OUR
MISSION
WHAT IS PAAFF?
Philadelphia Asian American Film & Filmmakers was founded in 2008 by a passionate group of Asian Americans who felt a need for a festival space that was focused on supporting the growing Asian filmmaking community. The Philadelphia Asian American Film Festival (PAAFF) is the showcase event of this non-profit organization and is dedicated to supporting and highlighting the experiences of Asian and Pacific Islander diaspora through creative community-focused programs. PAAFF is currently the third-largest film festival of its kind in the United States. In addition to our film programs, our volunteer-run organization also presents supporting programming such as live performances, chef demonstrations, panels and lectures, and educational workshops during the festival and throughout the year.
Our Mission: The Philadelphia Asian American Film Foundation serves as a platform to exhibit and celebrate AANHPI (Asian, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander) diaspora storytellers and their works. We empower and advocate for the diverse creative community and serve as the main destination for AANHPI media, culture and entertainment in the Greater Philadelphia area. In order to build a more inclusive and informed community, we collaborate with other like-minded organizations that support this mission.
Our Vision: We value the power of acknowledging and propelling the voices of AANHPI storytellers and creators, bringing their perspectives to the forefront of culture and serving as a platform to share their vision with the world. Our goal is to provide access and create a pathway for future generations to honor, learn from, and share their own AANHPI experiences and personal histories through the art of storytelling and filmmaking. We consciously curate diverse programming throughout the year expanding to include other creative expressions like theater, art, dance, music, and culinary arts.