Tampa Republic

The Mayor's Asian American Pacific Islander Advisory Council of the City of Tampa is set to present the city's inaugural Asian Film Series on Sunday, May 19th, 2024. This event, held at Tampa Theatre, is in honor of Asian American Pacific Islander Month.

This year's film series will feature two films: the family-friendly "Kung Fu Panda 4" at 3 pm and a new documentary by Filipino American Emmy award-winning celebrity Chicago restaurateur Billy Dec at 7 pm.

Dec's documentary, "Food Roots," takes viewers on a journey through his mother's native Philippines as he learns recipes from his last living elders. The film offers an exploration of culinary and cultural treasures and family secrets. Viewers join Dec as he travels by various means - plane, boat, motorcycle, jeepney, and foot - through bustling cities, remote islands, and hidden mountain villages in search of his family members.

One notable encounter in the film is with a 103-year-old tribal tattoo master who blesses Dec with a tattoo symbolizing his ancestral connection. Through these experiences, Dec gains a deeper understanding of his family history and an enhanced appreciation for how food has influenced their worldview.

Media interviews with filmmaker Billy Dec will be available on the red carpet between 6 pm and 6:45 pm. Following the 7 pm screening of "Food Roots," there will be a filmmaker Q&A session with Dec. He has connections to Tampa through the Sunda New Asian restaurant located in Midtown (3648 Midtown Dr, Tampa, FL 33607).

For media inquiries or additional information about this event, please contact Mayor’s AAPI Council Member Nerissa Lamison at nlamison@hccfl.edu or (813) 486-7446.