Set in a remote village nestled within the vast mountains of China’s Loess Plateau, MAY THE SOIL BE EVERYWHERE follows filmmaker Yehui Zhao as she returns to uncover the story of her family.

When a Korean-American adoptee discovers a hidden letter revealing his birth mother is terminally ill in Korea, he must choose between maintaining his perfect American life or confronting the painful truth of his adoption.

After years behind bars, Kainoa returns home to Hawai‘i determined to rebuild his life — and reconnect with the son he left behind. But redemption isn’t easy… especially when the past won’t let go.

This powerful documentary follows an Indian immigrant mother and her adopted twin daughters as they navigate an unexpected pregnancy — and a journey to reconnect with their White birth mother and estranged Native American father.

What does it mean to be AAPI today?

This powerful documentary brings together voices like Sandra Oh, Kumail Nanjiani, Connie Chung, Tammy Duckworth, and Amanda Nguyen — sharing real stories of identity, resilience, and belonging.

HAAPIFEST 2026 returns as a powerful, multi-day celebration of film, music, and art — bringing together bold voices, diverse stories, and unforgettable experiences from across the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) diaspora.

Y Vân: The Lost Sounds of Saigon tells the epic story of Y Vân, a legendary Vietnamese composer, and his granddaughter Khoa as she journeys to uncover and preserve his lost music.

HAAPIFEST 2026 kicks off with an unforgettable Opening Night event, spotlighting music, storytelling, and the power of artistic resilience.

This year’s featured film, The Rose: Come Back To Me, is an intimate and powerful documentary chronicling the journey of The Rose — a Korean indie rock band that rose to global fame before facing a sudden halt due to a label dispute. After years apart, the band reunites, returning to music and their fans on their own terms.

Mark your calendars — HAAPIFEST 2026 is coming!

📅 May 29 – June 14, 2026

📍 DoubleTree by Hilton Westchase: 10609 Westpark Dr, Houston, TX 77042

Join us for another unforgettable celebration of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander storytelling through film. HAAPIFEST 2026 will showcase a dynamic lineup of documentary features & shorts, narrative films, and exclusive director meet-and-greets — bringing together filmmakers, creatives, and audiences from Houston and beyond.

We’re now accepting film submissions for next year’s festival — and we want to see your stories on screen. Whether you’re a filmmaker exploring identity, culture, community, or bold new perspectives, HAAPIFEST is the place to share your vision.

📌 Submission Deadlines:
• Regular Deadline: November 30, 2025
• Late Deadline: January 5, 2026

Ready to submit?
👉 www.filmfreeway.com/haapifest

The Houston Asian American Pacific Islander Film Festival (HAAPIFEST) is excited to announce that submissions for our 2026 festival are officially open! We are looking for powerful, innovative, and authentic stories from AAPI filmmakers and allies around the globe.

HAAPIFEST is more than a film festival — it’s a platform for representation, a hub for creative exchange, and a celebration of culture and community through the art of storytelling. Every year, we welcome filmmakers whose voices inspire, challenge, and move audiences.

HAAPIFEST 2025 is excited to bring two powerhouse screenings that showcase the strength, creativity, and cultural impact of the global Asian community—on screen and beyond.

Whether you're a lifelong member of the BTS ARMY or a fan of legendary Asian cinema, these two films are must-sees for anyone who believes in the power of AAPI storytelling.

HAAPIFest is proud to partner with Tokyo X to present an exclusive series of in-person screenings at Houston’s NRG Center, spotlighting powerful cinematic works by and about the Asian diaspora.

As HAAPIFEST 2025 heads into its final weekend, we're inviting Houston's film lovers, creatives, and culture seekers to unwind, connect, and celebrate at HAAPI Hour, a special social and screening night hosted by OCA–Greater Houston and HAAPIFEST.

In Between Pictures: The Lens of Tamio Wakayama, director Cindy Mochizuki brings to light a deeply personal and historically resonant journey through the life of Tamio Wakayama.

Directed by Jon Osaki and Josh Chuck, this documentary explores how the Ethnic Studies movement—rooted in the late 1960s student protests at UC Berkeley and San Francisco State University.

This June, audiences in Houston will have the rare chance to experience The Truer History of the Chan Family, a daring, genre-defying film that blends musical theatre, historical drama, and social satire.

Are you an emerging filmmaker eager to bring your personal stories to life on the big screen? Join us at HAAPIFest for an unforgettable experience at our Lunch & Learn: Story Development Workshop with special guest Marcos James!

Join us for an unforgettable screening of Sharing Aloha, the acclaimed documentary by award-winning director Blair Treu, at HAAPIFest 2025.

Join us for HAAPIFest Closing Night featuring Embarrassed By Night — a live comedy showcase celebrating Vietnamese American stories with heart and humor.