PSA on Dolphin Awareness & "THE COVE"

A couple months ago, musician/filmmaker Andres Useche asked me if I would be in a PSA he was making to help bring awareness to the dolphin slaughter in Taiji, Japan, depicted in the documentary film, THE COVE. The film had just been nominated for an Academy Award, but I had yet to see it. However, much had already been publicized about the film, and its subject—a little known brutal routine taking place in the town of Taiji, of capturing and slaughtering thousands of dolphins and selling them as "whale meat"—so I did not hesitate in saying yes.  THE COVE had already been sweeping the awards season, winning the DGA, WGA, PGA, ACE and Sundance awards, among many others. So, even though I had not seen it yet, my guess was it would also win the Oscar.  I saw the film that week, and it did not disappoint. Director Louie Psyihoyos (rhymes with sequoias) did a marvelous job in effectively addressing an important topic while also telling a deeply emotional story. Great filmmaking. While the issue is tragic and the suffering is painful to watch, the film also offers hope: Hope that, through awareness, minds can be changed. THE COVE did win on Oscar night, but the fight continues. Please visit www.TakePart.com/TheCove to find out how you can help.

Thank you Andres, for your great work and for asking me to be a part of this PSA. It was an honor. Check it out.  Hollywood A-listers, as well as some prominent Asian American celebs, including Tamlyn Tomita and James Kyson Lee are all featured.  I come in about 1:24, sandwiched between Carrie Ann Inaba and John Leguizamo... Like I said, an honor.