2026 Asian American Media Spotlight
Sponsored by the Asian American Studies Program and Cinematheque at UW–Madison, the Asian American Media Spotlight is a free event that is open to the public. View two films and participate in Q&A’s with directors this October.
The Third Act (2025)
October 20, 6-8PM (91 Min)
Irving & Dorothy Levy Hall | Room 1192
A deeply personal exploration of family, memory, and Asian American filmmaking, the story follows filmmaker Tadashi Nakamura as he documents his father, Robert A. Nakamura, a pioneering Asian American filmmaker and activist. After his father is diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, Tadashi reflects on his father’s experiences as a survivor of Japanese American incarceration and the complicated legacy shared between father and son.
The Auntie Sewing Squad Resistance Playbook (2026)
October 26, 6-8PM (72 Min)
Irving & Dorothy Levy Hall | Room 1192
An intimate look at community care, activism, and solidarity during COVID-19, the documentary follows a group of mostly Asian American and BIPOC women who came together to sew and distribute masks to vulnerable communities. What begins as a small volunteer effort grows into a nationwide network, transforming sewing into a form of mutual aid while addressing racism, feminism, and systemic inequality.