At the Philadelphia Asian American Film Foundation (PAAFF), interns are more than extra hands. They are co-storytellers, advocates, and future leaders who bring their own experiences and identities into our work. This past season, we were fortunate to welcome two incredible interns, Shreya Soni and Kierra Matteo, whose reflections remind us why representation matters and how community is built, one story at a time.

Owning Their Stories

Shreya joined PAAFF with the hope of bringing her full self to the table. “For so long, I lived my life choosing between presenting my Indian and American identities – and never truly feeling like myself,” she shared. Moving to Philadelphia marked a turning point, as she embraced her identity as South Asian American without compromise.

Kierra’s journey carried a different texture but echoed a similar theme of reclamation. As a mixed-race Filipino American, she recalled, “I often felt ‘too white’ to belong. It was only in the past three years that I began to realize what an honor it is to be part of this community, and that it should never have been something I felt ashamed of.” Moments with family, such as her Lola’s cooking or the sound of Tagalog spoken around the dinner table, became reminders of the culture that shaped her.

Seeing Themselves in the Story

Both interns spoke powerfully about why AANHPI representation is essential. Shreya described it as a vital source of richness in storytelling: “AANHPI stories are so vibrant and distinct that without them, I truly believe the films and stories we tell as a public lose far too much dimension and color.”

Kierra reflected on the silence she felt growing up without Filipino role models in mainstream media. “Even now, stories and artists from the Philippines are rarely highlighted,” she said. She sees representation as a way to help others embrace their identities earlier, with pride, and to reduce the ignorance and insensitivity that thrive in its absence.

Moments That Spark Change

Shreya recalls the Spring Showcase as the moment she truly felt part of the PAAFF community. Seeing audiences light up with joy at experiencing stories that reflected their lives left a lasting impression. “Everyone felt that their individual voices were appreciated and represented too,” she remembered.

Kierra found her most meaningful experience in helping bring storytellers Nathan Ramos-Park and Andrew Ahn to Philadelphia. She coordinated travel and accommodations to make the event possible. “Watching Nathan and Andrew interact with the audience made me feel so accomplished. I felt so proud that I was able to be a part of bringing them to Philly,” she said.

Behind the Scenes of Representation

The internship also deepened their appreciation for the care behind authentic representation. Shreya was struck by the diligence and thoughtfulness of the programming process: “There is so much time, dedication, discussions, and patience involved with representing AANHPI stories appropriately that I never would have understood the full weight of if I was not interning at PAAFF.”

Kierra admitted that before this experience, she believed there was no film that truly reflected her own family’s story. PAAFF broadened that view. “This experience has shown me that the right representation is out there, you just need to look for it,” she explained.

Building Bridges Through Storytelling

Both interns hope audiences walk away from AANHPI films with the understanding that there is no single story, that the community, like the world itself, is defined by variety, nuance, and color. Shreya envisions continuing to support storytellers who reflect that diversity, while Kierra hopes to make AANHPI stories more accessible and bring more storytellers to the city, ensuring others feel less estranged and more connected.

And when asked the lighter question of what movie world they would like to step into, their answers revealed as much about their values as their personalities. Shreya chose Lagaan, drawn to its cultural depth, grandeur, and history. Kierra chose Mamma Mia! but only if her Lola could come too, as a reminder of the love and strength she finds in family and community.

A Future in Focus

Mentorship is at the heart of PAAFF, and our interns remind us why this work matters. By creating space for them to grow and contribute, we also create space for the next generation of AANHPI storytellers to thrive. Shreya and Kierra’s voices, shaped by lived experience, grounded in cultural pride, and committed to inclusion, are the future of the stories we tell.