Your voice. America’s story.

As the United States celebrates its 250th anniversary, an urgent question arises: will Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders be included in our country’s story?

The Asian+American Storytelling Initiative builds on TAAF’s “The United States of Asian+America” by turning the series into a community-powered movement.

We’re looking for filmmakers, journalists, artists, podcasters, animators, and digital creators who want to bring overlooked AAPI figures, moments, and histories to light in an original, short-form digital video project.

Show us your original concepts that challenge the narrative, uncover new perspectives, and cultivate a deep sense of belonging for the 26 million AAPIs who call this country home.

The Prompt

How would you tell the story of an overlooked Asian American or Pacific Islander (AAPI) figure, community, or moment that has shaped the American experience?

What Will You Receive?

If your proposal is selected, you’ll be equipped with resources to bring your project to life.

Funding

You’ll receive a grant to help cover production costs ranging from $5,000 to $10,000

Mentorship

You’ll have a one-on-one virtual mentorship session with a member of our esteemed selection committee, which includes industry-leading filmmakers, broadcast journalists, and content creators

Platform

When your project is ready to debut, you’ll receive the full support of TAAF’s social media channels and receive distribution to our national network of partners, reaching leaders and luminaries across the AAPI community

The Selection Process

We believe in impact-driven storytelling, meaning polished production experience is not a requirement to apply. Our evaluation focuses on three core pillars:

#1 — The Story
The originality, importance, and depth of your proposed topic

#2 — The Execution
Your vision and plan for bringing the project to life

#3 — The Passion
Your enthusiasm for telling your proposed story and preserving a piece of history for generations to come

Applications Close
Wednesday, October 7, 2026, at 11:59 PM EDT
Grant recipients will be notified by November 2, and production will take place between November 2, 2026 and January 15, 2027. Final projects must be ready to debut by February 5, 2027.

Meet the Selection Committee

Our selection committee includes award-winning and industry-leading AAPI filmmakers, journalists, and creators who are excited to bring their diverse experience and expertise to support new stories.

Juju Chang
Juju Chang
Emmy-winning Co-Anchor of ABC News' "Nightline"
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Michelle Khare
Michelle Khare
Content Creator and Host of award-winning docuseries "Challenge Accepted"
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Dana Ledoux Miller
Dana Ledoux Miller
Producer/Writer known for "Moana 2" (2024), "Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides" (2011) and "Designated Survivor" (2016)
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Lisa Ling
Lisa Ling
Emmy-winning journalist, longtime Host and Executive Producer of CNN's "This Is Life with Lisa Ling," and former Co-Host of "The View"
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Adrian Per
Adrian Per
Award-winning Director and Content Creator
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Kitao Sakurai
Kitao Sakurai
Director of Paramount’s upcoming "Street Fighter" as well as "BEEF Season 2," "Dave," and "The Eric Andre Show"
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Philip Wang
Philip Wang
Content creator/filmmaker and co-founder of Wong Fu Productions
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Sean Wang
Sean Wang
Oscar-nominated director (Nǎi Nai & Wài Pó) and director of Dìdi (弟弟)
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