10th Annual Albuquerque Chinese American Film Festival
Presented by Chinese American Citizens Alliance - Albuquerque Lodge
When
Where
Description
The 10th Annual ABQ Chinese American Film Festival (ACAFF) mission is to “Bridge the cultural divide.” This festival serves as a platform to tell and share amazing Chinese/Asian American stories produced by Chinese/Asian American filmmakers. In its 10th year, this festival features a terrific line-up that really hits on the theme “The Stories that Shape Us.” featuring historical stories involving Asian-Americans in its home state of New Mexico, Tennessee, Washington and California. Plus, a thought-provoking film about Ethnic studies. Including the debut of “Chinese Merchants of Albuquerque,” a prize-worthy film about Chinese Merchants who help settle and build the social and economic life of Albuquerque!
The first 100 registrants will receive a delicious, complimentary lunch from a local Chinese Restaurant.
Film Festival Schedule:
9 am. – “Paper Daughter” Paper Daughter is a highly acclaimed 2026 gothic Chinese American stop-motion short film written and directed by Cami Kwan. Set in 1926, it tells the deeply personal story of a young woman grappling with the trauma and guilt of using a deceased girl’s identity to immigrate to the United States through Angel Island.
9:30 am. – “Bluff City Chinese” An award-winning documentary that follows two Chinese-American storytellers from different generations as they rebuild the untold history of Chinese immigrants in Memphis, Tennessee.
10:20 am. – “She Marches in China Town” Chronicles the 70-year history of the Seattle Chinese Community Girls Drill Team— the only group of its kind in the world that combines traditional Chinese opera inspired uniforms with precision marching drills.
11:20 am. – “Chinese Merchants of Albuquerque” For more than a century, Chinese American merchants have helped shape Albuquerque’s economic and cultural landscape, building businesses, communities, and opportunities despite discrimination and exclusion. This documentary preserves the remarkable legacy of the Chinese pioneers whose contributions helped define Albuquerque and continue to inspire future generations.
1 pm. – “Warren King: King of Cardboard” The acclaimed documentary short detailing the life and work of Chinese-American sculptor Warren King, highlighting how he uses discarded cardboard to reconnect with his cultural heritage and family history.
1:45 pm. – “Making Waves” A timely, thought-provoking documentary about how ethnic studies – and specifically Asian American Studies (AAS) – dramatically influenced and empowered a generation.
2:45 pm. – ACAFF Panel Discussion: A panel discussion and Q&A Session with local Chinese American business owners and some filmmakers.
3:45 pm. – “Homecourt” Story of Ashley Chea, a Cambodian American basketball prodigy in Southern California who overcomes injury as well as racial and class differences to play Division 1 Women’s Basketball at Princeton.
Visit The Chinese American Citizens Alliance - Albuquerque Lodge for more information.
