The blurb of the network “All’s fair in love and Mahjong,” which premieres May 9, says the film is about a “school nurse who finds unexpected hope by learning Mahjong, the ancient Chinese game that helps her build community and reopen her heart.”
But while the blurb makes the game’s Chinese roots crystal clear, Yan-Kay Crystal Lowe, whose father was born in China, is the only cast member with Asian roots. according to the film’s IMDB page – and she’s not even the protagonist. That honor goes to Fiona Gubelmann.
Many people noticed the lack of Asian representation at the time Hallmark Channel promoted the film on Instagram earlier this week, and the ridicule was swift.
“You guys couldn’t even use the traditional mahjong set or something?” someone asked. “Or are you working with an Asian company? Are there any Asian writers on your team? How much of this cast is Chinese and is it a Chinese lead story? Because this poster indicates that you all haven’t thought about this.”
Another person noted that the network “had an opportunity to make an all-Asian cast which is kind of trending right now,” but “they want to go back in time,” a decision they called “colonization at its finest.”
Writer Kat Lieu responded to the post, noting that “nothing says Happy [Asian American Pacific Islander Month] such as appropriating Asian culture.”
HuffPost reached out to Hallmark Channel for comment and a spokesperson released this statement.
“All’s Fair in Love & Mahjong is a love story that focuses on connection, highlighting family, friendship and motherhood with warmth and humor,” the spokesperson said. “The film honors the heritage of Mahjong by recognizing the game’s Chinese origins and its unique ability to connect cultures, generations and communities.”
The spokesperson also addressed the timing of AAPI month by claiming that the film was actually set before Mother’s Day.
“Airing over Mother’s Day weekend, the film is part of Hallmark’s May for Moms programming event and highlights the connection between four moms who met at PTA and found meaningful community through Mahjong,” the spokesperson said.
After cast member Melissa Peterman commented on how “excited” she was about the movie, someone replied, “You know who else would love to be part of a mahjong movie?” Asians. Do better.’
