First Light: Asian Short Film Screening & Cultural Celebration
Join us for a day of cinema, culture, and conversation. Three vibrant organizations—Viet Creative Society, Taiwanese American Professionals (TAP), and Fuzhou America—have curated an entire afternoon showcasing the richness of Asian storytelling through film and dialogue.
More than just a screening, this is a glimpse into the voices of Asian filmmakers, a celebration of heritage, and a rare chance to connect with artists and communities over shared stories.
From intimate narratives to visionary experimental films, these artists explore identity, heritage, and the modern diaspora with striking originality. Join us in celebrating the future of Asian cinema.
Introduction
1:00 PM – Doors Open
Guest Arrival, Mingling & Light Refreshments
1:30 PM – Opening Remarks
Welcome by Festival Organizers & Collaborators
First Screening Block
1:40 PM – Short Films Screening
Shenghan Gao: My Name 人如其名
Artemisia Luk: Both, And
Vivek Menon: Showtime
2:20 PM – Panel Discussion + Audience Q&A
2:50 PM – Break
Mingling & Refreshments
Second Screening Block
3:00 PM – Short Films Screening
Masataka Ishizaki: The BiodiverCity
Wonsik Choi: 1 in 300 Million
3:30 PM – Panel Discussion + Audience Q&A
3:50 PM – Extended Break (20 min)
Third Screening Block
4:10 PM – Special Screenings
Siqin Bian: Various
David Yim & Kitty Hu: Welcome to Chinatown (Short Documentary)
Closing Segment
4:30 PM – Closing Remarks & Group Thank You
4:40 PM – Networking & Mingling
5:00 PM – Event Concludes
Cultural Tastings (All Afternoon!)
Savor the flavors of Asia with:
Baozhong Taiwanese specialty teas from UsTwoTea (a fragrant, handcrafted experience)
Bánh Da Lợn (Vietnamese layered pandan steamed cake)
Mu Li Bing (Fried Oyster Cake) and Yu Tou Gao (Fried Taro Cake) traditional bites from Southern China
Global Popcorn Bar – A cinematic twist!
Viet Creative Society is a group dedicated to bringing together and highlighting Vietnamese artists and other Southeast Asian creatives across NYC.
Fuzhou America is the primary organization dedicated to fostering Fuzhou American history, culture, and community.
TAP’s mission is to enhance the Taiwanese-American community by networking individuals interested in professional and career development, while emphasizing the preservation of Taiwanese American identity.
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