CAAMFest 2024: Lionhearted Shorts Program

These leaders in dance, law, politics, and youth organizing, take brave steps toward their highest ideals. From performance prowess to professional leadership and praiseworthy mentorship excellence is on view. Following individuals through journeys of becoming, these films inspire reflection on our collective aspirations and what it means to lead.

Expected Guests in Attendance: Director Jennifer Lin (Ten Times Better), Producer Jon Funabiki (Ten Times Better), Assistant Director Bridgette Yang (Mia’s Mission), Director MG Evangelista (Duckworthy), Producer Simone Ling (Duckworthy), Producer Robert Winn (Duckworthy)

TEN TIMES BETTER
DIRECTED BY JENNIFER LIN
Refugee chronicle meets American Dream story meets dance film, celebrating Asian American ballet pioneer George Lee.

MIA’S MISSION
DIRECTED BY JIREH DENG
After coming out as transgender at 60, Mia continues to strive to rally communities of color and bring visibility to queer identities.

DUCKWORTHY
DIRECTED BY MG EVANGELISTA
Senator Tammy Duckworth on her personal history and disability, veteran, and women’s rights.

DESI MOM
DIRECTED BY CHITHRA JEYARAM
Apolitical mom finds her voice: Lakshmi urges South Asians to shape their children’s and local future.

VOTES FOR VERONA
DIRECTED BY JOSEPH DUQUE
Verona Sagato-Mauga, a first-generation American business owner in Salt Lake County, Utah, campaigns to become the first Samoan to win a state legislative seat in the continental United States.

UNCOMMITTED
DIRECTED BY AISHA SULTAN
A young, first-time voter struggles with her election choices and seeks guidance from a community elder.

LEADING
DIRECTED BY GRACE LEE
Inspiring stories of cross-generational mentorship and youth political education crafts a hopeful view of the future.