AAPI filmmakers can now submit their short films to HBO Max’s sixth annual Asian Pacific American Visionaries Short Film Competition, Deadline reports. This year’s theme is “The Power of Love.”
The theme asks filmmakers to “portray ways in which Asian Pacific Americans perceive and show love in their relationships, friendships, or families,” Indie Wire reports.
Eligible films must be 10-15 minutes long and directed by an Asian or Pacific Islander director. Principal photography for the films must have begun on or after January 1, 2021.
The competition first launched in 2016. It was formerly known as the HBO APA Visionaries Short Film Competition.
“Going into the sixth annual APA Visionaries Short Film Competition I’m proud to see the impact and growth the competition has had on the industry,” said Jackie Gagne, Senior Vice President, Multicultural Marketing, HBO Max and HBO, according to Deadline. “At a time when the most personal stories are also the most universal, the diversity of our storytellers is more important than ever. Our competition is designed to celebrate emerging creative APA filmmakers and the unique experiences and unsung talents that exist within the Asian Pacific American community.”
“Hacks” star Poppy Liu will serve as the ambassador for this year’s competition.
“I think some of the most exciting work in our community is happening at the indie level, and this is an incredible opportunity to bring visibility to those stories that have yet to make their way to the mainstream: stories that exist at the intersections of our identities, stories that expand the narrow understanding of the AAPI experience, stories that celebrate the abundance and range of talent within our community,” Liu said according to Indie Wire.
“I’m so excited to see the work that emerges from this competition and discover some of my new favorite filmmakers.”
A complete set of rules for the competition can be found here. All submissions are due by March 1st at 11:59 p.m. PST.
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