25 Years of SDAFF
2000
SDAFF IS BORN!
Founded by Lee Ann Kim, the inaugural San Diego Asian Film Festival took place at the University of San Diego, organized as a fundraiser by the Asian American Journalists Association.
2005
REEL VOICES TAKES OFF!
Reel Voices launched as a documentary filmmaking internship for local youth, starting with six students and now hosting over 170 participants, many of whom have continued in the industry.
2011
MORE FILMS WITH SPRING SHOWCASE!
Our annual Spring Showcase launched, featuring around a dozen films each year, including notable titles like Linsanity, Minding the Gap, and To Be Takei.
BRIAN HU NAMED ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
Brian Hu joined as Artistic Director, bringing fresh vision and innovation to the programming.
2012
REBRANDING AS PACIFIC ARTS MOVEMENT
The organization rebranded to Pacific Arts Movement to reflect a broader mission of celebrating diverse stories and artistic expressions.
2014
15TH ANNIVERSARY & CHEW THE SCENE
Celebrated 15 years with the inaugural Chew the Scene, an event blending food, film, and community to highlight local culinary talent and support the arts.
2016
KENT LEE BECOMES EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Kent Lee led the organization for six years before being elected as a City of San Diego Councilmember.
2019
FIRST FULL-LENGTH DOCUMENTARY
Pac Arts celebrated 20 years with The Paradise We Are Looking For, highlighting Vietnamese, Korean, and Filipino American stories in San Diego, a city shaped by refugee and military narratives.
2021
COMMUNITY RESILIENCE
In response to rising anti-Asian hate during the pandemic, Pac Arts co-founded the San Diego API Coalition with partners like San Diego Pride and ABA SD to strengthen community support.
2023
ALEX VILLAFUERTE NAMED EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Alex Villafuerte takes the helm, excited to lead Pac Arts into its 25th year and beyond.
