10th Annual Asian American Film Series

The Santa Barbara Trust for Historic Preservation is pleased to present the tenth annual Asian American Film Series, a four-part event held each Friday 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 address 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. At all four screenings, dinner will be available to purchase an hour before the screening, and a Q&A and reception will follow each film.

2019 Asian American Film Series Selections

All film screenings are held at the Alhecama Theatre, El Presidio de Sánta Barbara State Historic Park

Patsy Mink: Ahead of the Majority

Friday, July 5 at 7 pm  

In 1965, Patsy Takemoto Mink battled racism and sexism to become the first Japanese-American and woman of color in the United States Congress. Seven years later she ran for the U.S. Presidency and was the driving force behind Title IX, the landmark legislation that transformed women's opportunities in higher education and athletics.

Admission is free for SBTHP members, $5 suggested donation for non-members. Dinner can be purchased at 6PM (one hour before screening); reception to follow. Call (805) 961-5374 for more details.

For the Sake of the Children

Friday, July 12 at 7 pm  

For the Sake of the Children explores the legacy of Japanese-American internment, its impact on current generations who are descendants of families who were incarcerated, and the complex interplay of culture, racial prejudice, history, and inter-generational differences.

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Admission is free for SBTHP members, $5 suggested donation for non-members. Dinner can be purchased at 6PM (one hour before screening); reception to follow. Call (805) 961-5374 for more details.

ULAM: Main Dish

Friday, July 19 at 7 pm  

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ULAM: Main Dish is the first food documentary following the rise of the Filipino food movement via the chefs crossing over to the center of the American table.

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Admission is free for SBTHP members, $5 suggested donation for non-members. Dinner can be purchased at 6PM (one hour before screening); reception to follow. Call (805) 961-5374 for more details.

Bittersweet Roots: The Chinese in California's Heartland

Friday, July 26 at 7 pm  

The California Delta, in the heart of the state, is the only place in America where the Chinese have maintained and sustained a presence for nearly a century and a half. Here, immigrants from China transformed swampland into one of the richest agricultural regions on Earth. This is their story, about how they came and thrived despite hardship and discrimination, an experience that has been both bitter and sweet.

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Admission is free for SBTHP members, $5 suggested donation for non-members. Dinner can be purchased at 6PM (one hour before screening); reception to follow. Call (805) 961-5374 for more details.