Sandra Oh, Bowen Yang, Kumail Nanjiani and Others Reflect on the Asian Experience in New Documentary (Exclusive)

**HBO Max to Premiere ‘The A List: 15 Stories from Asian and Pacific Diasporas’ on May 13**

A new documentary titled *The A List: 15 Stories from Asian and Pacific Diasporas* is set to debut on HBO Max on May 13, featuring the narratives of well-known celebrities and everyday heroes from diverse Asian and Pacific Islander communities in the United States. This compelling film aims to illustrate the complexities of identity and cultural heritage through personal stories of both adversity and accomplishment.

Among the prominent figures featured in the documentary are Sandra Oh, Bowen Yang, and Kumail Nanjiani, alongside lesser-known yet equally impactful voices from the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities. The film offers a platform for these individuals to share their lived experiences, delving into their childhoods and the multifaceted nature of being Asian in contemporary America.

The trailer, unveiled exclusively via PEOPLE, begins with thought-provoking questions posed by Sandra Oh: “Who are you? What is your identity?” These queries set the tone for the interviews, which reveal a tapestry of perspectives. For instance, musician DJ Rekha describes identity as a “slippery slope,” while Cliff Kapono, a surfer and scientist, questions the collective label of ‘Asian Pacific Islander’, sparking discussions about the nuances within cultural identity.

Kumail Nanjiani, a Pakistani-American actor and comedian, reflects on his childhood, stating, “A lot of America is never going to see me as American.” This poignant observation exemplifies the ongoing struggle many face regarding acceptance and belonging. Chef Yia Vang, who identifies as Hmong-American, recounts his father’s reluctance for the family to speak with an accent, underscoring the pressures to conform to mainstream expectations in America.

In a similar vein, Japanese-American activist Kathy Masaoka articulates the challenges of navigating cultural identity, highlighting a common thread among those featured in the film: the quest for self-acceptance. U.S. Army veteran and senator Tammy Duckworth credits her identity development to her experiences in Hawaii, a place she describes as pivotal in her journey toward embracing her Asian heritage.

Several contributors to *The A List* delve into the resilience that has defined their lives. Haroon Mokhtarzada, a former child refugee who has since become a successful entrepreneur, recalls his transition to reduced lunch as a sign of newfound achievement. Astrophysicist Nergis Mavalvala, originally from Pakistan, discusses how embracing her status as the underdog has fostered her ambition.

Amidst the challenges, many participants view their identities as sources of strength. Schuyler Bailar, an author and trailblazing transgender athlete, expresses pride in his unique experiences, stating “My trans identity—I see it as a bit of a superpower.” Bowen Yang further highlights the confidence he derives from his Asian upbringing, which he carried into high-stakes auditions for *Saturday Night Live*.

Resilience emerges as a recurring theme throughout the trailer, as journalist Connie Chung asserts, “They throw something at me, I throw it right back.” Activist Amanda Nguyen emphasises the power of self-expression, declaring, “The most powerful tool we have is our voice.” Photojournalist Manny Crisostomo encapsulates this sentiment, affirming, “We are resilient.”

The trailer concludes with nurse Madelyn Yu reflecting on the importance of remembering one’s roots: “If you do not look at where you came from, you can never reach your destination.” This poignant remark serves to remind viewers of the necessity of acknowledging historical and cultural contexts in shaping one’s identity.

*The A List: 15 Stories from Asian and Pacific Diasporas* is the latest addition to the “The List” series, which aims to elevate the voices of underrepresented communities through documentary films, photography, and literature. Available for streaming on HBO Max from May 13, this documentary promises to be a significant contribution to conversations about identity, heritage, and resilience.