Press Releases
FULL FILM LINEUP REVEALED FOR THE 2026 AUSTIN ASIAN AMERICAN FILM FESTIVAL, THIS JUNE 24-28 AT AFS CINEMA
With a comprehensive lineup of new independent films - including three world premieres - from the Asian American and Pacific Islander diaspora, AAAFF will screen a variety of features, Texas-filmmaker shorts, narrative short films, documentaries and more
(AUSTIN, TEXAS – June 2, 2026; source: Juice Consulting) – The full film lineup for the 2026 Austin Asian American Film Festival (AAAFF) has been revealed, with this year’s screenings taking place June 24 - 28, 2026 at AFS Cinema in Austin. AAAFF will present films by diverse filmmakers with origins from all over the world, as well as short films by Texas filmmakers, narrative shorts, documentaries and more. The full lineup of films can be found below and at AAAFF’s website. This year, the festival 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, from 1 - 4 p.m. at the new Holiday Inn Midtown across from AFS Cinema (location updated 6/5). There will also be a VIP red carpet at AFS Cinema on Friday, June 26 at 6:30 p.m. with details to be announced. Media may RSVP to the either event, request festival passes or secure early interview opportunities by emailing here…
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 Holiday Inn Midtown across from AFS Cinema (location updated 6/5). 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.
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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