Spotlight Films
Slanted
Directer Amy Wang in-person for Q&A!
Determined to become Prom Queen, high school senior Joan Huang makes a bold choice that forces her to confront identity, assimilation, and the true cost of acceptance in a world that sees her as 'other.'
OPENING NIGHT FILM
Fri. May 16 // 7:00 PM
The Wedding Banquet
Directer Andrew Ahn in-person for Q&A!
When a fake green-card marriage meant to solve everyone’s problems collides with an unexpected Korean wedding banquet, a tight-knit chosen family must navigate love, identity, and tradition in this heartfelt comedy from director Andrew Ahn.
CLOSING NIGHT FILM
Thu. May 22 // 7:00 PM
Special Events
Asian Persuation
Comedy Variety Show
In celebration of AAPI Heritage Month, Peace of Cake Productions and The Foundation for Asian American Independent Media (FAAIM) presents The Asian Persuasion Showcase. This comedy variety show will take place May 4th, 11th at 7:00 PM at Kamehachi and May 18th at iO Theater during FAAIM’s annual film festival happening at the Gene Siskel Theater.
Mystery Movie Monday:
Asian American Showcase Edition!
Psst! Peer into the unknown, embrace the ambiguity, and show up to the Gene Siskel Film Center for a screening that is entirely, absolutely, and completely to be announced—quite literally the moment the lights go down. This time, The Asian American Showcase will be selecting the film! Don't miss this rare oportunity to see this classic AAPI film on the big screen!
Filmmakers Workshop:
Documentary Ethics
From issues of informed consent, narrative framing, to scene recreation, this conversation will dig into how filmmakers navigate the tricky territory in balancing storytelling with integrity and participant care to weave a compelling narrative.
Documentary Features
New Wave
Director Elizabeth Ai in-person for Q&A!
Mile-high hair. Synthesized sounds. Teenage rebellion. Elizabeth Ai was on a mission to excavate an untold story of rebellious punks in the chaotic world of 80s Vietnamese New Wave until she uncovers a hidden past.
Third Act
Director Tadashi Nakamura in-person for Q&A!
Generations of artists call Robert A. Nakamura “the godfather of Asian American media,” but filmmaker Tadashi Nakamura calls him Dad. What begins as a documentary about his father’s career takes a turn with a Parkinson’s Disease diagnosis, and evolves into an exploration on art, activism, grief, and fatherhood.
Year of the Cat
Director Tony Nguyen in-person for Q&A!
Filmmaker Tony Nguyen embarks on a deeply personal journey to uncover the truth about his father’s disappearance during the Fall of Saigon, crafting an intimate and raw documentary that explores how the legacy of war continues to shape the lives of refugee children seeking closure, connection, and healing.
Narrative Features
Ben and Suzanne, A Reunion in 4 Parts
The romantic reunion of Ben Santhanaraj and Suzanne Hopper is thwarted when Suzanne's boss asks her to work during their holiday road trip.
Can I Get A Witness?
In the not-too-distant future, we’ve solved all the world’s problems: mitigated climate change, eradicated poverty, achieved true trans-species equality. There’s just one catch... humans have to end life at 50 and teenage artists have to document it. It’s Kiah’s first day on the job.
Bitterroot
Director Vera Brunner-Sung in-person for Q&A!
Reeling from a failed marriage and seeking solace and a new perspective, a Hmong man cares for his aging mother amidst the deceptively tranquil landscape of rural Montana.
Short Film Programs
Roadblocks:
AAPI Shorts
[Select Filmmakers In-Person for post film Q&A!]
Stories of Asian Americans and Native Hawaiians in different stages of life, navigating the personal and political roadblocks thrown in their path.
Marinig at Makita Ako
[Hear & See Me]:
Filipino American Shorts
[Select Filmmakers In-Person for post film Q&A!]
This season of shorts showcases a selection of original, well-crafted expressions of the Filipino American experience, exemplifying distinctive and genuine storytelling.
Choosing Ourselves:
AAPI Queer Shorts
[Select Filmmakers In-Person for post film Q&A!]
At a time where our personhood is questioned again and again, choosing ourselves is a resilient short films program that celebrates the autonomy and the relationships between Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander LGBTQ+ folks. We span across generations and borders to bring you stories of love, loss, courage and realness.
One City, Many Perspectives: Chicago AAPI Shorts
[Select Filmmakers In-Person for post film Q&A!]
Whether from here or about here, these shorts by AAPI filmmakers with a Chicago connection display the range and quality the Windy City is capable of.
Finding Home:
AAPI Shorts
[Select Filmmakers In-Person for post film Q&A!]
A selection of short films about Asian immigrants searching for their place in America: the opportunities found, and the challenges faced along the way.
Far & Away:
AAPI Documentary Shorts
[Select Filmmakers In-Person for post film Q&A!]
The immigrant experience is one of distance, created by space as well as time. These documentary short films pose the question of what can be brought on the journey, and what must be left behind.
Jonathan Laxamana Emerging Filmmaker Award
The Jonathan Laxamana Emerging Filmmaker Award for AAPI Emerging Filmmakers will award two short film submissions to The 28th Annual Asian American Showcase. One award will be granted each to a submission in the Documentary Short Film and Narrative Short Film categories by a panel of jurors.
Filmmakers Brunch
in Partnership with Asian American Documentary Network (ADOC)
ADOC Members and by invitation only, please contact Huu Ly for more details: huu@faaim.org
The 28th Annual Asian American Showcase
Full Schedule
Ticket Information
General Admission: $13
Students: $8
Youth (under 17): $8
Gene Siskel Film Center Members: $6.50
Current students and faculty of the School of the Art Institute, and staff of the Art Institute: $5
Ticket sales end 15 minutes after the film's listed start time. There is no late entry 20 minutes after the film's listed start time. We recommend purchasing tickets online ahead of your visit to ensure a timely entry and avoid sold out screenings.
More information: https://www.siskelfilmcenter.org/tickets