As February moves us toward the Lunar New Year of the Fire Horse, I find myself pausing to take it all in. I am moved by the people who keep showing up, who keep choosing community, and who have carried BAAFF through so many seasons with love and belief. I’ve also just returned from Sundance 2026, where I had the honor of convening with AAPI festival organizers and programmers from across the country, and I’m coming home reminded of what is possible when we build together and keep our stories at the center.

This moment is also deeply personal for me: I am turning 50, and BAAFF is stepping into our 18th Festival year, our “adulthood.” It feels like a threshold, a time to claim our independence and strengthen what we have built together with care, courage, and intention.

I keep coming back to a simple truth: water the plant if you want it to grow. If BAAFF’s stories, artists, and spaces for belonging have ever made you feel seen, less alone, or more connected, I invite you to celebrate my 50th birthday by making a gift of $50, $500, or $5,000. Your donation is not just support, it is a commitment to bold storytelling, cultural power, and a BAAFF that can stand strong and sustainable for the years ahead. Thank you for growing this with me. 🥳

Susan Chinsen
Festival Director, BAAFF