HAAPIFest 2025 Presents Third Act — A Moving Documentary Honoring the Legacy of Asian American Filmmaking
HAAPIFest is proud to host the Houston premiere of Third Act, an emotional and thought-provoking documentary from acclaimed filmmaker Tadashi Nakamura. As a highlight of HAAPIFest 2025, this special screening includes an exclusive meet and greet with the director, giving audiences a rare opportunity to connect directly with one of Asian American cinema’s most respected voices.
Third Act is not just a film—it’s a tribute to the enduring legacy of a father, a son, and a movement. The documentary captures the life and influence of Robert A. Nakamura, a trailblazing director often referred to as the “godfather of Asian American media.” Through the deeply personal lens of his son, Third Act tells a powerful story about intergenerational storytelling, the preservation of culture, and the complicated beauty of familial bonds—especially as Robert battles Parkinson’s disease in his later years.
🎥 Watch the Official Trailer
🎤 Special Director Meet & Greet at HAAPIFest
As part of the festival’s commitment to community engagement, HAAPIFest will host an exclusive Q&A and meet-and-greet session with director Tadashi Nakamura following the screening. Audiences will have the chance to dive deeper into the making of the film, its themes, and what it means to honor one’s family through art.
🎬 About the Film: A Legacy in Motion
Premiering at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival to widespread acclaim, Third Act has been praised for its emotional depth and cultural significance. The film chronicles Robert Nakamura’s groundbreaking career, including his directorial debut Hito Hata: Raise the Banner (1980), the first feature film by and about Asian Americans, and Manzanar, a landmark documentary preserved in the U.S. National Film Registry. The story is framed through Tadashi’s perspective, offering a compelling look at the evolving relationship between father and son and the impact of a lifetime devoted to storytelling and activism.
This film resonates deeply with anyone who has experienced caregiving, cultural legacy, or the bittersweet journey of watching a loved one age. For the AAPI community, it’s also a timely reminder of how crucial it is to preserve our histories and honor those who came before us.
🧑🎤 About the Director: Tadashi Nakamura
Tadashi Nakamura is an Emmy Award-winning filmmaker based in Los Angeles, known for his profound contributions to Asian American storytelling through documentary film. Born into a family of cultural pioneers, Tadashi is the son of Robert Nakamura and media artist Karen Ishizuka. He graduated from UCLA with a degree in Asian American Studies and Ethnomusicology and has since built a remarkable career focusing on themes of identity, social justice, and community history.
His past works include the nationally broadcast Jake Shimabukuro: Life on Four Strings (PBS), Mele Murals, and Pilgrimage, which highlights the return of Japanese Americans to the Manzanar internment camp site. Tadashi’s films have been featured at Sundance, SXSW, and numerous international film festivals. He is widely recognized for bridging generational gaps in storytelling and for using film as a tool for empowerment and preservation within the AAPI community.
🎟️ Why You Should Attend
Be part of the Houston premiere of a Sundance-featured documentary
Meet the director and hear firsthand the stories behind the scenes
Celebrate Asian American heritage through cinema
Support independent AAPI filmmakers and storytellers
Connect with a community that values culture, compassion, and representation
🌟 About HAAPIFest
Now in its 21st year, HAAPIFest is Houston’s leading film festival showcasing Asian American and Pacific Islander stories. Our mission is to elevate AAPI voices through the power of film, spark meaningful dialogue around identity and diversity, and build bridges between communities. HAAPIFest features narrative films, documentaries, shorts, panels, and special events designed to inspire, educate, and entertain.