ORIGIN STORY WRAP UP
If you’re like me, Kulap Vilaysack’s story of identity and family secrets told in Origin Story leaves you wanting to know more about others who have had similar experiences. Maybe there are more like Kulap who need to reconcile their families’ pasts in order to make sense of the future. Or maybe Kulap’s exploration of what it means to be Laotian American raises more questions about the experiences of other Asian Americans looking to their heritage for deeper meaning in their own lives.
The following are recommended ways to connect further with Kulap and see other documentaries exploring identity, especially when it comes to race and family secrets.
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The best way to keep up with Kulap’s journey is by listening to Add to Cart on your favorite podcast app, which is part of the Lemonada Media network.
Listen on Apple Podcasts • Listen on Spotify • Listen on Amazon Music
Back on May 20, I suggested this documentary in honor of AAPI Heritage Month. Not only is the music of Kishi Bashi enchanting, but the way he uses his platform as an instrumentalist, performer, and recording artist to explore the World War II internment camps that imprisoned Japanese Americans is inspired and informs new audiences to the experience of him and his ancestors. Check out the post to find out how to watch Omoiyari.
This Peabody-nominated 2023 documentary is deeply personal, masterfully crafted, and makes you question what you would do if you were in Sam’s shoes. Sam Now is available to purchase or rent on Apple, Google, and Amazon, and streaming on the Criterion Channel with a subscription (they do offer free trials).
This film shares a lot of DNA with Origin Story. It’s the story of a woman who had been told her entire life that she was dark-skinned due to Sicilian lineage, rather than the truth about her actual biological father. Little White Lie is available to purchase or rent on Apple, Google, and Amazon, but is also streaming on Amazon Prime and Kanopy (free with a library card).
Do you have any more recommendations? Drop them in the comments! Want to discuss Origin Story with the group? Head on over to the main Origin Story post and leave a comment or join the chat.
