I was once told I’m “The nicest person someone was ever afraid of.” I’ve built a reputation for being honest, hardworking, caring, and someone who won’t tolerate nonsense. As a first-generation Asian American, my father always told me it’s not enough to be just as good as or a little better than the competition-you have to leave no doubt that you’re the best. He reminded me that even if you’re born in America, some won’t see you as American because you don’t look like them. This is a common thread for many non-white Americans.
Growing up, I tried not to let my ethnicity define me. But as I get older, I find myself embracing my culture more, especially when seeking opportunities that seem to come more easily to others. Yet, I often feel caught in an awkward space-not “Asian enough,” not “underrepresented enough,” not fitting other labels. I’m a man who refuses to take no for an answer. As a writer, director, producer, and actor, I’ve seized every chance to learn the craft and become a blue-chip player in the film industry.
My film, Not My Type, is a fresh, contemporary romantic comedy with rich cultural layers, blending Hispanic and Asian influences in a modern-day Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner scenario.
This movie is for everyone who’s ever struggled to balance family tradition with personal happiness, who’s laughed at the absurdities of dating, or who’s longed to see their culture reflected on screen. It’s heartfelt, relatable, and a celebration of love that bridges cultural divides.
During a test screening for a studio film, I overheard a producer question why 10% of the audience was Asian, remarking, “There are no Asians in this film. Why would they be here?” At the time, I didn’t have the voice to explain that Asians, like anyone else, enjoy movies that make them laugh and cry, regardless of representation on screen. Later, while car shopping, I met a young Vietnamese salesman who shared that after serving in the army, he felt stuck and lacked direction. When I asked if seeing more Asians in media might have changed his perspective, he admitted it could have made him feel less limited. That conversation was a powerful “aha” moment for me, reinforcing the importance of representation. It inspired me to challenge outdated thinking and use media to help Asian Americans see broader possibilities for themselves, to reshape how we are seen in society.
And that is why we are here today, asking for your support in the making of my independent feature film.