What to watch this Asian Pacific American Heritage Month on KCTS 9

Celebrate APAHM with KCTS 9.

April 24, 2020

May is officially Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, and we're airing special programs all month long. Brand new episodes of KCTS 9 shows and new documentaries will showcase Asian American history with stories about culture, traditions and survival.

To honor Asian American heritage, we’ll be airing numerous new specials and old favorites. But there are certain programs coming in May that we wanted to make sure you didn’t miss! Here’s what to watch Asian Pacific American Heritage Month on KCTS 9.

Pacific Heartbeat

Pacific Heartbeat gives viewers a glimpse into the lives of contemporary Pacific Islanders – their culture, way of life and the issues they face. This month, we’re offering two new episodes: “Anote’s Ark” explores the effects of rising sea levels on the island of Kiribati; and “Power Meri” follows the journey of Papua New Guinea’s first national women’s rugby team to the 2017 World Cup.

Pacific Heartbeat begins Tuesday, May 5, at 2:00 p.m. You can also watch the series online now.

Guru Nanak: The Founder of Sikhism

This fascinating film recounts the life story of the 15th century teacher and revolutionary activist from Punjab, India who founded the Sikh faith – the world’s fifth largest religion. The documentary also explores how Guru Nanak’s legacy inspires modern Sikh Americans to exercise compassion, take risks, challenge established norms and help others.

Guru Nanak: The Founder of Sikhism airs Wednesday, May 6, at 2:00 p.m.

Shades of Indigo

The story of Bellingham farmers Sam and Rob Dhaliwal gives a glimpse of the Sikh immigrant story in Washington state. The local documentary sheds light on the Sikh community's history in Bellingham and how agriculture is a part of the culture.

Shades of Indigo airs May 6 at 3:30 p.m. Or you can watch the local documentary online now.

Hayao Miyazaki: Ten Years with the Master

This series offers an exclusive, behind-the-scenes look at the genius of Japan’s foremost living film director. Hayao Miyazaki is the creator of some of the world’s most iconic and enduring anime feature films, including Howl’s Moving Castle, Princess Mononoke and the Academy Award-winning Spirited Away.

Ten Years with the Master premieres Monday, May 11, at 1:00 p.m.

Asian Americans

This groundbreaking five-part series examines the fastest growing racial/ethnic group in the United States. Told through individual lives and personal histories, the series examines the significant role of Asian Americans in shaping American history and identity, from the first wave of Asian immigrants in the 1850s and identity politics during the social and cultural turmoil of the 20th century to modern refugee crises in a globally connected world.

Asian Americans premieres Monday, May 11, at 8:00 p.m. Or watch the series online.

American Experience: Mr. Tornado

The Super Outbreak of 1974 was the most intense tornado outbreak on record, tearing a vicious path of destruction across 13 states and killing more than 300 people. Meteorologist Tetsuya Theodore “Ted” Fujita spent 10 months studying the outbreak’s aftermath in the most extensive aerial tornado study ever conducted. His groundbreaking work in research and applied science saved thousands of lives and helped Americans prepare for and respond to dangerous weather phenomena.

Mr. Tornado airs Tuesday, May 19, 8:00 p.m. Watch American Experience online.

Silent Sacrifice: Stories of Japanese American Incarceration

In February 1942, just ten weeks after the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed Executive Order 9066, which authorized the incarceration of any people considered a threat to national security. Silent Sacrifice shares the experiences of Japanese Americans whose families, farms and businesses were tragically uprooted as they were forced to abandon their homes and report to internment camps for the duration of the war.

Watch Silent Sacrifice Tuesday, May 26, at 1:00 p.m.

Kuya Geo

George Quibuyen, a first-generation Filipino American raised in the Puget Sound area, is co-founder of the hip hop duo Blue Scholars and a writer, musician, rhymer and restaurateur. Kuya is a Filipino term of respect for a “brother” or “cousin,” from whom one receives wisdom. In this series, Kuya Geo explores identity, music, food and urban culture from a Filipino American point of view.

Watch Kuya Geo online now, free.