East West Players, in collaboration with Outside In Theatre, presents the Los Angeles premiere of Cambodian Rock Band.

A powerful addition to the American theater canon, Cambodian Rock Band follows a Khmer Rouge survivor returning to his homeland after 30 years. As his daughter prepares to prosecute a notorious war criminal, echoes of their shared past resurface. The story moves between timelines as father and daughter confront history, finding solace and healing through music.

Pacific Overtures will run from November 7, 2024, to December 1, 2024, at East West Players. Set in 1853, the story follows Commodore Matthew C. Perry's mission to open Japan's borders, as Samurai Kayama and fisherman Manjiro are sent to meet the American gunboat, unknowingly altering the fate of the "Floating Kingdom."

East West Players previously staged Pacific Overtures in 1979, featuring founding Artistic Director Mako reprising his Tony-nominated role as The Reciter. The musical was also the inaugural performance of the David Henry Hwang Theater in 1998, supported in part by the David Lee Foundation.

The San Diego Asian Film Festival celebrates its 25th anniversary with a fresh, youthful energy, inspired by its Closing Night film. Unfazed by political challenges, the festival channels them into bold cinematic expression. This year’s program offers a unique and dynamic experience, honoring Asian American icons and celebrating diverse themes like activism, sports, and friendship. As they look ahead to the future, the festival invites everyone to join their vibrant and evolving community.

The 2024 Together We Vote: An API Get Out The Vote Fest, organized by CAUSE, is a multi-day celebration coinciding with the 10 days of early voting leading up to Election Day. This event aims to unite communities around the themes of learning, eating, laughing, and voting, emphasizing the importance of civic engagement. CAUSE highlights the significance of making voices heard through voting, showcasing how it can positively impact daily life and local communities. Participants are encouraged to join CAUSE in celebrating culture and civic engagement within Los Angeles’ Historic Asian Pacific Islander (API) Neighborhoods during this festive period.

Viet Film Fest takes pride in being a key platform for Vietnamese filmmakers and stories about the Vietnamese people. The festival invites support in its mission to use cinema as a powerful tool to showcase and celebrate the diversity of Vietnamese voices.

The Asian Pacific Filmmakers Experience concluded the AANHPI Heritage Month at CAAMFest 2024, bringing together more than 75 filmmakers, industry professionals, community leaders, and arts organizers. This celebration of filmmakers at CAAMFest 2024 was co-hosted by the Center for Asian American Media (CAAM) and featured delightful cuisine from the local caterer EATS BY E. The joyous occasion took place at the Four One Nine Gallery in San Francisco on Mother’s Day Sunday.

CAAMFest 2024 is a celebration of diverse, true stories reflecting our experiences. It provides a platform for individuals to share their truths and perspectives, fostering understanding amid misinformation. The festival honors brave storytellers, acknowledging the range of emotions their stories encapsulate. It stands as a testament to our shared humanity and the power of storytelling.

The Asian Pacific Filmmakers Experience was celebrated at the 40th Edition of the VC Film Fest (previously the Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival) in Downtown Los Angeles. The event saw a gathering of over 200 filmmakers, industry executives, community advocates, and supporters at the revitalized Peking Tavern. This gathering served as a platform for attendees to forge connections and engage in networking.

The 40th VC Film Fest, also known as the Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival, is dedicated to its founding Executive Director, Steve Tatsukawa. His impact, humor, and positive influence are remembered through shared stories and memories, ensuring his legacy for future generations. The festival honors elder cultural workers and connects them with current and emerging artists who continue to empower communities and challenge perspectives.

Three events celebrating two decades marking one impactful weekend – this was the Asian Pacific Filmmakers Experience (APFE) 20th Edition in Park City, Utah. 

Held over the opening weekend (alongside the Sundance and Slamdance Film Festivals from January 19-21, 2024), over 50 Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander films and filmmakers who presented their projects at these festivals were honored and recognized at three APFE events:

• Amplify Asian’s Asian Texan BBQ Night

• Filmmakers Forum and Fireside Chat at the Sunrise House

• “Meet the Filmmakers” Reception and 20th Edition Celebration at Alpine Distilling

The Asian Pacific Filmmakers Experience (APFE) celebrated AANHPI filmmakers, storytellers, creatives and community leaders at both the 39th Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival in Los Angeles and the 2023 CAAMFest in San Francisco, California.

The 2023 Asian Pacific Filmmakers Experience in Austin celebrated five years at the South by Southwest Film Festival (SXSW) with festivities recognizing AAPI filmmakers, storytellers, creatives and community leaders. 

SATURDAY, JANUARY 21, 2023 | 11am - 2pm MST | Pretty Bird (Park City, UT)

Event Program:

• 11:00 - 11:10 MST | WELCOME REMARKS

  • Organizers Welcome: Kollaboration, CAPE, VC, CAAM, David Magdael & Associates, Laarni Dacanay

  • Pretty Bird Chef Viet Pham Welcome

• 11:10 - 2:00pm MST | APFE 20th ANNIV FILMMAKER LUNCHEON HOSTED BY PRETTY BIRD

  • 2023 AAPI Sundance & Slamdance Film Festival Filmmaker Recognition

  • Partner Org & Sponsor Recognition

  • Closing Remarks

SUNDAY, JANUARY 22, 2023 | 2pm - 4pm MST | Sunrise Collective (Park City, UT)

• 2:00 - 2:20 pm MST | RETROSPECTIVE FIRESIDE CHAT: Then & Now

  • Sundance 2023 Filmmaker Sing Lee - “The Accidental Getaway Driver”

  • Sundance 2016 Filmmaker Lulu Wang

• 2:25 - 2:45 pm MST | RETROSPECTIVE FIRESIDE CHAT: Then & Now

  • Sundance 2023 Filmmaker

  • Journalist Richard Lui

• 2:45 - 2:55 pm MST | APFE Organizing Team Closing Remarks & 2023 Irene Cho Pioneer Award

• 2:55 - 4:00 pm MST | Networking Mixer