The sixth annual Asian Pacific American Visionaries short film competition, focusing on the theme of "Power of Love," has invited submissions.

Films that want to be considered must be directed by someone of Asian or Pacific Islander ancestry, have a length of 10-15 minutes, and have begun principal photography on or after January 1, 2021. Only original live-action narrative films about Asian Pacific Americans' perceptions of and expressions of love in their relationships, friendships, or families are eligible. The deadline for submissions is March 1 at 11:59 p.m. PST.

It was originally known as the HBO APA Visionaries Short Film Competition, which was founded in 2016 and provides a forum for rising Asian and Pacific Islander filmmakers to present their unique and diverse perspectives. This year, three winners will receive cash prizes as well as the chance to have their films premiere on HBO Max after a theatrical showing at the Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival in 2022.

Poppy Liu, who stars in the Max Original Series Hacks, has been named the 2022 program's ambassador and spokesman. HBO Max executives and officials from key Asian American media groups such as the Center for Asian American Media, the Coalition of Asian Pacifics in Entertainment and Visual Communications will serve as judges for the competition.

“Going into the sixth annual APA Visionaries Short Film Competition I’m proud to see the impact and growth the competition has had on the industry,” said Jackie Gagne, Senior Vice President, Multicultural Marketing, HBO Max and HBO. “At a time when the most personal stories are also the most universal, the diversity of our storytellers is more important than ever. Our competition is designed to celebrate emerging creative APA filmmakers and the unique experiences and unsung talents that exist within the Asian Pacific American community.”

“I’m so honored to be an ambassador for the 2022 HBO Max APA Visionaries Short Film Competition,” added Liu. “I think some of the most exciting work in our community is happening at the indie level and this is an incredible opportunity to bring visibility to those stories that have yet to make their way to the mainstream: stories that exist at the intersections of our identities, stories that expand the narrow understanding of the AAPI experience, stories that celebrate the abundance and range of talent within our community. I’m so excited to see the work that emerges from this competition and discover some of my new favorite filmmakers.”