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CAAMFest2018

Gala Presentations

This year’s Gala Presentations celebrate diverse and inspiring narratives of Asian Americans that span from the harrowing life story of first Asian American cabinet member Norman Mineta to Kulap Vilaysack’s real-life quest for an estranged father in Laos.

  1. An American Story: Norman Mineta and His Legacy

    Dianne Fukami / Gala Presentations / USA / 2018 / Documentary / 60 mins
    Join us for the World Premiere of Dianne Fukami’s newest documentary, which celebrates the rich life and career of Norman Y. Mineta, one of the most well-respected and influential Japanese American community leaders of our times. This powerful and inspirational portrait explores Mineta — from Japanese American incarceration as a child during World War II to being mayor of San Jose and serving as cabinet secretary under two presidents.
    An American Story: Norman Mineta and His Legacy

    Castro Theater
    May 10, 2018 7:00 pm Not Available

  2. Aunt Lily’s Flower Book

    Brenda Wong Aoki / Gala Presentations / USA / 2018
    Bay Area storyteller and activist Brenda Wong Aoki presents AUNT LILY’S FLOWER BOOK: ONE HUNDRED YEARS OF LEGALIZED RACISM. A live performance set to music by Emmy Award-winning composer Mark Izu and koto master Shoko Hikage, Wong Aoki takes the audience through a tale of family secrets and resilience in the face of discrimination. A Power of Personal Story talk before the show will be led by psychologist and filmmaker Satsuki Ina and CAAM Executive Director Stephen Gong.
    Aunt Lily’s Flower Book

    Herbst Theatre
    May 24, 2018 7:00 pm Not Available

  3. Bitter Melon

    H.P. Mendoza / Gala Presentations / USA / 2017 / Narrative / 110 mins
    BITTER MELON is a tragicomedy from San Francisco filmmaker H.P. Mendoza that follows a family’s attempts to right their wrongs, resulting in the discovery of many unsavory truths. The dark, quirky revenge comedy turns into an exercise in empathy and exploration of family cycles. This is the film's world premiere.
    Bitter Melon

    AMC Kabuki 8
    May 12, 2018 6:50 pm Not Available

    Bitter Melon

    Roxie Theater
    May 19, 2018 7:30 pm Not Available

    Bitter Melon

    Piedmont Theatre
    May 23, 2018 6:30 pm Not Available

  4. Opening Night Gala

    Gala Presentations
    Come unwind with CAAMFest revelers after watching AN AMERICAN STORY: NORMAN MINETA AND HIS LEGACY at our Opening Night Gala at the Asian Art Museum.
    Opening Night Gala

    Asian Art Museum
    May 10, 2018 9:30 pm Not Available

  5. Origin Story

    Kulap Vilaysack / Gala Presentations / USA / 2018 / Documentary / 106 mins
    At 14, Kulap Vilaysack discovered that the man she called father was in fact not. Now a successful actor, director, and podcaster, Kulap embarks on a quest that takes her from Minnesota and the Mekong to disentangle family secrets and the decade-long emotional paralysis that has caused a rift with her mother.
    Origin Story

    AMC Kabuki 8
    May 13, 2018 6:00 pm Not Available

    Origin Story

    Roxie Theater
    May 19, 2018 2:10 pm Not Available