Jess Dang’s ‘Surrender’ to Launch 41st LA Asian Pacific Film Festival in May 2025

Los Angeles, CA – The 41st edition of the Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival (LAAPFF), a cornerstone event celebrating cinema and media from Asian Pacific American and Asian international artists, is set to open its highly anticipated lineup with the world premiere of Jess Dang’s feature directorial debut, “Surrender.” The festival is scheduled to unfold from May 1 to May 7, 2025, promising a week-long immersion into diverse storytelling and cinematic innovation.

The selection of “Surrender” as the opening night feature underscores the festival’s commitment to platforming emerging voices and significant narratives within the Asian Pacific cinematic landscape. The film, marking Dang’s transition to feature filmmaking, stars acclaimed actresses Andrea Bang and Keiko Agena, promising a compelling and memorable start to the week’s programming.

Opening Night Spotlight

The opening night, May 1, will not only showcase the feature “Surrender” but will also feature the world premiere of a significant short documentary, “Māhū: A Trans-Pacific Love Story.” Directed by Lisette Marie Flanary, this short film delves into the rich cultural tapestry of Native Hawaiian identity. It explores the Native Hawaiian concept of gender fluidity through the lens of a powerful theater production helmed by Kumu Hula Patrick Makuakāne. The dual premieres on opening night highlight the festival’s dedication to presenting both narrative features and impactful documentary work that spans diverse themes and cultural expressions.

Festival Scope and Scale

The 41st LAAPFF has curated a robust and expansive program for 2025. The official lineup includes a total of 27 feature films and over 110 short films. This selection was meticulously chosen from a pool of nearly 900 submissions, reflecting a global interest in the festival as a key venue for showcasing Asian Pacific cinema. The breadth of the submissions and the final program underscore the vibrant activity within this sector of the film industry.

Geographic Representation

The films selected for the 2025 festival hail from a wide geographic range, representing 13 different countries or territories. This international scope is a hallmark of the LAAPFF, bringing together narratives and perspectives from across the Asian diaspora and beyond. Of the films chosen for the lineup, a significant portion, 102 films, are from the United States, reflecting the festival’s foundational focus on Asian Pacific American stories. The remaining 33 films contribute the vital international dimension, offering glimpses into cinematic trends and cultural narratives from various parts of Asia and the Pacific.

Early Festival Highlights

Beyond the opening night films, the initial days of the festival are set to feature several other notable premieres. On Day 1 and Day 2 (May 1 and May 2), attendees will have the opportunity to witness the premieres of Jason Park’s film “Transplant,” Miki Magasiva’s work titled “Tinā,” and Alika Tengan’s feature “Molokaʻi Bound.” These films represent a diverse array of directorial voices and thematic explorations, setting a high standard for the rest of the festival week and further emphasizing the depth and variety of the 41st LAAPFF program.

As the festival prepares to commence on May 1, 2025, the selection of Jess Dang’s “Surrender” alongside Lisette Marie Flanary’s “Māhū: A Trans-Pacific Love Story” establishes a tone of artistic exploration and cultural significance. The comprehensive lineup, featuring films from multiple countries and a strong representation of both established and emerging talent, positions the 41st LAAPFF as a vital platform for celebrating and advancing Asian Pacific cinematic artistry on the global stage.