Belonging
a documentary by Chiara Cox in partnership with
Embedded Files
Interviewees include Alice Chung, Andre Chang, Angela Yam, Bizhou Chang, David Henry Hwang, Gabrielle Kazuko Nomura Gainor, Helen Huang, Janani Sridhar, Jeannette Lee, Jessica Murphy Moo, Judith Yan, Julius Ahn, Kamala Sankaram, Khori Dastoor, Kunio Hara, Matthew Ozawa, Maya Kherani, Michelle Mariposa, Mo Zhou, Nicholas Phan, Nina Yoshida Nelsen, Omar Najmi, Phil Chan, Priti Gandhi, Robert Feng, Rodell Rosel, Rolfe Dauz, Samina Aslam, Sue Elliott, and Tiffany Chang.
Brief Logline:
Brief Logline:
The documentary’s working title is Belonging in hopes to address issues including systemic pigeonholing of Asian performers, Orientalism in productions, and creating more space in the industry for positive Asian representation and a sense of belonging. Through data collected by the Asian Opera Alliance and stories and experiences from singers, musicians, conductors, composers, librettist, and art administrators recorded via Zoom interviews, the film's intent is to create a positive tone to inspire curiosity, empathy, compassion, and productive long-term changes for Asian people in the opera industry.
Status of Film:
Status of Film:
The Asian Opera Alliance (AOA) data is readily shared and available. Chiara is currently completing interviews with key people in the industry. Her task is to create a story, interweave them with the pertinent AOA data, and edit them all into a cohesive film. The project will be completed by May 2026 for Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month.
Total Amount of Funding Secured to Date:
Total Amount of Funding Secured to Date:
Currently, we have not secured external funding for this project. Chiara has generously committed to volunteering her time and expertise to bring this documentary to fruition. However, obtaining grant funding is crucial to enhance the project's scope, production quality, and overall impact. Securing financial support from organizations, particularly those dedicated to Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) arts and advocacy, will not only provide essential resources but also lend credibility and visibility to the project. Such backing demonstrates community investment and can attract broader interest, extending beyond the opera community. It underscores the project's relevance and the collective commitment to addressing representation, Orientalism, and racial dynamics within the opera industry. We are also actively pursuing grant opportunities to ensure the documentary achieves its full potential in fostering meaningful dialogue and change.
Distribution and Marketing Strategy:
Distribution and Marketing Strategy:
Working with AOA, Chiara will organise screenings and distribute clips and trailers on social media. Chiara plans to submit to pertinent film festivals that focus on Asian American causes, artists in America, documentaries, cultural causes, and classical music.
Key Creative Personnel
Key Creative Personnel
Chiara Cox - producer, writer, editor, narrator, interviewer
Asian Opera Alliance and Asians in the field including singers, musicians, a conductor, a choreographer, a director, composers, and administration - interviewees are Alice Chung, Andre Chang, Angela Yam, Bizhou Chang, David Henry Hwang, Gabrielle Kazuko Nomura Gainor, Helen Huang, Janani Sridhar, Jeannette Lee, Jessica Murphy Moo, Judith Yan, Julius Ahn, Kamala Sankaram, Khori Dastoor, Kunio Hara, Matthew Ozawa, Maya Kherani, Michelle Mariposa, Mo Zhou, Nicholas Phan, Nina Yoshida Nelsen, Omar Najmi, Phil Chan, Priti Gandhi, Robert Feng, Rodell Rosel, Rolfe Dauz, Samina Aslam, Sue Elliot, Tiffany Chang, and a few more.
Outreach and Engagement:
Outreach and Engagement:
Worldwide outreach will include screenings to include opera houses, arts administration, directors, conductors, performers, choreographers, and more. These events would include Q&A panels to promote discussions about Asians in the field with a focus on changing Orientalism in productions, creating a safe space in the industry for positive Asian representation and a sense of belonging. There will be recommendations and calls for action that align with AOA's mission.
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