A letter from our executive director

What a year it has been for PAAFF and our nation.

Since our last festival, we embarked on an exciting new chapter. The Philadelphia Asian American Film Festival has officially become the Philadelphia Asian American Film Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization, allowing us to expand beyond the annual festival and become a
year-round platform. Thanks to our team, partners, and community, we have laid the “foundation” for growth. We also received a creative grant from OMFGCO agency based in Portland, who worked with us to develop our foundation logo and brand strategy that reflects our
new identity. It all started with the concept of subtitles, inspired by filmmaker Bong Joon Ho’s famous quote, “Once you overcome the one-inch-tall barrier of subtitles, you will be introduced to so many more amazing films”. I would also add that it opens us up to the world itself…to new cultures, perspectives, as well as shared emotions, and common humanity. More details about the story behind our new brand will follow.

Our name and logo may have changed, but our mission remains the same. We continue to curate programs that reflect the richness, complexity, and resilience of AANHPI diasporic identities. We do this through independent film screenings, industry panels, community
conversations, multidisciplinary performances, and cultural experiences. We launched new programs in 2025 and increased community engagement with partner organizations, including Storyteller Spotlight, Spring Showcase, and a summer series in partnership with
organizations like the Philadelphia Chinatown Development Corporation, Vox Populi, the Southeast Asian Market, Philadelphia Asian & Queer, and the Kennett Library. Through community partnerships, we brought PAAFF programs to new audiences across the Philadelphia region.

A Renewed Purpose in Challenging Times

This year has also brought unprecedented threats to art, culture, free expression, and immigrant rights. We saw the defunding of PBS and NPR, the cancellation of grants to arts and culture organizations by the NEH and the NEA, and the elimination of DEI programs by corporations
and institutions. There are book bans, media censorship, and efforts to erase marginalized voices and histories, along with inhumane immigration enforcement practices and raids. These are the same communities whose stories we strive to honor and uplift.
I believe this is why organizations like PAAFF exist. As we approach the 250th anniversary of this nation, we want to ensure that BIPOC voices and history are recognized as an essential part of the American story.

While our reach and impact continue to grow, the reality is that recent funding cuts for the arts and diverse programs have created significant challenges for us. The loss of our major annual sponsor and the competitive grant landscape limit our ability to sustain staff, expand programming, and execute our long-term vision. Like this year’s festival theme, I am “dreaming of other worlds,” a world where we get to continue to celebrate and showcase diverse stories and creatives. To grow as a national leader in the AANHPI arts space, collaborate with local schools to develop resources for emerging creatives and commission original works by local filmmakers. I invite you to DREAM with us
and help us bring these visions to life.

How You Can Help

We need to raise significant funds to continue our mission and grow our foundation.

● Support our upcoming Capital Campaign- We will kick off a fundraising campaign to help sustain our foundation and our programs. More details to follow, including our fundraising goal and timeline.
● Make a tax-deductible donation – General fund covers venue rentals, artist travel, screening/exhibition fees, catering, and performances for both the festival and year-round programming.
● Become a monthly donor – $10, $50, or $150, every contribution makes an impact!

● Share the love! -Connect us with individuals and/or organizations who may want to partner with us or invest in our mission.
● Stay Connected- Sign up for our newsletter, follow @PhillyAAFF on Instagram, and share our work with friends and networks.
● Learn more at PAAFF.org

Thank you for being part of our growth journey. I hope you are moved, inspired, and entertained by our programs in the 18th Annual Philadelphia Asian American Film Festival!

With gratitude and hope,

– Nani Shin
Executive Director
Philadelphia Asian American Film Foundation