May, 2024 Doc of the Month: Origin Story (2018)
Before we get into this month’s documentary pick, let’s take a moment to celebrate the first three films in The WALT’s 2024 series:
As you may know, May is AAPI Heritage month, an annual celebration that recognizes the historical and cultural contributions of individuals and groups of Asian and Pacific Islander descent to the United States. The AAPI umbrella term includes cultures from the entire Asian continent—including East, Southeast, and South Asia, in addition to the Pacific Islands of Melanesia, Micronesia and Polynesia. In honor of AAPI Heritage Month, I wanted to select a documentary that tells one Asian-American woman’s story of identity and generational trauma, and how she intends to reconcile her feelings before starting a family of her own.
Origin Story (2018)
Directed by Kulap Vikaysack • 1h 46m
When Kulap Vilaysack was 14, she took her father's side in an argument and her mother replied, "Why are you defending him? He's not your real dad." Twenty years later, she's finally ready to learn what that means. Origin Story is a feature-length, international quest with stops in Los Angeles, Minnesota, and Laos to meet the biological father she never knew. On the road, unforeseen revelations strike as hilarious or heartbreaking, rarely in between. An avid comic book reader with a vigilante character named after her in the DC Comics universe, she must summon the courage of Katharsis, because each question is another step out on a limb. Origin Story is a deeply personal but universally relevant tale of immigration, conflict, addiction, and personal responsibility. Interviewees in the film include extended family, husband Scott Aukerman, and close friends, like Sarah Silverman, Casey Wilson, June Diane Raphael and Howard Kremer.
WATCH THE TRAILER
How to watch Origin Story
Origin Story is available for rent/purchase on most platforms. It is currently available on the following free streaming platforms:
YouTube - free, may contain ads before the film
Freevee - free with ads
Pluto TV - free with ads
Tubi - free with ads
Things to think about while watching the film
Have you had a family like the Danielsons in your life?
Was there a moment in your life that made you question truths about your family?
How much do your friends know about complications in your own family background?
How are you informed about your region’s plans to honor AAPI Heritage Month?
How to engage
Either leave a comment here with your thoughts on the film, using the above prompts for inspiration. Using the Substack app? Check out the Notes & Chat section. Be sure to read what other people are saying and continue the conversation!
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That was intense and sad, but also about resilience and self determination, so also inspiring. I had a lot of families growing up that were part of my foundation and I’m reminded of their impact in my life. The moms of two of my closest friends were especially important and I feel their loss frequently, as they have passed.