents are non-Chinese; verbal harassment/name calling is the most commonly reported type of discrimination, making up 2/3 of all reports; Asian Americans are more likely to face coronavirus discrimination in public and at businesses, especially grocery stores, pharmacies and big box retail stores.

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FBI Warns of Potential Surge in Hate Crimes Against Asian Americans
Federal law enforcement is warning of an increase in hate crimes against Asian Americans as the coronavirus crisis continues to grow, according to a new FBI analysis. "The FBI makes this assessment based on the assumption that a portion of the US public will associate COVID-19 with China and Asian American populations," according to the intelligence report, which was compiled by the FBI’s Houston office and distributed to local law enforcement agencies across the country.

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Reward Offered for Information on Naperville Battery
Police in Naperville, Illinois are trying to identify two women involved in the battery of a jogger last Saturday, March 21. What this article doesn't say, I'm told, was that the victim was an older Asian man and they yelled "Go back to China" while attacking him. Somebody, please catch these racists.

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I Will Make You Mine
Pre-order the indie film I Will Make You Mine. Written and directed by Lynn Chen, the film re-visits the characters from Surrogate Valentine and Daylight Savings, following three women who wrestle with life's difficulties while confronting their past relationships with the same man. Available on May 26.

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Isa Briones - "Blue Skies"
No spoilers, but here's Isa Briones performing a cover of "Blue Skies," as heard in the Star Trek: Picard finale.

The Creator of the Famous 'Konami Code' Has Died

Things to Know From Angry Asian America



Kazuhisa Hashimoto, creator of the famous ‘Konami Code,’ has died
Up. Up. Down. Down. Left. Right. Left. Right. B. A. Start. It’s the most famous sequence of button pushes in video game history, and its creator, Kazuhisa Hashimoto, has died. He was reportedly 61.

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Elderly Man Robbed Of Recycling In SF's Bayview-Hunters Point Identified
Police in San Francisco announced that investigators have identified the man who was threatened and attacked over the weekend as he was robbed of recycling he had collected in Bayview-Hunters Point.

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Bellevue College apologizes after administrator alters mural depicting Japanese American internment
Bellevue College has apologized after one of its vice presidents altered a mural of two Japanese American children in a World War II incarceration camp by whiting out a reference to anti-Japanese agitation by local businessmen in the accompanying artist description. Created by Seattle artist Erin Shigaki, the art installation "Never Again Is Now" includes an 11-foot-tall mural of two children photographed at a California incarceration camp. Last week, professors were notified that someone had removed one sentence in a paragraph about Japanese immigrants and their connection to Bellevue.

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Olivia Liang Cast as Lead of CW's 'Kung Fu' Reboot
Olivia Liang will star as the lead in the pilot of CW's reimagining of the 1970s TV show Kung Fu. In the new series, written by Christina M. Kim, a quarter-life crisis causes a young Chinese-American woman, Nicky Chen, to drop out of college and go on a life-changing journey to an isolated monastery in China. But when she returns to find her hometown overrun with crime and corruption, she uses her martial arts skills and Shaolin values to protect her community and bring criminals to justice -- all while searching for the assassin who killed her Shaolin mentor and is now targeting her.

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I Will Make You Mine
Ahead of its world premiere next month at SXSW, here is the trailer for I Will Make You Mine, the directorial debut from our friend Lynn Chen. The film follows three characters: Rachel (Chen), who lives in luxury with her cheating husband; Professor Erika (Ayako Fujitani), who is trying her best to juggle her career and raising her daughter Sachiko (Ayami Riley Tomine); and struggling musician Yea-Ming Chen (who plays a version of herself). They all may have different lives, but they share one common bond: a flawed romantic history with singer-songwriter Goh Nakamura(who also plays a version of himself). As seen in the trailer above, when Goh comes back into their lives, the past comes back and makes things a tad bit complicated. The film will be released on May 26 from Gravitas Ventures.

Fund This: 'I Will Make You Mine'

Lynn Chen makes her directorial debut with the sequel to 'Surrogate Valentine' and 'Daylight Savings.'



Here's a film project that could use your crowdfunded generosity.

I was pretty excited to hear about I Will Make You Mine. Not only is it the final installment of a trilogy -- the sequel to the fan favorite indie features Surrogate Valentine and Daylight Savings -- it marks the directorial debut of my good friend Lynn Chen, who also wrote, produces and stars in the film.

2011's Surrogate Valentine and 2012's Daylight Savings, written and directed by Dave Boyle, followed the life, love and friendships of indie musician Goh Nakamura, who played a version of himself. Six years later, I Will Make You Mine shares the perspective of three women who are romantically linked to Goh, as they maneuver in to their 40s and face major life changes.

"I never set out to become a writer, director, or producer," Lynn says. "But somehow this film, about growing older and re-examining our past relationships, called out to me. And I could not have told this particular story at any other time in my life."

Lynn Chen to direct 'I Will Make You Mine'

'Saving Face' star to write, direct, produce and star in final installment of 'Surrogate Valentine' trilogy.



It's like catching up with an old friend. Fans of the 2011 indie movie favorite Surrogate Valentine and its 2012 sequel Daylight Savings will be pleased to learn that a long-awaited third installment is in the works.

Lynn Chen to Direct Indie 'I Will Make You Mine'

Surrogate Valentine and Daylight Savings, written and directed by Dave Boyle followed the life, love and friendships of indie musician Goh Nakamura, who played a version of himself. I Will Make You Mine, the final installment in the trilogy, shares the perspective of three women, who are romantically linked to Nakamura, as they maneuver in to their 40s and face major life changes.

How To Pick Up Asian Chicks

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I Miss My Dad and His Pork Chops

Guest Post by Lynn Chen



Growing up, I was always in awe of first generation Asian-Americans who talk to their parents. I mean REALLY talk to them. Beyond just "This is what I did today" or "Auntie's dinner is on Saturday" or "This is what grade I got" or "This is how much I'm getting paid for this job."

Or maybe it was just me and my family. My brother and I had our own secret language, and another with our parents. We said what they wanted to hear, because they never seemed to like the truth. We learned to absorb criticism and keep our mouths shut.

I developed binge eating disorder that took over most of my twenties. In my thirties, as I started recovery in the form of two blogs (The Actor's Diet and Thick Dumpling Skin), I learned how to communicate with my parents through food. Of course my folks had always fed me. But I never asked questions -- I just ate what was in front of me, whatever my mother placed into my bowl with her chopsticks. When I began writing about my diet on a daily basis, I unearthed questions about who I was -- where I came from, who my family was. Who were they?

I introduced my parents to Farmer's Markets and Brita Filters. I was curious about the origin stories of dim sum on Sunday. Stinky tofu. Pork Floss. Why did we always have a tin of Danish Butter Cookies and Almond Roca in the pantry? We sat together and ate. More and more, we learned to sit together and not focus on the food - more on the conversation.

My father stopped cooking when I left for college, but when we were kids I remembered two dishes he had on heavy rotation: Pan Fried Pork Chops and Spaghetti.

Lynn Chen Bites Taiwan

Actress/blogger embarks on Taiwan food adventures in her new webseries on ISAtv.



My pal Lynn Chen, actress, activist and blogger behind The Actor's Diet, recently went on a trip to Taiwan where she toured and sightsaw and, of course, ate delicious things. She had the cameras rolling during her adventures, and now shares them with us in the premiere episode of Lynn Chen Bites, her new webseries on ISAtv. In addition to eating various awesome stuff, she is adorable.

Check it out:

What Asian Country Has The Best Dessert?

Lynn Chen goes on a quest in celebration of Asian Dessert Heritage Month.



Our friend, actress and food blogger Lynn Chen, recently went on a quest to determine, once and for all, What Asian Country Has The Best Dessert? In this BuzzFeed video, she hits the streets of Los Angeles in celebration of Asian Dessert Heritage Month. (Okay, there is no such month. But hell, Asian Dessert Heritage Month should be a real thing. Let's make it a thing. #AsianDessertHeritageMonth.)

Lynn samples desserts from various Asian nations and names her favorite. Let's see the results:

10th Anniversary Screening of 'Saving Face'

With cast/crew in attendance, November 12 at the Tateuchi Democracy Forum



Los Angeles film fans, mark your calendars. I'm super excited about this. I am please to partner with Visual Communications and the Japanese American National Museum to present a very special 10th anniversary screening of the 2004 romantic comedy/drama Saving Face, starring Michelle Krusiec, Lynn Chen and Joan Chen. If you've never seen it before, or want to revisit this charming little gem with fellow fans and members of the cast and crew, come on out. It's happening Wednesday, November 12 at JANM.

Here are some more details about the screening:

Watch Nice Girls Crew Season Two!

Starring Lynn Chen, Michelle Krusiec and Sheetal Sheth as the best book club ever



Apologies to my homegirls in the Nice Girls Crew.

The second season of the comedy webseries, created/written by Christine Kwon, directed/written by Tanuj Chopra and starring Lynn Chen, Michelle Krusiec and Sheetal Sheth as three best frenemies in the best book club ever, dropped last week. I was actually on vacation, and wasn't able to give it proper blog love. So here it is.

In season two, available for viewing in its entirety on YouTube, the book club moves their shenanigans to Sophie's house where we meet Geraldine's mom (the legendary Tsai Chin) and Leena's hot new love interest. There are motivational speeches, literary re-enactments and deadly games of survival.

Watch it now:

Watch a limited sneak preview of 'Nice Girls Crew' Season 2!

Enter to win a 'Nice Girls Crew' Book Club Kit!



Nice Girls Crew is back! Three best frenemies in the best book club ever -- Lynn Chen, Michelle Krusiec and Sheetal Sheth -- are back for a second season of the hit comedy webseries, created/written by Christine Kwon and directed/written by Tanuj Chopra. Watch it online starting April 28.

In season two of Nice Girls Crew, the book club moves their shenanigans to Sophie's house where we meet Geraldine's mom (the legendary Tsai Chin) and Leena's hot new love interest. There are motivational speeches, literary re-enactments and deadly games of survival.

To celebrate the impending new season, we're doing a sweet giveaway of NGC goodies. To find out how to win, scroll down below. But first, who wants to see a totally awesome sneak preview of Nice Girls Crew?

Freaking Sneak Preview! For a limited time! From now until Thursday, April 17, you can watch all five episodes of Nice Girls Crew Season 2 in advance of the official premiere. Whaaaaat. Watch it now. Right now:

Nice Girls Crew Season 2 Trailer

Second season premieres online April 28



They're baaaaaack! Nice Girls Crew is back! Three best frenemies in the best book club ever -- Lynn Chen, Michelle Krusiec and Sheetal Sheth -- are back for a second season of the hit comedy webseries, taking the mirth and mayhem to new heights. All five episodes of season two will be available online on April 28.

In season two, your favorite book club moves their shenanigans to Sophie's house where we meet Geraldine's mom (the legendary Tsai Chin), and find out who Leena's new love interest is! It's pretty hot.

Here's the season two trailer:

Watch Jane Lui's Crazy Fun Cover of TLC's "Waterfalls"

Featuring Tamlyn Tomita, Lynn Chen and a band of merry misfit music makers



So this awesome thing totally happened... In this super-fun video, singer/songwriter Jane Lui is joined by friends Tamlyn Tomita and Lynn Chen, and leads a band of merry misfit music makers in an ultra-homemade one-take cover of TLC's "Waterfalls," complete with typewriters, a toy piano, a water jugand cardboard cutouts. (Yes, I make an appearance somewhere in there too.) Take a look:

Watch Nice Girls Crew Season 2 on Comcast VOD/Streaming

Starring Lynn Chen, Michelle Krusiec and Sheetal Sheth



Heads up to all Comcast cable subscribers. The Nice Girls Crew is back! The ladies of your favorite BFF book club return for a second season of the wacky comedy web series Nice Girls Crew, now available exclusively this month on XFINITY On Demand's Cinema Asian America, as well as Xfinity Streaming.

Nice Girls Crew Season 2 Screening, September 26

Special one-night-only Season 2 screening at the Landmark Theater in Los Angeles



They're baaaack. The hilarious webseries Nice Girls Crew return for a second season. Lynn Chen, Michelle Krusiec and Sheetal Sheth are back as Sophie, Geraldine and Linsa -- three best frenemies forever in one crazy-ass book club. Before you do anything, be sure to catch up on season one here.

Season two expands the wacky world of Nice Girls Crew, introducing new characters played by Leonardo Nam, Parvesh Cheena, Anthony Ma and the iconic Tsai Chin as Geraldine's worldly mother, and getting down and dirty with cupcakes, manservants, self-help books and outdoor competition.

If you're in Los Angeles, they're setting things off with a special one-night only screening with cast and crew on Thursday, September 26 at the Landmark Theater. I'll be there to serve as emcee and lead the Q&A. Won't you come out? Here are some more details about the screening:

Funny Short: Abby White, Interracial Relationship Counselor

Abby White thinks she is an expert in "interracial relationships." She is not.



Got a big kick out of seeing my pal Lynn Chen in this YOMYOMF Network sketch short Abby White, Interracial Relationship Counselor, directed by Doan La. Lynn plays one-half of an interracial couple who visit with the most clueless, offensive couples' counselor in the world. Abby White thinks she is an expert in "interracial relationships." She is not:

fund this: nice girls crew season two

So check it. Our friends behind the hilarious web series Nice Girls Crew, starring Lynn Chen, Michelle Krusiec and Sheetal Sheth, are hard at work on a second season of more hijinks with the most amazing book club in the history of existence. To make it happen, they're raising funds through an Indiegogo campaign. But first, you should watch the whole first season, if you haven't already. Check it out:

yes, we're open now available on dvd/digital download

Film lovers. Something for you. The indie sex comedy Yes, We're Open is now available on DVD and Digital Download. You've heard me rave about it. If you missed it on the festival circuit, now's the chance to watch it from the comfort of your couch or, heck, even your handheld device. It's the future.

Lynn Chen and Parry Shen star as Sylvia and Luke, a seemingly liberal San Francisco couple who reconsider just how modern a lifestyle they actually lead when they meet a provocative polyamorous couple. With temptation around the corner, Luke and Sylvia must figure out where they really stand on love, sex, and honesty.

Want to win a copy of the DVD? Scroll down. But first, here's the trailer: