The mission of the DC Asian Pacific American Film Festival is to bring attention to the creative output from Asian Pacific American (APA) communities and encourage the artistic development of APA talent, arts, and films in the greater Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Region.

The festival is accepting feature, documentary and short film submissions by Asian Americans and Asian international filmmakers with a focus on stories relating to people of Asian descent living and working in the diaspora. Now in it’s 22nd year, the DC Asian Pacific American Film Festival will be held Thursday, July 14 through Sunday, July 17, 2022 as a hybrid event, online and in-person. All festival details, including dates, format, and venues, are subject to change.

Our mission embodies the following goals:
* To raise public awareness of APA talent, arts & media
* To encourage and promote the artistic development of APA artists of all creative arts
* To provide arts education opportunities, with particular outreach to APA youth and adults
* To raise awareness and act as a catalyst for the discussion of issues affecting APA communities
* To bring diverse people together, to promote artistic and social interactions
* To sponsor and operate the annual DC APA Film Festival.

Awards & Prizes

The DC Asian Pacific American Film Festival recognizes the efforts of Asian/Asian American and Pacific Islander/Pacific Islander American filmmakers. Based on the number of submissions, awards will be given in the following categories:

Best Director
Best Performance
Best Narrative Film
Best Documentary Film
The Audience Award

Each awardee is present with plaque and a $500 cash award.

Rules & Terms

ENTRY SUBMISSION CHECKLIST
1. Filmmaker's name, email, mailing address.
2. Production Credits.
3. Film Summary.
4. Production location, run time, on-screen language, production completion date.
5. Press kit and/or hi resolution promotional stills.
6. Website, social media links and trailer.
7. *Student Filmmakers, please attach a copy of School ID (Student Discounts available, please email us for code).

ELIGIBILITY
Feature film, short film, or video productions by Asian Americans and Asian International filmmakers, or with subject matter concerning Asian issues from any year, country, state, age, category, and serving any theme. No limit on the number of entries per person although a separate entry form must be submitted for each entry. Entry fee applies to each submission.

ENTRY FORMATS
We require *secure online screeners or digital files*. Films must be completed at the time of submission (no rough-cuts or works-in-progress will be considered).

ANNOUNCEMENT OF WINNERS
Winners will be announced on the DC Asian Pacific American Film website and social networks.

All entries selected for the Festival grant DC Asian Pacific American Film the rights to use their submitted film, as well as, footage, stills, titles and information from their films for current and future promotional, archival, and community engagement purposes in perpetuity.

BE SURE TO KEEP US INFORMED OF ANY CHANGES IN YOUR ADDRESS, PHONE OR EMAIL. ANY QUESTIONS REGARDING SUBMISSION SHOULD BE DIRECTED TO programming@apafilm.org.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS
By submitting your entry to the Festival, you represent that you have the authority to do so and that you have reviewed all of the DC Asian Pacific American Film submission rules and information. You agree to hold DC Asian Pacific American Film harmless and without liability for the statements you make, and you assert that there are no assigned rights, agreements, distribution agreements, production deals or any arrangements whatsoever attached to this work that would in any way interfere with the showing or screening of your entry to the public within the terms of DC Asian Pacific American Film. You further acknowledge and agree that if your entry is selected for the Festival then you grant DC Asian Pacific American Film the rights to use the submitted film, your footage, stills, titles and information from the film for current and future promotional, archival, and community engagement purposes in perpetuity.

22 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Joshua Wick

    Great festival! We were very honored to have our film screen as part of the DC Asian Pacific American Film Festival program. Communication with filmmakers was exceptional. The virtual screening platform was well organized. Very happy with the result.

    August 2021
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  • Kaia Rose

    I had a great time being part of the DC APA 2021 Festival. The team did a terrific job of using social media to create a nice community feeling, despite the virtual nature of this year's festival. Everything was well-communicated and I felt lucky to be able to attend the in-person closing screening and party as a local filmmaker.

    August 2021
    Helpful
  • Anthony Newen

    It was difficult all around having a film festival during COVID-19 times, but I felt DCAPA really adapted to the new situation and provided me with a very enjoyable time having my film show at their festival. Thanks for the support!

    July 2020
    Helpful
  • Angel Yau

    The people behind the scenes were the best I have ever worked with. They genuinely love each and every film. It shows by the Q&A especially since this year had to be done remotely. All the films selected were powerful for this year and time. I would definitely recommend and apply again.
    EDIT: I have been asked to submit to other festivals BECAUSE of watching my work in this festival! Two big thumbs up!

    June 2020
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  • Mingzhu Ye

    這是我第一次參加在線上舉辦的電影節, 超乎想像的好! 電影節開幕前, 主辦方很細緻地跟我們進行了溝通, 很貼心地幫我們做了推廣。舉辦期間, 我們不僅可以很便捷地觀看, 而且看到的每部作品都是高質量的佳作。雖然這次因為疫情, 沒能親身體驗電影節的熱鬧氛圍, 但是我還會帶著我的作品再來參加。我們下一年再見!

    June 2020
    Helpful