CJ ENM has announced the launch of the dynamic and groundbreaking “First Light StoryHouse” – a label created under its new Asian Content Initiative, designed to amplify Asian voices worldwide. First Light StoryHouse will focus on identifying and supporting authentic Asian and Asian American stories and introducing them to global audiences. The vision for this effort was conceived and set into motion by Miky Lee, Vice Chairwoman at CJ; Janet Yang, producer and recent President of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences; and Dominic Ng, Chairman and CEO of East West Bank. Lee, Yang, and Ng will jointly oversee the endeavor as founding partners.
First Light StoryHouse will strategically select and support the development of film and scripted TV projects led by talented Asian creators. These projects will span a variety of genres, themes and cultural perspectives, celebrating the richness of Asian experiences in the United States and around the world. The label will focus on the development phase, investing early and participating as a co-producer to help bring compelling, market-ready projects to life. Upon completion of the development process, the label will work to secure partnerships with studios, production companies and streaming platforms.
The goal of First Light StoryHouse is to amplify the voices and narratives of creators who are Asian or of Asian descent, ensuring their stories resonate with global audiences while also establishing a sustainable business model for long-term support. Through high-quality film and scripted TV content that showcases the Asian diaspora, the label aims to elevate historically underrepresented perspectives in both Hollywood and the international entertainment industry.
Driving growth and advancing the representation of Asian voices across the industry, Lee, Yang and Ng will lead the effort, providing strategic direction and shaping its creative vision.
“Recent successes from Asian storytellers have shown the potential and authenticity of their stories,” said Miky Lee. “Through this effort, we aim to spotlight these voices, believing in the power of storytelling to bridge cultures. Janet Yang and Dominic Ng have long championed this mission, and together, we are committed to empowering these stories on the global stage.”
Janet Yang shared, “In Miky Lee and Dominic Ng, I’ve found kindred spirits – true champions for cross-cultural storytelling. Given CJ’s game-changing contributions to global culture and Dominic’s commitment to building cultural bridges, we’ve discussed our aligned interests over many conversations and have decided to create a venture together. I couldn’t be more privileged to partner with them on this endeavor.”
“At East West Bank and beyond, I’ve long strived to support artistic endeavors that are forces for good,” said Ng. “I deeply admire leaders like Miky Lee and Janet Yang, who not only pursue their dreams but make the dreams of others come true. This joint effort behind First Light StoryHouse will serve as a powerful connector between the East and West, fostering deeper understanding and expanding opportunities for creative voices. I’m honored to help build this bridge alongside CJ ENM.”
First Light StoryHouse will be managed by CJ ENM under the leadership of Jerry Kyoungboum Ko, Head of CJ ENM’s Global Film Business.
CJ ENM is renowned for championing Asian stories in Hollywood. Its remarkable achievements at the Cannes Film Festival highlight the global impact of Asian cinema, with Park Chan-wook earning Best Director for his crime thriller Decision to Leave, backed by CJ ENM. Bong Joon-ho’s Parasite broke barriers as the first non-English-language feature to win Cannes’ prestigious Palme d’Or in 2019 and later made history at the 2020 Oscars, winning Best Picture and three additional awards.
Most recently, Past Lives – a poignant film co-distributed and co-financed by CJ ENM and A24 – earned nominations for Best Picture and Best Original Screenplay at the 2024 Oscars. CJ ENM continues to broaden its appeal to global audiences with bold projects, including Bugonia – an English-language remake of the South Korean cult classic Save the Green Planet! with Yorgos Lanthimos directing and Emma Stone starring – and No Other Choice, a new film directed by Park Chan-wook and starring Lee Byung-hun (Squid Game) and Son Ye-jin (Crash Landing on You).
