The 9th Annual DC Asian Pacific American Film Festival

Two hapless strangers, born on the same day, are determined to take control of their lives on their birthday.  But powerful forces are at work and these two loners might not be as in control of things as they think.

While practicing his guitar on the eve of the most important talent show of his life, a young boy explores his family’s origins.  In the process, he learns to summon the courage and strength his family has passed down to him.

Alienation reaches a whole new level as Han-Joo, a Korean adoptee, struggles to come to terms with her place in this world.  Her perpetual angst, fueled by the quirkiness of her mother and the paranoia of her adopted little sister, belies the caring among this hilariously dramatic dysfunctional family.

When a closed door has always stood between you and a world that is passing you by, how do you take those first steps outside?  This brief, but perceptive glimpse into the life of a reclusive coed at a crossroads in her life offers a possible answer.

Ancient martial arts secrets help a young Vietnamese boy realize his true potential both as a basketball player and, more importantly, as a son.  Sometimes to rise up, you have to dig down.

You may have heard of the term “hapa,” but what does it mean to you?  This clever documentary takes a delightfully candid look at the meaning-behind-the-meaning of a label that is becoming more commonly used each day.

Bianca Smith is the typical girl next door, except in her town she doesn’t exactly look like the girl next door.  This spunky comedy offers a hilarious take on what it’s like growing up biracial 

Superheroes come in all shapes and sizes—and apparently from all corners of the globe.  This clever animated short uses real interviews to show us that even superheroes have trouble communicating when interacting with people from other cultures.   Move over Batman, there’s a new class of heroes on the scene.

The wisdom passed down from grandfather to his granddaughter gives the love they share a transcendent quality  This touching story about love and loss illustrates how a dandelion can teach us that letting go is only the beginning.

A young woman takes a journey down memory lane and recalls her mother’s guiding hand.  Even though time has passed and things have changed, the bond between mother and daughter remains unbreakable and timeless, as this film so beautifully illustrates.

Young Anjali finds herself in the middle of turmoil when a tragic betrayal tests the strength of her and her family. Secrets and lies bring emotions to a head and ultimately her family’s fate will come down to her split-second decision.  But does she make the right choice?