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shareLAAPFF 2026 is excited to present great line up of films from our 2026 Armed With a Camera and 2026 Digital Histories Artists! See our full list of films participating in our Virtual Cinema below.
In this program
A Swim in the Desert
Directed by: Coffee Kang | 10 mins
A spectacular vision leaves K unable to close her eyes. In search of a cure, she sets out on a haunting journey tracing the presence and absence of water through California’s landscapes.
Hugs & Kisses
Directed by: Alexandra “Lexie” Orr | 8 mins
A soon to be born daughter feels her mom give her hugs & kisses and reminisces on what their future life would be like together. Will this love and feeling last?
My Father was a Footballer
Directed by: Matthew Kim | 11 mins
Through a blend of archival footage and spoken interview, I investigate the intersection of football, ambition, and responsibility as it relates to my relationship with my Father.
Ramen Western
Directed by: Meloddy Gao | 8 mins
A young Chinese American girl sets off to uncover the secrets of the American West with an unexpected sidekick: a sentient bowl of ramen.
Somewhere to be
Directed by: Libby Chun | 10 mins
A young woman’s efforts to bring her runaway sister back home turn into a strange night in an unfamiliar city.
Tuimaseve: A High Chief Story
Directed by: Benjamin Pola | 9 mins
As two generations of Sāmoan high chiefs reflect on their experiences becoming familia leaders, we discover how the fa’amatai (high chief) system across the diaspora is evolving.
1970s – the Emergence of Filipino American Student Activism
Directed by: Roselyn Ibanez | 5 mins
1970s – over 50 years ago, Filipino American student organizing and my participation in the establishment of the Filipino American clubs at two colleges in Southern California.
Bloom
Directed by: Gerri Adachi | 6 mins
Hula carried Geri Adachi from a glimpse of a happy childhood experience, through brokenness and a multitude of life losses. And now, as an octogenarian, hula brings me joy as she choose to BLOOM.
Conversation In The Wind
Directed by: Gary Fong | 6 mins
A grandson discovers feelings of curiosity and regret when he poses questions about his late grandfather’s life in China and immigration to San Francisco, California.
HONORING OUR QUIET HEROES
Directed by: Don Bannai | 5 mins
This film explores the story of one such vet and family.
Eat ’em While They’re Hot
Directed by: Patty Fong | 6 mins
The fusion of Chinese American cuisine and Midwest sensibility results in a unique dish that can only be found in St. Louis, Missouri.
Finding Private Omoto
Directed by: Cathy Uchida | 5 mins
Through the test of time and luck, a community historian uncovers a WWI photo of Pvt Omoto in uniform.
FWC Legacy
Directed by: Florante Ibanez | 5 mins
Much of the early FilAm Identity movement progressed thru the P/Filipino
People’s Far West Conventions that flowed from Seattle and ebbed in LA (1971-1985)
Japanese American Basketball
Directed by: Mitchell Matsumura | 6 mins
This is the story of Japanese American youth basketball. Why and who started this tradition going back over 90 years. Today It’s a right of passage where some families have played five generations.
Jeff Chop is Missing?
Directed by: Jeff Chop | 5 mins
Jeff Chop is Missing? An ordinary Chinatown boy dreaming of Porsches and tea in yak-hair tents with Tibetan nomads.
Jichan’s Hands
Directed by: Teresa Matsushima | 5 mins
Follow my issei (first generation Japanese American) grandfather in overcoming a childhood tragedy. See how this childhood trauma results in five generations of blessings.
Journeys for a Dream: Philippines to America
Directed by: Grace Nall | 6 mins
A short documentary film about a California Filipino community creating an innovative cultural museum featuring immigration stories, struggles, and survivals.
More Than Drums
Directed by: Barbara Kagawa Shore | 6 mins
The members of Kishin Daiko reflect on how taiko (Japanese Drumming) shapes their lives, community, and their sense of belonging.
My Adopted Family
Directed by: Tracy Quan-Nichols | 6 mins
The film is about Tracy Quan-Nichols following her dream, and gaining a family in the process.
THE FACE OF THE ENEMY
Directed by: Glen Tao | 6 mins
A firsthand account of a Japanese American girl’s childhood upended by wartime hysteria, forcing her family into desert incarceration.
THE LEAVING, WAS THE LOVE
Directed by: Bernice Ng | 6 mins
A first-person journey of a mother who finds the courage to leave an abusive marriage seeks refuge in a women’s shelter. Centered on resilience and protection for her and her children, it celebrates her rebuilding a life of safety, dignity, and hope — revealing that the leaving, was the love.
