The competition to find the next HBO Asian Pacific American (APA) visionaries officially got underway Tuesday night after a screening and conversation with past winners from 2017-2019.
The short film showcase took place at Rideback Ranch. It was the perfect location for visionaries, industry executives, and producers to network with each other over cocktails and the desire to support Asian Pacific American films and creators.
Dinh Thai (2017 Winner and director of “Monday”), Feng-I Fiona Roan (2018 Winner and director of “Jiejie”, and Nirav Bhakta (2019 Winner and director of “Halwa”) were the stars of the night. After their short films were shown, they participated in a panel moderated by Rasha Goel where they shared the impact of winning the competition on their own lives.
While each winner faced different obstacles on their path to receiving this recognition, they all echoed similar stories of rejection from Hollywood and grappling with what it means to be Asian American. The HBO APA visionaries platform has given these storytellers an opportunity to explore their Asian Pacific American identities on the big screen on their own terms. Plus, with the worldwide brand recognition of the HBO name, they have each garnered even more opportunities. Feng-I Fiona Roan shared her struggle to break into the film festival circuit but since winning in 2018, her film “Jiejie” has now been screened at 40 festivals. Currently, she is working on her first feature titled “American Girl.”
From left to right: Rasha Goel (moderator), Dinh Thai, Feng-I Fiona Roan, and Nirav Bhakta (past winners).HBO APA Visionaries Short Film Showcase at Rideback Ranch.Photo credit: Gerry Maravilla
She’s not alone in her success either. Dinh Thai revealed that he directed a network show that will air next year and he’s also working on developing his winning short into a tv series. Nirav Bhakta is also excited to stay creative as he has a desire to continue working on new projects.
It was also very apparent that all three former winners felt a sense of appreciation as they beamed with gratitude for their opportunities from HBO and being able to reflect different aspects of their culture. In a show of support for the program, Shannon Lee, 2020 APA Visionaries Ambassador, and CEO of Bruce Lee Enterprises also attended.
The night’s attendees taking in the films at HBO APA Visionaries Short Film Showcase at Rideback Ranch. Photo credit: Gerry Maravilla
The annual HBO Asian Pacific American Visionaries short film competition helps spotlight the work of up and coming filmmakers of Asian and/or Pacific Islander descent. Created in 2016, HBO visionaries gives promising directors their shot at sharing their diverse perspectives and influences from their community. The top three winners receive cash prizes and the opportunity to have their projects premiere on HBO (and/or its on-demand, digital and/or social platforms), following their theatrical screening at the 2020 Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival.
As mentioned, the 2020 competition is now underway. For more information about the program or to submit visit their website.