Far & Away: AAPI Documentary Shorts

The immigrant experience is one of distance, created by space as well as time. These documentary short films pose the question of what can be brought on the journey, and what must be left behind. [With Select Filmmakers In-Person for Q&A]

Presented in Parternship With:

Kartemquin Films

For over 50 years, Kartemquin’s mission has been to empower the creation of stories that foster a more engaged and just society — turning toward and grappling with the most critical issues of our time.

We do this by producing documentaries on a wide range of issues, championing filmmakers in developing their craft, and aligning with partners who understand that documentaries are powerful vehicles for truth that can transform the world around us.

More about Kartemquin

Monday, May 19th, 2025
8:30 PM

Gene Siskel Film Center
164 N State St, Chicago, IL 60601

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AAPI Voices Fund:

Dedicated to supporting the Asian, Asian American, and Pacific Islander communities, The Zhao-Chen Family Fund for AAPI Voices recognizes the critical importance of funding for filmmakers developing and delivering their films and the value of investing in Kartemquin’s collaborative model of nurturing early-career filmmakers. Through this fund, Kartemquin is advancing impactful and dynamic stories reflecting on the varied experiences of the AAPI community that challenge and inspire – both filmmakers and the communities they represent.

More about the Zhao-Chen Family Fund.

The Voice of Bamboo

Directed by David Zheng
https://www.davidzhengart.com/

After escaping Japan in his youth, a now elderly Japanese man found refuge on a farm in the mountains of North Carolina, where growing bamboo taught him how to live.

You’re Too Sensitive

Directed by Dan Chen
IG: @thedchen

After a decade apart, I filmed my immigrant family reuniting for my brother's graduation, documenting our quirks, affections, and lifelong resentments.

BALIK/BAYAN

Directed by Paula Kiley
IG: @paula.kilikili

Chronicles the life of Manny Paez, the founder of Manila Forwarder, a balikbayan box company serving LA’s Filipino American community since 1998.

Tasting Heritage

Directed by Emily Strong
https://www.emilymstrong.com/

"Tasting Heritage" is a coming of culture story about a Korean American woman's savory journey to reclaim her heritage through food.

Dear Aloha

Directed by Cris Romento
https://www.dearaloha.com/

Aloha is a way of life for Native Hawaiians, who are taught from a young age to treat people with kindness and compassion. This film asks the question, how do Native Hawaiians in the diaspora keep the feeling of Aloha in their hearts, even when they live thousands of miles away? The film follows two Native Hawaiians living in the Pacific Northwest as they reflect on how Aloha sustains them amidst distance, loss, and longing. Meanwhile, back in Hawaii, local residents grapple with the legacy of colonization that has resulted in many Hawaiians being displaced from their homeland.

Swimming Lessons

Directed by Meloddy Gao
IG: @melo_gao_loveswhales

Swimming Lessons is a personal, reflexive film that follows a daughter of Chinese immigrants who yearns to understand her transoceanic family’s expressions of grief. During a summer visit to the home her parents left behind in Beijing, China, she tries to learn what they never taught her: how to navigate a heat wave, how to cook watermelon, and how to say goodbye.

2024 | Narrative | USA, China | 22 mins | English, Mandarin w/ English Subtitles| | Digital

Some Kind of Japanese

Directed by Robyn Tomiko
https://www.robyntomiko.com/

A personal story about Japanese American experience that speaks to the muddled facets of immigrant identity.