Press Releases
THE AUSTIN ASIAN AMERICAN FILM FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES THE DATES FOR THEIR 18TH YEAR: JUNE 24-28 AT AFS CINEMA
The Austin Asian American Film Festival (AAAFF) is one of the few film festivals in the U.S. to include virtual reality in their programming, along with a comprehensive lineup of new independent films from the Asian American and Pacific Islander diaspora
(AUSTIN, TEXAS – May 14, 2026; source: Juice Consulting) – The Austin Asian American Film Festival (AAAFF) celebrates its 18th iteration this June 24 - 28, 2026 at AFS Cinema (located at 6406 N I-35 Suite 3100 Austin, TX 78752), presenting films by Texan, Asian diasporic and Asian American filmmakers. This year’s programming will include a special virtual reality (VR) short film experience sponsored by the Taiwan Ministry of Cultural and Taiwan Academy in Houston. Media are invited to a preview of “IN THE MIST” (VR short film) and corresponding short film “KISS,” by Director Chou Tung-Yen, who will be attending the festival, on Thursday, June 25 (time TBA) at the new Torch Literary Arts Center at the Linc (6406 N Interstate 35 Frontage Rd, Austin, TX 78752). Media interested in this preview, and for any other requests, can email here.
Limited Insider Badges (a new opportunity for supporters, offering saved seats in the theater, invites to private filmmaker bbq dinner, secret Karaoke party, and walk-up access to any films and events) and All-access badges are on sale now at the AAAFF website; five-ticket packages and individual screening tickets will be released in late May.
AAAFF will be hosting a Lineup Announcement Party this month, May 28, 2026, from 6 - 8 p.m. at ArtUs Co (10000 Research Blvd Suite 141, Austin, TX 78759). Mix and mingle with future festival attendees, film programmers and staff as the org announces the full lineup for this year’s Festival, with bites and refreshments provided.
“Family ties are an enduring theme in this year's headliners, whether it be your birth or chosen family,” said Hanna Huang, Executive Director of AAAFF. “It’s more evident than ever the importance of nurturing and tending to the relationships in our ‘villages’ to ground ourselves. We invite you to plug into your village or take part in building ours through the art of watching new independent films together.”
The VR film, “IN THE MIST” puts the viewer in a dimly lit room filled with mist, entering a forbidden zone and falling into a state between dreaming and being awake, gazing at someone and also being gazed at. Theater and new media director Chou Tung-Yen touches on the unspeakable experience of gay community, exploring a male sauna through poetic lenses to peek into something that’s hidden under the desire — the love without love. Additionally, Chou’s “KISS,” a sequel short film to the VR experience, offers a split view inside a space that both harbors documentary-like and science-fiction characters. With sharp contrasts between them, they portray the loneliness that is inherent in times of epidemics and isolation. A depiction of the longings for each other’s touch and the endless search for oneself in a near-future scenario.
“I’m excited to have ‘HONEYJOON,’ ‘TRACES OF HOME,’ and ‘GLOAMING IN LUOMU’ as our headliners this year,” said Neha Aziz, Artistic Director of Austin Asian American Film Festival. “Each film features different languages, relationships, and emotional dynamics, yet the characters and subjects within these stories are all searching for something...much like we all are.”
AAAFF, one of the preeminent AANHPI arts organizations in town, champions Asian and Asian American stories via media arts and empowers Asian Americans to explore opportunities in cinema. This year, the annual event will feature headliners produced in the US and China - see below for details on headliners and schedule. There will be a VIP red carpet at AFS Cinema on Friday, June 26 at 6:30 p.m. More details to be announced, and interested media can RSVP here.
MEDIA NOTE:
For interview requests or for general press inquiries, please contact the team at Juice Consulting:
Press & Media
The Austin Asian American Film Festival welcomes journalists and media representatives to our Annual Film Festival, running June 24-28, 2026. Please refer to our 2026 Guest Accreditation page and fill out the form here:
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