Since 2010, SBTHP has presented the Asian American Film Series, a free event held on Fridays in July at the Alhecama Theatre. In an effort to explore the history and cultures of the Asian communities that once thrived in and around the Santa Barbara Presidio area, the series includes films that speak to the Asian American experience in the US. The films have addressed a broad range of historical and modern topics, such as the internment of Japanese Americans during WWII, Chinese American adoptions, and the contributions of key Asian American figures.
This film series is made possible by the generous support of the George H. Griffiths and Olive J. Griffiths Charitable Foundation.
13th Annual Film Selections
Free Chol Soo Lee
In 1970s San Francisco, 20-year-old Korean immigrant Chol Soo Lee is racially profiled and convicted of a Chinatown gang murder. Sentenced to life, he spends years fighting to survive until investigative journalist K.W. Lee takes a special interest in his case, igniting an unprecedented push for social action that would unite Asian Americans and inspire a new generation of activists.
Watch our Q&A about the documentary with Directors Julie Ha and Eugene Yi, and narrator, Sebastian Yoon here.
A Vanished Dream: Wartime Story of My Japanese Grandfather
Photojournalist Regina Boone’s grandfather was a Japanese immigrant arrested on the day of the Pearl Harbor attack, never to come home or be heard from again. Once Regina’s dying father asks that she uncovers the mysteries of her grandfather’s disappearance, her long quest begins.
A Q&A with Regina Boone will follow.
Seen the film? Please fill out a NHK World-Japan survey about the film >>
Waterman
Five-time Olympic medalist and Native Hawaiian Duke Paoa Kahanamoku shattered records and brought surfing to the world while overcoming a lifetime of personal challenges. Waterman explores his journey and legacy as a legendary swimmer, trailblazer, and the undisputed father of modern- day surfing, following the sport’s first-time inclusion in the Tokyo 2020 (2021) Games – a fitting tribute to his work promoting the sport around the globe.
A Q&A with Producer David Ulich and Director Isaac Halasima will follow.
Additional thanks to The Foundation for Global Sports Development & Sidewinder Films
Previous Selections
2021
Harana
Grasshopper for Grandpa
Sonzai: Japantown Santa Barbara
2020
Flower Drum Song
Jake Shimabukuro: Life on Four Strings
Meditation Park
I Am Bruce Lee
2019
Patsy Mink: Ahead of the Majority
For the Sake of the Children
ULAM: Main Dish
Bittersweet Roots: The Chinese in California's Heartland
2018
Never Give Up! Minoru Yasui and the Fight for Justice
Meditation Park
Abacus: Small Enough to Jail
Delano Manongs: Forgotten Heroes of the United Farm Workers & the Chinese Exclusion Act
2017
Off the Menu: Asian America
Comfort
My Life in China
Allegiance
2016
Chinese Couplets
Documented
Transcending - The Wat Misaka Story
Tyrus
2015
9man
Harana
Jake Shimabukuro: Life on Four Strings
2014
Anita Ho
Linsanity
My Grandfather’s Drum
2013
The Cats of Mirikitani
I am Bruce Lee
Somewhere Between
2012
Dim Sum Funeral
Of Civil Wrongs and Rights: The Fred Korematsu Story
Snow Falling on Cedars
2011
American Pastime
The Debut
The Joy Luck Club
The Slanted Screen
2010
Flower Drum Song
Forbidden City
Picture Bride
Sewing Woman