Programmers

This year, the intrepid team of programmers and curators of the Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival screened a record number of submissions — well over 800 individual feature-length and short works, not to mention dozens of programming proposals, to curate a slate of approximately 130 works that will screen for Festival Week audiences. Who are our programmers this year? Learn about them here!

Annie Liang is passionate about film and film festivals. She recently graduated from UCLA with a focus on Asian Studies and Film Studies. This year marks her third year at LAAPFF. From festival programming, marketing and sponsorship, to shorts programmer, she strives to share APA films to her community and a broader audience.

Dorothy Xiao is a Los Angeles based filmmaker who hails from Alhambra, CA. She is an avid supporter of providing platforms for underrepresented voices in media and creating inspiring content. Aside from being the Branding & Communications Manager at VC, she is also an LAAPFF programmer and a full time boba addict.

Jeremy Gaudette has been passionate about films for as long as he can remember. For over 15 years, he has managed cinemas from Maine to LA and continues to find comfort in a darkened theatre. He is excited to join the LAAPFF programming team for a 2nd year.  

Jiayi Ariel Du is a recent graduate from Chapman University, majoring in Creative Producing and minoring in Film Studies. She aims to be culturally educated, and to create and support conscious films that bridge different gaps in our society. She’s a second-time programmer with LAAPFF, and a proud feminist.

Kirby Penafiel is a veteran Shorts Programmer for the LAAPFF, his love for film is only matched by his love for community. Rooted in LAAPFF, he started as a volunteer and has worn many hats since. He stays to help and prepare future community leaders.

Lanca Li is an independent filmmaker, a cynical reviewer and a boba enthusiast. As a young artist with a passion for cultural exploration and artistic expression, she wants to highlight the importance of promoting culture and diversity through arts.

Lindy Leong is a film and media educator, archivist, and programmer. She enjoys supporting community building and advocacy through the arts. She wants you to see films in an actual theater before you “Netflix and chill” it.

Melanie Ramos is a LA-based filmmaker. This is her second year as a member of the Features Programming Committee for the Festival. She holds an MFA from NYU Tisch Asia in Singapore and has directed and shot a handful of short films that played in film festivals worldwide. Her film “Deliver Her” played at LAAPFF 2013.

Ryan Wu is a native Angeleno who spends his days representing consumers and employees in class actions. In the evenings, he finds time to feed his cinephilia and help program the festival.

Sheryl Santacruz is from NJ and has white glasses. After graduating from NYU, she cut her teeth at fests such as Tribeca, New Directors/New Films, New York Film Festival, and the Palm Springs International Film Festival, among others, in various roles. Sheryl is also Programming Manager at Outfest and Associate Director at Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival.

Sumiko Braun is a filmmaker and actor best known for her role in the cult classic SHARKNADO. She currently works in post-production with Sony Pictures Entertainment. A former Visual Communications Armed with a Camera fellow, she is thrilled to be involved with the Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival.