On March 10, 2025, nearly 200 guests gathered at the Paley Center for Media in New York City for an unforgettable evening celebrating Asian and AAPI storytelling in film. Serica Storytellers, a programming series dedicated to preserving the legacies of strong leaders in Hosted by The Serica Initiative, in partnership with the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures and Gold House, this sold-out event brought together filmmakers, industry professionals, and cultural leaders to spotlight the voices shaping the future of cinema.
The event was sponsored by East West Bank and David and Charlotte Ackert Family Foundation and partnered with Gold House.
The David & Charlotte Ackert Family Foundation
A Night of Connection & Celebration
The evening kicked off with an elegant reception spanning two floors, where guests enjoyed delicious drinks and passed hors d’oeuvres while networking with fellow film lovers, artists, and advocates for AAPI representation in media. The energy in the room was palpable—lively conversations about film, culture, and identity buzzed throughout the space as attendees anticipated the night’s main event.
Spotlight on Storytelling: The Panel Discussion
The highlight of the evening was an inspiring panel conversation between
🎤 Janet Yang – President, Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences & trailblazing producer
🎬 Chai Vasarhelyi – Academy Award-winning documentary filmmaker (Free Solo, The Rescue)
🎥 Amy Homma – Director & President, Academy Museum of Motion Pictures
The discussion explored AAPI storytelling, the power of representation, and the evolving landscape of the film industry, which needs continued support from AAPI and Asians everywhere.
Janet Yang shared insights into her journey, reflecting on how she has worked to break barriers for Asian creatives in Hollywood. She reflected on her focus on helping Asian storytellers get the funds and tools necessary to make great impact, and how AI will never replace humans in the filmmaking arena.
Telling great stories requires a human touch - human ingenuity, human innovation, is what will move the cultural conversation forward. What we do cannot be entirely replicated by robots.
Chai Vasarhelyi spoke about her experience in filmmaking, her delight in winning an Oscar with her husband, and her passion for highlighting untold narratives.
Amy Homma provided a deep dive into how the Academy Museum is preserving and celebrating Asian and AAPI contributions to cinema—ensuring that these stories continue to inspire generations to come.
See a clip of the conversation below
Exclusive Sneak Peek: Academy Museum’s Upcoming Asian Cinema Exhibitions
🎞️ Bong Joon Ho Exhibit (March 23, 2025 – January 2027)
Guests got a first look at the upcoming exhibition celebrating the work of Bong Joon Ho, the visionary director behind Parasite, Memories of Murder, and The Host. This exhibit, running from March 23, 2025, to January 2027, will delve into Bong’s creative process, featuring storyboards, props, and never-before-seen behind-the-scenes materials.
Learn more about the exhibition here.
🏮 "Raising the Lantern: A Celebration of Chinese-Language Cinema" (April 10 – May 24, 2025)
The second trailer introduced an exhibition dedicated to Chinese-language cinema, curated in part by Janet Yang. Running from April 10 to May 24, 2025, this exhibition will honor the rich legacy of Chinese filmmakers and their global influence. Attendees were among the first to glimpse this special exhibition, which will highlight classic and contemporary Chinese-language films.
More details can be found here.
A Special Look at the Janet Yang Endowment & Archive for Asian & AAPI Films
Attendees also received news of the upcoming Janet Yang Endowment & Archive for Asian & AAPI Films, a groundbreaking initiative set to be formally announced in April. This endowment aims to support the preservation, restoration, and recognition of Asian and AAPI films, ensuring these stories are not only remembered but actively celebrated in the global cinematic landscape.
Those interested in learning more about how to support or donate to this vital initiative can reach out to Kiara Tinch at Ktinch@oscars.org.
A Sold-Out Success & A Look Ahead
The event was a resounding success, leaving attendees energized and inspired. Guests lingered after the panel, exchanging thoughts on the discussion and capturing photos with Janet, Chai, and Amy, solidifying new connections and sparking collaborations.
We Want Your Feedback!
If you attended Serica Storytellers, we’d love to hear your thoughts! Your feedback helps us create even more impactful events in the future.
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined us for this milestone evening. Stay tuned for more exciting events from The Serica Initiative, and let’s continue to champion AAPI voices in film and beyond!
📸 Check out event highlights on our social media and below.
Big shoutout to the multi-talented Lia Chang for her amazing photography to accompany ours taken by staff.
