Festival 2025

2025 SAAFF Awards

2025 SAAFF Awards
Join us in celebrating the outstanding films and filmmakers showcased at this year’s Seattle Asian American Film Festival. From powerful documentaries to bold narratives, these stories reflect the diverse voices and creativity of Asian American artists.

Cinematropolis Award

for best local short film (made in WA state and/or by a filmmaker(s) currently residing in WA state)

Edibles
Directed by Pearl Lam & Tommy Heffernan

EDIBLES is a Pacific Northwest road trip for the books. In just a few minutes, Pearl Lam and Tommy Heffernan invite us into the messy, tender terrain of family ties in the aftermath of a fallout between mother and daughter. As we travel through the unforgettable beauty of the region, writer/directors Lam and Heffernan, alongside writer Alex Furnas, drop us right into the familiar dynamic of two sisters teasing each other about their mom.

Lam’s sharp instincts as an actor and comedian shine through in the film’s authentic performances—brilliantly carried alongside co-stars Adele Lim and Alanah Pascual. It’s hilarious truth-telling that only close friends and siblings can survive. With gasp-out-loud hijinks, EDIBLES transforms a weekend’s worth of chaos into a heartfelt snapshot of siblinghood: equal parts funny, raw, and real.

This film reminds us that some of the most honest stories are born when time is short and stakes are high. For its fearless spirit, collaborative heart, and the way it leaves the audience hungry for more… we are proud to recognize EDIBLES as this year’s winning film.

Audience Choice Awards

Audience Choice Narrative Film Award

Divine Intervention
Directed by Ravenna Tran

Audience Choice Documentary Film Award

Nobuko Miyamoto: A Song in Movement
Directed by Tad Nakamura, Quỳên Nguyễn-Le