
Since 2010, SBTHP has presented the Asian American Film Series, an event held on Fridays in July at the Alhecama Theatre. In an effort to explore the history and cultures of the Asian communities that once thrived in and around the Santa Barbara Presidio area, the series includes films that speak to the Asian American experience in the western US. The films have addressed a broad range of historical and modern topics, such as the internment of Japanese Americans during WWII, Chinese American adoptions, and the contributions of key Asian American figures. This film series is made possible by the generous support of the George H. Griffiths and Olive J. Griffiths Charitable Foundation.
This year's series will be held virtually via Zoom. Attendees will receive a link to the screening through the chat box after a short introduction. A time will be given for attendees to return for the Q&A portion of the event.
2021 Film Selections
Harana
July 16, 2021 - 6PM
Florante, a classically trained guitarist, returns to the Philippines after the death of his father. He rediscovers the music of harana - a long forgotten Filipino serenade.
Grasshopper for Grandpa
July 23, 2021 - 6PM
Grasshopper for Grandpa documents the story of Jimmy's Oriental Gardens, a celebrated restaurant and bar in Santa Barbara, California for more than 60 years before closing its doors in 2006 with the retirement of owner Tommy Chung.
Sonzai: Japantown Santa Barbara
Sonzai tells the story of Santa Barbara's Nihonmachi through oral history interviews, archaeology, and the researchers who seek to understand what happened to this community. Through these strands of history, the existence of a Japanese American community interrupted by war is brought to light in the present day.
Previous Selections
2020
Flower Drum Song
Jake Shimabukuro: Life on Four Strings
Meditation Park
I Am Bruce Lee
2019
Patsy Mink: Ahead of the Majority
For the Sake of the Children
ULAM: Main Dish
Bittersweet Roots: The Chinese in California's Heartland
2018
Never Give Up! Minoru Yasui and the Fight for Justice
Meditation Park
Abacus: Small Enough to Jail
Delano Manongs: Forgotten Heroes of the United Farm Workers & the Chinese Exclusion Act
2017
Off the Menu: Asian America
C0mfort
My Life in China
Allegiance
2016
Chinese Couplets
Documented
Transcending - The Wat Misaka Story
Tyrus
2015
9man
Harana
Jake Shimabukuro: Life on Four Strings
2014
Anita Ho
Linsanity
My Grandfather’s Drum
2013
The Cats of Mirikitani
I am Bruce Lee
Somewhere Between
2012
Dim Sum Funeral
Of Civil Wrongs and Rights: The Fred Korematsu Story
Snow Falling on Cedars
2011
American Pastime
The Debut
The Joy Luck Club
The Slanted Screen
2010
Flower Drum Song
Forbidden City
Picture Bride
Sewing Woman