Saturday, May 17, 2025 | 5 PM – 9 PM
Ontario Museum of History & Art | 225 S. Euclid Avenue, Ontario, CA 91762
The Ontario Museum, Arts & Culture Department presents, Culture Fest: Film & Food Festival, celebrating Asian American, Pacific Islander and Native Hawaiian Heritage Month. Culture Fest is an annual celebration of the different cultural experiences that exist within Ontario’s diverse community. This commemorative month recognizes the contributions and influence of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and other Pacific Islander Americans to the history, culture, and achievements of the United States. View short films such as Strawberries Will Save the World, Growing People, Twenty-Four Heaven, We Belong Here and Miss Chinatown, USA. We are excited to also be screening the feature-length documentary film, Ulam: Main Dish which is the first food documentary following the rise of the Filipino food movement via the chefs crossing over to the center of the American table. The first Asians documented in the Americas arrived in 1587, when Filipinos arrived in California.
Dive deeper into the history of the AAPINH community of the Inland Empire and Greater Southern California through temporary installations. Build meaningful memories while you ignite your senses through an authentic exploration of culture through food and film. Throughout the evening, participate in hands-on craft workshops, enjoy curated refreshments by local culinary talents and view films short and feature length films.
We are also excited to welcome the staff of Synonym Magazine, whose publication focuses on telling immigrant stories through food. “As strangers in a new land, a taste of home can provide comfort and familiarity. Bringing those tastes together with the food at hand creates new traditions, a new heritage.” – Synonym Magazine. At Culture Fest, the Synonym Magazine team will spotlight stories and share how trade, politics, colonialism, and capitalism have changed food cultures around the world, for immigrants and countries’ natives alike. The City of Ontario is proud to celebrate our AAPINH community and are excited to present the largest event of its kind to occur in the city of Ontario.
Film Line up:
Faye Dastrup Council Chambers | Indoors
| Feature | Show Time |
| We Belong Here | 5:00 PM – 5:20 PM |
| Twenty-Four Heaven | 5:20 PM – 5:40 PM |
| Director’s Talk with Ana Lian Tes with special guest actress | 5:40 PM – 6:10 PM |
| Intermission | 6:10 PM – 6:30 PM |
| Ulam: Main Dish | 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM |
| Panel Discussion with The Arts Connection | 8:00 PM – 8:30 PM |
Museum Courtyard | Outdoors
| Feature | Show Time |
|
Kazumi Svenson Artist Talk |
6:45 PM – 7:15 PM |
| Growing People | 7:30 PM – 8:00 PM |
| Miss Chinatown USA | 8:00 PM – 8:30 PM |
| Strawberries Will Save the World | 8:30 PM – 8:45 PM |
Food Vendors
Jeffrox Adobo – Filipino Food
Dough Momma Patries – Filipino Pastries
CL’s Kitchen – Hawaiian Beverages & Coffee
Museum Plaza Activities
10 Artist Vendors
Photobooth – Free
Just Us Entertainment – DJ
Carlson Education Studio:
Drop in art-making: Strawberry Still Life and Strawberries Will Save the World Screening (all night)
Visitors can draw a beautiful strawberry still life
Take home a pastry box of fresh strawberries
Culture Fest 2024 Gallery
The Ontario Museum of History & Art was excited to present Culture Fest: Block Party on May 11, 2024 from 12 PM 4 PM. The free, family-friendly event is an annual celebration of the different cultural experiences that exist within Ontario’s diverse community. 2024’s Culture Fest highlighted the rich Chicanx diaspora that has called Ontario its home for generations. Participants enjoyed art installations, live music, a classic car show, hands-on art-making activities, food and beverages, live performances that express what it means to be Chicanx in the Inland Empire, and more.
Culture Fest 2023 Gallery
