This is it! It's opening night for the Asian American International Film Festival, kicking off any amazing lineup for films and events, now through July 24 at locations throughout New York City.
Hit the red carpet tonight for AAIFF's presentation of Manila Skies, directed by Raymond Red. That's tonight, 7:30pm at Clearview Chelsea Cinema. Take a look at the trailer:
And here's the movie's description:
Award-winning Filmmaker Raymond Red is no stranger to international audiences. He was the first Filipino to have won the Palme d’Or in Cannes for his 2000 short film, Anino. In Manila Skies we follow Raul (Raul Arellano), a struggling day laborer who tries to cobble together some money for a trip back to his childhood home in Romblon, where he hopes to help his ailing father. Raul’s attempts to secure a more lucrative job abroad are stymied by Manila’s suffocating bureaucracy. Tired of depending on others, Raul finally decides to strangle fate by virtue of his own calloused hands. He joins his drinking buddies in an ill-fated plan to steal from a disreputable businessman. After a disastrous turn of events, Raul ends up using a gun and grenade to return to the innocence he longs for. With guerilla-style framing that emotes claustrophobia and anxiety, Red propels us through the grime and heat of the city and never lets up. Inspired by true events.Sounds good. Director Ramond Red will be in attendance for a Q&A after the screening. Following the film, the Opening Night Gala will be held at the Midtown Loft & Terrace.
Come out to the film festival, and check out some of the latest and greatest works in Asian/Asian American cinema. For more information, including the full schedule of films and events, as well as ticket and venue info, head over to the AAIFF'10 website here.