CAPE35: Invest in the Next Chapter

Thirty-five years ago, a small group of Asian and Pacific Islander (API) entertainment professionals came together with a simple belief: that API stories deserved to be told, and that API artists deserved a real shot at telling them. From grassroots beginnings to becoming one of the industry’s longest standing organizations focused on API narrative change, we are proud of CAPE’s impact and community. 

This anniversary is more than a celebration: it’s a moment to invest in the future we want to build together. 

Why CAPE, Why Now

Hollywood is changing fast. Contraction across multiple aspects of the industry and a rapidly shifting landscape have made it harder than ever for emerging talent to break through, and API artists continue to face barriers. At the same time, the proof of what API storytelling can achieve has never been more visible. This year alone, recipients of CAPE filmmaking grants dazzled at Sundance( winning both the Grand Jury Prize and the Audience Award), Cannes Film Festival (winning Second Prize in the La Cinef section for student films), and Annecy (Official Selection, Perspectives category). Our Head of Programs was named to the Forbes 30 Under 30 list. Our fellows are running writers' rooms, getting greenlit, and actively changing what Hollywood looks like.

The work is paying off. Now we need to build upon this momentum.

What Your Gift Makes Possible

CAPE has grown from one fellowship to a full suite of seven programs serving API creatives at every level, from first-time assistants to veteran showrunners. Your support helps us go deeper: stronger curricula, more fellows, and more direct investment in API projects at critical moments.

Our free public programming connects emerging talent around the world to resources and relationships that were previously out of reach. Our virtual panels draw hundreds of live viewers and millions more online. Community nights and screenings in Los Angeles bring filmmakers together in person. And your gift keeps those doors open.

Through our Julia S. Gouw Short Film Challenge (in partnership with Janet Yang Productions) and Rising Filmmakers Finishing Fund (in partnership with TAAF), we directly invest in API films. Josephine, our inaugural grantee's feature, won at Sundance this year. Paper Daughter was accepted into Annecy, the world’s most prestigious film festival for animation. We want to continue breaking through industry ceilings together. 

The Goal

We are raising $350,000 by the end of 2026 to celebrate CAPE's 35th Anniversary. Every dollar goes directly toward sustaining the programs, people, and projects building a Hollywood that actually reflects the world we live in.

Thirty-five years in, the work speaks for itself. Help us make the next thirty-five even more powerful.

Recurring Donors

Luminaries ($200K+)

Visionaries ($10,000+) including Donors Circle

Trailblazers ($5,000 - $9,999)

Catalysts ($500-$4,999)

Beacons ($1-499)

For any questions, comments or concerns regarding donations, including tax receipts, please email info@capeusa.org.