The Philadelphia Asian American Film Foundation (PAAFF), formerly known as Philadelphia Asian American Film and Filmmakers, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting and highlighting the experiences of the Asian and Pacific Islander diaspora through creative community-focused programs, including films, live performances, culinary demonstrations, panels, lectures, and educational workshops throughout the year and at the annual fall film festival.

It was founded in 2008 by a passionate group of Asian Americans who saw a need for a festival space that focused on supporting the growing Asian filmmaking community. PAAFF began as a volunteer-run festival that has relied heavily on the labor of passionate individuals. Under the leadership of arts and culture visionaries and with the support of our sponsors, partners, and community, PAAFF has become one of the largest AANHPI-focused film festivals in the US and an influential platform for Philadelphia’s thriving arts scene.

we are paaff

OUR MISSION

The Philadelphia Asian American Film Foundation serves as a platform dedicated to showcasing and celebrating the works of AANHPI (Asian, Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander) storytellers, primarily through film and video art programs. As the leading hub for AANHPI media, culture, and entertainment in the Greater Philadelphia area, we are committed to empowering diverse creatives, advocating for representation, and fostering a more inclusive and informed community.

To provide access and create a pathway for future generations to honor, learn from, and share their own AANHPI experiences and personal histories through filmmaking and other forms of storytelling.  We strive to push the creative community forward with year-round advocacy and networking opportunities, creative workshops, and exposure through showcasing and connecting to distribution platforms.

OUR Vision

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‘Organizations like the Philadelphia Asian American Film Festival create vital spaces for filmmakers and film lovers like myself to connect with other creatives and Philadelphians. PAAFF brings AAPI individuals and otherwise together in community as we reflect on our shared human experiences, and they need our support to continue doing so.’

King Lu Filmmaker and Temple University professor

It's incredibly meaningful to me that the city I live in has such a robust arts scene for Asian Americans to express their identities. Growing up in a mainly white community, I never experienced the Asian American solidarity that I see here in Philly. Kudos to PAAFF!

Film Festival Attendee