CAAMFest

06/12/2026

SHIFTS & DREAMS brought together stories of labor, craft, entrepreneurship, and community, highlighting the dedication, sacrifice, and ambition behind the work that shapes our lives at CAAMFest.

The shorts program featured MILK AND HONEY, SOLE, THE SALE, GILBERT GONG – THE HEART OF LINCOLN SQUARE, SWEET FAREWELL, and WARREN KING.

Following the screening, audiences heard directly from filmmakers during a Q&A exploring the inspirations, challenges, and personal stories behind their films.

A special congratulations to SWEET FAREWELL, directed by Cynthia Nguyen, recipient of the 2026 InspirASIAN Undergraduate Award.

Missed the screening? WARREN KING: KING OF CARDBOARD is now streaming on PBS.

Scroll through for highlights from the screening and conversation.

Photo Credits:
Slide 1-5: Bob Hsiang
Slide 6-8: Emily Ordonez

06/11/2026

The World Premiere of UNCOMMITTED at CAAMFest was an evening of film and conversation!

UNCOMMITTED, directed by Razi Jafri and supported by CAAM’s Building Bridges Documentary Fund through the Doris Duke Foundation, was recognized as an Honorable Mention in the Documentary Feature category, follows Arab and Muslim organizers, advocates, and elected officials working to make their voices heard in American politics during the 2024 presidential election.Through personal stories and grassroots organizing, the film explores civic participation, representation, and the power of collective action.

After the screening, audiences stayed for Q&A with filmmaker Razi Jafri, participants, and moderator W. Kamau Bell, continuing the conversation around the film and its timely themes.

Scroll through to see highlights from the screening and discussion.

Photo credits:
Slide 1 & 5:Bob Hsiang
Slide 2-4: Emily Ordonez

06/05/2026

During CAAMFest, we welcomed filmmakers, industry professionals, and emerging creatives to KOHO Creative Hub for our Filmmaker Summit and Industry Hub, a three-day gathering focused on strengthening the ecosystem for Asian American storytellers.

Through panels, workshops, and networking opportunities, participants engaged in timely conversations about the future of public media, Muslim storytelling and community building, the evolving role of technology in filmmaking, and pathways for documentary creators through organizations such as Comcast NBCUniversal and A-Doc.

Swipe through to take a look back at some highlights. These are just a few snapshots from the three days. We'll be sharing more photos and video highlights soon.

Photo credits: Joseph McCalip

06/02/2026

05/30/2026

Thank you to everyone who joined us for the screening of SHAKTI and MY SWEET PALA, we had a great post-film conversation with SHAKTI director, Nani Sahra Walker, MY SWEET PALA actor, Tenzin Dhondup, Dechen Kelden, moderated by Dechen Tsering.

See highlights from the screening and discussion.

If you weren't able to catch the film at CAAMFest, SHAKTI is now streaming on Amazon Prime Video.

Photo credit:
Slide 1 & 2: Justin Chu
Slide 3 & 4: Dariel Peraza

05/28/2026

Our CAAMFest 2026 Narrative Award winner FORGE is back in theaters in the Bay Area -- this weekend only! Catch it at the AMC Mercado in Santa Clara, Friday 5/29-Sunday 5/31. See showtimes below.

In Miami, siblings Raymond (Brandon Soo Hoo) and Coco Zhang (Andie Ju) run a forgery ring. Coerced by a disgraced millionaire, they create counterfeit masterpieces for his family’s collection. FBI agent Emily Lee (Kelly Marie Tran) investigates a new string of art forgeries.

Friday, May 29
4:30 p.m.
7:15 p.m.
10:00 p.m.

Saturday, May 30
1:45 p.m.
4:30 p.m.
7:15 p.m.
10:00 p.m.

Sunday, May 31
1:45 p.m.
4:30 p.m.
7:15 p.m.

Get tickets, link in first comment.

05/28/2026

Last day to take the CAAMFest Survey for a chance to receive prizes, such as a CAAMFest tote bag or tickets to next year's festival!

Take the survey today, link in first comment.

Photo credit: Dariel Pareza

05/27/2026

Here’s another moment from CAAMFest 2026! The CAAM-funded documentary THE AUNTIE SEWING SQUAD: RESISTANCE PLAYBOOK had its Bay Area Premiere at our festival. Director Valerie Soe and performance artist and activist Kristina Wong talked about the importance of organizing and helping others throughout difficult times.

What started as a small grassroots collective of primarily BIPOC women volunteers, known as the Aunties, during the COVID19 pandemic, grew into a nationwide network of more than 800 volunteers, sewing and donating masks to historically disenfranchised communities of color.

05/26/2026

We’re deeply honored that BEFORE THE MOON FALLS received the award for Best Documentary at CAAMFest 2026. Thank you to the Center for Asian American Media, the jury, and everyone connected with the film.

Documentary filmmaking can be an act of patience, trust, and care. To see the film recognized not only for its story but for the humanity behind it's incredibly moving.

Thank you for holding space with us. 🤍