Making Waves: The Rise of Asian America — A Timely Documentary on Ethnic Studies and Empowerment
In an era marked by both cultural reckoning and rising anti-Asian sentiment, Making Waves: The Rise of Asian America arrives as a powerful and essential documentary that tells the story of a movement that began in the classroom—and changed the course of American history.
Directed by Jon Osaki and Josh Chuck, this 2024 historical documentary explores how the Ethnic Studies movement—rooted in the late 1960s student protests at UC Berkeley and San Francisco State University—became a catalyst for activism, visibility, and self-determination for Asian American communities.
🎬 Film Title: Making Waves: The Rise of Asian America
🎥 Directors: Jon Osaki, Josh Chuck
📚 Genre: Historical Documentary
🗣️ Language: English
⏱️ Running Time: 57 minutes
📍 Location: Li Wah, 2999 Payne Ave. Cleveland, Ohio 44114
⏱️ Date: Wednesday, August 13, 2025, at 5:30 p.m.
🎟️ Tickets: https://MakingWavesOhio.eventbrite.com
Why Making Waves Matters Now More Than Ever
As debates rage across the country about what histories are taught in schools, Making Waves delivers a vital reminder: education is not neutral. From the earliest days of the Asian American movement to today’s youth-led demands for an inclusive curriculum, the film underscores how Ethnic Studies has empowered generations of Asian Americans to speak their truths, stand against racism, and build solidarity across communities.
💡 Key Themes:
-
The birth of Ethnic Studies and Third World Liberation Front
-
The ongoing fight for representation in education
-
Resilience in the face of anti-Asian hate
-
Intergenerational activism and storytelling
Join Us for a Special Screening and Q&A
Join us for an impactful film experience at the Ohio Premiere of Making Waves: The Rise of Asian America, a special in-person screening on Wednesday, August 13, at 5:30 p.m. in Cleveland, Ohio. This event includes a live discussion with Director Jon Osaki and a panel of educators, including Stacey Diane Arañez Litam, Cleveland State University, Luling Raina Li, Shaker Heights Schools, and Ana Chapman, Honesty for Ohio Education; Panel Moderator: Wayne Wong.
This is more than a documentary—it’s a call to action, a celebration of resistance, and a roadmap for future change.
RSVP at https://MakingWavesOhio.eventbrite.com
Jon Osaki is an award-winning filmmaker who has directed and produced promotional, educational, narrative, and short documentary films. His initial interest in film grew from his desire to share the stories of the Japanese Community Youth Council, where he has served as Executive Director since 1996. Over the past few years, he has had films screened at film festivals and numerous community organizations across the country. As a filmmaker, Jon views this genre as the next step in his lifelong pursuit of social justice and equity.