About Us

DC Asian Pacific American Film was established to serve as a beacon for the creative voices and stories of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander, and Asian diaspora communities. Through year-round community engagement, educational initiatives, collaborative partnerships, digital outreach, and its signature film festival, the organization creates opportunities for filmmakers, artists, and audiences to connect through the power of storytelling.

Since its founding in 2000, DC Asian Pacific American Film has been dedicated to elevating underrepresented voices, celebrating cultural diversity, and fostering meaningful dialogue through film and media arts. The organization works to raise public awareness of AANHPI talent and creative achievements while supporting the artistic development of emerging and established filmmakers alike. Through screenings, panels, workshops, networking opportunities, and community programs, DC APA Film provides a platform where stories can inspire, educate, and bring people together.

At the heart of the organization is the annual DC Asian Pacific American Film Festival, one of the longest-running showcases of AANHPI cinema in the Washington, D.C. region. The festival celebrates films from around the world that reflect the richness, diversity, and complexity of Asian and Pacific Islander diasporic experiences, while creating opportunities for audiences, filmmakers, and community leaders to engage in meaningful conversations.

DC APA Film believes that storytelling has the power to build bridges across cultures, foster understanding, and strengthen communities. Whether you are a filmmaker, artist, volunteer, sponsor, or film enthusiast, we invite you to join us in celebrating creativity, amplifying diverse voices, and shaping a more inclusive future through the arts.