This week, I examined the works of Peter Feng in Identities in Motion: Asian American Film and Video. In this book, Feng explores how identities are formed, molded, and represented through cinematic works. There is a certain connection between history and cinema where identities are continuously being shaped through representation. Although, Feng states that identities are not produced by movies nor are they social reflections but they instead form through the person who is consuming the media and form continuously throughout their lifetime (Feng, 2002). Feng also claims that cinema is an expression of culture and power but when people view film they attribute the cultural apparatus of cinema rather than the “power” or history the cinema brings forth to the screen (Feng, 2002).
As we’re winding down in the semester, I’ve been wanting to explore more on how identities are formed through visual media. In this book, Feng states that Asian American identity only exists through particular interpretations of historical and social events that filmmakers get to pick and choose from (Feng, 2002). This bias can be problematic when it comes to a person trying to seek out their identity through the media where the representation in cinema becomes more subjective. This book has so far helped me in rethinking the way representation in film plays a part in a person forming their own identity. It has also changed my perspective on how or if people look to film to help play a part in shaping their own identity, especially if the person is adopted.
Feedback & Next Steps
Coming from a journalism background, I wasn’t sure if introducing and involving myself in my own project was acceptable. So, for feedback from the preproduction binder, I asked the class if I should involve/ include myself in this project and there was a resounding yes. For my next steps, I’m thinking about telling my story towards the beginning of the documentary through either photographs or a stop motion. I don’t think I’m going to interview myself but that’s still an element I’m considering.
Feng, P. (2002). Identities in Motion: Asian American Film and Video. The Journal of American Culture, 27(1),. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1537-4726.2004.121_9.x
Photo: Obtained from Google Photo./ Credit / https://ichi.pro/de/fur-chinesische-amerikaner-stehen-wir-vor-einer-neuen-identitatskrise-7549224976565
