'The Farewell' to release in US theaters on Friday

"Crazy Rich Asians" star Awkwafina attended the premiere of her new film, "The Farewell."

Actress Awkwafina, right, takes a selfie with designers Phillip Lim and Prabal Gurung, left, at a special screening of "The Farewell" at Metrograph in New York on Monday, July 8, 2019. [Photo:IC]

The new movie depicts a Chinese family collectively deciding not to tell their grandmother that she has been diagnosed with lung cancer and has only three months to live. But wanting a chance to say goodbye, they arrange an elaborate ruse — a wedding — to get everyone together one last time.

Director Lulu Wang, whose own family's wild true story is the basis for the film, says that media dictates perception, and she wants to make sure perceptions are accurate.

The director also said that representation and diversity is needed behind the camera just as much as it's needed on-screen.

"I really think that we have to start from a place where we're telling our own stories. You know, people of color, women, people who have been under-represented - we need to tell our own stories because the reality is nobody else could have made this particular movie, this specific movie. I couldn't have even done it on my own. I had to make sure that I talked to my family and I cast my great aunt to play herself because only we have the authority to speak from our very, very special perspective."

Actor Tzi Ma, who plays Haiyan, Billi's father, says that the success of movies like "Crazy Rich Asians" and the Netflix movie "Always Be My Maybe," we'll see more films showcasing Asian heritage.

"The Farewell" hits US theaters July 12, 2019.

(Story includes material sourced from AP)