Sketches in Motion: AAPI Animated Shorts
If you see it, you can be it. These shorts use the freedom of animation to illuminate the vast range and possibility of the AAPI experience. [Select Filmmakers In Person for Post-Film Q&A!]
2024-2026 | Documentary & Narrative | USA, Canada, Denmark, India | 88 min | English, Tagalog, Korean w/ English Subtitles | Digital
Tuesday, May 12, 2026
5:45 PM
Gene Siskel Film Center
164 N State St, Chicago, IL 60601
Deep Space
Written and Directed by Evan Eslava
website
IG: deepspace_shortfilm
A starbound boy makes an unexpected discovery in the last place he thought to look.
2025 | Narrative | USA | 5 mins | English | Digital
Broken Mosaic
Written and Directed by Alexandra “Lexie” Orr
IG: @lexie.orrarts
Two mixed Asian-American siblings declare their own identities with the power of punk rock.
2025 | Narrative | USA | 5 mins | English | Digital
Creatures of Chaos
Directed by Asavari Kumar
asavarikumar.com
IG: @supernovadesigninc, @asavarikumar, @shaivalini
@siddharth.zutshi
City-dwellers must decide whether to make demons or companions of their personal difficulties.
2025 | Narrative | USA, Denmark, India | 7 mins | English | Digital
COEXIST
Directed by Angie Panganiban
Website
IG: @angipangani, @coexist_ashortfilm
A queer couple recount the trials and tribulations of their relationship.
2025 | Documentary | USA | 11 mins | English | Digital
PASALUBONG!
Written and Directed by Sophia Uy
IG: @soapitaro
Two friends enjoy a giddy hangout at an airport in the Philippines before one of them heads back home.
2025 | Narrative | USA | 5 mins | English, Tagalog w/ English Subtitles | Digital
Cabbage Daddy
Written and Directed by Grace An
IG: @thepuregracean
A crayon-based study of an English speaker struggling to learn Korean.
2026 | Narrative | Canada | 4 mins | English, Korean w/ English subtitles | Digital
The Bird, the Girl and the Typhoon
Written and Directed by
Angeline Marie Michael Meitzler
https://angeline-meitzler.com/
IG: @angelinefromspace
An elder Filipino nurse undergoes outer transformations en route to an inner one.
2025 | Narrative | USA | 11 mins | English, Tagalog w/ English subtitles | Digital
Also screening on May 1st for MODERN PORTRAITS
Paper Daughter
Written and Directed by Cami Kwan
Website
IG: @camikwan @paperdaughterfilm
A Chinese woman tries to enter the U.S. under the assumed identity of a deceased girl, contending with both the authorities and her personal guilt.
2026 | Narrative | USA | 15 mins | English | Digital
Christmas Lights
Written and Directed by Cameryn Koike
In a world of cats, one family hopes for a holiday miracle.
2024 | Narrative | USA | 7 mins | English | Digital
A Grieving Heart
Written and Directed by Wendy Cong Zhao
wendycongzhao.com
IG: @wendyczhao
An immigrant woman examines her past in the wake of her American ex-boyfriend’s death.
2025 | Narrative | USA | 13 mins | English | Digital
Paper Swords
Written and Directed by Anjali Pulim
anjalipulim.art
IG: @spoonofjelly
Two sisters ponder life's biggest questions while playing in their backyard.
2025 | Narrative | USA | 5 mins | English | Digital