API RISE
The collaborative project, LIFT MEDIA: Participatory media from formerly incarcerated AAPI communities in Southern California was a series of participatory media making workshops to support members of API Rise and to establish and develop a community partnership through collaborative filmmaking.
API RISE
API RISE (Asian Pacific Islander Reentry Through Inclusion, Support & Empowerment) works to support freedom and opportunity for people who are currently or formerly incarcerated, youth, families in tough situations, and the communities around them. Through education, support, and advocacy, they help people build power and create real change. They believe in a compassionate community where people support and work toward a future where everyone has the chance to thrive.
Our Collaboration
Dr. Lin, along with Occidental College students Amare Askerneese, Emir Correa, Reyan Nguy, and Edgar Zatarain, worked with 11 members from API RISE, an extended family of formerly incarcerated or detained Asian immigrants/refugees, Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders. We designed and implemented the project in solidarity with their organizational mission - to make freedom possible for the community of current and formerly incarcerated individuals, youth and families in high-risk situations, allies, supporters, and their communities. Prior to the project, we spent time learning how to work alongside this community and attended through events and training sessions that prioritized culturally sensitive direct support, education, power building, organizing, and advocacy.
Presentations
This project was developed with the support of ASIANetwork's AAPI Voices and Stories: Community-based Digital Storytelling three-year pilot program supported by the Mellon Foundation.
Workshop and Poster Panel: AAPI Voices and Stories: Community-based Digital Storytelling Program, Asian Interconnections: Toward New Interdisciplinary Approaches. ASIANetwork’s 32nd Annual Conference. March 28-30, Trinity University, San Antonio, Texas
Billy
Billy tackles his troubled past through self-reflection and discovers what it means to call a place home.
Billy reflects on his film “Home is Here” and realizes the amount of work it takes to direct a film.
Kanaka
Kanaka explores the intersections between cultures through the one thing that connects us all, food.
Kanaka emphasizes her purpose in creating “We Pho With It,” creating a spotlight on local communities and establishing solidarity.
Alokai
Is it a bird? Is it a plane? It’s Captain Ice Crusher with a message on protecting our community against dark governmental forces.
Alokai reflects on his experience as a director and why it was important to make “The Rise of Captain Ice Crusher.”
Casey
For Casey, Film is more than a hobby…
Casey reflects on his short “Gears” and promises to continue to chase his passion.
Tin
Tin shares his story on how his Tatt Thang Tattoo Studio came into fruition.
Thaisan
Thaisan struggles with a question he often asks himself, “Why are you here?”
Thaisan dives into his experience directing his film, “This is why I’m here.”
Chris
Chris discovers his second chance in life and takes some time to remember the moment he earned his freedom.
Chris gives an insight on what Redo: Second Breath is about and reflects on his experience directing his story.
Peter
Peter shares vulnerable moments of his life in a medium that matters to him, a poem.
Peter shares his experience directing his film “Breaking Through.”
