Cultural critic Jeff Yang talks with documentary filmmaker Renee Tajima-Peña about his new book The Golden Screen, an unprecedented history and celebration of Asian Americans on the big screen.

The past decade has been a groundbreaking era for Asian-centric storytelling in Hollywood films, from the mainstream success of Crazy Rich Asians to the amazing achievements of Everything, Everywhere, All at Once. Jeff Yang takes an in-depth look at these cinematic triumphs, and the decades of films that paved the way, in conversation with celebrated documentary filmmaker Renee Tajima-Peña, who is working on adapting The Golden Screen as a series for television. His book features over 100 photographs along with gorgeous, original artwork from nine esteemed Asian illustrators, including Toma Nguyen, barbarian flower, Jun Cen, Cryssy Cheung, Cliff Chiang, Yu-Ming Huang, JiYeun Kang, Ashraf Omar, and Zi Xu.

“A comprehensive, incisive, and gorgeous celebration of a century’s worth of Asian actors, characters, and contributors who have helped shape American perspectives and Asian American representation….Breathtaking visuals, including both color photographs and thought-provoking illustrations that fully engage readers’ senses….Heartfelt quotes and interviews with Asian culture makers add depth and industry insight.” Library Journal

Copies of The Golden Screen will be available for purchase at this event courtesy of the Friends of the Burbank Public Library.