Qhia dab neeg
celebrating 50 years of story sharing by hmong filmmakers
Qhia Dab Neeg (QDN) is a recognition of Hmong storytelling, designed to honor the rich history, tradition, and culture of the Hmong people through film and video. The series will feature six community screenings and dialogues, highlighting 50 years of Hmong-American filmmaking in Minnesota. Additionally, Qhia Dab Neeg will gather and showcase live and recorded interviews with filmmakers and curators, offering deeper insights into each film and creating space for generational reflections on the Hmong-American experience.
Beginning September 2025, In Progress will launch a series of 6 screening and dialogue events dedicated to Hmong storytelling. The series will provide a retrospect of films produced between 1975 and 2025 and will be curated by 3 filmmakers that represent generational diversity in their professional experiences as producers. We will be adding information to this page as programming develops. For now know that the program is in the great hands of the following
Upcoming Events
“Screening + Social Mixer”
Saturday, November 6, 2025 | 7-10pm CT
Destiny Cafe 2, 1151 Clarence St #101, St. Paul, MN 55106
Join us for a night of short films, music videos, and connection — a social mixer that celebrates the rhythm, storytelling, and creativity of Hmong filmmakers and musicians. Free and open to the public. Food will be provided.
“In the Making: The Future of Hmong Storytelling & Innovation in film-making”
Saturday, December 6, 2025 | 4-6:30pm CT
In Progress, 213 Front Ave, St. Paul, MN 55117
Uplifting the next generation of Hmong creators, exploring how young artists are redefining storytelling through film, music, design, and digital media, and inviting the community to connect, reflect, and imagine together what it takes to build, sustain, and support the future of Hmong art, voice, and vision. RSVP coming.
“Youth Filmmakers”
Thursday, December 11, 2025 | Time TBD
Txuj Ci Hmong Language and Culture Upper Campus, 1363 Bush Ave, St. Paul, MN 55106
Showing a series of film by youth throughout the years. RSVP coming.
Past Events
“1985 Film Screening & Conversation”
Thursday, October 30, 2025 | 5-8:30pm CT
Concordia University, Buenger Education Center, 379 Syndicate St N, St. Paul, MN 55104
The Qhia Dab Neeg Film Festival’s third community screening features 1985, directed by Kang Vang and released in 2016. Running Time: 2h 35m
When an adventurous Hmong teen discovers a secret map to a mythical dragon, he and his three best friends embark on a quest that leads them through danger, wonder, and self-discovery.
In partnership with the Center for Hmong Studies at Concordia University–St. Paul, join us for a special screening of 1985, followed by a panel discussion with the cast and crew.
“On Screen, On Air: Hmong in Television”
Thursday, October 9, 2025 | 6-8pm CT
Hmong Village, 1001 Johnson Pkwy, St Paul, MN 55106
The Qhia Dab Neeg Film Festival's second community screening focuses on television. Join us for a conversation on Hmong representation in television — from news anchors to shows that shape our visibility on screen. The event will highlight how Hmong voices and stories show up on air and in our communities. RSVP required since we have limited seats. Guest panelists include:
Senator Foung Hawj - Producer of first Hmong television program in Minnesota, Kev Koom Siab
Mitch Lee - 3HMONGTV | HBC Television (HBCTV)
Yao Yang - 3HMONGTV | HBC Television (HBCTV)
Zoua Vang - First Hmong news anchor on mainstream news TV
“In Conversation: Celebrating 50 Years of Hmong Film in Minnesota”
Sunday, September 14, 2025 | 1-3pm CT
Pan Asian Center at Maplewood Mall, 3001 White Bear Ave Suite 2035, Maplewood, MN 55109
The opening program will showcase excerpts from ten films curated by the Qhia Dab Neeg team, followed by a community dialogue exploring their cultural and artistic impact. RSVP required since we have limited seats.