While the San Diego Asian Film Festival came to a close tonight, the 27th Hawaii International Film Festival is just starting up. I got to attend last year, and had an absolute blast. Not only is it beautiful there, along with some awesome weather, they've put together a top-notch program of films. The festival has been called the "premiere American showcase for Asian films," though its program isn't limited to Asian cinema. The program includes everything from the new John Cusack movie to the latest from Johnnie To. They've also included films from Asian American artists like Grace Lee's American Zombie, Justin Lin's Finishing the Game, Michael Kang's West 32nd, Gina Kim's Never Forever, and a ton of other great films. If you're going to the festival, you've probably already made your plans... and you're in for some fun. The festival runs now through October 28.
Speaking of film festivals... Canada, get ready. Coming soon, there's the 11th Annual Vancouver Asian Film Festival, running November 1-4. And soon after, there's the Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival, running November 14-18. Mark your calendars.
Also... attention, filmmakers. It's time for you to submit your films and videos—short, feature, narrative, documentary, whatever—to VC Filmfest 2008. VC is now accepting entries for the 24th Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival, happening May 1-8, 2008 at the Directors Guild of America, Aratani/Japan America Theatre, and additional venues in LA. Click here to begin the submission process via Withoutabox.com. Submit your work right now through December 21st. Check back later at the VC website further details about the festival.
And check it out... Asian CineVision is proud to announce the 2007-08 National Festival Tour from the 30th Asian American International Film Festival. It's only touring festival its kind in the United States, showcasing select features, shorts, documentaries and experimental works from the previous year's festival. This year, they're offering rental of more than 50 films from the 2007 AAIFF. How cool is that? It's basically an opportunity to bring Asian American film programming to your organization, community or school that your audience may not be able see elsewhere. Maybe you can't make it to any of the film festivals I talk about here all the time. Some of the available films in the festival including Chris Chan Lee's Undoing, Joy Dietrich's Tie a Yellow Ribbon, and Lisette Marie Flanary's Na Kamalei: The Men of Hula, among others, as well as a variety of short films. For more information about Asian CineVision's 2007-08 National Festival Tour, go here.
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