Want a doc to look forward to on HBO this Fall? How about “AKA Mr. Chow,” which looks at the life of one of the world’s most heralded restauranteurs, Michael Chow? Of course, Mr. Chow was so much more than the restaurants that became cultural hot spots in the ’60s and ’70s; he’s also an artist, an actor, and a proud Chinese man who succeeded in the West despite prejudice.
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Here’s an official synopsis for “AKA Mr. Chow,” courtesy of HBO:
AKA MR. CHOW details the vibrant and varied life of Michael Chow. Born Zhou Yinghua in 1930s Shanghai, he would use creativity to triumph over childhood trauma, personal loss, and systemic prejudice, growing up to become the actor and artist before inventing a new identity, Mr. Chow, when he opens the first of his iconic restaurants. Having found fame and fortune in the West, Mr. Chow celebrates his Chinese roots and finds catharsis by returning to painting, reemerging as the artist M.
“AKA Mr. Chow” features interviews with and images of a wide swathe of celebrities, fashion designers, and more, including Mae West, Calvin Klein, Andy Warhol, Peter Blake, Julian Schnabel, and Ed Ruscha. Several of Chow’s family members are also interviewed for the doc, as well as Fran Lebowitz, Brian Grazer, and others.
Nick Hooker directs “AKA Mr. Chow,” with Diane Quon producing and Jean Tsien as executive producer, writer, and editor on the film.  Graydon Carter and Annabelle Dunne also serve as executive producers. Other executive producers on the doc include Marisa Clifford and Miranda Soto for Pulse Films and Nancy Abraham, Lisa Heller, and Sara Rodriguez for HBO.
Take a look at the trailer for “AKA Mr. Chow” below. The doc premieres on HBO on October 22.