HAAPIFEST 2026 Spotlights Local Voices in “Houston & Texas Filmmakers Showcase 1”
HAAPIFEST 2026 proudly celebrates regional storytelling and emerging creative voices with the “Houston & Texas Filmmakers Showcase 1” program screening on June 6, 2026 at 2:15 PM.
Presented at the DoubleTree by Hilton Westchase, this 57-minute showcase highlights short films created by filmmakers with ties to Houston and Texas. Through documentary, drama, and personal storytelling, the program explores family, identity, grief, friendship, community, and cultural belonging.
The showcase reflects HAAPIFEST’s continued commitment to supporting independent filmmakers and elevating diverse stories from local and regional communities.
Featured Films in “Houston & Texas Filmmakers Showcase 1”
Forever Is a Delicate Thing
Directed by Cally Nguyen
When a visit from Child and Family Services disrupts the quiet life of a Vietnam War immigrant and the grandson in his care, the pair spend their final days together confronting the fragile foundation on which they built their lives. Emotional and intimate, the film explores family, displacement, and generational love.
Oceans Pull
Directed by Chelsea Mây Tran
Isla struggles to preserve her lifelong friendship with Brodie as their bond shifts after a new neighbor enters their lives. As the trio grows closer and tensions emerge, the film captures the emotional uncertainty of growing apart and searching for connection.
Queer Catalyst
Directed by Tofu Riot
This animated documentary short follows five LGBTQ+ Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander organizers and creatives across Texas as they uplift their communities through advocacy, art, and grassroots work. Through vibrant animation and personal storytelling, the film celebrates resilience, visibility, and collective empowerment.
Walk With Death
Directed by Melissa Nguyen
This documentary short follows Briana Popoca Salpeter, a death doula serving Austin’s Indigenous community. Through reflections on grief, mortality, and healing work, the film offers a thoughtful look at care, spirituality, and emotional support during life’s most difficult transitions.
Filipina Sisters
Directed by Annielyn Felux
Set in Texas, this heartfelt documentary follows three Filipina immigrants reflecting on how chosen family helped transform homesickness and isolation into belonging and community. The film explores migration, identity, and the importance of human connection.
Celebrating Houston & Texas Filmmakers at HAAPIFEST 2026
The “Houston & Texas Filmmakers Showcase 1” program offers audiences an opportunity to discover local filmmakers telling authentic and emotionally resonant stories rooted in personal experience and cultural identity.
From intimate dramas and documentaries to animated advocacy storytelling, the showcase reflects the growing creative energy and filmmaking talent emerging throughout Texas.
HAAPIFEST 2026 continues its mission of supporting diverse storytelling through narrative films, documentaries, shorts programs, filmmaker conversations, panels, and community events.
Event Details
📅 June 6, 2026 @ 2:15 PM
📍 DoubleTree by Hilton Westchase
📍 10609 Westpark Dr, Houston, TX
🎬 “Houston & Texas Filmmakers Showcase 1”
⏱ Runtime: 57 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.