
VC Online | May 6
- 60 mins
LAAPFF 2025 is excited to present great line up of films from our 2024 Armed With a Camera and 2024 Digital Histories Artists! See our full list of films participating in our Virtual Cinema below.
In this program
balik/bayan
Directed by Paula Kiley
A balikbayan box company owner explores the ways in which balikbayan boxes shaped his perception of the U.S., shedding light on the sacrifices made in pursuit of the “American dream” and the intangible losses that accompany it.
Come Together
Directed by Honestine Pa'ala-Fraser
Inspired by the 1978 documentary “Omai Fa’atasi: Samoa Mo Samoa,” a teenage girl growing up in a strict Samoan household lives the same day everyday cooking, cleaning, and taking care of her siblings until she joins a community organization that helps her realize her full potential.
DAUGHTER OF GUAM
Directed by Alfred Bordallo
PARA I ONRA; A love letter to our CHamoru matriarchs; A young woman embraces her responsibility as a Daughter of Guam.
FROM KARACHI, WITH LOVE
Directed by Zaynah Waseem
Following conversations between the filmmaker, her parents, and a local driver during one winter afternoon in Karachi, the film uncovers the bittersweet experience of communities who settle abroad, and return to a city that, like them, has changed through the years.
Ke Ala
Directed by Bryson Nihipali
A young Native Hawaiian filmmaker interviews 3 generations of his family to gain a better understanding of the path laid down by his kupuna.
sansedai
Directed by Kayli Kimura
Through intimate conversations with the filmmaker’s 92-year-old grandmother, SANSEDAI (三世代) examines the nuances of growing up during war, migrating to a country that was once deemed an enemy, and being Japanese-American.
Ancestors
Directed by Emilio J. Virata, Jr.
Reflections on Ancestry are expressed in this poem put to film.
Born In A Concentration Camp
Directed by David and Mark Kuroda
I was the first baby born in the Amache Concentration Camp, Colorado.
Chronicles of a Sansei Rocker
Directed by Cory Shiozaki
Former musician and 3rd generation Japanese American fulfilling an item on his “bucket list” writing a book of his memoirs of the coming of age during the tumultuous 60’s and 70’s.
Citizen Soldier
Directed by Cathy Uchida
Documentary of a Japanese immigrant’s journey to Vancouver, Canada and the French front lines of WWI
Eat Sleep Poop and Pass Gas
Directed by Fran Ito
January 2024 Fran Ito celebrated her 92nd birthday. It’s a miracle that she is still here on earth enjoying life with family and friends in the midst of life threatening health issues. God is good!
Fabulous Rocky Fellers
Directed by Florante Ibanez
Story of the Rocky Fellers FilAm boy band of the 1950s-60s that had a #16 hit on the Billboard top 100 – “Killer Joe”.
G -Town Soul Legendary Food From Gardena
Directed by Stony Furutani
A personal history of growing up in Gardena, California and an interview with the co-owner of Sakura-ya Japanese Confectionary.
It’s Never Too Late To Live Your Dream
Directed by Tracy Quan-Nichols
Meet artist Parker Dean and see how it’s never too late to follow your dream.
Love Without Words
Directed by Bryan Takeda
Upon reflection, a son expresses his gratitude and love for his father without words.
NEVER GO HUNGRY AGAIN!
Directed by Bernice Ng
A daughter uncovers her mother’s tumultuous past in China, inspiring a collaborative book detailing survival, resilience, and triumph in America.
Jim Matsuoka Will Not Be Rushed
Directed by Robert Shoji
In this remembrance of Los Angeles-based activist Jim Matsuoka, watch him testify at the 1981 Commission on Wartime Relocation and Internment of Civilians (CWRIC) hearings. Jim’s testimony captures the power and drama of the hearings as he proclaims “I’ve been rushed by this government enough!”
See You, Den
Directed by Don Bannai
Playing music is playing from the heart. Alan Furutani, the groups Visions and Fujazz have provided a soundtrack for us for fifty years.
Special Camp
Directed by Teresa Takaki Matsushima
Special Camp, for the Asian American developmentally disabled, celebrates its 50th year in 2024.
Stories Told, Secrets Kept
Directed by Patty Fong
The appearance of mysterious documents revealed a Leong family history that was never discussed.
The Carry On Story
Directed by Mitchell Matsumura
Carry On was a garage band in Los Angeles during the Asian American dance era 1965-1985. The era was a right of passage and undoubtedly the best times of our lives. Carry On was the most popular band of the era. They performed at hundreds of dances held at dance halls and ballrooms. This is their story.