Austin Asian American Film Festival

By J -


The 6th annual Austin Asian American Film Festival (AAAFF) is slated to run November 12th through November 15th at the Alamo, South Lamar. The 2009 movie line-up includes 40 outstanding feature films and shorts selections from over 300 submissions from around the world. In addition, we have a wide variety of special events and film-festival related parties to pick from.

The 2009 Film Festival kicks off Thursday, November 12th with a 7:00pm screening of local filmmaker Ed Radtke’s award-winning drama, Speed of Life, followed by a one of a kind opening night party at KTV Silhouette Lounge featuring DJ Chris Klassen spinning Cambodian girl rock and other feet tapping tracks from around the globe.

VIP Badges for the festival are now on sale for $50 (the price goes up to $60 starting November 1st). Use “AAAFF” Coupon code for a 10% discount coupon on badges (until coupons last). Badge holders will enjoy:
 VIP access to all festival screenings, events and unlimited drinks @ selected events
 No waiting in line for any screenings or events, guaranteed entry to sold out shows
 Exclusive opportunities to meet with the filmmakers, actors and special guests
 Admission to a private brunch - the coveted AWM Visionary Awards will be announced at this event
 A goodie bag containing an impressive array of treats and surprises including discount coupons to popular Austin restaurants

Films line-up, most premiering for the 1st time in Austin, include –
o White on Rice (Dave Boyle, 2009), a sleeper hit romantic comedy with lead actress Lynn Chen (Saving Face) in attendance
o Ramchand Pakistani (Mehreen Jabbar, 2008), a moving story of a young Pakistani boy imprisoned for accidentally crossing the India-Pakistan border
o Fruit Fly (H.P. Mendoza, 2009), the exuberant and wildly creative musical, which will also be accompanied by a “surprise” viewing
o Old Partner (Lee Chung-Ryoul, 2008), South Korea’s highest grossing independent film of all-time, the heartbreaking and charming tale of an elderly man and his beloved ox
o Persepolis – A bonus screening - AAAFF is bringing this Oscar nominated and Cannes Festival winner for a one-time outdoor screening on Town Lake! This captivating animated film about an Iranian girl’s journey from young punk rebel to outspoken political dissident will be accompanied by the delicious cuisines of three Austin favorites (Sushi-A-Go-Go, Satay Thai, and Get Sum Dim Sum), and will be preceded by the phenomenal Iranian band Tehranosaurus.

Other Events & Parties –
o Bollywood-themed party at Malverde
o Concert at the Music Gym headlined by underground hip-hop superstar JenRo (showcased on VH1’s The Coolest Years and featured in the documentary Rebel Girls)
o Free student screenings and discussion panels on the UT campus

About the Festival: Founded in 2004, the Austin Asian American Film Festival celebrates the best in Asian and Asian American independent cinema. The festival aims to highlight the complexity and vitality of Asian/Asian-American communities through cutting-edge narrative, documentary and experimental films in a world far from home. Visit our website for more information.

Comments

Larry said…
Here's a question:

Why do these so-called "Asian American" film festivals usually have films from Asia as part of their screenings?

This is like have films from Africa as part of an African American film festival.

Of, better yet, froms from Europe as part of a domestic American (i.e. European American) festival in the USA.

What exactly does the experience of someone in South Korea or Iran really have to do with Asian America?
October 29, 2009 at 4:53 PM
J said…
that's very true, Larry. when you count the number of home grown films, its very few and far between. which makes it very boring for me at these film festivals, because most foreign films (especially indie foreign films) are too slow for my tastes with little dialog.

when's the next Better Luck Tomorrow coming, damnit!
October 30, 2009 at 5:21 AM
CJ said…
Hi Larry and James - Thank you so much for this post and for your thoughtful comments. This blog is a great discovery. Love it!

You ask excellent questions. To answer them, the majority of films playing at AAAFF *are* American made. But, the festival is in fact dedicated to Asian and Asian American cinema. This is stated in the AAAFF mission statement. One of the reasons for this is that many folks - especially in a college town like Austin - are recent immigrants, or are just passing through and are very excited to see films from their home countries (as are others who do not fit into these categories). The festival makes every attempt to program a wide variety of films that will appeal to those who identify as Asian American, those who identify as Asian, those interested in these communities, and just about everyone else. Everyone is welcomed at AAAFF - 1st generation, 2nd generation (and beyond), those with temporary visas, and those who simply enjoy good films. As you guys know, everyone's identities and experiences are different, and no constituencies of our communities are intentionally excluded (which I can see from your own "Asian and Asian American" mission statement is, admirably, also the approach you are taking).

As for Better Luck Tomorrow, I agree, what a great film! But, I think there are other great (even similar) Asian American and Asian films that have come out since then, and like Better Luck Tomorrow, they got their start at a film festival.

Thanks again for this post and for the great blog. I'm going to spread the word to several of my friends who will really enjoy it!
October 31, 2009 at 2:06 PM
J said…
Hey CJ,

Thanks for the clarification and glad you like the blog.

I hear what you're saying. Almost every Asian American film festival in the nation is a mix of home grown and overseas films which, like you said, is representative of the wide range of Asian American experiences.
October 31, 2009 at 4:41 PM
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