“Animation & Family Friendly Shorts” — Imaginative Stories for All Ages
HAAPIFEST 2026 invites audiences of all ages to experience the joy, creativity, and heartwarming storytelling of the “Animation & Family Friendly Shorts” program on May 30, 2026 at 4:00 PM.
Screening at the DoubleTree by Hilton Westchase, this 74-minute collection features animated adventures, heartfelt family stories, magical journeys, and imaginative short films from talented filmmakers around the world.
Blending humor, emotion, fantasy, and cultural storytelling, this shorts showcase is designed for audiences seeking uplifting and visually creative cinema during HAAPIFEST 2026.
Featured Films in “Animation & Family Friendly Shorts”
Red Pocket
Directed by Austin Chen
A magical red pocket unexpectedly disrupts a tense family dinner in this imaginative comedy-drama exploring family anxiety, tradition, and emotional connection.
Ramen Western
Directed by Meloddy Gao
A young Chinese American girl journeys into the American West alongside an unusual companion — a sentient bowl of ramen. This playful short blends comedy, adventure, and fantasy with vibrant imagination.
The Timekeeper
Directed by Chenchen Zhou
A little girl struggles to understand her grandmother’s obsession with punctuality until she discovers Grandma’s past as a national timekeeper. This touching animated short reflects on aging, family care, and generational connection.
Paper Warriors
Directed by Aisa Uchimura and Brianna Salazar
Two paper samurai — a reckless student and a disciplined sensei — are forced to work together when danger threatens their fragile paper world. This action-filled animated short combines humor, creativity, and adventure.
First Winter
Directed by Schantelle Alonzo
A newly arrived immigrant experiences his first winter in Chicago while confronting the emotional reality of being far away from home. Through beautiful animation, the film captures loneliness, adaptation, and hope.
Creatures of chaos
Directed by Asavari Kumar
Four strangers discover that emotional turmoil can take on physical form in this visually inventive animated drama exploring feelings, vulnerability, and self-acceptance.
Hugs & Kisses
Directed by Alexandra "Lexie" Orr
A soon-to-be-born daughter imagines the future life she may share with her mother, reflecting on love, family, and emotional connection in this heartfelt short film.
Tashiro
Directed by Asako Ushio
Set on Japan’s famous “Cat Island,” this gentle documentary follows a photographer devoted to caring for and documenting stray cats while reflecting on the quiet relationship between people and animals.
Mom & Max
Directed by Jade Song
After her children leave home, a mother forms an unexpected bond with an elderly blind dog named Max, discovering new perspectives on love, caregiving, and self-worth.
A Slice of Home
Directed by Pauline Tran
While baking a pandan pie inspired by her Singaporean grandfather, Stacey reflects on identity, family expectations, and how food becomes a language of love and memory.
Family-Friendly Storytelling at HAAPIFEST 2026
The “Animation & Family Friendly Shorts” program showcases the creativity and emotional depth of short-form storytelling through animation, fantasy, documentary, and heartfelt drama. Perfect for families, film lovers, and audiences of all ages, this collection highlights themes of imagination, belonging, culture, and connection.
HAAPIFEST 2026 continues to celebrate bold storytelling and diverse creative voices through narrative films, documentaries, shorts programs, filmmaker Q&As, and cultural events in Houston.
Event Details
📅 May 30, 2026 @ 4:00 PM
📍 DoubleTree by Hilton Westchase
📍 10609 Westpark Dr, Houston, TX
🎬 “Animation & Family Friendly Shorts”
⏱ Runtime: 74 minutes
🎟️ Tickets and festival passes are available now at:
HAAPIFEST Official Ticket Website
About HAAPIFEST
HAAPIFEST 2026 takes place May 29 – June 14, 2026, featuring in-person screenings, filmmaker Q&As, cultural events, and select online programming available in Texas. The festival celebrates bold storytelling and creative voices through film, media, and community engagement.
This OCA-Greater Houston event is funded in part by Houston Arts Alliance through the City of Houston.