The Asian Pacific Virtual Showcase is co-presented by

During Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month, join us for the Asian Pacific Virtual Showcase (AVPS), which runs May 1 - May 31, 2021 and aims to highlight Asian American & Pacific Islander artists of different communities and neighborhoods in the United States, Canada, and Oceania. Presented by Visual Communications and various partner organizations, we are pleased to bring you FREE films and conversations to keep us connected.

ABOUT THE ASIAN PACIFIC VIRTUAL SHOWCASE

In 1970, Visual Communications’ founders began searching for visual resources to build a greater consciousness of Asian Pacific histories and experiences in America. Fueled by the burgeoning Civil Rights and Anti-War movements, they set out to showcase Asian Pacific American lives by creating educational kits, photographing community events, audiotaping stories, and collecting historical images.

50 years later, the racialization of COVID-19 has incited hateful acts towards our communities, and film and media are being utilized to perpetuate perilous narratives.  Racial and sexual violence against Asian, Black, Indigenous, Women, LGBTQ+, and People of Color continue to plague the world today.

In our work to create spaces for expression, engagement, and empowerment, Visual Communications and our Partners proudly present the ASIAN PACIFIC VIRTUAL SHOWCASE, reflecting a diverse set of our histories and experiences in the United States, Canada, and Oceania.  These works are not the definitive set of films about our experiences, as we acknowledge that many communities and stories are still not included here. Our commitment in developing and supporting filmmakers and media artists to create stories endures. For now, we hope that this showcase is a start for audiences to (re)discover our humanity.

In solidarity with our Partners, our collective movements not only exhibit actions towards diversity, equity, and inclusion, but also exhibit our anti-racist work to uplift storytellers who use the power of media to dismantle supremacist structures.

In these challenging moments, we continue to move forward in uplifting and connecting our communities.  Welcome to the Asian Pacific Virtual Showcase. 

HOW TO WATCH

Our Virtual Showcase will be a curated mix of online conversations and select film presentations. CLICK HERE TO WATCH!

• Audience can watch online film presentations during a specific viewing window on the Eventive Virtual platform. The majority of films will be available to stream on demand from May 1 to May 31. Please check individual film pages for more specific viewing window information.

• At the moment, most of the films are geoblocked to viewers in the USA, American Samoa, Guam, Puerto Rico, and Canada. Some films are available for global audiences; please check individual film pages for viewing restrictions.

• Conversations have no viewing restrictions and can be accessed globally.

• Tickets are free of charge. However, you will have the option to donate to support our streaming costs.

CONVERSATIONS

Throughout the month of May, join us for conversations that will be added to our lineup. These conversations are also viewable on our Visual Communications Youtube Channel, the Visual Communications Facebook page, or IGTV.

On Mondays, we will release MONDAY NITE VC conversations that center organizers and artists as they reflect upon solidarity building, mental health & wellness, dismantling anti-blackness and more. Participants include Kat Carrido Bonds (Homeboy Industries, Beatrock Music), Ryan Fukuda (Psychic Teacher), Eddy Gana Jr. (MSW, ACSW | Mental Health Outreach Program, SIPA), Larissa Lam & Baldwin Chiu (Filmmakers), Tyson Suzuki (Active Advocate), Daryn Wakasa (Filmmaker), and Daniel Naha-Ve'evalu (Filmmaker).

We will also release new recordings from our artist conversation series 21 & OVER, celebrating the creative partnerships and energies from artists in our Asian American and Pacific Islander communities. Featured guests will go through 21 questions that prompt their reflections and inspirations as creators. We’ll get to know filmmakers David Liu, Meenakshi Ramamurthy, Alika Maikau, Holden Mandrial-Santos, and more.

Visual Communications is supported by these major funders

Our work means so much more because of supporters like you. Please consider making a 100% tax-deductible donation to Visual Communications so that we can continue empowering Asian American & Pacific Islander media artists. Click here to donate.