US Doc Shorts — Powerful Stories of Community, Culture & Resilience
HAAPIFEST 2026 proudly presents the “US Doc Shorts” showcase on June 7, 2026 at 11:00 AM, featuring an inspiring collection of documentary short films exploring identity, labor, immigration, activism, spirituality, and community resilience across America.
Screening at the DoubleTree by Hilton Westchase, this 128-minute program highlights filmmakers documenting overlooked stories and communities through intimate storytelling and powerful real-life perspectives.
From Chinatown bookstores and labor archives to immigrant organizing and Punjabi farmworker celebrations, the “US Doc Shorts” showcase reflects the richness and complexity of contemporary American experiences.
Featured Films in “US Doc Shorts”
Buddha in the Bronx
Directed by Teresa Xie
This thoughtful documentary follows a Sri Lankan monk navigating everyday life in New York City, offering a quiet reflection on spirituality, mindfulness, and urban existence through his daily interactions and routines.
Harvest Party at Camp Two
Directed by Rajan Gill and Reaa Puri
Set in 1980s California, this energetic documentary revisits a legendary party thrown by Punjabi farmworkers after being excluded from their local prom. Blending music, romance, and social history, the film highlights community resilience and cultural celebration.
From Section 48 to King Drive
Directed by Yinan Wang, Lorna Young, Anna Wong, Adrian Chan, and Adam Carr
This documentary uncovers an often-overlooked chapter of Milwaukee’s Chinese immigrant history through the installation of two state historical markers, preserving stories of migration, labor, and community memory.
Yu & Me
Directed by Esther Chan and Claudine Cho
After a fire destroys a beloved Chinatown bookstore, its fiercely independent owner learns the importance of community support and collective resilience. The documentary captures the emotional role small cultural spaces play within immigrant neighborhoods.
Dare to Win
Directed by Kar Yin Tham
This inspiring documentary captures the life lessons and activism of a 97-year-old tenant organizer who spent decades challenging institutions and fighting for housing justice. Through perseverance and courage, she demonstrates the power of collective action and community advocacy.
Daily Worker
Directed by Ting Su
While digitizing historic union newspapers inside a darkroom, a filmmaker reflects on labor, identity, and the meaning of work in this meditative and visually intimate documentary.
We Rise Together
Directed by Alan Kondo
WE RISE TOGETHER highlights solidarity within the immigrant rights movement through the interconnected stories of a deported Cambodian refugee, a formerly incarcerated community organization, an immigrant rights attorney, and a Japanese American community group working toward justice and support.
Documentary Storytelling at HAAPIFEST 2026
The “US Doc Shorts” showcase celebrates documentary filmmakers capturing stories of cultural memory, resilience, activism, labor, and belonging across the United States. Through personal storytelling and historical reflection, these films offer audiences meaningful perspectives on community and identity.
HAAPIFEST 2026 continues its mission of spotlighting bold storytelling through documentaries, narrative films, shorts programs, filmmaker Q&As, panels, and cultural events in Houston.
Event Details
📅 June 7, 2026 @ 11:00 AM
📍 DoubleTree by Hilton Westchase
📍 10609 Westpark Dr, Houston, TX
🎬 “US Doc Shorts”
⏱ Runtime: 128 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.