May 2018 Newsletter

Congratulations to our 2018 CAPE New Writer Fellows!

This year marks our third graduating class of fellows from our New Writers pro-gram, which is designed to propel young AAPI writers into the spotlight through intense writer’s lab workshops, mock pitching, and mentorship.

We congratulate all of our fellows on a successful year and wish them all the best on their endeavors into the screenwriting world!

Five New Stories For Season 4!We are proud to announce the return of our YouTube series, #IAM, for its fourth season!

Join us throughout the month of May as we bring you five brand new stories from Asian American Pacific Islanders who are continuing to change the landscape of entertainment, gaming, music, and sports.

Each week we will be releasing the stories of influencers like:

Mari TakahashiGamer

A.J. RafaelSinger-Songwriter

Sandra OhActress

Michelle KwanOlympic Figure Skater

Abhijay PrakashChief Operations Officer,

Universal Studios

Wenda FongCAPE Co-FounderBoard Emeritus

In October of 1991, a handful of friends and colleagues met in the private room of The Mandarin in Beverly Hills and determined that there was interest, support, and the desire to create a new organization with the common goal of advancing AAPIs in the entertainment industry.

It was a time when pioneers like Wayne Wang (JOY LUCK CLUB), Ang Lee (WEDDING BANQUET), and Steven Okazaki (DAYS OF WAITING) were punching through decades of media stereotypes. Hollywood had yet to grasp that AAPIs were to become a significant force in the world´s most influential cultural industry.

“Back then, the only representation of AAPIs on film were derogatory yellowface caricatures and grossly stereotypical perceptions of our com-munity through the eyes of white Americans,” says Wenda Fong, one of the founding members of CAPE.

While Hollywood has transitioned away from the archaic, and offensive depictions of AAPIs, there is still much more work left to do in improving opportunities and visiblity for aspiring actors, directors, and writers.

“Over the past 25 years, CAPE has an instrumental leader in getting the voices of our community heard in today’s entertainment industry,” said Fong. “AAPI role models have shattered barriers, transformed our cultural landscape, and paved the way for our community of creatives and execu-tives. We want to continue that momentum for another 25 years.”

As more resources become available for emerging AAPI artists, CAPE continues to champion the same fervor it has had since its inception in creating a pipeline of success.

UpcomingEvents

IdentityLA FestivalSaturday, May 12th

Grand Park/LA City HallFREE Admission

The Honor List Screening

Wednesday, May 9thTiato Garden

FREE Admission

L.A. Asian-Pacific Film FestivalThursday, May 3th - Saturday, May 12th

Visual Communications

CAPE Executive Leader Looks Back on 25 Years

“Asian American & Pacific Islander (AAPI) role models have shattered barriers, transformed our cultural

landscape, and paved the way for our community of creatives and executives.”

May is Asian Pacific American Heritage Month.

CAPE celebrates the remarkable work of trailblazing AAPI artists and executives who shaped the landscape of today’s media and recognizes

the significant work left to be done to better represent our community.

Did You Know?

May is... Asian Pacific American Heritage Month

CAPE celebrates the pioneering influence of trailblazing AAPI artists and executiveswho have shaped today’s media landscape and recognizes the significant work left

to do to better represent our community.

4.4% of speaking characters in movies were played by Asian-Pacific actors in 2013.

2.6% of primetime T.V. programs featuredAsian-Pacific series regulars.

1% of leading roles in television went to Asian-Pacific actors in 2018.