
About the Silicon Valley Asian Pacific Film Festival
About The Festival
The Silicon Valley Asian Pacific FilmFest 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 festival serves as a platform to highlight the rich cultural tapestry and the unique experiences of Asian Americans on the silver screen.
Each year, the festival attracts both seasoned filmmakers and emerging talents alike, fostering a sense of community and providing a space for important conversations about identity, belonging, and the Asian American experience. Through its carefully curated selection of films and panel discussions, the festival not only entertains and captivates audiences but also encourages increased representation and inclusivity in the film industry.
The Silicon Valley Asian Pacific FilmFest (formerly San Jose J-Town FilmFest) celebrates Silicon Valley's multiethnic community and rich history. It is an all-volunteer effort run by a diverse team of community members. The film festival showcases independent films primarily by Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) filmmakers. SVAPFF offers quality programming, giving the community a chance to interact with the creative talents behind these films.
About CATS
The film festival is a project of the Contemporary Asian Theater Scene, fondly known as CATS. It was founded over twenty years ago by three visionaries who realized that Asian American artists needed a voice. Dr. Jerry Hiura, Steve Yamaguma, and Miki Hirabayashi created CATS with the dream of supporting, mentoring, and ultimately presenting Asian-American artists and cultural disciplines to the South Bay. (Add more description to CATS).
In remembrance of Dr. Jerry and Steve Yamaguma
Previous FilmFests
Staff
SVAPFF Board Members
Cindy Toy - SVAPFF Director
Joanne Ho - Filmmaker Liason Director
Leianne Lamb - Community Outreach Director
Miki Hirabayashi Bellon
Caroline Moore
LaDonna Yumori-Kaku
Reiko Iwanaga
Cheryl James
Audrey Munnerlyn
Marketing
Leianne Lamb
Joanne Ho
Reiko Iwanaga
Ellina Yin
Miiko Mentz
Jessica Savage
Caroline Moore
Cindy Toy
Graphic Designers
Coby Chuang
William Yi
FILM Selection Committee
Victoria Taketa - Committee lead
Andy Chung
Audrey Munnerlyn
Caroline Moore
Cindy Toy
Connor Ng
Dave Yen
Debbie Tien
Ellina Yin
Joanna Lin
Joanne Ho
Leianne Lamb
Matt Lin
Michelle Makino
Miki Hirabayashi Bellon
Miiko Mentz
Rich Tsoi
Suzie Willemsz-Geeroms
Audio/Visual
Iszac Gaton
TK Tran
Setup/check-in/hospitality/Greeter
Audrey Munnerlyn
Bowman Ching
Cheryl James
Chris Hioki
Geoff Chuang
Jeff Lamb
Judy Higuchi
Kathy Higuchi
Kelly Toy
Kevin Pascual
Ling Yau
Marie Wong
Norm Toy
LaDonna Yumori-Kaku
Lin Tso
Photographers/Videographers
Henry Nakata
Lawrence Su
Anthony Le
Mike Kaku