Coalition of Asian Pacifics in Entertainment

The Coalition of Asian Pacifics in Entertainment (CAPE) is an organization that advocates for Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in the entertainment industry. Established in 1991, CAPE "champions diversity by educating, connecting, and empowering Asian American and Pacific Islander artists and leaders in entertainment and media."

CAPE was founded in 1991 as a way to connect AAPIs in the entertainment industry by television producer and executive Wenda Fong, publicist Fritz Friedman, and film producer and executive Chris Lee. The organization had few members when it was founded, as there were very few Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders who were very visible in the media. However, since its founding, CAPE has grown to support both new and established actors, writers, directors, producers, agents, and executives. Despite starting small, the CAPE community mobilized through volunteer efforts, and their educational programs and opportunities have helped members develop their careers in the entertainment industry by connecting them to the tools they need to enhance their careers. Additionally, CAPE has been working on developing connections with US and International film industries of China, India, Korea, Japan, Taiwan, and the Philippines.

In 2009, CAPE hired its first Executive Director, Jennifer Sanderson. In 2014, CAPE moved from being a paid membership-driven organization to a mission-driven organization. The organization decided that in order to fulfill its original goals of serving the AAPI community, they needed to open up their resources to be available to anyone who needed to access them.

In December 2014, Jennifer Sanderson officially stepped done, and in 2015, Michelle Sugihara took helm and is currently CAPE's Executive Director.

In October 2016, CAPE celebrated it's 25th Anniversary. Steven Yeun, Harry Shum Jr., and Constance Wu were some of the many in attendance.

The CAPE New Writers Fellowship was established in 1999 in order to discover and help emerging AAPI writers and artists. Writers submit original works in two categories, film and television. Up to 10 fellows are selected and winners are receive $4,000 prize, a reading of their script, and opportunities to connect with entertainment executives and producers. Additionally, fellows undergo intensive curriculum training with industry professionals. Fellowship winners are presented at an annual gala to which members of the AAPI entertainment community are invited.

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