The Asian American Foundation (TAAF) and the Sundance Institute have announced their third year of collaboration on the Sundance Institute and The Asian American Foundation Fellowship and Scholarship program. This esteemed initiative is designed to empower Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) artists working in film and television by providing them with professional development resources, mentorship opportunities, and a platform to amplify their voices. The program underscores the importance of authentic representation in media, emphasizing that true inclusivity goes beyond visibility—it fosters a sense of belonging, challenges stereotypes, and builds a more equitable society. By supporting AANHPI artists, the program aims to ensure that their stories are told with depth and complexity, resonating across communities and contributing to a more inclusive cultural landscape.
The Fellowship and Scholarship program is structured to support AANHPI artists at pivotal stages in their careers. Each year, six fellows are selected for a year-long fellowship that focuses on advancing their creative and technical skills. These fellows receive $20,000 unrestricted grants, creative guidance, and practical support to help them thrive in the competitive film and television industry. Additionally, six emerging AANHPI creatives are awarded scholarships, which include a year-long artist development experience. Scholarship recipients benefit from mentorship by Sundance alumni, personalized career and project support, and opportunities to engage with Sundance staff and the broader creative community, both virtually and in person at the Sundance Film Festival. This comprehensive support system equips artists with the tools and connections they need to bring their unique stories to life.
The third cohort of fellows includes a diverse group of talented artists whose projects reflect the richness and complexity of AANHPI experiences. Nicole Docto, an award-winning filmmaker known for her socially impactful work, is developing Adopting, a film that explores the emotional journey of adoptees and the need for reform in adoption practices. Masami Kawai, a Los Angeles-born filmmaker of Ryukyuan descent, is working on Valley of the Tall Grass, a poignant story about working-class Indigenous characters of color who find connection and forgotten memories through a discarded TV/VCR combo. Courtney Loo, a writer-director and entrepreneur, is creating Bangbang Teahouse, a raucous and self-destructive 48-hour journey of a Chinese American music duo fighting to release their album. Jess dela Merced, a accomplished director and screenwriter, is developing Spares, a high-stakes story of self-discovery centered around an aging Filipina mother who reignites her passion for bowling. Jing Wang, a filmmaker advocating for immigrant rights through her work, is making Ride with Delivery Workers, a powerful exploration of the lives of NYC’s Chinese immigrant delivery workers. Lastly, Emily Yue, a filmmaker and editor, is directing BLOWW, a queer feminist wrestling league’s fight to smash the patriarchy, build community, and save one of Boston’s iconic subcultures. These projects highlight the diversity of AANHPI voices and experiences, showcasing the depth and complexity of the stories being told.
In addition to the fellows, six emerging AANHPI artists have been awarded scholarships to further their creative development. Candace Ho, a Taiwanese American filmmaker, is working on Pixel Affection, a darkly comedic exploration of internet hate culture and sibling rivalry. Chheangkea Ieng, a Cambodia-born filmmaker, is developing Little Phnom Penh, a touching story of identity, family, and love set against the backdrop of cultural and historical upheavals. Steven Raven Liang, a punk, DIY writer-director, is creating Godfrey’s Time Out, a raw exploration of an formerly incarcerated man navigating life after prison in Asian America. Ethan Newmyer, a Korean-American writer and director, is making Loma, a poignant tale of a competitive swimmer grappling with her purpose after an injury forces her to return home. Jot Sahi, a Punjabi-American filmmaker and writer, is working on Mother Tongue, a heart-wrenching story of a daughter struggling to care for her Alzheimer’s-suffering mother through their native language of Punjabi. Finally, Sonejuhi, an accomplished filmmaker, is developing Seven Days in Rome, a gripping tale of an Indian American diplomat accused of masterminding a CIA kidnapping plot. These projects demonstrate the immense talent and potential of the next generation of AANHPI storytellers.
The partnership between TAAF and the Sundance Institute is a testament to their shared commitment to uplifting AANHPI artists and ensuring their stories influence the independent film and television landscape. By providing financial and career development support, the program empowers artists to thrive and create work that resonates far beyond their immediate communities. Norman Chen, CEO of TAAF, emphasizes that authentic representation is not just about visibility but about fostering a sense of belonging and challenging harmful stereotypes. Hajnal Molnar-Szakacs, director of the artist accelerator and Women at Sundance at Sundance Institute, underscores the importance of supporting artists at critical junctures in their careers, enabling them to create impactful work that reflects the diversity of AANHPI experiences.
As the program enters its third year, the selected fellows and scholars are poised to make a significant impact on the film and television industry. Their projects tackle a wide range of themes, from identity and family to social justice and personal resilience, offering a nuanced portrayal of AANHPI lives. By amplifying these stories, the Sundance Institute and TAAF are helping to create a more inclusive media landscape where underrepresented voices can thrive. The program not only supports individual artists but also contributes to a broader cultural shift, one that values diversity, authenticity, and the power of storytelling to inspire change. As these artists bring their unique perspectives to the screen, they are paving the way for a future where AANHPI stories are celebrated and integrated into the mainstream narrative.
