MOCA TALKS with Dr. Samuel Jamier – How Asian & Asian American Cinema Got Real
From Parasite to Everything Everywhere All at Once, Asian and Asian American cinema aren’t just having a moment—they’re reshaping the global film landscape. Join MOCA for a nuanced, provocative conversation with Dr. Samuel Jamier, President and Executive Director of the New York Asian Film Festival (NYAFF), who has championed Asian cinema worldwide and put Japanese, Korean, and Chinese films on the map. In this talk, Jamier will explore how the rise of Asian cinema is creating ripple effects in Asian American filmmaking, redefining expectations and, frankly, stealing the spotlight. He’ll unpack what “Asian American cinema” means today, including the shift from “Asian-American” to a more unified identity, and the challenges of representing Asian American stories without falling into essentialism. From Bruce Lee to Parasite and Dìdi, Jamier will trace the converging paths of Asian and Asian American cinema, showing how these movements amplify each other and expand the boundaries of cinema.
MOCA TALKS with Curtis Chin – Everything I Learned, I Learned in a Chinese Restaurant
MOCA invites you to an insightful discussion with Curtis Chin, author of the award-winning memoir Everything I Learned, I Learned in a Chinese Restaurant. Chin will share his experiences growing up as a gay Chinese American in 1980s Detroit, framed by life at his family’s beloved Cantonese restaurant, Chung’s. His memoir captures a powerful journey of self-discovery during a time marked by rising xenophobia, the AIDS crisis, and the shifting social and political climate of the Reagan era, illustrating how these challenges shaped his identity as a writer and activist. As a filmmaker and co-founder of the Asian American Writers’ Workshop, Chin has dedicated his career to exploring cultural identity, community, and social justice through storytelling. He will delve into his evolution from comedy writing to producing documentaries that address critical social issues. The conversation, moderated by Yifan Wu, MOCA’s Director of Programs, will offer insights into the intersection of personal history and larger social movements, inspiring reflection and dialogue.
MOCA AAPI LGBTQ+ Mental Health Symposium
Join us for an insightful symposium focused on mental health within the AAPI LGBTQ+ community. The event features a panel of three mental health experts who will discuss key topics such as self-acceptance, relationships, and the unique challenges facing queer Asian Americans. Attendees are encouraged to bring their questions for the panelists. The symposium will be conducted primarily in English, with Mandarin language support available. This symposium is part of MOCA’s ongoing commitment to raising mental health awareness and fostering an inclusive space for AAPI LGBTQ+ voices.
MOCA TALKS with Ken Liu – Laozi’s Dao De Jing
MOCA hosts an insightful discussion with thought-provoking conversation with award-winning novelist Ken Liu as he illustrates his new translation of Laozi’s Dao De Jing. Written around 400 BC, this foundational Chinese philosophical text resonates with themes of humility, resilience, and the search for harmony. Liu’s fresh interpretation offers more than just a translation; it provides a deeply personal journey through Laozi’s wisdom, addressing contemporary challenges with profound insight. His work encourages readers to embrace the constant change and flow of life, ultimately finding solace in the Dao. Moderated by Yifan Wu, MOCA’s Director of Programs, this event promises a captivating exploration of the timeless relevance of Laozi’s teachings and the art of translation.
MOCA PRESENTS: An A. Magazine Reunion
MOCA invites you to the A. Magazine Reunion, an afternoon dedicated to the legacy of one of the most influential Asian American publications of the 1980s and ’90s, and the only one based in New York, where its leaders and staff were intimately involved with the city’s Asian American community and cultural landscape. This special event will feature a Panel Discussion with Jeff Yang (co-founder of A. Magazine: Inside Asian America), Amy Chu (co-founder of A. Magazine), Lakán Angelo Ragaza (managing editor and editor-in-chief), moderated by Herb Tam, MOCA’s Curator and Director of Exhibitions. Yang, Chu and Ragaza will share their experiences and challenges in launching and sustaining this culturally specific publication during the pre-internet era, when ethnic media served as a vital platform for representation and community building.
They Call Us Bruce Podcast with David Henry Hwang
Join us for a special live recording of the They Call Us Bruce podcast series, featuring an insightful conversation with the award-winning playwright and screenwriter David Henry Hwang. Known for his acclaimed works such as M. Butterfly, Yellow Face, and Chinglish, as well as musicals like Soft Power and Flower Drum Song, Hwang will discuss his impactful career and the Broadway revival of Yellow Face, currently running until Sunday, November 24. Guided by cultural critic and author Jeff Yang (NYT bestsellers Rise and The Golden Screen), co-host of They Call Us Bruce with Phil Yu (founder and editor of Angry Asian Man), this event will explore Hwang’s experiences and reflections on identity, storytelling, and the evolving landscape of Asian American representation in the arts.
MOCA TALKS with Mengxi Wang – Chinatown 32 Sequences
In partnership with the Chinatown Partnership/Chinatown BID, the Museum of Chinese in America (MOCA) invites you to an insightful conversation with Mengxi Wang, photographer and author of Chinatown 32 Sequences. This book offers an immersive exploration of New York’s Chinatown, capturing the essence of its people and culture. Through vivid photography and storytelling, Wang highlights the lives of longtime residents and new immigrants, offering an intimate look at the community’s enduring legacy amid constant change. Featuring narratives about master artisans, local entrepreneurs, and thriving cultural practices, Chinatown 32 Sequences showcases the neighborhood's hidden gems and everyday heroes. The conversation will include insights from Ziqing Chen, the designer and art director behind the book, and will be moderated by Yifan Wu, MOCA’s Director of Programs.
MOCACon: Celebrating Asian American Artists in Comics
In celebration of New York Comic Con and the special exhibition Magazine Fever: Gen X Asian American Periodicals, the Museum of Chinese in America (MOCA) and award-winning comics writer Amy Chu (co-founder of A. Magazine) are thrilled to present MOCACon. Taking place on Wednesday, October 16, 2024, from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM, MOCACon will highlight the profound creative contributions of Asian American artists in the comic industry. Moderated by Amy Chu, the panel will feature award-winning creators Cliff Chiang, and Pornsak Pichetshote, who will discuss the evolution of Asian American narratives in comics, the intersection of cultural heritage, and strategies for building successful careers across both independent and mainstream platforms. Join us to engage with the rich intersection of comic art, culture, and storytelling at MOCA.
MOCA PRESENTS: 4N Exchange – An Evening with Special Special and 4N
MOCA and Special Special host 4N Exchange, an evening dedicated to creative dialogue featuring artists from the second issue of 4N magazine. Join us for a panel discussion where artists Ally Yanxiu Luo, Terumi Saito, Supatida Sutiratana, Sixing Xu, and Hang Yu will take us through their creative practices and share their experiences as immigrants making art in the U.S. today. The discussion will address the challenges of navigating the creative landscape, particularly the complexities of the visa process, and offer insights into their artistic journeys.
MOCA TALKS: Ho Tam in Conversation with Herb Tam
The Museum of Chinese in America (MOCA) cordially invites you to an insightful conversation between artist Ho Tam and Herb Tam, MOCA’s Curator and Director of Exhibitions. They will explore Tam’s self-published magazine Hotam, his journey in creating artist books, and his reflections on living in New York during the 1990s.
