Join us for a milestone celebration of Asian American storytelling at HAAPIFEST's 20th Year Anniversary! Experience two weeks of inspiring films, insightful panels, and engaging discussions that highlight the rich cultural heritage and diverse narratives of Asian Americans in cinema.
Festival Schedule
2024 FILM SCHEDULE
Come enjoy a FILM FESTIVAL full of meaningful films in our industry. Lots of food, fun, meet film directors, producers and film business professionals.
Join us for a milestone celebration of Asian American storytelling at HAAPIFEST's 20th year anniversary! Experience two weeks of inspiring films, insightful panels, and engaging discussions that highlight the rich cultural heritage and diverse narratives of Asian Americans in cinema.
Mark your calendars and stay tuned for more details! We can't wait to share the magic of Asian American cinema with you!
We’ll be adding more films to the schedule, please come back often to check.
For a complete HAAPIFEST’s Film Line-Up & Descriptions, please click below.
2024 ONLINE FILM SCHEDULE
Thanks to our awesome filmmaker we are allowed to screen so many films and showcase AAPINH untold stories.
All online films will be available on demand. Please note: some films will have restrictions.
Also note, some TITLES available in person are not available online and some TITLES are available online but not in person.
Thank you for your continuous support.
For a complete HAAPIFEST’s Film Line-Up & Descriptions, please click below.
MAIKA (June 9, 2024)
Join us for a special screening of MAIKA at HAAPIFEST, followed by an exclusive Q&A with producer Jenni Trang Le!
Date: June 9, 2024
Time: 12 PM
Location: DoubleTree by Hilton, 10609 Westpark Dr, Houston, TX 77042
About the Film:
MAIKA tells the heartwarming story of a young boy grappling with the loss of his mother to illness and the unexpected departure of his best friend. His life takes an extraordinary turn when he discovers a crashed spaceship and befriends Maika, a visitor from another world with incredible powers. Together, they embark on a series of zany and fun-filled adventures, facing off against bad guys and helping Maika navigate her way back home. The film is a delightful mix of action, humor, and touching moments that explore themes of friendship, resilience, and the wonder of discovery.
Jenni Trang Le:
Jenni is a Houston native and acclaimed producer. She co-founded EAST Films to empower visionary storytellers globally.
Don't miss out on this incredible event!
Join us at HAAPIFEST for the screening of ASHIMA on June 9 at TECO from 12PM - 3PM! 🎬
About the Film:
Follow the incredible journey of Ashima Shiraishi, a young rock climbing prodigy from NYC, as she tackles her greatest challenge yet in South Africa. Directed by Kenji Tsukamoto, this intimate film explores the deep bond and dynamic between Ashima and her father.
Date: June 9
Location: DoubleTree by Hilton, 10609 Westpark Dr, Houston, TX 77042
Time: 2PM - 4PM
Meet and Greet with Kenji Tsukamoto:
Kenji Tsukamoto, born in Fukushima, Japan, and raised across various locations in the United States, brings a unique perspective to his storytelling. As a third culture kid, he connects deeply with Ashima Shiraishi's journey, making her the focus of his debut feature film, Ashima (Mountainfilm 2024).
ASHIMA (June 9, 2024)
CLOSING NIGHT (June 9, 2024)
Witness the power of art in motion. Experience a special screening of NOBUKO MIYAMOTO: A SONG IN MOVEMENT at HAAPIFEST Closing Night; a sweeping documentary that follows the life of visionary artist-activist Nobuko Miyamoto and her work that changed Asian America forever.
Synopsis:
After decades of groundbreaking cultural work that unites communities and sets the bar for Asian American storytelling, Miyamoto reflects on a life that has bridged coasts, industries, families, and history. Featuring rare archival footage, NOBUKO MIYAMOTO: A SONG IN MOVEMENT is a story of a changing community told through the singular life of one of its most beloved storytellers.
Date: June 9, 2024
Time: 4PM - 5PM
Location: DoubleTree by Hilton, 10609 Westpark Dr, Houston, TX 77042
Don't miss the special event featuring:
Q&A with Emmy-award winning filmmaker Tadashi Nakamura & Daytime Emmy nominated filmmaker Quyen Nguyen-Le.
A special live performance by Nobuko Miyamoto, an icon of Asian American music and activism.
PAST EVENTS
PRESCREENING EVENTS & KICK-OFF EVENT
Come see a glimpse of what types of films we will be screening. All Screenings are free but seating is limited.
Location: Axelrad Beer Garden (1517 Alabama St, Houston, TX 77004)
PRESCREENING EVENTS
Thurs, May 2nd | Upstairs
8-10pm
- Films: MI CASA ES TU CASA, STITCHED, GRAPEFRUITThurs, May 9th | Upstairs
8-10pm
- Films: NO CLOUDS IN MY SUMMER, THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN USThurs, May 23th | Upstairs
8-10pm
- Films: SO THAT HAPPENED, DREGS, THE LAST QUEEN
KICK- OFF EVENT
Monday, May 27th | Main ROOM
8-10:30pm
-> Film: THE HERRICANES (Olivia Kuan) + Q & A
HAAPIFEST presents a screening of Ron Wong's Film "The Race Epidemic" followed by a Q&A Panel with Curtis Chin & Ron Wong.
Date: Saturday, June 8, 2024
Time: 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM
Location: DoubleTree by Hilton, 10609 Westpark Dr, Houston, TX 77042
Ron Wong:
Founder of the Asian Pacific American Leadership Foundation
President of Imprenta Communications Group
Award-winning producer and writer with extensive experience in politics and social justice
About the Film:
"The Race Epidemic" is a powerful 60-minute documentary that examines the surge of racism against Asian Americans during the Covid-19 pandemic. The film explores how the politicization of the pandemic and inflammatory rhetoric, such as calling it the "Chinese Virus," have fueled a dangerous wave of hate and violence. The documentary poses critical questions about whether this racism is a new phenomenon or deeply rooted in American society.
Join us for an enlightening evening of discussion, film, and community engagement!
THE RACE EPIDEMIC (June 8, 2024)
DEAR CORKY (June 8, 2024)
An Intimate Book Talk with Curtis Chin, author of "Everything I Learned, I Learned in a Chinese Restaurant" & a Screening of Curtis Chin's Films "Dear Corky" and "Vincent Who?"
Date: Saturday, June 8, 2024
Time: 3:30 PM - 9:30 PM
Location: DoubleTree by Hilton, 10609 Westpark Dr, Houston, TX 77042
Curtis Chin:
Curtis Chin is a co-founder of the Asian American Writers’ Workshop in New York City. Chin served as the non-profits’ first Executive Director. He went on to write for network and cable television before transitioning to social justice documentaries.
Chin has screened his films at over 600 venues in sixteen countries. He has written for CNN, Bon Appetit, the Detroit Free Press, and the Emancipator/Boston Globe. A graduate of the University of Michigan, Chin has received awards from ABC/Disney Television, New York Foundation for the Arts, National Endowment for the Arts, and more.
His memoir, “Everything I Learned, I Learned in a Chinese Restaurant” was published by Little, Brown in Fall 2023. His essay in Bon Appetit was selected for Best Food Writing in America 2023.
HAAPIFEST presents a Screening of HOME COURT followed by a Q&A with producer Brandon Soun.
Date & Time: June 8, 2024, at 1:30 PM
Location: DoubleTree by Hilton, 10609 Westpark Dr, Houston, TX 77042
About the Film:
HOME COURT traces the ascent of Ashley Chea, a Cambodian American basketball prodigy whose life intensifies amid recruitment, injury, and triumph throughout her high school career.
About Brandon Soun (Producer):
Brandon Soun is an emerging Cambodian American filmmaker from Long Beach, CA. A UCLA graduate in Asian American Studies, his work centers around the Cambodian American diaspora, addressing issues such as intergenerational trauma, displacement, and immigration justice. He was a fellow of the 2022 Armed-With-A-Camera Fellowship with Visual Communications. His most recent film, “Conversations at the Register” (2022), was a Grand Jury Award nominee and won the “Audience Choice Award for Best Documentary Short” at the 2023 Seattle Asian American Film Festival.
Don't miss this inspiring film and the chance to hear from one of the incredible producers, Brandon Soun! See you there!
HOME COURT (June 8, 2024)
UNCONDITIONAL (June 7, 2024)
We are thrilled to present the screening of UNCONDITIONAL, a powerful film directed and produced by award-winning filmmaker Richard Lui. Honored at the White House, this film follows three families over seven years, showcasing their mental strength and love.
Plus, don't miss the special book talk "Enough About Me" with Richard Lui himself!
Date: Friday, June 7
Time: 6 PM - 9 PM
Location: DoubleTree by Hilton, 10609 Westpark Dr, Houston, TX 77042
About Richard Lui:
MSNBC & NBC News Anchor
First Asian American male to anchor a daily national cable news program
Peabody & Emmy team award recipient
Come experience a night of inspiration and insight!
HAAPIFEST celebrates its 20th Annivesary for indepenent filmmaking - OPENING NIGHT.
Date/Time: May 30th, 6pm-9 pm
Location: DoubleTree by Hilton (10609 Westpark Dr, Houston, TX 77042)
Come enjoy a fun night full of:
Meet & Greet with Abigail Hing Wen
Autographed copy of LOVEBOAT TAIPEI available!
Limited edition swag bags
** This is a ticketed event **
Don’t miss the opportunity to own a signed copy of this best-selling novel "LOVEBOAT, TAIPEI".
We can't wait to share the magic of Asian American cinema with you! All Access VIP Pas & General tickets are available through our Elevent ticketing system.
OPENING NIGHT
A GREAT DIVIDE (May 31, 2024)
Dive into the heart of the untamed West with "A Great Divide" - an award winning film! Meet the Lee family as they embark on a journey from bustling California to the rugged landscapes of Wyoming. But amidst the stunning scenery lurks a more formidable challenge than nature itself - the town's unwelcoming residents. Led by the hilarious Ken Jeong (The Hangover, The Masked Singer, Dr. Ken, Crazy Rich Asians) as Dad, this gripping tale explores the highs and lows of fitting in versus standing out in a place where acceptance isn't easily granted. As Dad strives to blend in, Mom, portrayed by Jae Suh Park (Friends from College, The Paper Tigers), refuses to compromise her authenticity, sparking tension within the family.
And that's not all! Stick around after the screening for a Q&A session with producer Brian Yang and Emmy Award-winning director Jean Shim, where they'll delve into the making of this riveting film, behind-the-scenes anecdotes, and more surprises in store! 🎤 Don't miss out on this exclusive opportunity to connect with the creative minds behind the magic.
Date: Friday, May 31, 2024
Time: 7PM - 9PM
Location: DoubleTree by Hilton, 10609 Westpark Dr, Houston, TX 77042
