This one's for all the film fans in Philly. The 5th Annual Philadelphia Asian American Film Festival is off and running, celebrating and elevating the Asian American experience with dozens of culturally relevant film programs.
It's happening right now through November 17. So take a look at the schedule and make some plans to see some Asian American cinema. Here are some highlights:
No Look PassLooks like they've got a little bit something for all tastes. For further information, including ticket details, the full schedule and descriptions of all the works, go here, or view the program guide here.
Launch Night Film
Wed. Nov 7th, 6pm
Asian Arts Initiative - 1219 Vine Street, Phila, 19107
(includes FREE reception)
NO LOOK PASS is the coming-of-age, American Dream story of Harvard basketball star Emily 'Etay' Tay, (who's been called the female Jeremy Lin) a first-generation Burmese immigrant from Chinatown, LA, who breaks all of the rules of tradition.
Shanghai Calling
Opening Night Film Presented by HBO
Thurs. Nov 8th, 7pm Film, 9:45pm Reception
International House - 3701 Chestnut St, Phila, 19104
(includes FREE catered reception by Mikado & wine tasting from CBL Wine Co, LLC)
Imagine a steady stream of immigrants, traveling across a vast ocean to a foreign country, searching for new jobs and better lives. But the immigrants are Americans, and the country they are moving to... is China. SHANGHAI CALLING is a romantic comedy about modern-day American immigrants in an unfamiliar land.
Starring Daniel Henney (X-Men Origins: Wolverine) and featuring Bill Paxton.
White Frog
Centerpiece Film Presented by State Farm
Sat. Nov 10th, 7pm
International House - 3701 Chestnut St, Phila, 19104
WHITE FROG is a universal story of the power of family, friendship, and love.
Starring Booboo Stewart (Twilight Saga), Joan Chen (The Last Emperor), BD Wong (Law & Order: SVU) and Harry Shum, Jr. (Glee).
Pearls of the Far East
Closing Night Film Presented by Comcast
Fri. Nov 16th, 6pm
International House - 3701 Chestnut St, Phila, 19104
includes FREE catered reception)
The inner lives and forbidden loves of seven Vietnamese women form the beautiful string that runs through director Cuong Ngo's feature film debut, Pearls of the Far East.
My KoAloha Story
Festival Finale
Sat. Nov 17th, 4:30pm
Asian Arts Initiative - 1219 Vine Street, Phila, 19107
(includes FREE reception)
My KoAloha Story is a Made in Hawaii 'talk story' style documentary-music film weaving together both music and story of family, artists, and everyday people. Directed by Philadelphia filmmaker and PAAFF'08 alum Gary San Angel.
6 time Grammy Award Winner Daniel Ho and representatives from KoAloha will also be in attendance!
FREE Shorts Program 1
Sat. Nov 10th, 12pm
International House - 3701 Chestnut Street, Phila, 19104
Six stories of discovery, Asian American style
Asian Americans in Hollywood
FREE Live Event!
Sat. Nov 10th, 5pm
International House - 3701 Chestnut St, Phila, 19104
As Philadelphia Asian American Film & Filmmakers looks back after 5 years, we present a lively discussion that will examine the advances Asian American filmmakers and actors have made in the industry in recent years. Our diverse panel will discuss their struggles and successes as they strive to make an impact in Hollywood. Also follow updates on the PAAFF Facebook page here.
FREE Shorts Program 2
Sun. Nov 11th, 1pm
International House - 3701 Chestnut St, Phila, 19104
Notable new works from the Asian American film community
Talk Story with Daniel Ho
FREE Live Music Event!
Sat. Nov 17th, 3:15pm
Asian Arts Initiative - 1219 Vine Street, Phila, 19107
Traditionally a Hawaiian instrument, the 4-stringed guitar-like ukulele has found a niche in popular music. Its unique sound brings an instant island tone to any piece of music. Learn about this incredible and beloved instrument in Hawaiian "talk story" style from 6 time Grammy Award winning artist and Hawaiian music legend Daniel Ho! (Also featuring a mini-concert!)