TAMPA, Fla. — The City of Tampa announced that it will be hosting its first Asian Film series in honor of AAPI (Asian American Pacific Islander) Heritage Month this weekend.
This inaugural event will be held at the Tampa Theatre on Sunday, May 19, Mayor Jane Castor's AAPI Advisory Council said in a news release. This year's series will feature two movies; "Kung Fu Panda 4" at 3 p.m. and "Food Roots," a new documentary by Filipino-American celebrity Billy Dec, at 7 p.m.
"Food Roots" explores Dec's adventures through his mother's native 7641 Islands of the Philippines to learn more about his family's history through recipes and other secrets. The council said the renowned actor and restauranteur will be available for red-carpet interviews from 6 p.m. to 6:45 p.m.
Dec will also take part in a Q&A after the documentary's 7 p.m. screening, according to the council. His ties to the Tampa area include being the founder and owner of the Sunda New Asian Restaurant in Midtown, which opened in June of last year.
Kung Fu Panda 4 is the latest installment in the family-friendly Dreamworks series starring Jack Black as Po, a lazy panda who realizes his dreams of becoming a kung fu master. In this chapter, Po must train a new warrior to become the spiritual leader of the Valley of Peace.
The movie also features the voice talents of Awkwafina ("Crazy Rich Asians") and Bryan Cranston of "Breaking Bad" fame.
Anyone needing more information on this year's event can contact the Tampa City Council at (813) 486-7446.
