Runs: May 1st to 7th, 2025
When I have a fondness for films made in Asia, I’m always excited to see what the Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival will screen. This event kicks off tomorrow, and I’m always curious about who may become the next Bong Joon Ho. Or rather, wonder if this event will premiere the next exciting genre flick! My coverage over the years always considers this side of the show before extending the list to other movies that pique my interest.
And while some years offer more fantastical works than others in the short film category, there’s still some good drama to find! This top picks in what to see also considers this category too.
Chinatown Cha-Cha
China, Directed by Luka Yuanyuan Yang
The 92-year-old previous nightclub dancer Coby Yee decides to get back on stage again after joining the senior dance troupe Grant Avenue Follies. Together they go on a tour for the last time, bridging once isolated Chinese communities in the US, Cuba, and China.
From Okinawa With Love
Japan & USA, Directed by Hiroshi Sunairi
In the 1970s, Okinawan photographer Mao Ishikawa worked as a barmaid for African American GIs and published an impressive photography book.
Lee Soo Man: King Of K-Pop
USA & South Korea, Directed by Ting Poo
From the traditional town of Jeonju, South Korea came the man that changed the world with music. Lee Soo-Man, the artist who became an innovator, orchestrated one of the most viral global phenomena, K-Pop.
Standing Above The Clouds
USA, Directed by Jalena Keane-Lee
When the massive Thirty Meter Telescope is proposed to be built on Mauna Kea, an uprising of kiaʻi (protectors) in Hawaiʻi and around the world dedicate their lives to protecting the sacred mountain from destruction.
First Line
Japan, Directed by Tina
During this unknown talent’s first student days, he worked on commercial anime series like “YuruYuri♪♪” as a key frame animator, and he accumulated experience while taking part in creating numerous works. In recent years, he has ventured into directing and became the storyboard artist and director for popular anime series like “The Heike Story” and “The Apothecary Diaries.” As the youngest director to be showcased at the “TOHO Animation Music Films,” just what’s next has yet to be announced.
Disclaimer: I’m assuming this filmmaker is Naoko Yamada.
Ruya
USA, Directed by Nicole Mairose Dizon
While weaving a t’nalak, Sanay, a dreamweaver, suffers from a heart attack. After Sanay goes into a coma, her daughter, Ruya, must finish her mother’s next design to make ends meet. To do this, she needs to overcome the two obstacles standing between her and dreaming: her anxiety and insomnia. Fraught with disruptive nightmares, Ruya fights to stay asleep long enough to dream (and dream well). It isn’t until she works through her crippling self-limiting beliefs that she’s finally able to get in touch with who she thinks is her mother in the dream. It turns out to be Fu Dalu–the Spirit of abaca who communicates designs to the T’boli women.
HOLY HEAVINESS (وزن مقدس)
Iran, Directed by Farnoosh Abedi-Negah Fardiar
The unbearable lightness of the death of loved ones… There are wounds in life that eat away at you like leprosy… The weight of the death of loved ones sometimes becomes so overwhelming that to get rid of this weight another birth is inevitable.
The Poison Cat (毒药猫)
China, Directed by Tian Guan
In southwest China, the ancient legend of the Poison Cat circulates. Hunter Tai has been feeling increasingly uneasy lately as he inexplicably connects the eerie cries in the forest and the strange occurrences in the village with his wife’s unusual behaviour. The age-old way of life he knows seems to be crumbling, echoing the prophecy in the legend…
Puberty for Humans
USA, Directed by Wester Demandante
In a vintage ‘60s health class style educational video, Coach Wells helps his students understand the changes they will undergo as they enter “Robotic Puberty.” As expected, the students have plenty of questions. “When will my actuator finally reboot? How does a male articulated manipulator work?” All of which are natural queries for those reaching adolescence. Fortunately for the students, Coach Wells can sense their bewilderment and educates them with a prepared lesson on their changing bodies.
My Only Friend is a Robot Named Beans
USA, Directed by Anika Kan Grevstad
In an isolated future, Ruby (newly 25 and seriously lacking a social life) finds her lonesome routines disrupted when she makes an unlikely new friend: a mail-order robot. Ruby is forced to learn lessons from her new robot friend: the power of opening up, the importance of platonic intimacy, and how to quell that anxious voice in the back of your head that wonders why anyone would want to be friends with you.
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