TED Talks Daily

The pride and power of representation in film | Jon M. Chu

Oct 23, 2019
Jon M. Chu, a celebrated filmmaker known for directing "Crazy Rich Asians," shares his inspiring journey from a Taiwanese restaurant to Hollywood. He passionately discusses the critical importance of representation in film, emphasizing how authentic narratives uplift marginalized voices. Chu reflects on his challenges producing an all-Asian cast film and the grassroots support that emerged, showcasing cinema’s role in fostering community. He highlights how love and kindness are essential for creative growth, reinforcing the power of connection in storytelling.
Ask episode
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
ANECDOTE

Family on Screen

  • Jon M. Chu's parents cried after he showed them his first home movie.
  • They saw themselves as a normal family, belonging on screen, reflecting their American dream.
ANECDOTE

Early Passion and Tools

  • Chu felt heard and found his passion for filmmaking.
  • His father's connections in Silicon Valley provided him with early access to digital video editing tools.
ANECDOTE

Parental Advice and Hollywood Dreams

  • Chu's parents encouraged him to make movies about his Chinese heritage, predicting China's film market potential.
  • He initially resisted, wanting to emulate Hollywood giants like Spielberg.
Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode
Get the app