Actress and musician Awkwafina is making a feature film about how Chinatown in California helped shape the state’s punk scene in the 1970s and ‘80s.
As a part of a collaboration with Topic studios, the 31-year-old will be developing the currently untitled feature, which was inspired by the Topic.com article “How Chinese Food Fueled the Rise of California Punk.” Awkwafina is set to star in and produce alongside Topic Studios.
The article was written by #MadelineLeungColeman, and details how Chinatown restaurants from Sacramento to San Francisco began renting their banquet halls out to young up and coming West Coast punk bands during the recession in the 1970s and early 1980s. The restaurants would also book the bands to perform as dinner entertainment to bring in additional business. The article goes on to explain how Chinese and Filipino restaurants became prominent venues and played pivotal roles in the rise of punk music on the West Coast. The project is being overseen by Ryan Heller, Topic’s SVP Film & Acquisitions.
“We couldn’t ask for a better partner to help us bring this vibrant world to life than Awkwafina,” said Maria Zuckerman, EVP of Topic Studios. “Madeline’s article explores an unexpected connection and collaboration, which gave rise to an essential and very punk moment.”
