FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT:

Bill Imada, IW Group, Inc.

Tel. 310.691.3472

bill.imada@iwgroupinc.com

ANNOUNCING THE INAUGURAL NAPA VALLEY

ASIAN AMERICAN FILM FESTIVAL 2025

NAPA, CALIF., December 22, 2024—Mark your calendars! The inaugural Napa Valley Asian American Film Festival (NVAAFF) debuts on Friday, February 7, 2025, at Napa Valley College’s Performing Arts Center. This groundbreaking event celebrates and elevates Asian and Asian American storytelling, highlighting the creativity, innovation, and cultural heritage that define the Asian American experience in film.

In partnership with Napa Valley College, IW Group, and executive producers Julia S. Gouw and Cindy Y. Huang, with narrative shorts specially curated by CAPE (Coalition of Asian Pacifics in Entertainment) and other contributing programmers, NVAAFF is a cinematic celebration like no other. NVAAFF will showcase eight remarkable films that spotlight the diversity and depth of Asian American voices and representation in film, including trailblazing works that explore the intersection of storytelling and AI technology.

A Day of Cinematic Excellence
From noon to 10 p.m., audiences will immerse themselves in a curated lineup of films ranging from thought-provoking AI shorts to award-winning features and compelling narratives. Each screening will be followed by engaging panel discussions featuring directors, writers, and producers, offering unique insights into the creative process and the stories behind the films. Among the panel moderators is Sanjay Sharma, founder and CEO of Marginal MediaWorks and Patricia Ratulangi, vice president of global communications at Nielsen.

Highlights Include:

AI-Cinematic Short Films: Advancing short film content utilizing the latest in AI-inspired filmmaking.
Critically Acclaimed Features: Stories that explore themes of resilience, identity, and community through an Asian American lens.
Narrative Shorts: Personal, vibrant stories capturing the breadth of human connection and cultural intersectionality.

Beyond the Screen
In addition to captivating films, the festival will offer culinary delights and local flavors in collaboration with regional businesses, vintners, and restaurants. The Performing Arts Center foyer will transform into a delectable gastronomic experience of food, beverages, and cultural connections.

Tickets & Accessibility
Tickets are available for $5 per film or $10 for the entire program, with discounts for students, faculty, and seniors aged 60+. AI shorts and narrative films are free of charge. All seating is first-come, first-served.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.NapaValleyAsianFilmFest.com. The festival is open to the public, and free parking is available on-site.

INAUGURAL NVAAFF FILMS

Napa Valley College – Performing Arts Center
Friday, February 7, 2025
(Times subject to change)

SPOTLIGHT AI-CINEMATIC SHORT FILMS

Saving Nine – Created and produced by Chikai Ohazama, 1:20 p.m.

A mysterious person investigates a shocking event that brings into question what is real and what is a simulation. This short film examines our sense of reality and truth through the lens of surveillance and alternate realities. It is a commentary on humanity’s relationship with technology and it is a unique meta introspection given that it was entirely created using generative AI video.

Macau Omen – Created and produced by Tony Shyu, 1:40 p.m.

The story centers on Thomas Hahn, a man haunted by fragmented memories and supernatural experiences in Macau, following the mysterious death of his wife.

OPENING FEATURE FILM

Nurse Unseen – Directed by Michele Josue, 2 p.m.

Explores the genuine humanity of unsung Filipino nurses who risked their lives on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic while facing a resurgence of anti-Asian hate in the streets.

SPECIAL SPOTLIGHT FEATURE

A Great Divide – Directed by Jean Shim, 4 p.m.

The Lee family leave the Bay Area for a fresh start in the rural expanses of Wyoming, only to encounter hostility and xenophobia in their new community. How they confront these issues will break them - or make them stronger.

CAPE/JULIA GOUW SPOTLIGHT SHORT NARRATIVES

Hearsay – Written and directed by Banban Cheng, 6:20 p.m.

Set in a suburban Chinese beauty salon, HEARSAY follows Lili, an outgoing and talkative hairdresser who goes a little too far when she tries to help a customer in need, inflaming the community.

Happy Rakhi – Written and directed by Ragini Bhasin, 6:45 p.m.

A feisty Indian girl’s relationship with her brothers is tested when she starts her period during their festive celebration of Raksha Bandhan.

Zari – Written and directed by Shruti Parekh, 7 p.m.

American teen Neelu feels like a fish out of water amidst preparations for her sister’s wedding in Delhi until she forges a brief and unexpected connection with Zeyb, a quiet sari store clerk who moonlights as an internet drag queen.

CENTERPIECE FEATURE FILM

The Glassworker – Directed by Usman Riaz, 8:15 p.m.

Vincent and his father, Tomas, run the best glassworks in the country, but the onset of war turns their lives upside down. Vincent falls in love with Alliz, the daughter of a colonel, and they both must find the courage to confront their fathers.

About the Coalition of Asian Pacifics in Entertainment (CAPE)
CAPE is the world's longest-running non-profit organization creating opportunities and driving change for Asian and Pacific Islander (API) success in Hollywood. For over 30 years, CAPE has advanced API representation in film and television by championing people, stories, and culture. Follow @CAPEUSA on Instagram or visit www.capeusa.org.

About Napa Valley College

Napa Valley College prepares students for evolving roles in a diverse, dynamic, and interdependent world. The college is an accredited open-access, degree-and certificate-granting institution committed to student achievement through high-quality programs and services that are continuously evaluated and improved. The college serves students and the community in transfer courses; career-technical education and training; basic skills; and self-supporting contract education and community education classes. River Trail Village, on-campus student housing, is available now. Napa Valley College is at 2277 Napa-Vallejo Highway in Napa. Learn more at napavalley.edu.

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