In honor of AAPI Heritage Month, the University of Southern California saw a series of standout events aimed at fostering the growth and success of Asian students pursuing careers in the film industry. Organized by the Asian Pacific Cinema Association (APCA) in collaboration with the Coalition of Asian Pacifics in Entertainment (CAPE) and other organizations, these events showcased the unique challenges and triumphs of being an Asian film student. Highlights included panel discussions with industry leaders and networking opportunities designed to connect students with professionals who share their heritage and passions.

On April 6th, APCA hosted “An Afternoon With APIDA in Entertainment,” an event that blended creativity, culture, and networking opportunities. It was a joint effort by APCA , CAPE (Coalition of Asian Pacifics in Entertainment), Warner Bros. Discovery’s WAVE (Warner Asian Voices Elevated) Business Resource Group, and Gold House, featuring panels of industry speakers and extensive networking sessions.

Continuing the collaborative spirit, Delta Kappa Alpha (DKA), APCA, and CAPE also hosted a speaker session the next day on April 7th featuring former Disney EVP Gordon Ho and Marginal Mediaworks CEO Sanjay Sharma. These industry leaders shared their insights and advice with Asian students aspiring to enter the film industry, spotlighting the importance of mentorship and networking.

For many aspiring Asian filmmakers at USC, APCA provides a vital sense of community and support through collaborative projects, networking, and educational events, focusing on fostering deeper, complex representations of AAPI culture. Katherine Lee, a sophomore majoring in Film Production, shared her journey with APCA, reflecting on how the organization has shaped her path.

“I joined APCA in my freshman year and found an incredible support system. The organization offers a platform to network, socialize, and find numerous opportunities in film,” she said. “Being an Asian film major, my cultural roots and identity heavily influence the stories I want to tell, and APCA helps me connect with others who share similar experiences and challenges.”

But Asian artists in the film industry often face unique challenges, including barriers to networking and implicit biases. Katherine Lee, a sophomore majoring in film production at USC, explained the difficulties of getting her foot in the door.

“As an Asian filmmaker, one of the more difficult parts is probably connection. A lot of other filmmakers might have parents who are interested in the American entertainment industry, but as an Asian immigrant, you don’t really have those connections,” she said.

Lee even pointed out the challenges Asian filmmakers may face once they manage to get into the industry. “Racism is very real. There are implicit biases when people are promoting others or bringing them onto projects,” she said.

To students, events like these are helpful in bridging the gap between aspiring filmmakers and industry professionals.

The events extended beyond the panels and networking sessions. Attendees like Cameron Lee, General Program Director at APCA, found inspiration in the speakers’ diverse experiences.

“Adele Lim, the writer-director of Crazy Rich Asians, was incredible to hear from,” he said. “Someone who has been such a big pillar for the Asian community being here was amazing.”

APCA’s industry programming director Maaya Shah discussed how important these events are to aspiring filmmakers.

“These panels and mixers are invaluable for students to connect with professionals and learn from their experiences. It’s all about fostering meaningful relationships that can propel young creatives forward.”

Gordon Ho, a CAPE board member who spoke in one of the panels, emphasized the importance of overcoming these challenges through networking and mentorship, something his organization hopes to address.

“One of the first things that you need is a network,” Ho said to Annenberg Media. “CAPE is there to help facilitate that networking and ideally provide mentorship.”

Ho highlighted the role of CAPE in supporting USC students and APCA members.

“We try to encourage networking and provide mentorship to help advance diverse voices in the entertainment industry.” Ho said. “A majority of people who go through the CAPE Writers Fellowship get placed in writing positions at major studios like Amazon, Netflix, or Disney.”

Shah added how collaborating with organizations like WAVE, Gold House, and CAPE contributed to the event’s success.

“Their enthusiasm and dedication to uplifting APIDA voices were truly inspiring,” she said. “These partnerships are vital for creating opportunities and platforms for APIDA creatives to shine.”

Ho hopes for a future where the entertainment industry increasingly embraces diversity and leverages modern tools to democratize content creation.

He encourages young filmmakers to take initiative and utilize available resources to create and market their own work.

“Build your network, demonstrate your value by creating your own content, and exceed expectations in any opportunity you get,” Ho advised. “The industry always has rapid changes, but there’s always room for new, innovative filmmakers and content creators.”

He discussed the importance of genuine storytelling in the industry.

“Great content starts with the writing,” he noted. “If we can have authentic writers who are diverse, that can tell diverse stories, it’s always going to be better.”

As for APCA, Shah discusses her hopes for the organization’s future.

“We hope to continue strengthening and fostering these relationships to expand and create bigger opportunities,” she said.

Shah envisions APCA growing within the USC community and forming meaningful relationships with external organizations to provide more opportunities for students and alumni alike.