Above: A scene from "Mr. Cao Goes to Washington", which will screen on opening night, October 4.
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Politics. Judo. Ghosts. Indie rock music.

These are only a few of the topics explored by the bevy of films at the 13^th annual DC Asian Pacific American Film Festival. The festival kicks off Thursday, Oct. 4 with a screening of the documentary “Mr. Cao goes to Washington” at the E Street Landmark Theatre. This film follows the story of then-representative Joseph Cao (R-New Orleans), the first Vietnamese-American elected to Congress. Mr. Cao was also the only Republican to vote for President Obama’s Health Care Reform bill—causing much controversy in his party and providing insight into the clash between idealism and politics. Says Tiffany Chen, director of the festival, “DC is a political beast, so it seemed a perfect fit to open with "Mr Cao Goes to Washington", especially in such a heated election year.” Both Mr. Cao and filmmaker Leo Chiang will be in attendance on opening night.

Come back on Friday, October 5, for “Mrs. Judo: Be Strong, Be Gentle, Be Beautiful” at the Smithsonian’s Freer-Sackler Gallery. Directed by Yuriko Gamo Romer, this documentary chronicles the life of Keiko Fukuda, the highest-ranking woman in judo. Holding the highest degree black belt of judo, Mrs. Fukuda talks about her “marriage” to this martial art and the challenges she faced, especially as a woman. Did we mention that she’s 99 years old and continues to practice today, even teaching judo at her San Francisco dojo?

That Friday there will also be features at the Goethe Institut, including “I am a Ghost” by filmmaker HP Mendoza and “The Crumbles” directed by Akira Boch. Mendoza’s haunting and experimental film features the journey of Emily, a troubled spirit who receives help from a clairvoyant-cum-therapist. Additionally, Mendoza will be in attendance post-film. Boch’s movie features a tragicomedy about two friends, Darla and Elisa, struggling to be the best musicians they can be—if only they can get out of their garage.

Couldn’t make any Friday showings? Saturday, October 6, will also feature an impressive lineup of films, starting with “Touch” at the Goethe-Institut at 2 PM and closing with “Shanghai Calling” at 8 PM at the U.S. Navy Memorial. Written and directed by Minh Nguyen, “Touch” is a romantic drama between a Vietnamese American manicurist and a mechanic in Los Angeles. For more romance (and some comedy as well!)“Shanghai Calling” was filmed entirely on location and features the misadventures of New York attorney Sam Chao as he relocates and adjusts to life in Shanghai. Writer and director Daniel Hsia will also be in attendance during the screening.

Finally, wind up the weekend in true D.C.-style by mingling over art and omelets at the Filmmaker’s Brunch (available to VIP ticketholders). And make sure to check out the shorts program at the Goethe-Institut featuring five short films about everything from encounters with endearing strangers to hip hop orchestras.

And of course, there are dozens more films to see and events to attend during the week. Check out the packed schedule at http://www.apafilm2012.com. See you at the show!