Image Source: Getty / Astrid Stawiarz, Steve Granitz, David Livingston and Photo Illustration: Aly Lim
Growing up, director Evelien Kong saw white people, animals, and even Coneheads in popular movies, but no Asian actors. The only Asian character who made an impression on her was the incredibly offensive and racist portrayal of a Japanese photographer by white actor Mickey Rooney in 1961's "Breakfast at Tiffany's." And when she started working behind the camera in the early 2000s, she knew of very few successful Asian directors or producers; she feared entering an already competitive industry as a Chinese woman. Years later, she's worked with stars like Miley Cyrus and Kerry Washington - but the journey hasn't always been easy or welcoming.
It's no secret that Hollywood struggles with inclusivity. Women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and people of color have been discriminated against for as long as the industry has existed. Sure, many things have...
Growing up, director Evelien Kong saw white people, animals, and even Coneheads in popular movies, but no Asian actors. The only Asian character who made an impression on her was the incredibly offensive and racist portrayal of a Japanese photographer by white actor Mickey Rooney in 1961's "Breakfast at Tiffany's." And when she started working behind the camera in the early 2000s, she knew of very few successful Asian directors or producers; she feared entering an already competitive industry as a Chinese woman. Years later, she's worked with stars like Miley Cyrus and Kerry Washington - but the journey hasn't always been easy or welcoming.
It's no secret that Hollywood struggles with inclusivity. Women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and people of color have been discriminated against for as long as the industry has existed. Sure, many things have...
- 3/8/2023
- by Sarah Fielding
- Popsugar.com
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