Join the VC Film Festival on May 9th at the Art Theatre of Long Beach for an inspiring showcase of emerging talent as we screen the latest works from the Armed With a Camera (AWC) Fellowship. This special event highlights the unique voices of Asian American and Pacific Islander filmmakers, each armed with compelling stories and visions that reflect their rich cultural heritage. Experience the power of cinema that connects communities and ignites conversations with films that challenge perspectives and celebrate diversity.
The Armed With a Camera (AWC) Fellowship for Emerging Media Artists, now in its twenty-first edition, continues its mission to foster the next wave of Asian American and Pacific Islander artists through the extensive resources of the Visual Communications (VC) Archives. The VC Archives, which houses one of the largest collections of photographic and moving images on Asian Pacific experiences in America, serves as a vital tool for artists, educators, and storytellers, promoting exhibits and presentations that engage and educate communities. Since its inception in 2002, the AWC Fellowship has nurtured over 160 filmmakers from the Asian American & Native Hawaiian / Pacific Islander communities, empowering them to challenge social and political narratives and inspire change through their creative endeavors. The most recent fellowship focused on Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander artists, adapting to meet the evolving needs and preserve the legacies of these diverse communities.
Tickets for the celebration can be purchased at the VC Film Festival website. In this program:
BALIK/BAYAN
BALIK/BAYAN
Directed by Paula Kiley
A balikbayan box company owner explores the ways in which balikbayan boxes shaped his perception of the U.S., shedding light on the sacrifices made in pursuit of the “American dream” and the intangible losses that accompany it.

BEYOND BORDERED HISTORIES
Directed by Zaynah Waseem
Beyond Bordered Histories is an intercultural audio-visual multimedia exhibit using archival photographs and moving images to explore the intricate narratives of belonging to a diasporic community.
BUTTERFLY/BATAPLAI
Directed by Veialu Aila-Unsworth
A Papua New Guinean/American woman challenges her evangelist father’s strict rules to find her voice as a makeup artist.
DIGITAL CAMOUFLAGE
DIGITAL CAMOUFLAGE
Directed by Alfred Bordallo
A Multi-Channel Video Art Installation juxtaposing vignettes of CHamoru’s existence within and against imperialism.
COME TOGETHER
COME TOGETHER
Directed by Honestine Pa’ala-FraserInspired by the 1978 documentary “Omai Fa’atasi: Samoa Mo Samoa,” a teenage girl growing up in a strict Samoan household lives the same day every day, cooking, cleaning, and taking care of her siblings until she joins a community organization that helps her realize her full potential.
KA ʻĀʻUMEʻUME: NAVIGATING HOME
Directed by M. Kaleipumehana Cabral
Six Kānaka ʻŌiwi weave a story of grief, hope, wisdom, and struggle in navigating diaspora and returning to their homeland.
KE ALA
KE ALA
Directed by Bryson Nihipali
A young Native Hawaiian filmmaker interviews 3 generations of his family to gain a better understanding of the path laid down by his kupuna.
MORE BOUNCE
Directed by Alexis Si’i
MORE BOUNCE documents three Samoan men as they reflect on their time as bouncers in Southern California and the dangers that came with it.
MY BROTHER
Directed by Misa Tupou
At rugby training, Malu knows time is against him, but his support for his sister Alofa will not be deterred.
SANSEDAI
SANSEDAI
Directed by Kayli Kimura
Through intimate conversations with the filmmaker’s 92-year-old grandmother, SANSEDAI (三世代) examines the nuances of growing up during the war, migrating to a country that was once deemed an enemy, and being Japanese-American.
SNACK
Directed by Lauren To’omalatai
After a night out with friends, Jess returns home and shares a late-night snack with someone unexpected
TALA’S BEDTIME STORY
Directed by Peter Filimaua
In order to help Tala fall asleep, his mother tells him a tale about his grandfather and Pulotu, the underworld.