We’re thrilled to announce that CAAMFest 2023 will take place May 11-21, 2023 with a completely in-person program, featuring a wide array of films and panels, plus an expanded slate of food and music events. The entire festival program is scheduled to be announced and tickets will go on sale mid-April on the CAAMFest website.
CAAMFest screenings, receptions, and events will be held in San Francisco and Oakland, including venues in neighborhoods rich with Asian American history, such as San Francisco’s South of Market and Chinatown. This 11-day festival will be more experiential than ever.
“The recent Oscars was a historic night for Asian Americans,” says Stephen Gong, CAAM Executive Director. “We hope to continue seeing more of our stories not only just represented on the big screen, but present throughout our communities. Since our first film festival over 40 years ago, CAAM has been working to lift these stories and change perceptions about our ever-evolving Asian American narratives.”
“All of our communities have been so completely transformed these last few years. As we emerge from a place of isolation, CAAMFest becomes a necessary space and practice in how to gather once again,” says Festival and Exhibitions Director Thúy Trần . “CAAMFest is a call to gather, an open invitation to everyone to join us in reimagining how we connect through acts of joy, healing, advocacy, and discovery. ” CAAMFest emerges from the liminal with new energy and momentum behind fresh ways of pushing storytelling from observational to interactive.
Here’s a sneak peek of what’s to come…
Retrospective Spotlight: Rea Tajiri
For this year’s Retrospective Spotlight, CAAMFest honors the trailblazing Rea Tajiri. “CAAMFest is thrilled to shine its Retrospective Spotlight on artist and filmmaker Rea Tajiri, whose recent work, Wisdom Gone Wild, completes a career defining exploration of history, memory, family, and trauma,” says CAAM Executive Director Stephen Gong. “Tajiri’s films asks, ‘How is it possible to move ahead, to progress, if the past is inaccessible and unknowable to us?’” In addition to presenting Tajiri’s latest documentary, Wisdom Gone Wild, the festival will also revive the historic History & Memory and Strawberry Fields for a rare screening.
Directions in Sound: Fanny
Directions in Sound, CAAMFest’s fresh music showcase, returns once more to the SOMA Pilipinas Filipino Heritage District for a renewed collaboration with the Yerba Buena Gardens Festival on May 20, 2023. Tearing up the stage will be the legendary Fanny, the first all-female rock band – co-founded by two Filipina American sisters – to release an LP with a major record label in the US. They will be joined by local musicians, soon to be announced. “The privilege to host Fanny, the amazing kick-ass band whose rediscovery tour CAAM is so honored to be part of, will be simultaneously a celebration of the past and a peek at a future we hope to be,” says Don Young, Director of Programs. Fanny’s groundbreaking story is captured in Bobbi Jo Krals’ documentary, Fanny: The Right to Rock, which will also screen at the festival.
Culinary Highlights
Second Generation Seeds
On Thursday, May 18, 2023, CAAMFest and KQED Live will highlight the pivotal work of Second Generation Seeds, as we journey through the culinary landscape of the humble soybean in the Asian diaspora. Experience a night of storytelling and tastings with farmers and local chefs, including Kristyn Leach of Namu Farm and Steve Joo of Joodooboo. Second Generation Seeds remind us that seeds carry with them histories transported through generations and across borders; caring for them is to nurture our connection to each other. Tickets on sale here.
Our Own Humphry Slocombe Ice Cream Flavor
CAAMFest joins forces with Humphry Slocombe to create a collaborative flavor that will be available at all Humphry Slocombe locations in the Bay Area throughout the month of May to celebrate AANHPI Heritage Month. Stay tuned for a flavor reveal.
CAAMFest COVID-19 Policy
Masks are recommended for indoor events and venues and when not eating or drinking. This policy may change depending on each host venue’s policy as well as any changing local and federal guidelines.
More exciting announcements coming soon about CAAMFest films, Opening Night and Centerpiece programs.
