Philadelphia Asian American Film Festival

Local Philly

Image of red carpet

May We Have the Envelope Please?

Art, Comedy, Documentary, Drama, Local Philly, News /

On November 20, we celebrated a wildly successful 9th annual Philadelphia Asian American Film Festival with much fanfare, food, and a strong sense of community. We are thrilled to announce the award winners from PAAFF16. Thank you to all who participated and supported our festival, and CONGRATULATIONS to our winners!   Best Narrative Feature – The Tiger Hunter Dir. Lena Khan: The Tiger Hunter is a funny yet poignant reflection on the experiences of many first generation South Asian immigrants in the United States.   Best Documentary Feature – Tyrus Dir. Pamela Tom: Tyrus tells the unlikely story of 105-year old Chinese American artist Tyrus Wong, whose unique style combined Chinese calligraphic and landscape influences with contemporary Western art to define the stylistic look of Disney”s Bambi.   Best Narrative Short – I Won’t Miss You Dir. Bernard Badion: 17-year-old Janey’s best friend Tim begins to appear in her bedroom at night after dying in a car crash and their awkward undeclared feelings begin to surface.   Best Documentary Short – Noodle Deli Dir. David Liu: From China to Los Angeles, an immigrant chef continues one of the world’s fabled culinary traditions — the art of making noodles.   Audience Choice Narrative – The Last Smile Dir. Shankey Srinivasan: Inspired by true events, this film chronicles the struggles of a bereaved father searching for answers to explain the untimely demise of his adult son.   Audience Choice Documentary – Mele Murals Dir. Tadashi Nakamura: Mele Murals is a compelling feature documentary about a young generation of Native Hawaiians who are reclaiming their indigenous culture through the transformative power of graffiti art.   Vijay Mohan Social Change Award – Dear Thalia Dir. Rex Moribe: Dear Thalia offers a firsthand look into the lives of a family living on the streets of Kakaako, Oahu.   Rising Star Award – Danny Pudi: Perhaps best known for his role as Abed Nadir on the NBC/Yahoo! comedy series Community, PAAFF honored Danny Pudi for his leading man-making performance in this year’s Best Narrative Feature, The Tiger Hunter.  

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Vinage Postcards

Hau’oli la Homebrew: Closing Night Beer Tasting

Documentary, Events, Local Philly, News /

  On Sunday November 20th, PAAFF ’16 will close our 9th annual film festival with a Hawaii-themed Closing Night Party. The evening kicks off with a screening of Mele Murals, a stunning documentary highlighting the power of art to inspire, transform, and connect. In addition to the screening, this event will feature a live mural painting, catering by Poi Dog Snack Shop, a limited-edition flavor ice cream by Little Baby’s, and tastings by five of Philadelphia’s most creative home brewers and members of HOPS (Homebrewers of Philadelphia & Suburbs), the area’s oldest homebrew club.     Two of the beers we’ll be sampling are ales. Matt Johnson—an archaeologist by training and currently a writing instructor at the University of Pennsylvania—is a recent addition to the HOPS club. He will be pouring his Akamu Ale. Akamu means “red earth” in Hawaiian, and this ale derives its russet hue from the addition of 1.5 oz of dried hibiscus flowers during the brewing process. Matt describes his beer as “light, refreshing ale with a bit of tart, fruit-like flavor.” Our second ale artist and tap master, Jeremy Hancher, works as an environmental consultant. But he’s also an award-winning brewer. Most recently, Jeremy won first place awards in the highly competitive HOPS BOPS for both his Milk Stout and German Schwarzbier. This Sunday Jeremy will be unveiling a British pale ale he’s dubbed PAAFF Pale Ale. We’re particularly thrilled that Jeremy has chosen to name this brew in honor of our film festival, as he took first prize in the 2010 War of the Worts in the English Pale Ale category.     Nothing says “the tropics” like fresh fruit. But fruit is only one reason we’re so excited about Tyler Flynn’s contribution to our party. Although he is a specialist in U.S. History at Eastern University, Tyler has brewed Mango Saison—a multigrain, Belgian-style farmhouse ale with a touch of mango—to pair with Poi Dog’s Pacific-fusion snacks. Considered one of the area’s rising stars in home brewing, Tyler has won numerous awards at both Philly Beer Week’s Extreme Homebrew Challenge and HOPS BOPS. Tyler has also written artfully about his journey from “ale consumer to ale producer.” Michael Soo began brewing when his wife bought him a homebrewing kit from Home Sweet Homebrew for Christmas. Eight years and countless brewing medals later, this “breakaway star” in beer brings his knowledge as a doctoral candidate in Biochemistry at the University of Pennsylvania to his brewing. While sour beers have only recently taken off in the Philadelphia area, connoisseurs have long prized sour ales, in part, because brewing them entails considerable time and a deft hand with tricky microorganisms. So make sure to sample Michael’s Sour Grapes of Wrath, a sour Flemish-style Brown Ale (Oud Bruin) fermented with concord grapes.     Finally, PAAFF is honored to be offering Blood on the Tracks—a hefeweizen/IPA hybrid using Mandarina Bavaria hops and a touch of blood-orange puree—brewed by Philadelphia’s own beer legend, George Hummel. Both George and his wife Nancy Rigberg are the owners of Home Sweet Homebrew, and they have been award-winning writers, speakers, and homebrewers since 1986. They are the founders of HOPS and have been recognized for their part in making Philadelphia “the best beer city in America.” And in case sampling inspires you to try your hand at brewing, click on the keg for more information on HOPS and Home Sweet Homebrew.   PAAFF would like to thank all the brewers for generously donating their time and their talents. We offer special thanks to George and Nancy for allowing us to borrow their beer-serving equipment.

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The Return of #PAAFFandSeek

Local Philly, News /

PAAFF ’16 has begun! Last night, an awesome crowd came out to see ‘The Tiger Hunter’ with star Danny Pudi and writer/director Lena Khan in attendance. Plus, they feasted on food from Nanee’s Kitchen (who previously dazzled fans at the PAAFF Asian Chef Experience) and danced along to the bangin’ Bhangra beats of DJ Rekha. And if you were there, you may have noticed some fortune cookies scattered around the afterparty. These cookies mark the return of our interactive social media scavenger hunt, #PAAFFandSeek! If you were curious and adventurous enough to open one, then it’s your lucky day because if you get a special fortune, then you’re the winner of a pair of tickets to any movie playing at PAAFF (except for the closing night). All you have to do is tweet a picture of yourself with the fortune and we’ll follow up to get your information. And if you missed out on the opening night party, you still have the opportunity to play along and win. Fortune cookies can be found at the following locations: Amalgam Comics & Coffeehouse 2578 Frankford Ave Philadelphia, PA 19125 Atomic City Comics 640 South St Philadelphia, PA 19147 Tokio Headhouse Izakaya 122 Lombard St Philadelphia, PA 19147 Poi Dog Snack Shop Follow Poi Dog on Twitter at @PoiDogPhilly to find out where they’ll be this week. Little Baby’s Ice Cream 2311 Frankford Ave Philadelphia, PA 19125 Stay tuned to our Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram to keep up with the latest #PAAFFandSeek developments and go out there to get your free tickets to #PAAFF16!

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Triptych photo of performers

PAAFF First Friday at the Barnes – A Closer Look

Art, Events, Indonesia, Japanese, Live Performance, Local Philly, Music, News, Sci-Fi, Short Films, South Asian, Tibetan /

On Friday May 6th, the Barnes Foundation will celebrate Asia-Pacific American Heritage Month with Asia Fantasia, a First Friday fusion of art and performance. Asia Fantasia represents PAAFF’s first collaboration with the Barnes. The event will showcase the rich diversity of traditional and contemporary Asian and Asian American artistic engagement while shedding light on the fertile artistic dialogue between east and west. Throughout the evening, visitors will be treated to live performances varying from a traditional Tibetan yak dance by the Tibetan Association of Philadelphia to the fresh sounds of Anthony Brown’s Asian American Jazz Trio. Tibetan culture features a number of animal-themed dances—including the snow lion and the deer—but the yak dance is particularly suited to this occasion. Not only is the dance traditionally performed as a welcoming, but the yak itself also symbolizes the rugged strength and playfulness of the Tibetan people. Far from the snowy heights of Tibet lies the home of the angklung, a percussive instrument made from bamboo tubes mounted to a frame. The angklung creates a unique, almost “raindrop-like” sound and has been recognized by UNESCO as an element of Intangible Cultural Heritage. Based in Washington D.C., the House of Angklung helps to preserve and promote this Indonesian art form through educational outreach and performances. Though their Angklung Goes to School program, the House of Angklung has introduced young people in over twenty schools in the D.C. area to Indonesian music and culture. And in July 2011 they took part in a Guinness world record-breaking ensemble of angklung players (click on the image to view video from event). Fast-forwarding to the twentieth century and beyond, Dr. Anthony Brown will be bringing his Asian American Jazz Trio (an offshoot of his larger Asian American Orchestra) from San Francisco. While the Asian American Jazz Trio features original compositions that blend traditional Asian instruments and concepts with the improvisational qualities of post-modern jazz, Brown has promised to include the work of John Coltrane, “Philadelphia’s most revered jazz musician, one who was profoundly influenced by Asian music and spirituality.” As both a musician and a scholar, Brown is attuned to the histories and influences that underlie Asian American jazz. He points out that—like Latin American jazz—Asian American jazz is infused with traditionally non-jazz instruments, in the case of his trio, the shakuhachi and the sheng. Yet, as with jazz and blues, early Asian American jazz was inspired by “the life experiences of its working-class creators who musically conveyed their stories of Asians on American soil.” Brown himself was recently featured in Don’t Lose Your Soul, a documentary dedicated to Brown, fellow jazz pioneer Mark Izu, and their 30+ year collaboration. Finally, hold onto your seatbelts for Faroukh Virani’s sci-fi short Vimana. Released almost a year before The Martian, Vimana focuses on Pankaj and Naaz, two South Asian astronauts who must land their vessel and settle an alien planet in the wake of their captain’s untimely demise. Although set in deep space, the story “could be a human emotional moment anywhere,” according to Virani. Asia Fantasia will also feature a short lecture on Japanese art and commodities in the 19th century, glass painting sponsored by Blue Moon Brewing Company, as well as light refreshments and beverages for purchase. Tickets are available through the Barnes Foundation.

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photo of Eddie Traffic

Philadelphia Premiere of Truckin’

Documentary, Environment, Local Philly, News, Uncategorized, Women /

  Just a few days shy of Christmas 2013, the back gate on a truck bound for a slaughterhouse flew open. A young pig leapt off the truck, only to land on Interstate 80 in New Jersey. Due to the quick thinking of truck driver Paul “Ed” Waller, who witnessed the event, the pig survived both the fall and the traffic. Through a fortuitous series of events and a touch of Christmas magic, the young pig—now known by the name “Eddie Traffic”—ended up at Indraloka Farm Sanctuary in Mehoopany, Pennsylvania, where he will spend the rest of his days. Established in 2005, Indraloka Farm Sanctuary houses nearly 200 animal residents that include cows, chickens, turkeys, and, of course, pigs. Sanctuary founder Lahiri has a lifelong history of rescuing and nursing animals in need. In addition to managing the sanctuary (which is named after the Hindu god Indra), engaging in educational outreach, and cofounding a network for sanctuary owners called Global Coalition of Farm Sanctuaries, Lahiri maintains a blog about the Indraloka’s many residents. Eddie’s story, like many others, is written in vivid first person. In it, Lahiri imagines what might have motivated the young pig’s “leap of faith”: Operation 303: Freedom Awaits. Due to the dramatic nature of Eddie’s escape and the feel-good end to his journey, local news was quick to pick up the story. Photographer Joel Anderson has since created a limited edition portrait of the local celebrity. And this past year, filmmaker and Indraloka Creative Director Johnny Braz released a feature-length documentary about the celebrity pig called Truckin’,The Story of Eddie Traffic. When asked why he chose Eddie’s story, he noted, “Being a filmmaker I see everything as a potential film idea. But his story was so perfect.” The film, which Lahiri and Braz premiered at the 2015 Farm Animal Rights Movement National Conference, was well received. Although Braz feels that the true test lies in how Truckin’ will appeal to a more mainstream audience, he already has a sequel in mind: Truckin’ Part 2 will focus on a group of chickens that fell off a speeding truck near the sanctuary. Truckin’: The Story of Eddie Traffic Sunday April 3 1 pm The Rotunda 4014 Walnut St Philadelphia, PA 19104 Truckin’ The Eddie Traffic Story premieres in Philadelphia this Sunday at The Rotunda. The screening is hosted by the AnimalACTivists of Philly and is free and open to to the public. The film will be followed by a Q&A with film director Johnny Braz. Drinks and snacks will be provided. Find Out More

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Event art for Chops' Strength in Numbers

Centerpiece Event: Strength In Numbers

Live Performance, Local Philly, Music /

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Music Video • Live Performances • Panel Discussion Guest curated by producer and emcee Scott CHOPS Jung of Philly’s legendary Mountain Brothers, the first Asian American Hip Hop group signed to a major record label. This multimedia program explores the Asian American Hip Hop movement through music videos and live performances by artists included in the seminal compilation album, Strength in NUMBERS. Featuring a Panel Discussion with Strength in NUMBERS creator CHOPS (whose producer credits include Kanye West, Snoop Dogg, Lil Wayne, and Nicki Minaj) and special guests. *Ticket purchase includes FREE Strength In NUMBERS poster[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_separator color=”grey”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_column_text] [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_column_text]Moderated by: Dr. James peterson Director of Africana Studies and Associate Professor of English, Lehigh University, James is also Founder of Hip Hop Scholars, Inc and a frequent Guest Commentator on MSNBC and CNN.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_separator color=”grey”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_column_text] [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_column_text]Panelists: – Scott Chops Jung – Mountain Brothers, Producer and Emcee – Chris Peril-L Wang – Mountain Brothers, Emcee – Steve Styles Infinite Wei – Mountain Brothers, Emcee – Catzie Vilayphonh – Yellow Rage, Spoken Word Artist[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_separator color=”grey”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_column_text] [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_column_text]Featured artists in music video program: – Mountain Brothers Paul Kim & Dumbfoundead – Bambu & Rocky Rivera Rekstizzy – Ann One Level, Rob Campman, & Lil Crazed – Mic Barz & Timothy Flu Drunken Tiger & Yoon Mi Rae[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_separator color=”grey”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text] Performers: Danny Chung (formerly known as Decipher) is a Philadelphia-born emcee raised by his step mother, with the help of Zack Morris and Tupac Shakur. More than a decade in the game, Danny’s gone on to release five albums and counting, plus a string of singles including his latest hit Norma Jeane. Credits of LA singer/songwriter/producer Ann One include work with Drunken Tiger, Yoon Mi Rae, Anderson Paak, and The Pharcyde. Ann had 2 acclaimed albums and many singles in South Korea, and independently released her latest single “WhatULike”. Her debut US EP “Butterfly Knife” drops late 2015. Long Beach CA’s Joanlee started young, singing & rapping in church, eventually writing poems, lyrics, and music. He’s built a widespread YouTube following and worked behind the scenes with many music industry artists. His album “On The Radar” due this year is a follow up to his 2011 debut  “Under The Radar”. Native to Camden NJ, JL Jupiter is an emcee and vocalist whose style has been cultivated through over 13 years of music creation spanning 3 albums and 2 mixtapes, culminating in his first solo project Resident Alien. JL is also owner of Planetary P Films, a video production company specializing in music videos. [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_column_text] [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_column_text] [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_column_text] [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_column_text] [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_separator color=”grey”][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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Hollywood Beauty Salon

Documentary, Local Philly, News /

PAAFF Alum Daniel Traub and Glenn Holsten’s (The Barefoot Artist) newest documentary Hollywood Beauty Salon will be screening Thursday, May 14th at The Perelman Theater at The Kimmel Center. The film focuses on a tiny beauty parlor tucked inside the Germantown Recovery Community and is the story of the salon-and its clients’ journeys of recovery-in imaginative ways. Partnering with members of The Germantown Recovery Community (part of NHS Human Services) Daniel Traub and Glenn Holsten produce a film that weaves together powerful narratives of transformation. Hollywood Beauty Salon tells stories of struggle from darkness-including mental health challenges, addiction, trauma, and abuse-to hope and light, revealing the strength of this special community. WHEN: Thursday May 14th, 7PM WHERE: The Perelman Theater at The Kimmel Center COST: Free with RSVP HERE WEBSITE: tickets.kimmelcenter.org

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