AANHPI Hollywood Leaders Unite at Inaugural Across the Industry Networking Event in Los Angeles

More than 260 prominent AANHPI creatives, executives, and entrepreneurs gathered at Rideback Ranch in Historic Filipinotown for the inaugural Across the Industry event. Hosted by Augie Max Vargas and Narumi Inatsugu, this milestone gathering served as a dedicated space for professionals across film, television, technology, and philanthropy to foster authentic connections during AANHPI Heritage Month. By intentionally bypassing traditional red carpets and panels, the event prioritized organic relationship-building among a diverse cross-section of the entertainment ecosystem.

The gathering successfully bridged the gap between Above-The-Line and Below-The-Line talent, creating a unique environment for cross-disciplinary collaboration. Founders Vargas and Inatsugu emphasized that the event was designed to move beyond typical networking, aiming instead to cultivate a sense of shared purpose and community. Attendees from major guilds, studios, and cultural institutions reported feeling inspired by the rare opportunity to engage with peers who rarely cross paths despite working within the same industry landscape.

Following the significant success of this launch, organizers are already planning future editions to solidify this platform as an essential annual touchstone. By strengthening the bonds between AANHPI professionals, Across the Industry is poised to become a vital catalyst for long-term collaboration, innovation, and community advocacy within the broader creative sectors. The event underscores a growing movement toward intentional, community-driven professional development that prioritizes human connection over transactional industry norms.