Head On Collision

On Wednesday night, I went to the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) in downtown Los Angeles to watch a documentary film on how breast cancer affects Asian American women. After a long day at the office, yes, I am finally working a full time job, I decided a good movie was in order.

My friend Angeline, pictured here, helped organize the event, which was a great success. The film shows how Asian women are highly susceptible to breast cancer because of a variety of issues, including public misconception about Asians not having the same risks of cancer as other groups. Also, many immigrant Asian women are reluctant to get mammograms, which in many cases can serve to increase early detection.

I thought the film did a nice job of covering the tapestry of Asian cultures that exists in the U.S. The film depicts every group from South Asians, to East Asians and to Pacific Islanders. Although I couldn't stay for the panel discussion later that night, seeing people dedicated to making the world a better place was great.

For more about the "Mothers, Daughters, Sisters" film, I encourage you to read the following excerpt from the KSCI website, http://www.kscitv.com/viewentry.asp?ID=261368&PT=MARKETINGOPS:

"Mothers, Daughters, Sisters is a groundbreaking film that touches the hearts of everyone. Told by breast cancer survivors of all ages, family members, community health advocates, university researchers, and physicians, this film strives to educate women about the importance of getting screened. KSCI-TV is proud to be able to release this film in their native languages to Southern California¡¯s Asian American television audience.

"This powerful film dispels the myth that Asian women are immune from breast cancer and delivers hope through the message that early detection brings a 95% chance of survival.

"Sensitively depicted, this documentary explores the cultural and societal barriers that hinder prevention and early detection, both within and outside the Asian and Pacific Islander communities.

"Hailed as an important contribution to public health education, Mothers, Daughters, Sisters has been embraced by women and their families of all cultures.

"Written and directed by Emmy-nominated filmmaker Patricia Kinaga, Mothers, Daughters, Sisters received the prestigious Telly Award."