The new horror movie Umma, in theaters now, focuses on generational trauma and mothers and daughters, told through the lens of a Korean-American family.
It’s written and directed by Iris K. Shim, who tells ABC Audio she’s thrilled that the movie seems to be part of a trend of movies and TV shows written and directed by women of Asian descent, including Pixar’s Turning Red and Apple TV+’s Pachinko.
“That is pretty wild, I think this month in particular, there’s just so much content being released that either feature Asian-American characters or were created by Asian-Americans. And I mean, it’s really exciting. It’s a moment that I’ve waiting for all my life,” she says.
Adds Shim, “When I was younger, being able to see myself on screen was impossible. And even when I did see Asian faces, they were mostly Asian movies from Asia…so I think like having this opportunity to really shine a light on this specific experience is incredible,” says Shim, who admits being “a little bit worried about featuring Korean-American characters” at the start.
Umma — Korean for “mother” — stars Sandra Oh as a mother haunted by the prospect of turning into her own estranged mother after her remains arrive from Korea. Fivel Stewart, who plays Oh’s daughter, notes that after years of being on the margins, it seems like the opportunities for Asian women in Hollywood are growing.
“I did a show called Atypical, and the showrunner was of Asian descent, and then one of the main producers which was half Asian as well,” she explains. “So I do think that we are here and we are here to stay…I think that this is just the stepping stone to what could be.”
Copyright © 2022, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.
Related Posts
Olivia Rodrigo forced to cancel show in Manchester, England: “so bummed”
May 2, 2024
Disney/Randy HolmesOlivia Rodrigo just learned the hard way that playing in a brand-new concert…
‘The Tattooist of Auschwitz’s’ Jonah Hauer-King on the drama’s timeless message
May 2, 2024
PeacockA heart-wrenching love story is at the center of the new limited series The Tattooist of…
Dan Schneider sues ‘Quiet on Set’ producers for defamation, calls series a “hit job”
May 2, 2024
Eric Vitale/Getty ImagesDan Schneider filed a defamation lawsuit on Wednesday against the creators…
Paul Walter Hauser joining Liam Neeson for ‘Naked Gun’ reboot, and more
May 2, 2024
Paul Walter Hauser has been tapped to star alongside Liam Neeson and Pamela Anderson in Paramount…
Carl Clemons-Hopkins says ‘Hacks’ season 3 is worth the wait
May 2, 2024
Clemons-Hopkins, Smart - Max/Beth DubberMax's Emmy-winning comedy Hacks returns for a third season…
Dua Lipa talks dealing with online hate: “I get a real kick out of proving people wrong”
May 2, 2024
Courtesy Apple MusicDua Lipa is a global pop superstar and says the criticism she got early in her…
Music notes: Olivia Rodrigo, Selena Gomez and more
May 1, 2024
Olivia Rodrigo might just be in lo-lo-lo-lo-lo-lo-lo-lo-lo-lo-lo-love. At the Tuesday, April 30,…
Producer says it was Ryan Gosling’s idea to use Taylor Swift song for ‘The Fall Guy’
May 1, 2024
UniversalIf you only know one thing about The Fall Guy, it's probably that in one scene Ryan…