Saturday night, September 25, 2021 was the premiere of the finalist films in the HBO Asian Pacific Visionaries Short Film Competition. This unique filmmaker support initiative sponsored HBO was held at Regal L.A LIVE, DTLA. An exclusive venue was reserved for the afterparty, which was open to select guests.
This competition gives emerging filmmakers of Asian or Pacific Islander descent the opportunity to showcase their work. The judge’s panel included various HBO executives, industry leaders, and fellow APA filmmakers.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – SEPTEMBER 25: A general view of atmosphere at the HBO APA Visionaries After-Party at Majordomo on September 25, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Vivien killilea/Getty images for HBO
HBO APA Visionaries Short Film Competition – Sizzle Reel| HBO
The theme for this year’s competition was “Taking the Lead,”Highlighting pieces that portray Asian Pacific Americans at a given narrative’s forefront, embracing the spirit of heroes and trailblazers with unique twists.
The finalists who were invited to make their debut at the exclusive, invite-only event received cash prizes as well as the opportunity to stream their films on HBO via HBO Max.
LOS ANGELES CALIFORNIA – 25 SEPT. Urvashi Pathania attends Majordomo’s HBO APA Visionaries After Party on September 25, 2021 in Los Angeles. (Photo by Vivien killilea/Getty images for HBO
LOS ANGELES (CALIFORNIA), SEPBER 25: Jessi Gi attends Majordomo’s HBO APA Visionaries After-Party on September 25, 2021 in Los Angeles. (Photo by Vivien killilea/Getty images for HBO
Meet the 2021 HBO APA Visionaries Competition Winners: Unmothered, directed and written by Urvashi Pathania. It is a tragedy about the lies we tell our loved ones. Neh, directed and written by Jesse Gi, a young Korean American on a disastrous date. Following the screenings, there was a Q&A with both filmmakers.
Unmothered Film Poster
HBO| HBO
Neh Film Poster
HBO| HBO
Little Sky Film Poster
Little Sky, directed Jess X, premiered that evening. Snow.
Little Sky is the heartfelt, brave story of a Chinese American pop star who returns home to confront their father.
Later that night, guests were invited to Majordomo’s afterparty where they enjoyed tasty bites as well as delicious drinks. Amrit’s latest hits kept the party going with his music. Eric Nam, a Korean singer, songwriter and television host, gave a special performance.
Guests enjoyed mingling with Jamie Chung and Daniel Dae Kim at the event.
Make sure you catch the 2021 APA Visionaries films now streaming on HBO Max