Asian Americans: A History of Identity, Contributions & Challenges with Renee Tajima-Peña

Filmmaker Renee Tajima-Peña’s award-winning PBS docuseries Asian Americans is the most ambitious chronicle of the Asian American story in the United States. Told through individual lives and personal histories, Asian Americans explores the impact of this group on the country’s past, present, and future. The series traces the significant role of Asian Americans in shaping American history and identity, from the first wave of Asian immigrants in the 1850s to the social and cultural turmoil of the twentieth century to modern refugee crises in a globally connected world. Tajima-Peña will share the details of her journey crafting this groundbreaking series.

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This program is in partnership with Arizona Humanities and The University of Arizona – College of Humanities. This is a hybrid event with livestream available and limited in-person seating. Registration is strongly encouraged for in-person attendance. Learn more about the program and the Tucson Humanities Festival here.

ABOUT THE SPEAKER:

Renee Tajima-Pena is an Academy Award-nominated documentary filmmaker and Professor of Asian American Studies at UCLA. Tajima-Pena’s films focus on themes of immigration, race, ethnicity, gender, and social justice. Her most notable films include Who Killed Vincent Chin? My America…or Honk if You Love Buddha, Calavera Highway, Skate Manzanar, Labor Women, No Más Bebés. She is the series producer/showrunner of the PBS docuseries, Asian Americans, which explores the Asian American experience. Tajima-Pena co-founded the May 19 Project, a social media campaign focusing on the legacy of AAPI solidarity with other communities.