Jon Chu trying to break the so-called “bamboo ceiling” in Hollywood by casting Asian Americans, who are often underrepresented in films

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As audiences for Hollywood films become more and more diverse, some directors are trying to expose movie goers to the talents of minority actors. Asian-American filmmakers Jon M. Chu and Steven J. Kung are trying to break the so-called “bamboo ceiling” in Hollywood by casting Asian Americans, who are often underrepresented in films.

Jon M. Chu was recently tapped to direct the movie adaptation of Crazy Rich Asians, a 2013 best-selling novel by Kevin Kwan. While Chu says he plans to create an all-star Asian cast, discussing diversity in Hollywood can be difficult.

Diversity in Hollywood: Asian directors making a difference Asian-American filmmakers Jon M. Chu and Steven J. Kung talk about the state of minority casting in Hollywood.

“It absolutely feels uncomfortable, it absolutely makes me feel weird, I wish I could say it didn’t but just talking about race is awkward for me,” explained Chu. “I don’t know how else to put it, but it’s getting less awkward and it’s getting more like we’re all in the conversation.”

Taiwanese-American filmmaker Steven J. Kung is the co-chair of the Asian American Committee at the Directors Guild of America where he hopes to help foster the careers of aspiring Asian directors.

“It’s very painful to be in a profession where you can’t find a job,” Kung said.

Full Frame Correspondent Sandra Hughes spoke with these two Asian change-makers in Hollywood to talk about the state of minority casting in Hollywood.