Charlotte Asian Film Festival + After Party 2026

Celebrate Asian Stories at the Charlotte Asian Film Festival

The Charlotte Asian Film Festival returns for its 4th edition!

Join us for a full day of inspiring local, national, and international films that celebrate the richness and diversity of Asian and Asian American stories. Hosted at Independent Picture House, this year's festival will also feature a special community conversation exploring Asian mental health and media representation, bringing together filmmakers, advocates, and community leaders to discuss how storytelling can reduce stigma, foster understanding, and create meaningful change. Stick around for the after-party outside of IPH!

Saturday, August 29, 2026
10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Independent Picture House | Charlotte, NC
4237 Raleigh StCharlotte, NC 28213

Presented by the Carolinas Asian American Chamber of Commerce (CAACC) and the Asian American Foundation for the Carolinas (AAFC), the festival is made possible through the generous support of the City of Charlotte Creative Growth Grant, Barings, the Arts & Science Council Venue Grant, Independent Picture House, and our valued community partners, sponsors, filmmakers, volunteers, and local arts and cultural organizations.

Experience powerful films, meaningful conversations, and unforgettable stories that connect cultures and celebrate the voices shaping our community.

Film Screenings

• Diverse selection of short films, features, and documentaries—each with English subtitles
• Stories that explore Asian identity, culture, and heritage

Filmmaker Q&A Sessions

• Asian Media + Mental Health Panel Discussion at 11AM with NAMI Charlotte, Tarang, UNC Charlotte and community partners
• Engage with storytellers and learn the creative process behind their work

Awards & Highlights

• Awards for Local (Carolinas) and International submissions
• Networking with creatives, cultural leaders, and film enthusiasts

BONUS: After-Festival Block Party! The celebration continues at Independent Picture House and Eighty Eight with food trucks, artisans, local vendors, performers, jazz!

Want to volunteer, sponsor, or partner? Visit CharlotteAsianFilmFestival.org to get involved!

The Charlotte Asian Film Festival is presented by the Carolinas Asian-American Chamber of Commerce (CAACC) and Asian American Foundation for the Carolinas (AAFC). The festival is made possible through the generous support of the City of Charlotte Creative Growth Grant, Barings, the Arts and Science Council Venue Access Grant, and Independent Picture House, with community partnerships from The Charlotte Film Society, CLT is Creative, CLT Asian Eats, CLTure, Civility Localized, Fifth Third Bank, MAYA Studios, Mint Hill Marketing, NAMI Charlotte, Rebrand Media Agency, Saathee Magazine, Social Media Club Charlotte, and Tarang.

Special thanks to our founding support and advisors: Anand Kothari, the India Association of Charlotte, Savvy Pioneer, Thrive Hub CLT, and UNC Charlotte, whose vision, collaboration, and early support helped establish and grow the Charlotte Asian Film Festival.