Sunday, July 12, 2026 at 1:30 PM
Hammer Museum, Los Angeles
An afternoon of film, play, and connection centered around the enduring, ever-evolving game of mahjong, a tile-based game involving skill, strategy, and luck. Known for their sold-out, high-energy gatherings, **Mahjong Mistress** bring their signature blend of play, community, and cultural perspective to the Hammer. Whether you’ve never touched a tile or have been playing for years, this is a chance to learn, play, and meet new people. The program begins with a screening of Edward Yang’s *Mahjong *(1996), a fast-moving portrait of Taipei in the ’90s where every interaction feels like a high-stakes game. After the film, the action shifts from screen to table with an open mahjong session in the Hammer's courtyard for all experience levels. Mahjong Mistress instructors will be on hand to teach beginners, while experienced players can jump right into the mix. Expect a lively, social atmosphere with shared tables, new connections, and a little friendly competition. Mahjong Mistress will also debut a selection of limited-edition merchandise, extending their visual language beyond the table. **1:30PM** Screening: *Mahjong *(dir. Edward Yang, 1996) **3-6:30PM** Majong Mistress open mahjong session **Mahjong Mistress** is composed of four “Mistresses”—**Susan Kounlavongsa**, **Angie Lin**, **Zoé Blue M**, and **Abby Yingtong Wu**. These four friends, each from different cultural and creative backgrounds, were brought together by their shared love of Chinese mahjong. What began as a way to share the game with friends has evolved into a collective dedicated to fostering cultural connection and conversation through mahjong. Through events and collaborations with AAPI creatives and cultural institutions, they aim to cultivate a new generation of mahjong players. Through the Hammer’s Artist Residency program, Mahjong Mistress will have the space and time to engage in research, engage with the UCLA community, and gain access to a range of archives and other resources around Southern California.