On the 40th anniversary of CAAMFest, the Center for Asian American Media (CAAM) is excited to spotlight the SOMA Pilipinas Filipino Cultural Heritage District and Filipinx films and filmmakers. CAAMFest40, which takes place May 12-22, 2022, will hold in-person and virtual events in celebration of Asian and Asian American voices.
“We have always been centered in Japantown and Chinatown during CAAMFest, but the pandemic really gave us an opportunity to reflect more on how we can increase the visibility in other communities throughout the Bay Area,” says Don Young, Director of Programs at CAAM. As a Filipinx American, Jo Boston, CAAM Events Production Manager, recollects the historical importance of the SOMA Pilipinas Filipino Cultural Heritage District.
“San Francisco is a hub where many Filipinos have landed—it is a gateway to possibilities for Filipinos,” she says. Though, the redevelopment of Manilatown and South of Market in the 1960s and 1970s displaced many Filipino families. Boston adds, “This is history that brings us together and strengthens our Filipino community in the district and beyond.”
In correlation with this new emphasis, Thúy Trần, the new Festival and Exhibitions Director at CAAM, is excited to bring programming that parallels and intersects with what community partners are already doing in the neighborhood. Programs that highlight Filipinx culture and/or artists as well as the SOMA Pilipinas Filipino Cultural Heritage District are noted below.
Following the introduction of the SOMA Pilipinas Community Engagement, and, in partnership with the Yerba Buena Gardens Festival, revel in a FREE outdoor music showcase featuring emerging Pinay voices. Up-and-coming turntablist and SOMA resident, DJ Bitesize, will start the event by spinning and scratching party tunes. Ouida, named one of Nylon Magazine's rising musicians, blends catchy pop melodies with jazz, R&B, and blues. Closing out the concert will be Union City’s own singer-songwriter Kiyomi, who brings R&B stylings based on personal experiences. Artists Kiyomi, Ouida, and DJ Bitesize are all Filipinx and originally from the Bay Area.
TIME: Saturday May 21: 1:00pm – 2:30pm
VENUE: Esplanade, Yerba Buena Gardens
Mission St. between 3rd & 4th Sts.
San Francisco, CA
ABOUT KIYOMI:
Kiyomi is a Filipina recording artist. songwriter from the Bay, currently living in Los Angeles. Check out the music video for her original song "Can't Lose," produced by P-Lo above.
ABOUT OUIDA:
Ouida is a Filipino-American-Irish singer who isn’t afraid to talk about vulnerability. In her music video for Coffee, the dreamy imagery features an all-Filipino cast and her wearing a terno. (Yes girl, work them butterfly sleeves!) Her soulful voice is hauntingly ethereal, making us want to lean in for more
ABOUT DJ BITESIZE:
Award winning DJ Bitesize is a turntablist/party rocker from the 415 and has won 2 local DJ Battles. She has rocked numerous events from birthday parties to school dances to even throwing her own parties throughout the Bay Area.
