Social justice is on the screen at the Albuquerque Chinese American Film Festival

The Southwest Film Center and the Albuquerque Chinese American Film Festival invites the University of New Mexico community to meet award-winning filmmakers, directors, editors, and producers who craft films about social justice, then later watch their work on the big screen.

The first event brings five out-of-town filmmakers, including Adam Yamaguchi, an award-winning journalist with CBS News, to tell transformative stories and connect students with successful filmmakers to spark creativity in students pursuing film and journalism.

The meet and greet also sheds light on an important issue with powerful films. Kenneth Eng, who is a graduate of the School of Visual Arts, produced "Empowering a Community: The story of the Chinese American Citizens Alliance." Eng received a Guggenheim Fellowship for his work.

Other artists like Jennifer Takaki, Linda Lew Woo, and Linda Hattendorf have devoted themselves to photographic justice, capturing stories taught through a camera lens. Students are able to view their work about social injustice and ask questions about the industry.

The following day filmmakers will showcase their work at the 8th Annual Albuquerque Chinese American Film Festival at the South Broadway Cultural Center. The topic of this year's festival is Hope and Courage and features screenings of short films, features and documentaries by and about Chinese Americans. Two Asian American UNM students will show short films they created. A full list of screenings can be found on the city of Albuquerque website.

The meet and greet has free entry with door prizes and refreshments upon arrival. The meet and greet will take place Oct. 18 from 5 to 7 p .m. at the Student Union Building and encourages students to get first-hand experience with journalists and filmmaking professionals. The 8th Annual Albuquerque Chinese American Film Festival is set to take place Oct. 19 with screenings from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the South Broadway Cultural Center located at 1025 Broadway Blvd. SE. Admission to the film festival is free with a recommended donation of $10.