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Akira’s Hip Hop Shop stars James Kyson Lee (“Heroes”) and Emayatzy Corinealdi (“The Young & the Restless”). A Joe Doughrity film. Buy the DVD. IMDB.
You’re currently reading “Welcome to “The Shop”,” an entry on Akira’s Hip Hop Shop
This is how we roll!
good stuff. looks promising.
I like this something I can relate to, seeing I am in an interracial relationship. Good Luck!!
Thanks for stopping by Lisa and everyone else!
Interested already. Love anything that breaks the norm!
Looks like a dope movie. When does it come out?
Looks good! When/where’s the premier?
This movie looks great, when is the premeire?
Sigh… Thanks for the support guys! Sorry, we don’t have an official release date yet. The best thing to do is subscribe to the mailing list on the front page and I promise to send out updates.
Wow! I am very excited about watching this movie. My husband and I will be sure to see it. We are a Black female/ Asian male couple. I will also spread the word.
this looks like a great movie and im looking forward to watching it. Im an african american living with a japanese guy in japan and while his family is very accepting ,some in my family are not. Maybe if they see this movie they would become more open minded. peace out!
Can’t wait to see it..Looks hot!
Wow…all I have to say is…,”Its about time!!” Finally, we can break those stupid and terrible stereotypes. Whose idea was this to do the movie? Oh, btw…I AM A HUGE FAN OF HEROES!!!! lol! ^__~*
Well it was my idea since I wrote the script Blackessence, but my performers really brought the characters to life. Thanks for your support and be sure to sign up for the mailing list on the bottom of the main page!
Congratulations on your movie. Thank you for representing a Blasian relationship on the big screen. We hope to see more movies like yours. Hollywood and society as a whole need to recognize and affirm diversity and multiculturalism. I’m part of an ever-growing webgroup of Blasian couples/families at
http://groups.msn.com/BlackAsianFamilieswithChildren
Keep us posted when and where your movie is coming out and I know many of us from this group will all go to see it.
Lisa, Terran, and Maya
BlasianFamily in New Jersey (Japanese American Mom, African American Dad, Blasian Pre-Schooler)
I can’t wait to see this movie! It looks pretty interesting… Finally, a movie I can relate too. Currently, me and my asian guy have been talking for a couple of months. We are still in the process of getting to know one another better. I am glad this movie may have some insight on blasian interracial romance/couples. By the way, when does this movie come out? I totally want to see it with my guy! Also, I would like to purchase Akira’s Hip Hop Shop on DVD for me and my guy to enjoy anytime we would like. Please, let us know where we can order or pick up a copy, of your film, after it is out of theatres….
Finally! Another movie depicting AM/BF relationships. I think the previous commentors basically said what needed to be said. All I hope for, that this point, is enough support for this movie to be released. People need to be aware that these relationships do indeed exist. I will spread the word to as many people I know 
.
I’m so glad I stumbled upon this film. Hope it comes to Detroit soon! If Zee or anyone knows the name of any other AM/BF films, please post the titles for me. Thank you!
I would love to have a copy of this movie. Please let me know where I can get it.
It reminds me of when my husband and I started dating. We’ve been together for 15 years(perfect combo). We’re a Black Female and Asian Male couple, which is a totally different world from Asian Female and Black Male in my opinion. I feel that this movie is needed for society to see.
Thanks
Thanks Opal. I’d love to know more about the things you go thru as a mixed couple. Feel free to post or write me via the site.
best,
Joe
Love the trailer. I am an Asian male and I am happy anything that can break the stereotypes in this country. I am very happy more people are finally producing films the shows variety of people in this great country.
I cant wait. I really hope some Toronto Theatres pick this one up if it comes out!
I agree with you, Rob. As a black female, I very much dislike stereotypes myself – as anyone else would. And people don’t seem to realize or care that there is a lot of negative obstacles when it comes to interracial relationships.
This movie looks really really good. just looking at the trailer ive fallen in love with it. I think it is hard for everyone to acccept anybody with other race. If you see a black person and a asian person ppl well look. this movie gives hope but also make the viewer understand about a interracial relationship has to go though. I can wait for the movie. I can relate to this really well.
Hip-Hop Radio Stations Online
As an Asian American filmmaker, I can say that a film like this film is definately something the Asian American male community has been waiting for. There have been dozens of films attempting the asian cross-cultural gimmick, but they usually follow the story of Asian women which is very different. Asian American men have been under-represented and this film is going to be the breakthrough!!!!
Be sure to set up a screening in NYC so I can support it!!
Thanks Keith. We’ll be entering it in NY based festivals and I’d love to screen it in other venues BY ANY MEANS NECESSARY! Don’t forget to sign up for the mailing list.
The themes in this movie really speak to me, as a mixed background black female with “Yellow Fever” (hah), so I absolutely cannot wait to watch this film! I hope you have the chance to enter the Toronto Film Festival, that would be absolutely wonderful. I’m definitely singing up for the mailing list so I can keep up with all future developments.
Thank you so much for putting something like this together, it’s beyond inspiring!
This movie gives me super hope that one day I’ll find my Asian man!…lol….as an Afircan-American youth (I’m 16 years old)…I feel that this movie is something the whole world needs, but it’s too bad…I don’t think I’ll be able to see it……maybe when it comes out on DVD….^.^
GO! BLASIAN POWER! GO!……lol
i’ve been waiting! so long for someone to make a film like this.am/bf. about time.
sunshine
For me, it is refreshing to see that films with an interracial romance are expanding beyond ‘black and white.’ I live in Southern California where interracial relationships are prevalent between ‘minorities.’
I’m excited about this film, and I’m hungry for more like it! I would like to see Akira’s Hip Hop Shop get wide distribution. AM/BF relationships are rare, but I hope that this film gets the idea across that it’s OKAY for Asian men to desire black women, and vice versa. ^_^
OMG!!! Lee was really good in Heroes, but after just looking at the sneak peaks and the trailers on the website, I think that I’m gonna like this movie. Please somebody tell me when it’s suppose to hit the east coast so I can see it???!!!!!!
Looks good…and ya got a good cast. Glad my uncle told me about this one….just wish i oculda been in it.
Sharon,
We’re entering NY Fests so stay tuned!
Terrell, ’nuff respect to your Unc for turning you on. Spread the love. And maybe we’ll work together on a future pic? 
Em’ I the only one having ‘ahhs’ withdrawals lol. I can’t wait to see this movie.
Love this movie can’t wait for it to come out,hopefully it comes to canada too. As Madison said i can’t wait to fing myself a sexy asian guy to love with all my heart(I am 18yrs old0 and still hopefully soon!!! power to asian men and black women couples jope you all make it.
Well alright, Chinelle. You go for yours and he will come to you.
best,
Joe
I stumbled on a preview of your trailer on youtube, and as a BF I think that this will be a great film! I hope that it challenges the stereotypes that are unfairly made about black women/asian men. I signed up for the mailing list so I’ll be looking out for updates!!!
welcome raye. thanks for signing up.
This film looks great! It’s definitely a great topic for exploration. Hope it makes it to my town!
All I can say is: “Wow”.
Nice trailier. I love it. Looking forward to seeing it. Man, I love seeing Asians and Blacks in movies. Keep it up guys.
We missed the June screening any chance you’ll bring it back for a second run?
Thanks
Aloha! I can’t wait to see this movie. I came across it on YouTube and watched the trailer with my sisters (we squealed with delight -”Akira” is a hotty!)) and have been obsessed with seeing it ever since. Will this movie come to Hawaii by any chance? I already told my girlfriends in the mainland to go out and see this movie. Good Luck!
I can’t wait to see this and tell my people about it. This really gives the asian guy a chance to step up in the movie and be a love intrest (and cuttie of the movie) instead of the geek . This movie breaks ALL the stereotypes and I’m lovin it!! I wish you guys the best ciao
Let us know when you’re going to be in NYC so Our Crew can do the music for your next movie.
(‘Cause we’re sure there will be a next. )
For sure, littlem hit me with your info!
- Joe D.
hey joed, still awaiting this fabulous movie! even my kids asked me “when is this movie coming out already?” hopefully i will have been blessed with a new asian sinsation of my own and we can see it together….
i want to see the movie =( but it not showing on my side of the world i was wondering is there any way i can buy a DVD of get some information on when it will be showing here in Florida =(
You guys rock! I so want to see this movie!!! When are you bringing it to Michigan?!?!?! I’m in Grand Rapids, so if you go to Detroit puh-leez come to GR too.
Tanisha,
We hope the DVD will be available sometime in ‘08. Perhaps via this website or at your local store!
Neesse, I’d love to bring AKIRA to Michigan (I’m from Detroit!) but other than the Ann Arbor Film Fest aren’t too sure where it could play? Maybe Michael Moore’s fest but I think that’s in Flint?
We’ll stay on top of it via Withoutabox but e-mail me if you know. Perhaps a local college can host something? We’re doing a screening at U of M in the Spring as the guest of an interracial sorority!
Good to see the trailers, behind the scenes and the staff from Akira’s Hip Hop shop once again! We’ll see you at the barbershop this Sat. for sure.
Peace
For those that don’t know, we’re having a little celebration at LEGENDS barbershop in LA’s Mid-Wilshire district. To celebrate the incredible year AKIRA had in ‘07 and all that we have to look forward to in ‘08. Hit me via e-mail if you’re in the LA area and wanna hang and even see the film!
Tell Ralph to talk to Lanis into coming work with yall. He got crazy artwork and not to mention the photography he could be doing that way ….but back to the movie….cant wait til this strike gets settled
awww dang I’m really sad I missed out on the celebration at LEGENDS considering I live in the Mid-Wilshire District (folks always joke about how I live with my Black grandma in Korea Town hehe)
Gosh I’m really mad I missed out on the screenings but I only found out about this hella interesting film last month! =o( But I am really excited. I told my parents of course. And I have plenty of friends who would be interested since I always go on some tangent about AM/BF couples hehe
Man… u rock! or your Ichiban!
We’ll see you at the next party, Autumn!
Joe:
I am sure you’re probably already aware of this. I received this via email. Perhaps when you are finished with the feature length version, AHHS may find multiple channels for distribution. Just thought this was interesting:
From Without A Box:
We’re happy to let you know that Withoutabox has reached a definitive agreement to be acquired by the Internet Movie Database (IMDb), an Amazon.com subsidiary. This presents a great opportunity for all our independent filmmakers, festivals, and industry professionals. The new arrangement preserves the vision that Withoutabox has championed for eight years, teaming it with the Internet’s number one destination for film lovers and film insiders.
As Filmmakers and self-distributors, you can look forward to more ways to help reach your audiences and monetize your work.
As Festivals, you can look forward to more powerful tools to scout, collect, select, and schedule films, plus access to a vast audience of movie lovers that only IMDb can deliver – more than 50 million visitors a month.
As film Sellers, Sales Agents, and Acquirers, you can look forward to unprecedented information, discovery, and connectivity at your fingertips, across the entire landscape of commercial and independent film.
The day-to-day operations of Withoutabox will remain much the same, including the entire management team, our experienced staff, and the dedicated customer service you love.
We look forward as always to seeing you at festivals and other industry events.
Happy New Year. Here’s to new beginnings!
All the best,
Your Withoutabox Team
Yeah, I guess it’s a good thing. IMDB and WAB working together.
Could strengthen both and make fest credits more legit. Saw it but thanks for posting, Maria.
I am so hyped up about this film and cant wait for it to be released. As an young African American woman w/ a Japanese guy myself, It’s refreshing to see films like this. It seems more positive (yet, still realistic) than a gimmick as well so I’m really feeling it. I will most definitely be sure to see this when it comes out. Good luck and keep up the good work!
Thanks Momo. We’re doing our thing. Come out and see the movie if you’re in NY or LA (or when it comes to your area).
Just saw the trailer and clips from your movie through an email from KAFFNY. I am African-American and have a love for Japanese and Korean culture. This movie looks great! I wish that I could attend the festival to see it. I was surprised that it was a short and not a full feature film. I live in metro Detroit and hope that it will come here. Hopefully, you will put out a DVD. If you are making a full feature, I look forward to seeing it. I wish you much success!
I learned about this film through a “blasian” yahoo group that I’m currently a member of, and I must say that I am so glad I did!! As a multiracial femme,it’s always refreshing/exciting/heartwarming to see couples and families like this represented in the media,especially ones involving persons of Asian/African backgrounds; two strong,beautiful cultures that have more in common than meets the eye…..
Thank you so much for this film and please keep me posted on DVD releases and the like, as I’m down here in Texas and more than a little behind on what’s going on up there in LA and NYC,haha.I wait in eager anticipation!
Whatcha know Joe!
Victoria~
More in common indeed!
I was in Texas last summer. El Paso and Pecos with one of my best friends who went back for his high school reunion.
Gave me some context when I saw “No Country for Old Men”
best,
Joe
There will be another screening this May in Los Angeles. Details to follow soon.
I hope you bring your film around in the Chicago area!
Please drop by Univeristy of California Los Angeles (my uni), Univeristy of Berkely California, University of Southern California, Duke Univeristy, North Carolina State University- Raleigh, and New York Univeristy, Santa Monica College, Texas A&M University.
It seems like alot of African American women are open to the idea of dating Asian Men, it’s just the Asian Men that don’t seem very willing, and if they are they seem to be “ghettoâ€. This is very rare, and it’s very sad considering we’re in year 2008 and we still have these problems. Asian Men in my opinion date almost EVERY race BUT African American Women, most of the time, partially Korean’s. A lot of it has to do with the bad image the media has given African American women, their looked upon as being uneducated, living in poverty, drop-outs, whores/sluts/ho’s, unable to speak proper english, physically unattractive, getting pregant constantly, extremely aggressive, lazy, on drugs, violent, obnoxious/loud, ghetto, barbaric, always angry, filthy, and with no etiquette. Very stupid stero-types. Not every African American Woman is like this, and anytime I’ve seen this type of couple together they always seem to get nasty looks by the Asian Women, Black Men, and the Elders (asian elders mostly). *sighs* Asians seperate themselves from other races alot, not just African Americans, so they’re the ones that need to change. One day…one day this won’t be an issue, but this movie is a step forward. Please forgive me if I’ve in any way caused any offense to anyone, It’s not intended. God Bless.
In Grand Rapids, you can do a screening at the UICA.
Here is their web site.
http://www.uica.org/
Or actually, setting something up with one of the local colleges like Grand Valley State University might be best…
When can we see this movie in Toronto?
Would love to bring it up there! May be in Windsor or Detroit in June but no Toronto screenings scheduled yet.
You may have to settle for purchasing a DVD later this summer!
Thank you, Joe!
Please add me on Facebook so that I don’t miss it!
I haven’t heard of this movie, but I’m glad there is a movie out like this and that you decided to do it with a black women, asian male couple and not black male, asian women because you don’t see the the B/F and A/M couple that much, at least not here down south! As a black female I am attracted to asian males and came across this movie by googleing B/F A/M. The trailer looks good and I can’t wait till it comes out on video!
Thanks Kaj and Christine.
its great to know that a movie about “asian man/ebony woman relationship” is being made. i myself have always been attracted to ebony woman and its the only race i prefer to date the movie looks good and i can’t wait till it comes out on DVD.
Did you have a showing at the UICA yet? I think you did try to set one up…
Hopefully you’ll dig the movie as much as you dig the “sistas”, fred?
Yeah, I checked out their website and they have a summer movies series. I’d be willing to exhibit there if they’re interested. I’ll drop ‘em a line and maybe you can do the same Neesse?
I seen this trailer on You Tube and I can’t wait to see this movie! I would love to purchase the DVD as soon as it comes out. If you are ever interested in showing this in the Cleveland, OH area, we are a few small theatres that cater to indie films: Cleveland Cimenatheque, Cedar-Lee and Cleveland Public Theatre. Also, our film festival is in March, but hopefully I can get the DVD well before then!
Best of luck! And thank you for breaking down so many barriers! I hope to see this on the big screen one day!
hi there !! I really would like to see this movie, so I’ve to ask, is there any chance of you guys passing the movie here in Europe?
please answer me !!
ps: love the trailer…
I would love to show the film in Europe. Had someone from Cannes Pan African fest contact me but he couldn’t make it happen! DVD will be available soon.
I am in love with the trailer! Would like to buy the DVD for my African American woman group discussion class are you guys selling the DVD and if so would love to purchase. Please hit me up and let me know.
Thanks
I’m a half Chinese, half White Male from England and i’ve been with my fiance for 5 years now (she is black). I’d love for this movie to get a European release.
The DVD will be available August 19th.
Entering a Hip Hop film fest in Paris, but no other European exhibitions planned. Open to the idea!
Many thanks for giving us a so beautiful gift.
The 22mins were awesome. I can’t help watching it
I am from Paris and I look forward to having the DVD;
Joe,
I saw the 22min short and it’s truly a gem. More movies like these need to be made and I can’t wait to get the DVD!
Mike
I hope you’re the creator of that film. I wanted to thank you for making it. It reminded me of a good friend, who’d died way too young. He described himself as completely Japanese, and completely African-American. He loved hiphop and he loved Black American culture and he loved Japan.
Anyhow, when I saw the movie online, I felt so good. It set off a cascade of memories and feelings that had to do with love, music, friendship and the goodness of that in a way that made me feel great.
I’d also heard that AHHS might become a feature length film. I’ll be hoping and praying that if so, it’s a project that comes together with ease and joy.
As A Woman Representing Single Black Females with Genetically Inherited Disorders and Their Cultural Partner Choices in Relation to Starting Families;
I Fully Embrace the Work of This Talented Director.
Just 1 ?uestion; ..When Is the Full Length Feature Due for Release / To Be Screened Over Here In London UK?
Much Brightness ..
Nets♥♥♥♥
Thanks Ruthy! Glad I could help invoke some pleasant memories in your life.
And Nets, 2007-08 has been good for the short, but hopefully ‘09 will see the feature jump off!
I am Korean-Canadian, and I picked up my girl riding the bus, who I eventually married for two years now. Her Dad is Black and her Mom is White, so she is Mulatto (think of Beyonce with curly hair, just a lot slimmer than how she looks in her videos). I notice a lot of really dark Black women with untouched natural hair, who are completely drop-dead gorgeous, but I am already married so now its up to the rest of my Asian friends to pick up where I left off. Black women in North American society have been oppressed way too long (not pointing any fingers at anyone) but I believe it should be the calling of every Asian male in North America to restore justice to Black women by presenting wider selection of males, i.e. the seven-foot 120 kg body-builder, which is here in America but were just not presenting. As the stronger sex, I believe every male must take it upon themselves to take responsibility for restoring justice to the oppressed in whatever society they live in. I just finished a CD and I hope to get noticed for this work, I just need to apply for copyrights first. Maybe the next movie you make Joe, you can use a couple of my songs. I am expecting to receive Akiras Hip Hop Shop DVD tomorrow in the mailbox. Looking forward to it.
Would love to hear some of your music, “M.Y.”
Hit me up.
Just finished watching the DVD and I loved it! When is it going to be a full movie?
Updates coming soon, Alicia. Stay tuned!
what’s good! street radio did some of the music for the movie. just wanted to stop by to show some love!
Yo, Street Radio what’s good?
Thanks for the love! Hit me up by e-mail if you guys need copies of the DVD.
Hoping we work together on the feature in ‘09!
best,
Joe
I watched the movie and I loved it, though as a screenwriter I did see some holes that left me with questions. But since you are making a full feature length I will wait . I must say the chemistry was there between the actors, but the male lead never gave any verbal inclincation as to why he liked her. He was always ready to pounce . Is this what you wanted to portray? (I am not sure if it was implied either or maybe it was edited out for time purpose) but none the less since I think asian guys are hot, this just lit my fires to keep moving on. And thanks for portraying the female lead ..well you know how.
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Akira's Hip-Hop Shop stars James Kyson Lee (NBC's "Heroes") and Emayatzy Corinealdi. Written and directed by Joe Doughrity.
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