Vietnamese American Arts And Letters Association
PROGRAMS
Viet Book Fest
A one-day event celebrating Vietnamese diasporic literature and promoting reading.
Outcomes of VAALA's Viet Book Fest
Viet Book Fest 2024 attracted over 300 attendees.
Promoted Vietnamese Literature and Culture
Elevated awareness and appreciation for Vietnamese authors, stories, and cultural themes through curated panels, workshops, and readings.
Engaged Community Participation
Fostered connections among Vietnamese American readers, writers, and community members, with [number of attendees] participants across various events.
Empowered Emerging Writers
Provided aspiring writers with opportunities to learn from established authors through workshops and mentorships, inspiring new creative work.
Showcased Diverse Voices
Celebrated the diversity within the Vietnamese diaspora by featuring authors and speakers with unique perspectives and backgrounds.
Encouraged Literacy and Education
Offered book giveaways and interactive programs for families and children, promoting literacy within the community.
Strengthened Partnerships
Collaborated with local libraries, schools, and literary organizations to expand the reach and accessibility of the festival.
Inspired Conversations
Hosted discussions on identity, resilience, and the immigrant experience, sparking meaningful dialogue and reflection.
Youth in Motion Filmmaking Workshop
Youth In Motion: A Workshop for Emerging Filmmakers is offered by VAALA to support young voices, stories, and perspectives in the Vietnamese community through the art of digital films. Workshop participants will explore and learn basic skills and tools for digital filmmaking and work collaboratively to produce short films that premiere at the annual Viet Film Fest. Participants have the opportunity to learn about the production process – from storytelling to camera work to editing – and put their skills to practice. Sessions include guest speakers from the local film community. The workshop is held over 12 weeks in the summer. It is free to the participants.
Empowered Youth Creators
Equipped participants with filmmaking skills, including storytelling, scriptwriting, directing, and editing.
Cultivated Creative Expression
Provided a platform for youth to explore and express their stories, experiences, and perspectives through the medium of film.
Fostered Collaboration and Teamwork
Encouraged participants to work collaboratively on film projects, building teamwork and communication skills.
Promoted Vietnamese Culture and Identity
Inspired participants to incorporate elements of Vietnamese culture and heritage into their storytelling, strengthening cultural pride and awareness.
Showcased Youth Talent
Culminated in a public screening of completed films, offering participants the opportunity to share their work with an audience and receive recognition.
Built a Pathway to Careers in Media
Introduced participants to potential career opportunities in filmmaking and media, sparking interest in creative industries.
Strengthened Community Connections
Engaged families, friends, and community members in supporting young filmmakers and celebrating their achievements.
Encouraged Lifelong Learning
Instilled a passion for storytelling and provided foundational skills that participants can continue to develop beyond the workshop.
Viet Film Fest
The mission of Viet Film Fest is to celebrate Vietnamese stories and voices in cinema. As the largest international Vietnamese film festival in the diaspora, Viet Film Fest showcases the best creative work by and about Vietnamese people. Our award-winning films have been screened in numerous cities and countries. Viet Film Fest was created in 2003 by the Vietnamese American Arts & Letters Association (VAALA) to celebrate the many stories about Vietnamese people. Now running successfully for over two decades, the festival has attracted thousands of national and international attention for its stunning showcase of shorts and features submitted from many corners of the world, including Australia, Cambodia, Canada, France, Germany, Israel, Japan, Korea, Norway, the Philippines, Poland, United Kingdom, Singapore, the United States, and Vietnam.
Amplified Vietnamese Voices in Cinema
Showcased films by Vietnamese and diasporic filmmakers, highlighting diverse stories and perspectives that often go underrepresented in mainstream media.
Celebrated Cultural Heritage
Promoted Vietnamese culture and identity through the art of filmmaking, fostering pride and connection within the community.
Connected Global Communities
Brought together filmmakers, audiences, and industry professionals from around the world, creating a global platform for Vietnamese cinema.
Supported Emerging Talent
Provided a platform for emerging filmmakers to showcase their work, gain recognition, and receive mentorship from industry veterans.
Sparked Meaningful Conversations
Engaged audiences with films and panel discussions addressing themes such as identity, history, resilience, and social issues.
Strengthened the Local Arts Scene
Contributed to the vibrancy of the Southern California arts community by hosting screenings, workshops, and networking events.
Fostered Industry Opportunities
Facilitated connections between filmmakers and distributors, producers, and other industry professionals to encourage collaboration and advancement.
Promoted Youth Engagement
Inspired young audiences and aspiring filmmakers through youth-oriented programming and workshops.
Recognized Excellence in Filmmaking
Honored filmmakers with awards that celebrate artistic achievement and storytelling, further motivating their creative endeavors.
Built Community and Solidarity
Created a welcoming space for audiences and creators to come together, fostering a sense of unity and belonging within the Vietnamese diaspora and beyond.
Gallery Beyond Walls (Art Exhibitions)
Gallery Beyond Walls (GBW) is a multi-faceted, visual arts program focused on engaging the community in the arts, facilitating dialogue, revitalizing marginalized communities, and highlighting freedom of expression. Creative projects can be created by the community themselves, as a collaboration between the community and professional artists, or solely by professional artists with input from the community. The projects can result in small-scale art projects (such as paintings), exhibitions, large-scale permanent interventions (such as murals or public art “sculptures”), or temporary installations.
Showcased Vietnamese and Diasporic Art
Provided a platform for Vietnamese and diasporic artists to exhibit their work, bringing attention to underrepresented voices in the art world.
Promoted Cultural Heritage and Identity
Highlighted themes of Vietnamese culture, history, and identity, fostering pride and cultural preservation within the community.
Facilitated Community Engagement
Engaged diverse audiences through public programs, artist talks, and interactive activities that encouraged meaningful discussions and connections.
Amplified Social Justice Issues
Addressed critical issues such as anti-Asian hate, migration, and resilience through thought-provoking art, sparking awareness and action.
Supported Emerging and Established Artists
Offered opportunities for artists at all career stages to gain visibility, grow their audiences, and develop professionally.
Fostered Cross-Cultural Dialogue
Created spaces where people from different backgrounds could connect and engage with Vietnamese art and perspectives.
Enhanced Artistic Collaboration
Encouraged collaboration among artists, curators, and community organizations, fostering a network of creatives dedicated to impactful storytelling.
Expanded Access to Art
Made art more accessible by hosting exhibitions in diverse venues and providing free or low-cost admission.
Increased Awareness of VAALA’s Mission
Strengthened VAALA’s role as a cultural hub by demonstrating its commitment to uplifting Vietnamese art and storytelling.
Inspired Future Generations
Encouraged youth and community members to engage with art, inspiring future artists and leaders to contribute to cultural and creative expression.
CONTACT
Vietnamese American Arts And Letters Association
P.O. Box 20218
Fountain Valley, California 92728
Phone: 7149142260