Center for Asian American Media

The Center for Asian American Media (CAAM) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to presenting stories that convey the richness and diversity of Asian American experiences to the broadest audience possible. We do this by funding, producing, distributing, and exhibiting works in film, television, and digital media. For 43 years, CAAM has exposed audiences to new voices and communities, advancing our collective understanding of the American experience through programs specifically designed to engage the Asian American community and the public at large. 

CAAM'S VALUES

• The power of storytelling and storytellers to influence change.

• The broad resonance of Asian American stories.

• Trusting independent Asian American storytellers. 

• Uplifting Asian American diversity. 

• Reaching the broadest audiences possible. 

• Diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. 

• Connecting Asian American stories to support policy change.

IMPACT

For 43 years, CAAM has created opportunities for Americans and people around the globe to understand the diverse stories and experiences of Asian Americans through:

▪ Careers. CAAM empowers filmmakers to achieve their full potential by providing training, funding, distribution, and access to professional networks.

▪ Community. Connecting filmmakers and their stories to people and communities in schools, community centers, theaters, and neighborhoods, bridging conversations about inclusiveness and social equity.

▪ Perspective. CAAM-supported work changes the way audiences see the world, changing hearts and minds, inspiring empathy and meaningful social action.

PROGRAMS

CAAM achieves our mission through the following initiatives:

Public Media

CAAM presents innovative, engaging Asian American works on public television through our dynamic documentary programs. CAAM’s award-winning public TV programs are seen by over 5 million Americans, including 47 documentary shows in the last four years and more than 200 films since 1982. 

CAAMFest

CAAM presents CAAMFest in May, the world’s largest showcase for new Asian American and Asian film, food, and music programs, annually presenting over 100 works in San Francisco and Oakland. Since 1982, our film festival has been an important launching point for Asian American independent filmmakers as well as a vital source for new Asian cinema.

Memories to Light: Asian American Home Movies

Through Memories to Light: Asian American Home Movies, the power of collective memory and media brings to life the experiences of Asian American communities from across the country and spanning six decades (1920s through the 1980s) of the 20th century. The program collects, preserves, and shares the home movies (on 16mm, 8mm, and super 8mm film) and experiences of Asian American communities from across the United States from the 1920s through the 1980s. 

Educational Distribution

CAAM’s catalog includes more than 250 titles, constituting the country’s largest collection of Asian American films and videos for educational distribution. Our award-winning documentaries, personal stories, dramas, and experimental works reflect the rich history and diversity of Asian people in the U.S. and global diaspora.

CAAM Fellowship

Furthering CAAM’s work to nurture Asian American media professionals and advance the field of Asian American media, the CAAM Fellowship Program connects talented and dedicated individuals with leading professionals in the field. The CAAM Fellowship Program is unique in its field-wide approach seeking to develop the talents and skills of a range of media professions including filmmakers, actors, programmers, and executives.

Muslim Youth Voices Project

Muslim Youth Voices Project is CAAM’s three-year national initiative, designed to amplify young people’s expression and celebration of Muslim cultures by giving them the essential tools to tell their stories and the stories of their communities through video — stories often invisible to the national public.