The festival
Founded in 2015 by Sophia Wong Boccio under the nonprofit Sophia's Choice, Asian Pop-Up Cinema is Chicago's dedicated Pan-Asian film festival. It has grown from a seasonal series into an annual, juried festival.
Worth knowing
APUC regularly brings new features from countries across Asia to Chicago, often accompanied by visiting directors and actors for post-screening discussions. It has partnered with cultural organizations and consulates to widen access to Asian cinema in the Midwest.
How to attend
Screenings are open to the public with tickets available through the festival's website and event pages, held at Chicago-area theaters.
Programming & awards
Founded by Sophia Wong Boccio under the nonprofit Sophia’s Choice, Asian Pop-Up Cinema has grown from a seasonal screening series into an annual, juried festival bringing new Pan-Asian features to Chicago audiences, frequently accompanied by visiting directors and actors for post-screening discussions. Its programming spans countries across the continent, and the festival has partnered with cultural organizations and consulates to widen access to Asian cinema in the Midwest. Beyond the main festival it runs additional events through the year and has honored filmmakers and performers with special awards recognizing their contribution to Asian cinema. The festival is typically anchored in the spring, with screenings at theaters around the Chicago area and tickets sold through its website and event pages. Filmmakers interested in taking part can find current submission and programming details on the official Asian Pop-Up Cinema site ahead of each season.
Official site →Dates and programs change year to year — check the official site for the current edition.