After years behind bars, Kainoa returns home to Hawai‘i determined to rebuild his life — and reconnect with the son he left behind. But redemption isn’t easy… especially when the past won’t let go.

Set in a remote village nestled within the vast mountains of China’s Loess Plateau, MAY THE SOIL BE EVERYWHERE follows filmmaker Yehui Zhao as she returns to uncover the story of her family.

When a Korean-American adoptee discovers a hidden letter revealing his birth mother is terminally ill in Korea, he must choose between maintaining his perfect American life or confronting the painful truth of his adoption.

This powerful documentary follows an Indian immigrant mother and her adopted twin daughters as they navigate an unexpected pregnancy — and a journey to reconnect with their White birth mother and estranged Native American father.

Two nations - cultural opposites, divided by fear, prejudice, and war – clash repeatedly over a span of 150 years, but find common ground with the help of a bat and a ball.

As HAAPIFEST 2026 approaches, we're taking a moment to reflect on the unforgettable memories, inspiring conversations, and powerful storytelling that made HAAPIFEST 2025 such a remarkable celebration of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander cinema.

HAAPIFEST 2026 invites you to a powerful and thought-provoking conversation exploring the life, legacy, and cultural impact of one of the most iconic figures in global history — Bruce Lee.

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.

HAAPIFEST 2026 highlights a powerful lineup of Vietnamese American films that explore family, memory, migration, art, history, and identity across generations.

Japanese and Japanese American film lovers will find a strong lineup at HAAPIFEST 2026, featuring documentaries, animation, comedy, supernatural drama, and stories rooted in memory, identity, history, and community.

Introducing HAAPIFEST 2026’s Features and Shorts Jury: JAZMYNE MORENO, JEFF MAN, MASASHI NIWANO, MARTINE JOELLE MCDONALD, NICHOLE YOUNG, & NIRAV BHAKTA.

Blending humor, emotion, fantasy, and cultural storytelling, this shorts showcase is designed for audiences seeking uplifting and visually creative cinema during HAAPIFEST 2026

An emotionally resonant collection of short films exploring identity, love, belonging, self-expression, and resilience across cultures and communities.

This 126-minute showcase brings together powerful independent short films exploring grief, memory, trauma, family, survival, and healing through deeply personal storytelling and cinematic artistry.

The “Female Filmmakers Shorts” program highlights bold storytelling and fresh creative perspectives from women filmmakers pushing boundaries across genres and themes.

Featuring comedy, drama, satire, horror, and heartfelt family stories, this curated lineup highlights the creativity and range of today’s independent filmmakers.

HAAPIFEST 2026 proudly presents a powerful and inspiring documentary showcase from Houston’s own Rick Quan — a filmmaker dedicated to uncovering and preserving overlooked Asian American stories.

HAAPIFEST 2026 returns as a powerful, multi-day celebration of film, music, and art — bringing together bold voices, diverse stories, and unforgettable experiences from across the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) diaspora.

Mark your calendars — HAAPIFEST 2026 is coming!

📅 May 29 – June 14, 2026

📍 DoubleTree by Hilton Westchase: 10609 Westpark Dr, Houston, TX 77042

Join us for another unforgettable celebration of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander storytelling through film. HAAPIFEST 2026 will showcase a dynamic lineup of documentary features & shorts, narrative films, and exclusive director meet-and-greets — bringing together filmmakers, creatives, and audiences from Houston and beyond.

We’re now accepting film submissions for next year’s festival — and we want to see your stories on screen. Whether you’re a filmmaker exploring identity, culture, community, or bold new perspectives, HAAPIFEST is the place to share your vision.

📌 Submission Deadlines:
• Regular Deadline: November 30, 2025
• Late Deadline: January 5, 2026

Ready to submit?
👉 www.filmfreeway.com/haapifest