Pacific Arts Movement | One Year as Executive Director

It’s been one year since I joined Pacific Arts Movement as the Executive Director! It’s been such a fun and rewarding year full of many reunions, first-time experiences, and community connections. In that time, our team presented over 200 films and stories to the San Diego region ensuring that residents and visitors have a diverse array of options when it comes to media arts.

Here are just a few highlights from our journey together:

Spring Showcase was busier than ever, and audiences were treated to performances including local DJ sets, a taiko drum performance, and an Ajumma EXP takeover. We premiered films like "Joy Ride" and "Past Lives" to members before their general release, offering exclusive access to Asian cinema. Through our Spotlight Screenings, we've fostered meaningful community partnerships, shedding light on intersectional issues and amplifying voices from diverse communities, like collaborations with the San Diego Arab Film Festival.

SDAFF Opening Night was completely sold out, and the 300+ theater was filled with laughter as we kicked off our festival with “Quiz Lady.” Our Reel Voices Youth Documentary Film Program empowered young filmmakers to craft compelling documentaries, showcasing their talent and creativity to two packed theaters during the festival. "Chew the Scene" at the Museum of Contemporary Art in La Jolla provided a delicious and festive celebration, uniting food, film, and art in a memorable experience.

We had the privilege of presenting “The Oath of the Sword,” the oldest known Asian American film, complete with live piano accompaniment, offering audiences a glimpse into cinematic history. Attendance at the San Diego Asian Film Festival surged by over 77%, a testament to the growing impact and our region’s desire to experience diverse stories.

And the journey continues! As we gear up to celebrate 25 years of the San Diego Asian Film Festival, our team is hard at work planning a lineup of exciting year-round events and programs to keep you engaged.

On my first day on the job, the very first thing I did was become a Pacific Arts Movement member at the producer level, and I just renewed my membership for another year. I hope you’ll join me and become a member because we have some amazing events planned for 2024 (the gala is coming back)! Whether you've joined us for one screening or twenty, your continued support means the world to us. Thank you for being a part of our community and for helping us make a difference through the power of storytelling and art.

I look forward to seeing you soon at one of our upcoming events!

Best regards,  
Alex Villafuerte

PS. During the last few days of February, memberships are two for the price of one, meaning you and a family member or friend can enjoy membership benefits together!