qhia dab neeg

celebrating 50 years of story sharing by hmong filmmakers

Qhia Dab Neeg is a recognition of Hmong storytelling, designed to honor the rich history, tradition, and culture of the Hmong people through film and video. In 2025, In Progress presented six community screenings and dialogues, highlighting 50 years of Hmong-American filmmaking in Minnesota. Additionally, Qhia Dab Neeg artists gathered and showcased interviews with filmmakers and curators, offering deeper insights into each film and creating space for generational reflections on the Hmong-American experience. Look below to find out more about each screening.

In Conversation

Celebrating 50 Years of Hmong Film in Minnesota

Sunday, September 14, 2025
Pan Asian Center at Maplewood Mall, 3001 White Bear Ave Suite 2035, Maplewood, MN 55109

The opening program showcased excerpts from ten films curated by the Qhia Dab Neeg team, and was followed by a community dialogue exploring their cultural and artistic impact.

On Screen, On Air

Hmong in Television

Thursday, October 9, 2025 | 6-8 PM
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

1985

Film Screening & Conversation”

Thursday, October 30, 2025
Concordia University, Buenger Education Center, 379 Syndicate St N, St. Paul, MN 55104

The Qhia Dab Neeg Film Festival’s third community screening featured 1985, directed by Kang Vang and released in 2016. Running Time: 2h 35m

The story takes place in 1985 and provides a nostalgic nod to the films many Hmong youth grew up with during that era. The storyline follows an adventurous Hmong teen as he 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.

This screening was presented In partnership with the Center for Hmong Studies at Concordia University–St. Paul,.

THE rise of the music video

Saturday, November 6, 2025 7PM
Destiny Cafe 2, 1151 Clarence St #101, St. Paul, MN 55106

This screening presented a night of short films, music videos, and connection. It was a social mixer that celebrated the rhythm, storytelling, and creativity of Hmong filmmakers and musicians.

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

This gathering was all about reflecting and honoring our pioneering moments and experiences — as well as, lifting up the next generation of creators — and talking honestly about what it takes to build, imagine, and sustain a creative life. The screening explored how early career Hmong artists are redefining storytelling through film, music, design, and digital media and what the journey of innovation looks like in real time: the risks, the breakthroughs, the questions and the possibilities ahead.

Youth Filmmakers

Honoring the history of youth filmmakers telling their first stories

Thursday, December 11, 2025 | 10am - End Time TBD
Txuj Ci Hmong Language and Culture Upper Campus, 1363 Bush Ave, St. Paul, MN 55106

Showing a series of youth produced films spanning 1990 to 2025. The works include claymations, music videos, action and adventures stories and provided a look back at common themes and challenges faced within the Hmong community.