Silicon Valley Asian Pacific FilmFest Marks 10th Year
SVAPFF celebrates 10 years of bringing diverse AAPI films and filmmakers to the South Bay, kicking off with the Sundance-Award-Winning film Dìdi (弟弟)
San Jose, Calif., October 8, 2024 — The Silicon Valley Asian Pacific FilmFest (SVAPFF) announces its
10th annual film festival. The in-person festival runs from October 18-20 at AMC Dine-In
Sunnyvale 12, with the virtual festival from October 18-27. Kicking off this year’s festival was a
special sold-out screening of the beloved coming-of-age comedy-drama Dìdi (弟弟) by local
filmmaker Sean Wang on October 4.
This year’s theme, 'Celebrating AAPI Voices,' reflects its commitment to showcasing the diverse
stories of the AANHPI community. SVAPFF, an eagerly anticipated event produced by the
Contemporary Asian Theater Scene (CATS), is renowned for celebrating the vibrant and diverse
perspectives of Asian American Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander (AANHPI) filmmaking.
The festival opening night, on October 18, begins with a bento dinner and the feature film “Home
Court,” a Cambodian American basketball prodigy that follows her immigrant family life mixed
with racial and class differences, physical challenges, and the support structure that enables her
and her team to succeed. Following the film screening is a filmmaker Q&A with Director Erica
Tanamachi, Producer Jenn Lee Smith, and Editor Jean Kawahara, moderated by NBC Bay Area
Reporter Robert Handa.
“We are thrilled to celebrate a decade of showcasing the extraordinary talent and diverse
perspectives of AANHPI filmmakers,” said Cindy Toy, SVAPFF director. “This year’s lineup promises
to captivate audiences with thought-provoking and inspiring stories that reflect the diversity
within the AANHPI community in the South Bay and beyond.”
Day Two offers a diverse array of films exploring the Asian American experience. “Builders of the
Silicon Dream” highlights early Asian immigrants’ contributions to Silicon Valley’s growth and the
global tech economy, while the “Never Too Late” film shorts program showcases resilience and
identity. The “Never Too Late” shorts program is moderated by David Louie, a Bay Area broadcast
legend and retired business and tech reporter at KGO-TV. “Above the Clouds” follows two Asian
American strangers on a day they’ll never forget. The evening features local filmmakers in the Bay
Area Shorts program, the emotionally charged “The Well,” and the powerful immigrant story
“Unbroken Ties,” celebrating the indomitable human spirit.
The in-person festival concludes on Sunday with the feature film Kintsukuroi, which follows two
Japanese American families who lose everything except their dignity as they endure incarceration
during WWII after being uprooted by President Roosevelt’s Executive Order 9066. The afternoon
offers an animation and film shorts program featuring diverse stories ranging from heartfelt
personal journeys and artistic explorations to cultural reflections and comedic tales, followed by a
Q&A with several of the directors, moderated by Mike Inouye, NBC Bay Area’s weekday morning
traffic anchor. The closing film is the documentary feature film “Nobuko Miyamoto: A Song in
Movement,” about 84-year-old artist, activist, and storyteller Nobuko Miyamoto. Following the
film is a special live performance by Miyamoto and a Q&A with Co-director Tadashi Nakamura.
“As we mark this significant milestone, we are proud to have created and grown the film festival
into a beloved event that brings together the local community, showcasing established and
aspiring filmmakers while amplifying AANHPI stories and voices,” stated Leianne Wong Lamb,
president of CATS.
Lamb continues, “Looking to the future, we remain committed to uplifting and empowering
AANHPI filmmakers and artists, ensuring their voices are heard and fostering conversations that
lead to a better understanding of diverse experiences and perspectives, ultimately strengthening
our community.”
Notable Highlights of SVAPFF at 10 Years
Voted one of Silicon Valley’s top film festivals by Metro Silicon Valley readers for three years in a row.
Over 1,000 tickets sold for the 2023 in-person and online film festival.
The volunteer-driven effort invested over 1,300 hours.
Supported over 70 filmmakers in 2023.
A unique program that provides complimentary tickets for educators and students.
A commitment to showcasing local South Bay filmmakers, this year’s festival includes more than ten works by Santa Clara Valley filmmakers.
The 2024 film festival boasts over 80 films, highlighting the creativity and diversity of AANHPI
filmmakers and AAPI stories. To view the entire film lineup and purchase tickets for the in-person
and online film festival, please visit the festival website at https://svapfilmfest.org.
ABOUT SILICON VALLEY ASIAN PACIFIC FILMFEST (SVAPFF)
The Silicon Valley Asian Pacific FilmFest, a project of the Contemporary Asian Theater Scene, is an
eagerly anticipated event that celebrates the vibrant and diverse perspectives of Asian American
filmmaking. As an annual showcase of breathtaking cinematography, compelling storytelling, and
thought-provoking subjects, the film festival serves as a platform to highlight the rich cultural tapestry
and the unique experiences of Asian Americans on the silver screen. It attracts seasoned filmmakers
and emerging talents alike, fostering a sense of community and providing a space for meaningful
conversations about identity, belonging, and the Asian American experience. Visit svapfilmfest.org.
ABOUT CONTEMPORARY ASIAN THEATER SCENE (CATS)
Founded in 1995 by the late Dr. Jerry Hiura, the late Steve Yamaguma, and Miki Hirabayashi, CATS
has been a beacon for Asian American Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander (AANHPI) artists, providing
a platform for their voices and talents. CATS has showcased comedians, authors, playwrights,
musicians, dancers, performers, and filmmakers. CATS produces the annual Silicon Valley Asian
Pacific Film Festival, which celebrates its 10th year in October 2024 and, in July 2024, presented its
inaugural AAPI Playwright Festival. CATS, a 501c3 in San Jose Japantown, continues to support,
mentor, and present AAPI artists, enriching the cultural landscape of San Jose and Silicon Valley.
Visit catsasiantheaterscene.org.
For media inquiries or to request an interview, please contact:
Leianne Wong Lamb
408-592-7766
leianne@catsasiantheaterscene.org
Cindy Toy
408-806-9684
cindy@catsasiantheaterscene.org
Follow SVAPFF on social media:
https://www.instagram.com/svapfilmfest
https://www.facebook.com/SVAPFilmFest
https://twitter.com/SVAPFilmFest
Follow CATS on social media:
https://www.instagram.com/catsasiantheater
https://www.facebook.com/catsasiantheater