OUR
MISSION
WE ARE PAAFF
The Philadelphia Asian American Film Foundation (PAAFF), formerly known as Philadelphia Asian American Film and Filmmakers, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (status pending) 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.
Our Mission: The Philadelphia Asian American Film Foundation serves as a platform that exhibits and celebrates the works of AANHPI (Asian, Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander) storytellers, primarily through film and video art programs to a wide audience. As the main hub for AANHPI media, culture, and entertainment in the Greater Philadelphia area, we exist to empower and advocate for a diverse creative community that includes performing, culinary, fine arts, and more. By forming alliances with like-minded local and national organizations, we are building a more inclusive and informed community that fulfills our mission.
Our Vision: 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.