Asian Pop-Up Cinema: Shorts Series #2 - Asian American Perspectives

In the spirit of greater representation and celebrating the diverse voices of Asian storytellers, Asian Pop-Up Cinema is proud to expand its selection to include films from Asian American and Asian Canadian filmmakers! This new program showcases unique perspectives and a nuanced exploration of Asian experiences across North America.

Total program runtime: 106 minutes

Tantrum

Canada | Drama | 2023 | 15 minutes

In Korean with English subtitles

Director: Soomin Choi

Determined and full of life, 7-year-old Moa is excited about her upcoming choir competition, but her joy fades quickly when she realizes her mother has forgotten all about it. Desperate to be seen and heard, Moa resorts to bold and unexpected measures to win back her attention. Will her efforts bring them closer together or push them further apart?

Under the Kasaya

Canada | Drama | 2024 | 15 minutes

In Chinese with English subtitles

Director: Jennifer Fan Jiang

Fourteen-year-old Jean has always been taught that truth leads to liberation—but after an unsettling encounter with her Buddhist mentor, she is confronted with a devastating choice: carry the weight of a painful secret, or confess to her deeply devout mother. Inspired by the filmmaker’s own experience, this deeply personal story explores the weight of unspoken truths and the courage it takes to break the silence.

The Little Shopping Trolley

Canada | Drama | 2024 | 18 minutes

In French and Vietnamese with English subtitles

Director: Laurence Ly

Struggling to make ends meet in Montreal, a Vietnamese mother of three faces an unexpected battle at the grocery store. Denied the right to buy 12 discount laundry detergents, she must find a way to outmaneuver the system to claim what should be hers. This heartfelt tale of capitalism, family, and resilience offers an earnest look at the immigrant experience, all wrapped in an unconventional Christmas story.

Making Waves: The Rise of Asian America

United States | Documentary | 2024 | 58 minutes

In English

Directors: Jon Osaki, Josh Chuck – INTRO & Q&A by director Jon Osaki 

This thoughtful documentary explores the role of Ethnic Studies in redefining narratives and empowering Asian American communities. From its origins at UC Berkeley and San Francisco State to present-day movements, it amplifies the voices of activists, educators, and youth who advocate for expanding education to challenge harmful stereotypes, combat anti-Asian hate, and empower future generations.

Host or Publisher Asian Pop-Up Cinema