Asian Pop-Up Cinema

History

Founded by international film and cultural curator Sophia Wong Boccio, SOPHIA’S CHOICE is a Chicago-based 501 C (3) not-for-profit cultural organization incorporated in May 2015. Our vision is fostering appreciation for diverse Asian cultures.

We are realizing our vision through a multi-pronged mission by:
-cultivating an interest in and understanding of Asian cultures via a diverse offering of Asian films;
-connecting the Asian film industry with local Chicago film professionals, educators and students; and
-promoting Chicago as a destination for international visitors.

Asian Pop-Up Cinema is our semi-annual film festival - every spring and fall - that shows a series of specially curated films in their original languages with English subtitles.  Films are presented at the AMC River East 21 in Chicago.   Thanks to our diverse cultural partners and sponsors, we continue to add pop-up events in the city.  

Since our inaugural season in the fall of 2015, APUC has presented 5 North American premieres, 28 Chicago premieres and a total of 42 contemporary Asian titles including films from China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, the Philippines, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam. To date, APUC has also hosted 15 Asian filmmakers, actors and other industry specialists from Japan, Hong Kong, Taiwan and S. Korea.  Each APUC film and its filmmaker receive their own spotlight, since we do not host multiple events on the same day. This results in a more meaningful dialogue and connection with the audience and local Chicago media. Based on the filmmaker’s availability, we collaborate with local professional and academic institutions to create outreach opportunities such as classroom lectures, industry panel discussions and industry networking.

Our popular Q&A moderator, Ron Falzone, associate professor in Cinema and Television Arts of Columbia College Chicago and The Second City Harold Ramis Film School is our in-house moderator/lecturer to lead most post-screening discussions.