Colorado Diasporic Film Festival Opening Night
About this Event
The Colorado Diasporic Film Festival proudly announces its 2026 return from August 6–9, 2026, beginning with Opening Night at the Sie Film Center in Denver and continuing with a powerful weekend of film, culture, art, food, music, technology, and community engagement throughout the Aurora Cultural Arts District.
Presented by Askkanwii Filmmaking Hub Incubator, the festival continues its mission of elevating underrepresented voices while positioning Colorado as a national and international destination for cultural storytelling, creative collaboration, and community engagement.
This year, the festival will proudly highlight House of Kodō, a Colorado-rooted creative film company whose work reflects the power of storytelling, identity, community, and cinematic excellence.
Highlighting House of Kodō: Colorado Filmmakers with Global Reach
The 2026 Colorado Diasporic Film Festival will feature and celebrate House of Kodō and its creative leadership as an example of how local Colorado filmmakers are making a meaningful mark on the national and international film industry.
House of Kodō describes itself as a creative company producing meaningful and cinematic work for brands and organizations they believe in. The company’s name, Kodō, is rooted in Japanese meaning connected to “heartbeat,” “new life,” and “movement,” which reflects its creative philosophy of making films with heart, purpose, and cultural depth.
Founded by Bruce Tetsuya, Founder and Director, and Drew Matsushima, Co-Founder and Creative Director, House of Kodō brings together a strong creative team that includes Jade Tsumura, Director of Operations, and Noah Ishihara, Producer and Director. Their work is supported by the broader Kodō Collective, a network of cinematographers, producers, editors, sound professionals, and creative collaborators.
By highlighting House of Kodō, the Colorado Diasporic Film Festival recognizes the importance of local filmmakers who are not only telling Colorado stories, but also connecting those stories to national and international audiences.
Agenda
🕑: 05:30 PM - 06:30 AM
Welcome to Opening Night
Host: Presenting Sponsor
Info: We are rolling out the red carpet for you on Opening Night! Our photographer is ready to take your picture as you arrive so wear your favorite outfit and get ready to celebrate with us.
🕑: 06:00 PM - 07:30 PM
Hosted Japanese Bento Box Dinner & Drinks (tea, lemonade, red & white wine)
🕑: 06:30 PM - 07:00 PM
Colorado Diasproic Film Festival Preview
Info: We will present a short discription of the new Disporic FilmHub Village concept, preview a few shorts, and share the exciting things to expect of this year's festival.
🕑: 07:00 PM - 08:00 PM
FEATURE: House of Kodō - Film Screening and Team Q&A
Info: House of Kodō is a Colorado-based creative film company built on heart, culture, community, and meaningful storytelling. Founded by Drew Matsushima and Bruce Tetsuya after meeting on a film set in 2018, the company was inspired by their shared connection to the same samurai clan, reflected in the company’s logo through their shared family crest.
House of Kodō was created to pioneer a thoughtful and purpose-driven approach to filmmaking. With a strong foundation in commercial, documentary, and narrative work, the company brings together a small core team of creatives who collaborate closely on projects that honor culture, identity, and community.
Led by Bruce Tetsuya, Drew Matsushima, Jade Tsumura, and Noah Ishihara, House of Kodō continues to grow as a powerful example of Colorado filmmakers making an impact beyond the local film scene and contributing to the national and international film industry. Film Screening: The End of Things
🕑: 08:00 PM - 08:45 PM
Networking Cafe
Info: Catch up with friends or meet new ones! Take photos, hang out, grab a drink and snack.
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
USD 50.00
