Events

Time and Location

Various Dates & Times – see Screening Times
AMC New City 14
Rotary Club of Evanston
Illinois Institute of Technology Michael Paul Galvin Tower (Chicago, IL) – See Screening details for theater info

About

Asian Pop-Up Cinema announced the full program for its milestone 20th edition, running March 20 – April 12, 2026. Releasing its program on the first day of the Lunar New Year’s Fire Horse cycle, this 20th edition of the festival brings together acclaimed filmmakers and new voices from across Asia for a slate of North American premieres, awards presentations, and special guest appearances throughout Chicago.

From Japan, director Mipo O’s HOW DARE YOU offer a playful youth perspective on climate activism, while genre-bending horror comedy MAG MAG and nostalgic drama about teen artists, SEASIDE SERENDIPITY showcases the diversity and creativity of contemporary Japanese filmmaking, and the haunting historical drama BLUE BOY TRIAL, a fact-based story exploring transgender identity in 1960s Japan. Closing the 20th edition on April 12 is THE SPECIALS, directed by Eiji Uchida, an action-comedy blending pop dance spectacle with high-concept storytelling, followed by the Festival’s awards presentation.

For more information, visit: Asian Pop-up Cinema
To purchase tickets: Asian Pop-up Cinema Tickets

This event is supported through the JFNY Grant for Arts and Culture.