HAAPIFEST 2026 Opening Night - The Rose: Come Back To Me
May 29, 2026 | 6:00 PM – 9:30 PM
DoubleTree by Hilton Westchase
10609 Westpark Dr, Houston, TX 77042
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.
Through candid moments and emotional reflection, the film captures not only their meteoric rise, but also the personal and professional challenges that shaped their comeback. From humble beginnings and street performances in Seoul to electrifying global stages like Coachella, this documentary is a celebration of friendship, identity, and the courage to reclaim one’s voice.
🌟 Opening Night Experience
Opening Night at HAAPIFEST is more than just a screening — it’s a full cultural experience bringing together filmmakers, artists, and the Houston community.
Guests will enjoy:
A special screening of The Rose: Come Back To Me
An exclusive Meet & Greet with director Eugene Yi
Limited edition HAAPIFEST swag bags
A vibrant atmosphere celebrating AAPI storytelling
This is a ticketed event, and space is limited.
🎥 About the Film
Directed by Eugene Yi, The Rose: Come Back To Me offers a rare and nuanced look into the evolving landscape of Korean music and the realities behind the global K-pop system.
The film follows band members Kim Woosung, Park Dojoon, Lee Hajoon, and Lee Taegyeom as they navigate fame, conflict, and ultimately, reunion. With a deeply human lens, the documentary highlights their shared passion for music and the bond that brings them back together.
Yi, known for his work on the award-winning documentary Free Chol Soo Lee, brings a thoughtful and compelling approach to storytelling, often focusing on diasporic voices and underrepresented narratives. His work has been recognized at major festivals, including Sundance, and continues to resonate with audiences worldwide.
🎟️ Get Your Tickets
Be part of the moment that launches HAAPIFEST 2026.
Whether you’re a film lover, music fan, or supporter of AAPI stories, Opening Night is an experience you won’t want to miss.
👉 Secure your tickets and passes now:
www.HAAPIFEST.org
Join us as we celebrate storytelling, culture, and community — together.
🌏 About HAAPIFEST
Founded in 2004 by OCA-Greater Houston, HAAPIFEST was created to highlight and celebrate the diversity of AAPI culture, food, and family while supporting AAPI artists and filmmakers.
Today, HAAPIFEST has grown into a dynamic, multi-day celebration of film, music, and art — bringing together audiences from Houston and beyond to experience the richness of AAPI stories through edutainment.
This OCA-Greater Houston event is funded in part by the City of Houston through Houston Arts Alliance.