Curtis Chin Reflects on Food, Culture & Film—HAAPIFEST 2025 Gears Up with 150+ Films and AAPI Changemakers
At HAAPIFEST 2024, acclaimed author and filmmaker Curtis Chin took the stage with warmth, wisdom, and wit to reflect on the shared ingredients that shape Asian American identity—food, culture, and film.
His message was clear: storytelling in all its forms helps us connect across generations, reclaim narratives, and build bridges between communities. That moment left a mark on audiences, and it perfectly set the tone for what's to come.
Now, as we prepare for HAAPIFEST 2025, we carry that spirit forward with even greater purpose—and a festival lineup that reflects the diversity, depth, and brilliance of the AAPI creative community.
AAPI Heritage Month Meets the Power of Film
Running from May 30 to June 15, HAAPIFEST 2025 is set to feature over 150 films from across the globe—each amplifying stories that often go unseen and unheard in mainstream media.
This year’s expanded programming includes:
Feature films and short blocks across drama, documentary, comedy, and experimental
Live book talks, including a featured event with Katie Gee Salisbury, author of Not Your China Doll
A story development workshop with Marcos James, co-writer of Sundance’s Summertime
A curated comedy showcase
Filmmaker meet-and-greets, Q&As, and cultural panels
Online and on-demand screenings for viewers tuning in from anywhere
Featured Guests to Watch
Among this year’s highly anticipated guests are six powerful AAPI filmmakers and creators whose work spans genres, generations, and geographies—each offering a unique lens into the Asian American experience.
Tadashi Nakamura
Acclaimed documentary filmmaker Tadashi Nakamura brings his latest work, Third Act, a deeply personal and cinematic tribute to his father, Robert A. Nakamura—widely known as the godfather of Asian American film. In exploring legacy, memory, and artistic lineage, Third Act offers a rare and intimate glimpse into the emotional terrain of family, identity, and storytelling itself.
Brian Yang
Best known as the producer of Linsanity, Brian Yang returns to HAAPIFEST as a champion of stories that challenge stereotypes and elevate authentic AAPI voices. From sports documentaries to narrative films, Yang continues to carve space for diverse stories and creators within the entertainment industry.
Fred Le
HAAPIFEST also welcomes Fred Le, director of The Empathizer—a sharp, heartfelt documentary that explores Vietnamese diaspora identity through humor, honesty, and a deeply personal lens. His film delves into themes of intergenerational trauma, cultural dislocation, and the search for belonging, resonating deeply with audiences of all backgrounds.
Thanh Tam
Vietnamese American filmmaker Thanh Tam presents Boat People, a hauntingly beautiful short film exploring the legacy of war, displacement, and resilience. Through poetic visuals and deeply human storytelling, her work honors the sacrifices of a generation while creating space for healing and reflection.
Nida Chowdhry
Writer and director Nida Chowdhry brings a sharp comedic voice to conversations around identity, faith, and feminism in South Asian and Muslim American communities. Her work blends wit with heart, offering bold perspectives on everyday experiences often left out of mainstream media.
Springna Zhao
Rising filmmaker Springna Zhao brings a lyrical eye to stories of migration, memory, and family. Her work highlights the emotional complexities of being between cultures, often centered on Chinese American protagonists navigating intergenerational divides with grace and vulnerability.
Why It Matters
HAAPIFEST has always been more than just a film festival. It’s a platform for representation, a space for connection, and a celebration of culture through storytelling.
By supporting AAPI filmmakers, authors, and creators, you’re helping to build a more inclusive media landscape—and sending a message that our stories matter.
We hope you’ll join us at HAAPIFEST 2025 to discover, celebrate, and support the voices shaping the future of film and culture.
📍 View the full schedule and lineup at haapifest.org
🎫 Reserve your tickets here
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