Name Change and Bold New Chapter

Name Change and Bold New Chapter: Philadelphia Asian American Film Festival Becomes Philadelphia Asian American Film Foundation

Philadelphia, PA — June 9, 2025 — The Philadelphia Asian American Film Festival (PAAFF) is proud to announce an exciting new chapter: we are now the Philadelphia Asian American Film Foundation (PAAFF). While our name has changed, our heart and mission remain the same.  We are still the organization you know and trust, now expanding our reach and deepening our impact. As we approach our 18th year, the annual festival has grown to become one of the largest Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander (AANHPI)-focused film festivals in the US and an important, influential platform for Philadelphia’s flourishing arts scene.  We feature an exceptional lineup of global, national, and local premieres, along with groundbreaking films from across the U.S., including Philadelphia. In 2024, our attendance increased by 200%, an extraordinary testament to the growing demand for diverse storytelling.

The new name reflects a broader vision and a necessary evolution beyond our beloved annual film festival. As a Foundation, we are laying the groundwork for year-round programs, community gatherings, creative partnerships, and artist support.

“Changing our name to the Philadelphia Asian American Film Foundation is more than a rebrand—it’s a recommitment,” said Nani Shin, Executive Director of PAAFF. “We are creating a lasting impact by supporting artists and engaging communities not only during the festival but also throughout the year.”

We are also excited to announce that PAAFF is the proud recipient of a design grant from OMFGCO, a branding and interior design studio connecting people to place through research, strategy, storytelling, and design. With their support, we are developing a full rebrand campaign reflecting our bold new direction. The refreshed logo and visual identity will be officially unveiled ahead of our Fall Festival in November and will serve as the foundation for all future programming, communications, and community engagement.

Through this expansion, PAAFF will continue to:

• Provide advocacy and visibility for AANHPI creatives

   

• Offer networking opportunities and creative workshops

   

• Host seasonal showcases and industry-focused events

   

• Support distribution platforms that bring AANHPI stories to broader audiences

   

We invite our community, partners, and supporters to join us in this exciting journey. Together, we can ensure that AANHPI voices are heard, celebrated, and empowered—all year long.

Welcome to the Philadelphia Asian American Film Foundation. Our story continues.