This month, I honor 12 years as VC’s chief steward. As I reflect on those years, I share my deep gratitude with you for the moments we created together. I’m proud of the work we have all put in and am looking forward to more moments in the future.
2025 and 2026 were years of reflections for Visual Communications. With the de-resourcing and defunding of our programs, along with an anti-DEI setting and its preceding policies, VC faced many challenges. But we also saw an opportunity to think deeply about our futures and how to better serve our communities.
Through this iterative process, we are focused on:
Deepening Community Connection & Belonging
Elevating Artistic Excellence & Innovation
Expanding Year-Round Visibility & Public Presence
Strengthening Organizational Leadership & Sustainability
Our Mission
Visual Communications produces, presents, and preserves Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) stories by cultivating filmmakers and media artists whose work connects communities and inspires cultural change.
We’re looking forward to building with you.
With gratitude,
Francis + VC Staff
The 43rd Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival is moving to September 2027! As we continue our practice of renewal, we are taking time to thoughtfully curate a festival experience that creates more opportunities to uplift filmmakers, expands our programming, and brings more stories and communities into the fold. We're excited to make room for new voices and a wider range of stories that reflect the depth of our AANHPI communities.
Call for entries will open late January 2027.
In lieu of our traditional May Film Festival, VC presents VC FILM SHOW, our inaugural Spring Showcase! Centered on our communities, VC FILM SHOW will uplift stories from the VC Archives, celebrating the histories and movements that continue to shape our communities. Join us as we bring AANHPI archival stories to the big screen!
After 25 years, the chili has finally fermented. ChiliVisions returns to Little Tokyo in 2027!
First launched in 1986, ChiliVisions was VC’s summertime fundraising tradition, bringing AANHPI community members and organizations together for film screenings, friendly competition, and a community chili cook-off.
This year, we're bringing the tradition back with a special dedication to VC's founder Robert A. Nakamura, a beloved storyteller, community activist, and chili enthusiast! Join us as we honor Robert's legacy and bring our community together through chili!