Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival (LAAPFF)
The oldest and largest Asian American film festival in the United States, held annually in May in Los Angeles, celebrating Asian and Pacific Islander storytelling and filmmakers with competitive programming.
Overview
The Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival (LAAPFF) is the oldest and largest Asian American film festival in the United States. Founded in 1983 by Visual Communications, a Los Angeles-based Asian American media arts organization, the festival has operated for over four decades and serves as the most important platform for Asian American and Pacific Islander storytelling in Hollywood's backyard.
The festival's Los Angeles location and its Hollywood community connections give it unique strategic value. LAAPFF has been a platform where Asian American filmmakers have attracted industry attention that led to subsequent careers in mainstream Hollywood. The festival explicitly serves the industry communities of Los Angeles alongside its public audience.
The festival presents films by and about Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, covering the full spectrum of ethnic communities including Korean American, Chinese American, Filipino American, Vietnamese American, Japanese American, South Asian American, and Pacific Islander filmmakers and stories.
Key Sections
- Feature Film Competition -- Asian American and Pacific Islander features
- Short Film Competition -- competitive short film program
- Documentary Competition -- nonfiction films
- International Program -- films from Asia and the Pacific
- Spotlight Programs -- curated programs highlighting specific communities
- Youth Program -- films by and for young AAPI audiences
What Filmmakers Should Know
LAAPFF accepts open submissions. For AAPI filmmakers based in or connected to Los Angeles, the festival provides direct access to the Hollywood industry professionals who attend specifically to discover AAPI talent. The festival's Visual Communications connection provides access to a broader network of AAPI media arts resources.
Major Awards
- Best Feature Film -- jury prize
- Best Documentary
- Best Short Film
- Audience Award -- across categories
Festival History
LAAPFF was founded in 1983 by Visual Communications, one of the oldest Asian American media arts organizations in the US. The festival has operated continuously for over four decades, making it the oldest AAPI film festival in the country.
See Also
For AAPI filmmaking, see Independent Filmmaking Strategies. For festival strategy, see Film Festival Strategy.
