On Tuesday, (May 7), A24 released the trailer for “The Farewell,” a film based on the true story of a family who lies to its matriarch about her fatal cancer diagnosis and hosts a wedding as an excuse to bring the family together before she dies. Written and directed by Lulu Wang, the film premieres July 12 in theaters and stars a predominantly Asian cast, including Tzi Ma (“Veep”) and Awkwafina (“Crazy Rich Asians)” in her first leading role. On May 1, Akwafina was honored as part of Gold House’s A100 List 2019, as previously reported by Colorlines.

The trailer shows Akwafina’s character deliberating with family and doctors after learning of her Nai Nai’s illness, only to be told repeatedly that most families in China would choose to keep the secret. As one character explains, “In the East, a person’s life is part of a whole.”