On July 26, 2021, the Geena Davis Institute hosted an insightful virtual influencer screening for the show "Kung Fu" with its creators and stars. Moderated by Madeline Di Nonno, CEO of the Geena Davis Institute, the panelists included two of the show’s stars, Olivia Liang and Shannon Dang, as well as Executive Producers and Co-Showrunners Christina M. Kim and Robert Berens. They spoke about API diversity and inclusion, how the remake of the famous 1970s show "Kung Fu" came about, the selection process for the writers and actors, as well as developing a show with nearly an entire Asian American cast. 

Speakers and Panelists:

• Madeline Di Nonno - President and CEO, Geena Davis Institute
• Olivia Liang - Actor, "Kung Fu"
• Shannon Dang - Actor, "Kung Fu" 
• Christina M. Kim - Executive Producer & Co-Showrunner, "Kung Fu"
• Robert Berens - Executive Producer & Co-Showrunner, "Kung Fu"
• Lisa Emery - Social Media and Digital Marketing Manager

The virtual event started with Christina M. Kim talking about the daunting task of remaking a classic series from the 1970s that so many hold dear and the process in which she met fellow showrunner, Robert Berens. Next, actors Olivia Liang and Shannon Dang jumped in and spoke about the casting process, API representation, and how they were genuinely happy to play non-stereotypical Asian American roles. 

Madeline Di Nonno then asked the participants about the weaving of social issues into "Kung Fu’s" story line and specifically about an episode which addresses the Black Lives Matter movement following the murder of George Floyd. The panelists were happy and proud that the show was able to show the struggle of Black Americans through the point of view of Asian Americans. The virtual session concluded with a Q&A, in which the actors spoke about the fans’ reactions to "Kung Fu," Season 2 of the show, and how more roles for well-rounded Asian characters are being written. 

Key points included:

• The importance of API diversity and inclusion and writing complete Asian characters, that are more fleshed-out and go beyond traditional stereotypes. 
• The showrunners and actors were very proud of the work they did in intertwining social issues into the show, especially the episode on BLM, and telling the stories not in a manner in which racism is “solved” but rather how everybody, everyday, needs to do the work to make the world a better place. 
• The dynamics of potraying Asian families and relationships on television.  

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