Special Interview with Ann Hu

After watching and spotlighting Ann Hu's film Confetti, I had the pleasure of interviewing Ann about her filmmaking journey, the importance of representation, and how we can continue building more inclusive communities.

The Interview:

AIM: As an Asian American filmmaker, was it challenging to make the film because of the stigma or misconceptions surrounding learning differences within the Asian community? What do you hope the film adds to the broader conversation about representation—both for learning differences and for Asian American stories on screen?

Ann: Making a film is always challenging. Being a minority anywhere comes with its own special challenges. Stigma and misconceptions about learning differences are particularly strong within Asian communities, as for centuries, Asian people have taken great pride in academic achievement, both for themselves and their children. My film is a small effort to break the fixation on a centuries-old belief that one has to be “normal.” Who wants to be normal?

AIM: What has surprised you most about how Asian American families and audiences have responded to the film?

Ann: It was most surprising to find out how many people in the audience had actually had painful experiences with learning difficulties. A man told me that he would not have gotten divorced if he had seen this film. They had a child with dyslexia, which in many cases is genetic, and they wanted to have a “normal” child, he said.

AIM: Since Confetti's release, you’ve continued the mission through the Confetti World Foundation and the 1000 Community Screenings Movement. What’s next for that work, and is there anything on the horizon—new screenings, policy efforts, or projects—that you’re especially excited about?

Ann: The film has a life of its own. After we completed the 1,000 Community Screenings Movement, the film continued to receive requests from around the world for screenings and discussions. Organizations such as the British Dyslexia Association have continued to use the film as an educational platform to spread the message. Some special education schools have also used it for the same purpose. We respond to such requests.

AIM: What would you say to an Asian American parent who just found out their child has dyslexia or another learning difference and feels overwhelmed, especially if it's not something that was openly discussed in their own family or culture growing up?

Ann: My experience tells me that my child is special, and that is a blessing in this world today. But I have to say that it is crucial for me to recognize that her special talents need to be cared for and nurtured. As parents, we should be alert to such needs and try to provide opportunities for our children to grow and develop more easily.

AIM: Do you have any suggestions for further moving this conversation forward and how I can help the community?

Ann: I am grateful that you have an interest in helping the community. I feel that a picture is worth a thousand words. Showing the film Confetti is a great way to raise awareness and promote understanding.

This conversation highlights the impact Confetti has had on audiences and the importance of creating spaces where learning differences are understood and accepted.

This interview also reinforced why I started AIM in the first place: to challenge the silence surrounding learning differences within Asian American communities. Stories like Confetti remind us of the power of representation and the importance of making people feel seen and understood. I hope this conversation inspires others to ask questions, challenge stereotypes, and recognize that learning differently should never mean feeling alone.

I'm incredibly grateful to Ann for sharing her insights and for the meaningful work she continues to do.