The Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival (LAAPFF), founded in 1983 by Visual Communications, is Southern California’s largest film festival showcasing films by and about Asians and Pacific Islanders. Held annually in May during Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, the festival highlights around 150 films and media works, including narrative features, documentaries, and shorts.
The festival serves as a vibrant platform for Asian Pacific American and international filmmakers, offering a space to share authentic stories that foster a deeper understanding of Asian Pacific experiences and heritage. LAAPFF features:
LAAPFF actively nurtures emerging filmmakers through programs like the Armed With a Camera Fellowship, which equips young artists with resources to create impactful short films.
As an Academy Award®-qualifying festival, LAAPFF plays a crucial role in recognizing cinematic excellence. Winners of the Golden Reel Award for Narrative/Animated Short Film become eligible for Oscar consideration, cementing the festival’s influence on the global stage.
Over the years, LAAPFF has premiered significant works such as Justin Lin’s Better Luck Tomorrow, which expanded the scope of Asian American representation in mainstream cinema. At its 37th edition in 2021, notable winners included:
Programs like the C3: Conference for Creative Content foster critical discussions on media and entertainment, while the Armed With a Camera Fellowship supports the next generation of storytellers. Through these initiatives, LAAPFF continues to enrich the cultural landscape of Los Angeles and elevate Asian Pacific voices in global cinema.
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