things to do in nyc this weekend

Good times! The 30th Asian American International Film Festival in New York, presented by Asian Cinevision in association with the Asia Society, kicks off tonight with its Opening Night presentation of Justin Lin's Finishing the Game. It's sold out! But there will be a rush line outside the Asia Society, 30 minutes prior to show time. Tickets will be issued at a first-come, first-serve basis. Details here. It's going to be a fun time, kicking off a impressive schedule of Asian American cinema. For the full schedule, go here.

Also, tomorrow night, I'm moderating a conversation with Justin Lin, talking about his career from the indie world, to studio glitz, and back again. He'll be joined by actors Sung Kang and Roger Fan for the Q & A. It should be a really interesting discussion. Friday, July 20th, 6:00pm at NYU's Kimmel Center, Eisner & Lubin Auditorium. Tickets are ten bucks. For more information, go here: In Focus: Justin Lin. See you there!

While I'm at it, I should mention on Satuday night, there's a party celebrating the launch of the Museum of Chinese in Americas' Chinatown Film Project, a really interesting film and interactive media celebrating "the diverse roles Chinatown plays in urban realities and imaginations." The party's Saturday, July 21st, 10:00pm at Jade Terrace (top floor of China Club). The even will be hosted by Sung and Roger, with special guest Chris Chan Lee, director of Undoing. I'll be there too.

And finally, on Monday, come on down to MoCA, where I'll be participating in panel discussion with some top-notch folks:

If Anything is Possible: A Blueprint for Change

WHY SO ANGRY ???

Monday, July 23 at 6:30 PM
at Museum of Chinese in the Americas
70 Mulberry Street 2nd floor (at Bayard)
RSVP and info 212-618-4785 ext 106
members/nonmembers $ 3/5

The Asian American community has made valiant efforts to respond to racist views and negligent media portrayals. Is outrage the answer? We’ll bring key people together to speak about their experiences responding to pivotal incidents in the community. We’ll facilitate dialogue that brings about innovative ways to effectively act together.

This roundtable discussion is part of a new MoCA quarterly series, which aims to tackle current and specific topics that impact the Asian American community in a ‘nuts and bolts’ style. Rather than simply elucidating issues, the objective is a proactive discussion aimed at creating a blueprint for change.

The panel's participants will include Andrew Hsiao (WBAI, New Press), Albert Lim (Fallout Central) Beau Sia (Def Jam Poet), Carmen Van Kerckhove (NewDemographic.com), Minya Oh aka Miss Info (HOT 97 FM), and myself. I think it's going to be a really solid discussion—and man, so much anger in one room! Please come on out, take part and say hello.