Parties & Afterhours

The Festival aims to provide safe spaces for artists and communities to converge.  In addition to cinematic presentations, parties and receptions contribute to joyful and festive connections. We hope that during this Festival, we create moments with each other, strengthening their collective power to uphold our stories.

Historic Grapefruit Cocktail Night
Wednesday, May 1 | 4pm | Wolf & Crane
(Must be 21+ with ID)
Savor the 1884 Cocktail, inspired by the grapefruit orchard history of Little Tokyo. Celebrate the two trees, remnants of the Wolfskill grapefruit orchard, encapsulating 140 years of our historic Japantown!

CINEMA MUSICA: Festival Launch Party
Wednesday, May 1 | 7pm | Japanese American National Museum
$40; free for Festival guests / badgeholders
Kickoff the Festival by celebrating the sonic and visual elements of cinema. Featuring music from the VC Archives and a selection of music videos and short films.

AWC Happy Hour
Thursday, May 2 | 9:30pm | Far Bar
(invited filmmakers and Festival guests only)
Gather to create an energy vortex and celebrate our 2024 AWC Fellows and Alums.

R3:CHARGE Filmmaker Welcome Brunch
Saturday, May 4 | 10am | CENTRL Office
(Festival artists and invited filmworkers only)
Nourish our creative selves with brunch food and drinks before our R3:VOLVE Artist Conversations.  Hosted by Cafe Dulce and Yoboseyo.

STAND UP FOR JUSTICE 20th Anniversary
Saturday, May 4 | 2pm | Far Bar
(invited Festival guests only)
Speaking Out and Standing Up for Justice requires energy.  Regenerate after the 20th anniversary screening of STAND UP FOR JUSTICE with people who empower communities.

PACIFIC CINEWAVES Happy Hour
hosted by Pacific Islanders in Communications
Saturday, May 4 | 3pm | CENTRL Office
(Festival artists and invited filmworkers only)
Take a break and toast the Festival’s Pasifika filmmakers and filmworkers. 

This is 40 @ Señor Fish
hosted by Paramount Pictures
(invited filmmakers and Festival guests only)
Sunday, May 5 | 4pm | Señor Fish
Celebrate the 40th Festival by capping the weekend with a happy hour.