May 2026 Film Festivals (Press Release)
SPRING FILM FESTIVALS TO FEATURE PACIFIC ISLANDER FILMS
(Honolulu)—Pacific Islanders in Communications (PIC) today shares an exciting line-up of films to be shown at west coast film festivals. Across three upcoming festivals, five PIC-funded films will screen in showcases dedicated to Pacific Islander and Indigenous stories and storytellers. Like the Hawai‘i International Film Festival’s Pacific Showcase, PIC is proud to support these May showcases every year. Audiences will have the perfect opportunity to celebrate AANHPI Heritage Month at the movies.
“This May is a timely moment to experience Pacific Islander films as we celebrate AANHPI Month,” said Keoni Kailimai, PIC’s director of programs. “Film festivals will be buzzing with activity, offering folks the opportunity to network, increase market exposure for their films and most importantly, watch and celebrate brand new works coming out of our community. These gatherings are well worth your time, and I encourage everyone to take full advantage of what they have to offer.”
Festival Details
Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival (LAAPFF) by VC Media (April 29 - May 3), Los Angeles
- PIC-sponsored Pacific Cinewaves Showcase
- 12 Pacific Islander films total in this showcase
- 5 PIC-funded films selected to screen:
- BEFORE THE MOON FALLS directed by Kimberlee Bassford (Pacific Cinewaves Showcase)
- I AM NOT YOUR DUSKY MAIDEN directed by Vea Mafile'o (Pacific Cinewaves Showcase)
- THE ARRANGEMENTS directed by Sonny Ganaden (Pacific Cinewaves Showcase)
- THE RETURN directed by Marina Alofagia McCartney (Pacific Cinewaves Showcase)
- GRACE directed by Jana Park (Life is Short Showcase)
CAAMFest by Center for Asian American Media (May 7–10), San Francisco
- PIC-supported screening Spotlight Documentary: BEFORE THE MOON FALLS directed by Kimberlee Bassford – Keoni Kailimai (PIC Director of Programs) to moderate panel
- CAAMFest Filmmaker Summit & Industry Hub – Maluhia Snook (PIC Director of Operations) to sit on a panel "Celebrating the History of the NMCA”
Seattle International Film Festival (SIFF) (May 7-17), Seattle
- PIC-supported cINeDIGENOUS Showcase
- PIC-funded film THE RETURN directed by Marina Alofagia McCartney (cINeDIGENOUS Showcase)
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