FORK MOUNTAIN uses irony and juxtaposition to explore controversial contemporary topics in a multi-layered, approachable way.
The play-within-a-play framework and ever present TV represents Hollywood’s complicated relationship with Asian filmmakers and stories – rife with yellowface, white washing, and limited roles for Asian filmmakers who are historically relegated to stereotypical minor or supporting roles on screen.
Classic Kung Fu movies, the role of Yee Bow, and American sitcoms are portrayed in this film to address America’s long history of Asian misrepresentation in media.
It is a timely coming of age film meant to spark conversation around the dinner table!
STORY
May O’Keefe and her best friend Courtney Davis both auditioned for their high school play.
But, instead of the Irish “Daisy Fraser,” she auditioned for, May O’Keefe was assigned the role of “Chinese from China” Yee Bow, while Courtney didn’t get a part at all.
Despite this, Courtney vows to make May a star, and May begins her quest to “become Chinese.”
What follows is a journey full of misadventure and Kung Fu as May tries and fails to learn from her white teachers, white parents, and white best friend, how to be Chinese.
May’s authenticity is called into question – is having a Chinese body enough to be Chinese? Is being raised American not enough to be American?
While everyone else thinks they have the answers, May discovers that identity is more complex than playing a part that others expect.
Just as May grapples with the idea of ditching drama club and giving up on Asian-ness altogether, we discover a major act of betrayal.
The role of Yee Bow has been re-cast… and COURTNEY is center-stage, in yellowface.
Not only that, but their white classmates and ruthless theater director Missus Hart all applaud Courtney’s impeccable Chinese accent.
Their best-friendship crumbles as color blind Courtney can’t understand May’s point of view as an “out of the fog” adoptee and person of color.
Although May’s story is unique, the feeling of being misunderstood or unheard by those you love the most and struggling to meet society’s demanding expectations is a universally human experience.