ICYMI: Earlier this Summer, we announced a new initiative called A-Doc Activates.

As AAPI storytellers continue to face censure, erasure, and growing instability across the documentary field, we continue to hear from our A-Doc community about the need for stronger support for creative work, deeper connection across our network, and more opportunities to use documentary storytelling as a tool for collective power and social change. In response to this moment, we’re excited to share a new initiative launching this year: A-Doc Activates.

A-Doc Activates is a new two-year initiative supporting independent documentary filmmakers in developing, distributing, and building impact for 20 microdocumentary (under three minutes) projects that advance solidarity and power within AAPI communities. The program will support both the creation of new short-form works adapted from previously released films (Microdocs: Past Tense) as well as the production of entirely original shorts (Microdocs: Present Tense), based on three thematic areas critical to A-Doc’s mission and broader AAPI communities: Movement Building and Solidarity; Defining Family, Community, and Self; and AAPI History Makers.

We’re kicking off A-Doc Activates with a four-part virtual Educational Series. Our first session features filmmakers and impact practitioners in conversation about how impact visioning can shape projects from early development through audience engagement and community partnerships. Reina Bonta (2025 AAPI Futures Impact Producer Fellow), Sondy Lucille, and Kitty Hu share their unique approach to developing a vision for their projects and explores how strategic thinking shapes and supports their impact work. The session is moderated by A-Doc Steering Committee member Gerry Leonard. 

“I view impact work as something deeply connected with my storytelling work. My North Star is how I think about how best I can amplify and uplift movements on the ground, especially in the cultural realm. Film and storytelling is my form of activism.” – Kitty Hu

Takeaways include:

• Impact starts with intention: Our panelists encourage filmmakers to ask what change they hope their film will create and who they want to reach before production is complete.
• Define your audiences: Rather than trying to reach everyone, filmmakers should identify primary audiences and communities that will benefit most from the work.
• Build partnerships early: Community organizations, educators, advocates, and cultural institutions can become collaborators throughout production, not just distribution.
• Think beyond screenings: A film’s impact campaign can include educational resources, discussion guides, workshops, policy conversations, community events, social media engagement, and grassroots organizing.
• Impact looks different for every project: Success isn’t always measured by policy change; it can mean preserving history, shifting public perception, creating representation, fostering dialogue, or strengthening community connections.
• Design for sustainability: Realistic planning, budgeting for impact work, and building strategies that can continue after the festival run ends.

Sign up for our last two sessions taking place July 15 and July 29 here. Be sure to check out films, festival panels, and more on A-Doc’s YouTube page.