In a grand commemoration of Asian American Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islanders Heritage Month, President Biden showcased a special White House screening of the eagerly-awaited Disney+ Original series “American Born Chinese.” The series, a collaboration between Disney Branded Television and 20th Television, is set to make its debut on May 24 on Disney+, releasing all episodes simultaneously.
A Night of Cultural Significance
The screening event, a key component of the largest AANHPI Heritage Month celebration at the White House, was launched in partnership with The Asian American Foundation (TAAF). The evening began with empowering words from President Biden and Academy Award-winning actor Ke Huy Quan.
Highlighting the relevance of “American Born Chinese” and the significance of the AANHPI Heritage Month, Quan passionately explained the series’ essence, stating,
“This is a show about that very crossroads — between storybook fantasy and real-world struggle. It tells the tale of an immigrant family, with an American son, finding their way, forging their own path, and dealing with all the highs and lows of that difficult journey. It’s about the blending of cultures, influences, and values into a new American identity. And most of all … it’s about family.”
Ke Huy Quan
The Power of Stories
President Biden also shared his thoughts on the event:
“Nights like these are a reminder of the power of stories.”
Joe Biden
Star-Studded Screening
In attendance were series stars Ben Wang, Yeo Yann Yann, Chin Han, Daniel Wu, Jimmy Liu, and Sydney Taylor, along with the series’ creative team, including Gene Luen Yang, the author of the graphic novel and executive producer of the series. Other key figures present were executive producer and director Destin Daniel Cretton, series creator and showrunner Kelvin Yu, and executive producers Melvin Mar, Jake Kasdan, and Erin O’Malley. Peyton Elizabeth Lee and Alex Aiono, stars of the Disney+ Original series “Doogie Kamealoha, M.D.,” were also among the distinguished guests.
The Tale of “American Born Chinese”
“American Born Chinese,” based on Gene Luen Yang’s graphic novel, follows a typical American teenager’s life, which is dramatically transformed when he becomes friends with a mythological god’s son. The series narrates a young man’s struggle for his identity, conveyed through family dynamics, humor, and thrilling kung fu action.
Photo Credit: Disney/Pawel Kaminski
Xylo News 