Austin, TX- The phenomenally bustling SXSW 2025 has proven to be just as immense and spectacular as expected, inviting a truly global array of artists, musicians, filmmakers, and content creators to boldly showcase their talents. There was definitely no shortage of AAPI talents, and this conference has undoubtedly given them space to authentically represent their culture, heritages, and futures in media representation. See a few of the important events which have truly uplifted their AAPI identities in the SXSW spotlight.

Hideo Kojima Announces Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, and Orchestral Tour

On March 9th, Hideo Kojima helmed a panel to grandlt announce the highly anticipated reveal of Death Stranding 2: On the Beach. Speaking alongside Norman Reedus, Troy Baker, and musician Woodkid, Kojima reflected on the game’s central theme of togetherness, emphasizing its relevance in a post-pandemic world. “It’s all about connection,” he said, elaborating, “Death Stranding is about isolation, and then we had the pandemic. Death Stranding 2 is like post-COVID. I thought about the future.” The newly released trailer, which was almost as a mini film in itself, revealed a world grappling with gun culture, increased combat, and Kojima’s signature vividly surreal moments.

The panel’s charming energy truly reverberated their full crowd’s adoration, with Reedus genuinely calling Kojima a “genius” and Baker applauding the cast’s off-screen chemistry as integral to the game’s fandom. Beyond gameplay, Kojima Productions announced a limited-edition Hamilton watch inspired by the in-game timepiece and an orchestral concert tour, Death Stranding: Strands of Harmony.

Like His “The Last of Us” Season 2 Character, Young Mazino Stays Calm, Cool, and Collected

Credit: Jack Plunkett – Invision

The Last of Us Season 2 panel gave fans an exciting glimpse into the highly anticipated next chapter of HBO’s hit series. Stars Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey kicked things off with a heartfelt hug, reflecting the deep, complicated bond of their characters, Joel and Ellie. Alongside returning cast members Gabriel Luna and newcomers Kaitlyn Dever, Isabela Merced, and Young Mazino, creators Neil Druckmann and Craig Mazin teased the action-packed new season, which promises more terrifying infected, intense emotional stakes, and the introduction of fan-favorite characters like Jesse, played by Mazino.

Mazino charmed the crowd with his insights into Jesse’s personality, describing him as “calm, cool, and collected” and emphasizing his strong ties to the Jackson community. “He gets tested but he is someone who recognizes how valuable community is. That’s why he’s Jackson’s golden boy,” he explained. When asked what type of infected he’d prefer to encounter in a hallway, Mazino’s comedic timing was on full display as he quipped, “I’d want a stalker because not much stalking you can do in an alleyway,” earning laughs from the audience. With a thrilling new trailer setting the stage for what’s to come, the SXSW panel reinforced the immense excitement surrounding The Last of Us Season 2, set to return next month on HBO and Max.

Amy Wang’s “Slanted” Wins the Feature Film Grand Jury Award

Amy Wang’s Slanted took home the Feature Film Grand Jury Award for Narrative Feature Competition. Described as an “unflinching satirical thriller” that “examines racial identity in a bold and skin-tingling new way,” the film resonates through “simmering performances” and a narrative that is “both specific to the fractured identity of Asian Americans and universally relatable in its theme of desperately needing to belong.” Wang’s “delicate and daring filmmaking” transforms her personal experiences into a haunting and thought-provoking cinematic journey.

Annapurna Sriram received the Special Jury Award for a Multi-Hyphenate for her work in Fucktoys, a “dynamic and revelatory comedic fantasy” that “defies convention.” As the film’s director, writer, executive producer, and star, Sriram was praised as “a visionary force, a rare artist whose work is as daring as it is singular.” Her ability to wield storytelling powerfully creates “an audacious cinematic experience that feels both wildly original and deeply resonant.”

Vietnamese-Hungarian Artist Hien Delivers a Dreamy Cross-Cultural Performance

As part of KEXP’s Eastern Echoes music set, Budapest-born Vietnamese artist Hien mesmerized audiences with a genre-defying sunny afternoon set that blended both her Hungarian and Vietnamese roots through fusing both traditional and modern electronic sounds.

Her show featured an ethereal rendition of Trăng Tàn Trên Hè Phố, a Vietnamese classic, reimagined with her signature avant-garde production, as well as Family, a heartfelt track that bridged both her diasporic journey and her two cultural identities. When singing in Hungarian, she playfully asked, “I bet this is the first time you’ve ever heard an Asian girl sing in Hungarian!”

Having honed her craft at Berklee College of Music and performed globally in both concerts and musical theater, Hien’s SXSW showcase reaffirmed her as a bold, boundary-pushing AAPI artist. 

South Asian Talents Discuss Furthering Visibility in Media

South Asian House and Ms. Media hosted the thought-provoking cultural panel “The Rise of South Asian Talent & How the West Can Embrace It,” shedding light on the growing influence of South Asian creatives across music, media, and entertainment. Moderated by industry leaders like Jashima Wadehra of Ode Consulting, singer-songwriter Gayathri Krishnan, and Monika Varma Samtani of Ms. Media, the discussion emphasized the importance of representation, infrastructure, and the global crossover of South Asian talent.

“We’re not the first, but we still have to be the champions for who’s coming next and what’s happening now,” said Samtani, a trailblazer as the first South Asian anchor for CBS in Washington, D.C. Wadehra highlighted the industry’s structural barriers, stating, “the western music industry operates like tourism, not venture,” while expressing optimism about corporations investing in grassroots communities. The panel reinforced that South Asian talent is no longer a fleeting trend but a permanent force shaping mainstream media. As Wadehra put it, “Oppression creates the greatest art because joy is what gets us through things.”

“Forever We Are Young” Documentary Spotlights the Equally-Famous BTS ARMY

The highly anticipated documentary Forever We Are Young made its world premiere, drawing an enthusiastic crowd of industry professionals, film lovers, and devoted BTS ARMY members to the Paramount Theatre. Co-directed by Grace Lee and Patty Ahn, the film offers an intimate exploration of the global BTS fandom, delving into its evolution, cultural impact, and ability to drive social transformation. “Much has happened to get ARMY to this moment on the clock of the world,” Lee and Ahn reflected. “We hope this film can provide some history and insight into how we might move into the next chapter.”

Following the screening, the energy spilled into the streets with a BTS Dance Party, celebrating the fandom’s vibrant spirit. During the post-screening Q&A, Texan ARMY and BTS reactor Nico Edward summed up the heart of the film: “I don’t even consider ARMY a fandom, they’re a FAMdom.” Featuring voices from the US, Mexico, South Korea, and beyond, Forever We Are Young cements BTS ARMY as more than just a fanbase—it’s a movement.

“Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon: The Super Live” Brings a Childhood Favorite to Life

Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon: The Super Live dazzled audiences with its visually stunning and action-packed stage adaptation of the beloved manga and anime. With book, lyrics, and direction by Kaori Miura (The Prince of Tennis, Tokyo Revengers The Musical), choreography by Satomi Toma, and music by Go Sakabe and KYOHEI, this reimagined production brought Usagi Tsukino and her fellow Sailor Guardians to life in a breathtaking theatrical experience.

Featuring an all-female Japanese cast led by Riko Tanaka as Sailor Moon, the show blended dynamic choreography, heartfelt storytelling, and iconic music to transport fans into the magical world of Sailor Moon. Performed in Japanese with English subtitles, the production captivated both longtime fans and newcomers alike, delivering an unforgettable spectacle of heroism, friendship, and celestial battles that left the SXSW audience in awe.

Stephanie Chan, Vivian Tu, and Nishat Kurwa Encourage Attention-Grabbing for Short-Form Content

The panel How Video Enhanced the Audio Star dissected how video integration is redefining podcasting, with industry experts sharing strategies for leveraging visual content to maximize audience engagement. Hosted at the Austin Convention Center, the discussion featured Stephanie Chan (YouTube Podcasts), Vivian Tu (Your Rich BFF, Networth and Chill), Ben Hethcoat (Crooked Media), and Nishat Kurwa (Vox Media), who highlighted how YouTube has emerged as the world’s largest podcasting platform.

“YouTube podcasts are defined as ‘eyes-optional content that’s episodic and organized in a playlist,’” Chan explained, underscoring how audiences now prioritize compelling storytelling over rigid format distinctions. The panelists stressed that for creators, video is no longer an afterthought but a core strategy for discoverability. “You need to sell something a lot faster—within the first 5-10 minutes for podcasts. You need to have my attention within the first 3 seconds,” Tu emphasized, adding that she makes all her video titles “shamelessly clickbait.” As the panel concluded, the message was clear: podcasting’s future is not just audible but highly visual, requiring creators to strategically capture attention and provide immediate value to an ever-expanding digital audience.

Half-Korean DJ Anderson.Paak Brings the Funk 

Under the neon glow of Austin’s ACL Live at 3TEN, DJ Pee .Wee—better known as the genre-blurring Anderson .Paak—delivered an electrifying set at the JBL Sound Bodega, setting SXSW ablaze with his signature blend of funk, soul, and hip-hop. The mixed African American and Korean artist, donning his trademark wide-brimmed hat and infectious smile, commanded the decks with a seamless fusion of old-school vinyl scratching and contemporary club bangers, turning the space into a high-energy sonic playground.

Attendees were fully immersed in JBL’s cutting-edge audio technology as Pee .Wee effortlessly transitioned from classic Motown grooves to house-infused remixes, proving why he’s one of the most dynamic performers in the game.

Fiji House by Fiji Airways Brings Island Leisure to Austin

Fiji House at SXSW transported guests to a tropical paradise in the heart of Austin, delivering two unforgettable days of island-inspired hospitality, live music, and immersive experiences. Held at The Belmont, the exclusive retreat featured electrifying performances from Aly & AJ, Twin Shadow, Laila!, Grace Bowers, and more. Guests sipped handcrafted cocktails, indulged in South Pacific BBQ, and engaged in insightful discussions with Fiji Airways executives, all while soaking in the vibrant island atmosphere. The event seamlessly blended luxury and relaxation, offering a true escape from the festival’s hustle.

Beyond the music, Fiji House created a fully immersive Fijian experience with surprise activations, exclusive giveaways—including free flights to Fiji—and interactive content moments. The lush, laid-back ambiance made it the perfect setting for VIP guests, influencers, and tastemakers to connect, unwind, and dream of their next adventure. With Fiji Airways now part of the oneworld Alliance and new direct flights from the U.S., attendees left not just with memories but with the inspiration to wake up in paradise.

o’summer vacation Shakes up Three Popular Venues with Their Japanese Hardcore Punk

Japanese hardcore punk band o’summer vacation brought their raw, high-energy sound to three different SXSW venues, electrifying crowds with their dynamic performances. From The 13th Floor to Hotel Vegas at Volstead and The Chess Club, the Kobe-based trio delivered an intense, guitarless set that blended aggressive rhythms with experimental arrangements. Their unique sound, influenced by bands like Lightning Bolt, This Heat, and Melt-Banana, resonated with audiences, proving that Japanese punk continues to push boundaries on the global stage.

Across each venue, o’summer vacation’s unrelenting energy and fearless approach to performance captivated festivalgoers, turning every show into an explosive, immersive experience.

Overall, SXSW 2025 served as a beacon for all representation, specifically amplifying AAPI voices that are often underrepresented in mainstream media. As the media industry continues to evolve, events like SXSW play a crucial role in fostering inclusivity and celebrating the diverse perspectives that enrich our cultural landscape. We can’t wait to see who arrives next year!