On Sunday, May 31, 2026, I had the privilege of attending the inaugural Across the Industry, an AAPI Heritage Month Celebration, a networking party hosted by fellow Producers Guild of America and Television Academy members Augie Max Vargas and Narumi Inatsugu at Rideback Ranch. It was a truly inclusive and inspiring afternoon, where I reunited with friends I first met in the industry more than 30 years ago, including Steve Tao, Michael Goi, and Adele Yoshioka, while also connecting with a new generation of rising talent such as actor Aidan du Chiem, actor Elizabeth Trieu, and intimacy coordinator Olivia Ku. As a filmmaker who has worked in this industry for over three decades, what a wonderful way to wrap up AAPI Heritage Month 2026.
Left to right: Narumi Inatsugu, Ren Hanami, Maureen Bharoocha, Michael Goi, Alan Chu, Luci Kwak, Genevieve Wong and Augie Max Vargas
The event took place at Rideback founded by Dan Lin.
Producer Dan Halperin (left) was chatting with Augie Max Vargas.
Left to right: Producer/Director Alan Chu, director Maureen Bharoocha and director / cinematographer Michael Goi
The Television Academy members group photo at the inaugural Across the Industry
Director / cinematographer Michael Goi and producer Brian Metcalf
Oscar winning director Chris Tashima
Showrunner Miranda Kwok and producer Sibyl Santiago
Participants enjoyed the sponsored sloshes and noshes.
Take-home goodies sponsored by Keep that Vending.
Yummy Banana Turons for dessert!
Event Photos Courtesy of Antares Vargas
#acrosstheindustry #aapiheritagemonth
