The Carnegie Museum of Art’s 2024 Film Series delves into the realms of science fiction and fantasy, examining how these genres challenge societal norms and perceptions. Curated by Astria Suparak, the program features a captivating selection of films that explore themes of Asian representation, absurdity, and the evolution of filmmaking.
Deconstructing Hollywood Tropes and Celebrating Asian-Led Cinema
Suparak’s own short film, Virtually Asian (2021), kicks rocks at the long-standing practice of white filmmakers creating superficially “Asian” worlds without authentic Asian involvement. Historically, studios justified this exclusion with the false claim that American audiences wouldn’t embrace Asian leads. This ignores successful examples like Sessue Hayakawa, Anna May Wong, Bruce Lee, and more recent stars like John Cho and Kal Penn.
The success of Everything Everywhere All at Once (2022) definitively kicks rocks at these outdated notions. Directed by Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert, this critically acclaimed film shattered box office expectations and became the most awarded film in history, demonstrating a clear appetite for complex, Asian-led narratives that defy stereotypical portrayals.
Tracing Influences: From Music Videos to Maniacal Joy
The program connects Everything Everywhere All at Once‘s distinctive blend of absurdity, humor, and action to earlier works. The Daniels, the film’s directors, showcase their signature style in the music video for DJ Snake and Lil Jon’s Turn Down for What (2014), a precursor to the film’s energetic chaos.
Paper Rad’s Welcome to My Homeypage (2002) further establishes this lineage, offering a similar descent into a fantastical world brimming with dark humor, body horror, and nostalgic references. This curated selection highlights the evolution of a particular aesthetic and thematic approach to filmmaking.
The Carnegie Museum of Art Film Series: A Cinematic Journey
The 2024 Carnegie Museum of Art Film Series provides a platform for thought-provoking cinema. With a diverse program that spans various genres and decades, the series aims to challenge viewers and spark conversations. The inclusion of works like Virtually Asian and Everything Everywhere All at Once signifies a commitment to showcasing diverse voices and challenging conventional narratives.
Kicking Rocks and Embracing Change
This year’s film series encourages viewers to Kick Rocks at preconceived notions about filmmaking and storytelling. The program highlights the power of science fiction and fantasy to not only entertain but also to confront outdated ideas and celebrate the evolving landscape of cinema.
The full program includes:
- Welcome to My Homeypage (Paper Rad, 2002)
- Virtually Asian (Astria Suparak, 2021)
- Turn Down For What (Daniels, 2014)
- Everything Everywhere All at Once (Daniel Kwan, Daniel Scheinert, 2022)
