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Great Expectations

At decisive moments in our lives, secret human incongruities bubble to the surface. These narratives profile characters facing those crossroads where they must choose who they really are. Whether it be in a declining ballroom dance studio or a tumultuous Eid party, we are reminded of the excitement, fear, sadness, and joy that come with ambition and expectations.

Co-presented by Oakland Asian Cultural Center (OACC)

CAAMFest on Demand

Please purchase a ticket for our CAAMFest On Demand programs. Ticket buyers will receive a code to access the virtual screening. More instructions to view are on our CAAMFest On Demand FAQs.

Virtual programs are available for purchase and may be viewed between May 12 – 22nd, 2022 but viewers will have a 24 hour window to watch the program once you hit “play.”

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In this program


All I Want is Everything

Directed by Alexandra Cuerdo

When being “good” isn’t good enough, a fiercely driven teenager indulges in the bad to reach her goals by becoming a drug dealer in New York City’s wild underground rave scene.

Only the Moon Stands Still

Directed by Johnson Cheng

When a modernizing world obscures a fading ballroom dance studio, the owner’s talented daughter must decide between her familiar home or a prestigious faraway conservatory.

The Return

Directed by Hena Ashraf

An analytical filmmaker wrestles with the sudden death of her estranged father—and the overwhelming agony brought upon by memory and regret—by creating a movie about his life.

Bus Girl

Directed by Jessica Henwick

An aspiring chef makes ends meet as an overworked, overlooked waitress—but a chance encounter with a renowned food critic gives her the opportunity of a lifetime.

Lucky Fish

Directed by Emily May Jampel

Stifled by the expectations of her strict and heteronormative family, a young girl has a dreamy chance encounter at a Chinese restaurant.

Congratulations (Mabrook)

Directed by Asad Farooqui

An outspoken aspiring actor must navigate a chaotic Eid party—or face the scathing disapproval of his community.