Short Films from each Festival to Stream on the Company’s AMC+ and Sundance Now Services Throughout 2026
New York, NY – May 26, 2026 – In celebration of Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, AMC Global Media has partnered with the Pacific Islander Film Festival New York (PIFF NYC) and the Annual Asian American International Film Festival to spotlight AANHPI creators on the company’s AMC+ and Sundance Now streaming services.
As part of the company’s “Future of Film” initiative, which partners with indie film festivals that feature emerging talent from underrepresented communities, earlier this month AMC Global Media introduced a new “Future of Film: AANHPI Voices” collection on AMC+ and Sundance Now, available on each service for the next 12 months.
PIFF NYC Executive Director, Stacey Young, states “Making space for Pacific Island films, and showcasing the alumni of PIFF NYC as part of AMC’s Future of Film is an honor. We’re excited to partner to expand opportunities for Polynesian, Micronesian, and Melanesian filmmakers and give the community the opportunity to see the films that reflect their perspectives, tell their stories and showcase the rich legacy of storytelling of the Pacific Islands. We can’t wait to see how many of us tune in to support these filmmakers.”
AAIFFExecutive Director, John Woo, states “our mission at Asian CineVision is to uplift Asian diaspora stories and storytellers. It’s a privilege to partner with AMC Global Media and its Future of Film program to bring these powerful voices to wider audiences. We’re thrilled that five films from our past festivals will be available for streaming on AMC+ and Sundance Now, and we invite audiences to join us in supporting these artists and their incredible work.”
Featured films and synopses:
Mother Tongue
- Talent: Luciane Buchanan, Albert Rounds, Mikey Falesiu, Michael Koloi, Elizabeth Thomson.
- Director(s): Vea Mafile’o
- Writer(s): Luciane Buchanan
- Synopsis: A young speech therapist disconnected from her Tongan heritage lies about her Tongan language skills to get a job. Out of her depth, she must find a way to communicate or risk her patient’s life.
The Mainland
- Talent: Brandon Finn; Rian Basilio; Maynard Okereke
- Director(s): Conrad Lihilihi
- Writer(s): Conrad Lihilihi
- Synopsis: A Hawaiian actor pursuing a career in Los Angeles must confront Hollywood’s stereotypes and decide how much of himself he’s willing to compromise for success.
The Queenʻs Flowers
- Talent: Ku’umilileika’iulani Tuitele, Starr K Kalāhiki, Concepcion Saucedo-Trejo
- Director(s): Ciara Leina’ala Lacy (Writer/Director), Daniel Sousa (Director of Animation)
- Writer(s): Ciara Leina’ala Lacy
- Synopsis: A magical take on a true story, The Queen’s Flowers is an animated short adventure for kids that follows Emma, a native Hawaiian girl in 1915 Honolulu, as she makes a special gift for the last monarch of Hawai`i, Queen Lili`uokalani.
Daly City
- Talent: Jett Automo, Michelle Lukiman, Kaidy Kuna, Catherine Telford, Troy Metcalf
- Director(s): Nick Hartanto
- Writer(s): Nick Hartanto
- Synopsis: An Indonesian boy and his mother bring Chinese takeout to a church potluck and pretend it’s a traditional family dish. The boy’s quiet observations lead him to question his parents’ behavior as they strive to find belonging in a new country.
American Oxygen
- Talent: Flora Hwang, Dakota Loesch, Shiva Ayama, Dwayne Tarver
- Director(s): Adam Hazelton, Emily Hazelton
- Writer(s): Adam Hazelton, Emily Hazelton
- Synopsis: A young woman living on permanent supplemental oxygen is convinced that a miracle-working televangelist can heal her. With a leaking oxygen tank and a twenty dollar bill, she rushes to catch the last bus to Los Angeles.
Children of Light
- Talent: Hyo-je Lee, Jung-chul Kim, Myoung Guk Kim, Ki Baek Um, Jun Hyuk Park
- Director(s): Minkyu Kang
- Writer(s): Minkyu Kang
- Synopsis: In the 1960s, a Korean boy (16), kidnapped and assaulted at a juvenile center on a remote island, must escape with his rival to survive.
Ume: Or the Will to Fly Blind
- Talent: Grace Santos, Tatsuo Ichikawa, Connor Connolly, Arron YipThomson.
- Director(s): Sam Kumiko Sheridan
- Writer(s): Sam Kumiko Sheridan
- Synopsis: In present-day New York City, a 17-year-old Japanese girl discovers she is pregnant. In the days before her abortion, she and her father each search for understanding and a sense of where to go next.
Vox Humana
- Talent: Sasa Cabalquinto, Ymeiliza Tabora, Bruce Venida
- Director(s): Don Josephus Raphael Eblahan
- Writer(s): Don Josephus Raphael Eblahan
- Synopsis: In the aftermath of an earthquake, the police find a man in the woods. A zoologist, a sound recorder, and a news team grapple with the truth that he may be the cause of all the natural disasters that devastated this small mountain town.
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About AMC Global Media:
AMC Global Media (Nasdaq: AMCX) is home to many of the greatest stories and characters in TV and film and the premier destination for passionate and engaged fan communities around the world. The Company creates and curates celebrated series and films across distinct brands and makes them available to audiences everywhere. Its portfolio includes targeted streaming services AMC+, Acorn TV, Shudder, Sundance Now, ALLBLK, HIDIVE and All Reality; cable networks AMC, BBC AMERICA (which includes U.S. distribution and sales responsibilities for BBC News), IFC, SundanceTV and We TV; and film distribution label Independent Film Company. The Company also operates AMC Studios, its in-house studio, production and distribution operation behind acclaimed and fan-favorite original franchises including The Walking Dead Universe and the Anne Rice Immortal Universe. AMC Global Media is headquartered in the United States, with international operations in Iberia, Latin America, Central Europe, the U.K., Australia and New Zealand.
About PIFF NYC:
The Pacific Island Film Festival (PIFF-a 501(c)(3) non-profit ), located in New York City, is dedicated to presenting and amplifying Pacific Island cinema and storytelling through film screenings, live performances and panels throughout the year and at the annual film festival. Through commujnity collaboration and strategic partnerships, PIFF strives to create a space for global Pacific Islander filmmakers and storytellers. More information can be found at www.piffnyc.org
About Asian American International Film Festival:
The Asian American International Film Festival(AAIFF), proudly known as “The First Home of Asian American Cinema,” is the first and longest-running festival dedicated to showcasing film and media works by, for, and about the Asian diaspora. Organized by Asian CineVision, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, AAIFF champions emerging and established media artists of Asian descent. Held annually in New York City, the Festival features a vibrant lineup of film screenings, industry panels, workshops, and special events. Each year, AAIFF draws diverse audiences from across the five boroughs, the tri-state area, and around the globe. The 49th edition of the festival run from July 30 to August 9, 2026 in NYC. Learn more at www.asiancinevision.org.