Welcome

HELLO!

On behalf of the CAAM staff and board, we warmly welcome you to CAAMFest37, the nation’s largest showcase of Asian American film, music, food, and performance arts. As you go through our program guide, we hope you discover programs and events that pique your interest. We also recommend going to our website — caamedia.org — for more film details, guests in attendance, and added programs.

CAAM’s mission has never been more clear and vital as we approach our 40th anniversary next year. We support and showcase the richness and diversity of Asian American communities through compelling media and in-person experiences. During the heart of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, we are thrilled to showcase so many stories from our communities and amplify the vital voices of our filmmakers and artists. Our 11-day festival encompasses more than 120 film screenings and events in over 15 venues throughout San Francisco and Oakland.

At a time when civic engagement is at its most necessary and crucial, we are ecstatic to open our festival with the world premiere of Harry and Josh Chuck’s CHINATOWN RISING. It’s a film 40 years in the making with never-before-seen photos and archival footage that capture the birth of Asian American social activism and its progression to where the community is now. This beautiful and empowering film sets the perfect tone for CAAMFest, along with our Opening Night Gala at the marvelous Asian Art Museum. And that’s just the start!

As we all know, representation matters, and Asian Americans seem to be enjoying a moment in the spotlight. This is due to the efforts and hard work of scores of filmmakers, writers and actors, and through the interest and support you’ve brought to our festival over these many years. CAAMFest37 promises to be as rich, unique, vital and inspiring as ever. And if you’re a CAAM fan already, then this is the time to introduce our work to your family, friends and colleagues, and urge them to come out and join the fun.

Lastly, we want to extend a thank you to our wonderful members — whose support keeps our gears turning throughout the year — and to our Presenting and Grand Sponsors; Comcast Xfinity, AARP, the Asian Art Museum, and the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office.

See you at the festival!

Stephen Gong, Executive Director

Masashi Niwano, Festival & Exhibitions Director