SATURDAY, October 19
AMC Dine-In Sunnyvale 12
10:00 am - 10:00 pm
Join us for a full day of films and Q&A sessions with filmmakers!
-All films and guests are subject to change without notice-
Can’t make it to the FilmFest in person?
Watch the 2024 selections online!
Part 1: 10:00 am - 11:30 pm
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Film Feature: Builders of the Silicon Dream
Builders of the Silicon Dream - What you don't know about Silicon Valley, chronicles the profound impact early Asian immigrants have had on Silicon Valley's growth and the global tech economy while navigating the complexities of assimilation and identity in America. The film sheds light on the individuals who fought for AAPI representation in corporate America through personal anecdotes, historical context, and expert commentary. It also explores how the 'glass ceiling' led many engineers and tech professionals to return to Taiwan, igniting the current advanced tech industries there.
Part 2: 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Never too late film shorts
sponsored by AARP
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Film Feature: American Daydream
An undocumented immigrant has always relied heavily on her legal daughter to get through life in America. Now that The obedient daughter wants to leave to pursue her own dreams. How is this illiterate mother going to survive?
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The Carry on Story
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.
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It's never too late to live your dream
As a child, Parker Dean loved to paint. This passion remained with him throughout his life. He had a successful career but it left him with no time for his art. See how he made decisions in his life that brought joy to both him and his community.
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Fragmented
In an Asian American family, a devoted wife cares for her frail husband in the late stage of dementia. As she recalls hard and happy times during their marriage, she is reminded of why she perseveres and finds hope in their enduring love.
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SANSEDAI (三世代)
Through intimate conversations over old photobooks and home movies from the 1930s, SANSEDAI (三世代) explores themes of identity and belonging as it follows the filmmaker’s 92-year-old grandmother’s journey growing up during war, migrating to a country that was once deemed an enemy, and what it means to be Japanese-American.
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Stories Told, Secrets Kept
Many Chinese family immigration stories are entwined within the United States exclusion era. Some of the laws almost entirely banned Chinese from entering the country. Wing and Young Shee Leong implemented complicated measures in order to start their life in the United States. Their story was a secret until now.
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Follow the Sun
Born in postwar Japan, Akemi searches for the unknown American sailor who was her biological father. At age 65, she embarks on a journey of discovery with her sister using DNA data and US census records from the 1940s. Their findings lead them to a new set of family and shed light on a long-forgotten love affair that changed the course of their lives.
Part 3: 2:30 pm - 4:30 pm
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Film Feature: Above the clouds
A lost dog, a cassette tape, and a backyard comedy show lead these two Asian American strangers on a day they’ll never forget.
Part 4: Bay Area Shorts
5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
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Seoul Switch
When an insecure, Korean American boy meets an International K-Pop Star who looks just like him, they decide to switch identities.
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KOI
KOI follows the misadventures of four Asian American roommates (RJ, David, Jihoon, Will) in their mid-twenties learning to work hard and play harder. In this pilot, the gang gets into a predicament on the day of Will’s birthday bash, and through a series of twists, turns, spilt boba, and a near death experience, the boys’ lives are forever changed as they each learn something new about themselves and grow up… just a little.
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Sonder
In a brilliant white void, “Sonder” explores the multifaceted lives of passersby through individual and collective expression. “Sonder” references the sensation of realizing every person you encounter is living a life as complex and vivid as your own. Through abstract swirls of interlocking gestures and fluid athleticism, the dancers explore moments of epiphany and exchange. Directed by RJ Muna, choreographed by Mia J. Chong, and produced by EIGHT/MOVES.
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Sammy's Final Arrangement
After more than a decade with his own business and a firstborn child, Samuel Go must now come to terms with the stresses and the dwindling creative freedom that have resulted in his decision to end his practice and begin a new life. As Sammy directs his own cycle of self preservation, he must navigate the final stages of packing the remnants of his studio, a 2nd child with his wife, and the stresses of a final large scale wedding.
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Dos Mujeres (Two Women)
Through the lives of Raima, an Indian techie on a work visa, and Maria, a Mexican house cleaner, this film sheds light on the flaws of the immigration system, highlighting the diverse challenges faced by immigrants.
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Roots & Wings Ep3
Roots & Wings profiles WOC chefs who use food as a conduit for cultural awareness and as a means of perpetuating their cultural traditions. Roots + Wings Ep 3. Iranian-American multi-disciplinary visual artist and culinary creative behind Savage Taste, Parisa Parnian hosted pop-up dinners in Los Angeles that not only illuminated Persian cuisine but also brought together the LGBTQ community.
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Project 212
In the world of high school robotics, it is blindingly clear students are not competing on a level playing field. Project 212 hails from Ygnacio Valley and faces more challenges than most. Just over the hill from the Bay Area and Silicon Valley, four out of five students are economically disadvantaged. Experience is short and resources limited. Project 212 believes in itself though. But is grit, devoted mentors, and a teacher committed to building young leaders enough to compete against the best teams in the world?
Part 5: 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm
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Unbroken Ties
In the 1990s, "Unbroken Ties" captivates with the story of Min, a grown-up orphaned Burmese man who embarks on a journey to find his place in America after securing a US diversity visa. As he navigates his new life, Min unravels a web of secrets, betrayals, and connections that challenge his identity, friendships, and sense of belonging. This potent film celebrates immigrant, mother, and LGBTQA resilience, illuminating the global struggles of orphans and minorities. Their unyielding determination shines, crafting a heartfelt portrayal of hope and the indomitable human spirit.