May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month – a time to honor the rich tapestry of cultures, histories and voices that have helped shape America’s past and continue to influence its future. From pioneering artists like Tyrus Wong and groundbreaking storytellers like Amy Tan, to bold documentarians capturing intergenerational struggles and triumphs, Arkansas PBS Passport offers a powerful slate of films that celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander experiences. Whether you're exploring centuries of Asian history, or discovering unsung heroes of American culture, these stories invite viewers to reflect, learn and connect more deeply with the vibrant communities that make up Asian American and Pacific Islander heritage.
HOW TO WATCH
Members who contribute a tax-deductible gift of at least $5 per month, or an annual gift of $60 or more, are eligible for Arkansas PBS Passport – an extended, on-demand library of your favorite PBS shows, films and specials.
As a reminder, you can watch anywhere, anytime on myarkansaspbs.org, or by using the PBS app, available on your TV, phone or tablet.
TRAILBLAZERS
"American Masters: Tyrus Wong" – Until his death at the age of 106, Tyrus Wong was America’s oldest living Chinese American artist and one of the last remaining artists from the golden age of Disney animation. The quiet beauty of his Eastern-influenced paintings had a pioneering impact on American art and popular culture.
"American Masters: Amy Tan: Unintended Memoir" – An intimate portrait of the groundbreaking writer that interweaves archival imagery, including home movies and personal photographs, animation and original interviews to tell the inspiring story of Tan’s life and career.
"Photographic Justice: The Corky Lee Story" – Using his camera as a “weapon against injustice,” Chinese American photographer Corky Lee’s art is his activism. His unforgettable images of Asian American life empowered generations. This film’s intimate portrait reveals the triumphs and tragedies of the man behind the lens.
Only on Passport:
"American Masters: Waterman-Duke: Ambassador of Aloha"
“Independent Lens: Who Is Michael Jang?”
UNDERSTANDING HISTORY
"Asian Americans" – A five-hour film series that delivers a bold, fresh perspective on a history that matters today, more than ever. How do we move forward together as America becomes more diverse and more divided while facing unimaginable challenges? Told through intimate personal stories, the series will cast a new lens on U.S. history and the ongoing role that Asian Americans have played.
"Great Performances: Yellow Face" – Enjoy Tony winner David Henry Hwang’s comedy starring Daniel Dae Kim as an Asian American playwright who protests “yellowface” casting in the musical “Miss Saigon,” only to mistakenly cast a white actor as the Asian lead in his own play.
"POV: Liquor Store Dreams" – Two Korean American children of liquor store owners reconcile their dreams with their immigrant parents' dreams. They confront the complex legacies of Los Angeles's racial landscape, including the 1991 murder of Latasha Harlins and the 1992 uprisings sparked by the police beating of Rodney King, while engaged in current struggles for social and economic justice.
"Rising Against Asian Hate: One Day in March" – Explore the fight against Asian American hate following the March 2021 mass shootings at three spas in Atlanta. Examine how this critical moment of racial reckoning sheds light on the struggles, triumphs and achievements of AAPI communities. The film is narrated by Sandra Oh with music by Jon Batiste and Cory Wong.
Only on Passport:
"Independent Lens: Hidden Letters"
STORIES AND PERSPECTIVES
"Story of China With Michael Wood" – Travel from the Silk Road to the Yellow Sea with host Michael Wood as he explores the history of the world’s newest superpower. A thrilling and moving epic of the world’s oldest continuous state with the landscapes, peoples and stories that made today’s China.
Only on Passport:
"American Experience: Plague at the Golden Gate"
"Great Performances: Now Hear This: New American Voices"
“Independent Lens: And So It Begins”
"POV: Delikado"
"POV Shorts: Happiness is £4 Million"
HOW TO WATCH
Members who contribute a tax-deductible gift of at least $5 per month, or an annual gift of $60 or more, are eligible for Arkansas PBS Passport – an extended, on-demand library of your favorite PBS shows, films and specials.
As a reminder, you can watch anywhere, anytime on myarkansaspbs.org, or by using the PBS app, available on your TV, phone or tablet.