The DC Asian Pacific American (APA) Film Festival 2018 highlighted the creativity of Asian Pacific American filmmakers and artists. Held from May 11-13 at the US Navy Memorial in Washington, DC, it celebrated APA talent through films, performances, and mental health advocacy. As an APA board member and event photographer, I had the privilege of capturing this showcase of Asian American artistry while supporting causes like mental health awareness and hurricane relief efforts.
About DC APA Film
DC Asian Pacific American Film was founded to elevate APA voices and stories through film and media arts. Its mission is to highlight APA talent through community outreach, social media, collaborations, and its annual festival. The festival plays a key role in promoting the artistic growth of Asian Pacific Americans, fostering both their development as filmmakers and a sense of community.
About the Event
The 2018 festival partnered with the National AAPI Mental Health Association, ECAASU, and the API Caucus for Public Health to host a May 12 benefit concert. This event raised mental health awareness and honored advocates in the AANHPI community.
The concert recognized Congresswomen Judy Chu and Doris Matsui for their advocacy in strengthening AANHPI communities and promoting mental health. Proceeds supported relief efforts for Hurricane Harvey in Houston and Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico, with a focus on the Hope Clinic in Houston.
Featured Guests and Performers
Several prominent Asian American artists were featured at the festival, making it an unforgettable experience:
- Esther Paik Goodhart – A stand-up comedian from Demarest, NJ, Esther’s humor brought a light-hearted yet powerful touch to the event, raising awareness about mental health in an engaging way.
- HeeSun Lee – A rapper from Staten Island, NY, HeeSun delivered captivating performances that intertwined music with social activism, particularly around Asian American identity and mental health.
- Keith Miller – A bass-baritone opera singer from the Metropolitan Opera in New York City, Keith’s stunning performance of classical music highlighted the depth of talent within the APA community.
- Thomas Knight – A master of Taiko drumming, Thomas showcased traditional Japanese drumming, filling the venue with an electrifying rhythm that resonated with the audience and connected them to APA cultural roots.
My Experience as the Event Photographer
As a board member of the APA Film Festival and one of the event’s photographers, capturing the energy, emotion, and artistry of the festival was a unique and fulfilling experience. Photographing a live event of this scale required attention to detail, adaptability, and a deep understanding of the mood and message behind each performance.
For this event, I used the following camera gear to ensure I captured the best possible images:
- Canon EOS 5D Mark III – This DSLR camera offered incredible image quality and flexibility, making it ideal for both wide-angle shots and detailed portraits.
- EF 16-35mm f/2.8L II USM lens – Perfect for capturing wide scenes, this lens allowed me to photograph the entire stage and audience, ensuring that no detail of the performances was missed.
- EF 35mm f/1.4L USM lens – This prime lens was ideal for close-up shots of the artists, capturing their expressions and movements in crisp detail.
- EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM lens – A go-to lens for long-distance shooting, this telephoto zoom allowed me to capture candid shots from a distance without interfering with the performances.
Photographing the event allowed me to contribute to the mission of the DC APA Film Festival by preserving the memories of this celebration of APA culture and talent. My images helped showcase the festival’s impact and importance in promoting not just the arts but also critical social causes, such as mental health awareness and hurricane relief.
Conclusion
The DC APA Film Festival 2018 was a vibrant and inspiring celebration of Asian Pacific American culture, talent, and advocacy. From film screenings to live performances, the festival successfully raised awareness for mental health while also supporting hurricane relief efforts. As a board member and photographer, it was an honor to be a part of this impactful event and to contribute to DC APA Film’s ongoing mission to amplify the creative voices of APA communities.
