Inventing Ourselves: Women’s Stories of Self-Discovery

A film screening presented by Philadelphia Asian American Film Festival and Philly Solidarity in celebration of Women’s History Month

Due to COVID-19, only water is allowed during the event. Food and drink will not be served.

‼️ COVID-19 Protocols ‼️

• 🔖 Proof of COVID-19 vaccination with photo ID is required.
• 💉 At least 3 doses of COVID-19 vaccine required. Last vaccine dose must be administered 2 weeks PRIOR to event.
• 😷 Attendees are required to wear a medical-grade mask (KN95 and N95 preferred) at all times. Surgical masks must be doubled.
• 🙊 Masks must be worn over mouth and nose at all times. Please do not remove your mask for photos.

In observance of Women’s History Month, Philadelphia Asian American Film Festival is partnering with Philly Solidarity to screen a short-film program followed by a community discussion. This collection of short films explores some of the ways in which Asian women are impacted by beauty standards, cultural roles, or societal constructs. From navigating the perceived conflict between Chinese identity and basketball to the dissonant experiences of living as a trans woman in South Korea— these stories show the complexities of self-defined womanhood.

Through this film program, PAAFF and Philly Solidarity intend to create an open space where the experiences of Asian women, including trans, non-binary, gender non-conforming people, are validated, embraced, and can be bravely discussed within our community. We will also be hosting a raffle featuring products from local Asian women-owned and -operated businesses: Càphê Roasters, Sabbatical Beauty, and Tita Emmie’s. Raffle tickets and other products are included in the ticket price.

We will also be hosting a raffle featuring products from local Asian women-owned and -operated businesses. Raffle prizes include: Sabbatical Beauty’s Camelia Gold Beauty Oil, Tita Emmie’s Kaya Natin Ito Pin, Philly Solidarity Tee, and PAAFF Tee. Raffle tickets and other products are included in the ticket price.

The event is open to all including those who may not identify as Asian women, but the discussion will be facilitated to center Asian women (trans, non-binary, and gender non-conforming inclusive) experiences.

Due to film security reasons, we are not able to provide online access to this event. However, some of the films in the program are available to view online. Details below.

Join us for a discussion on the following films:

Unfair & Lovely (2018) | Director: Anita Kalathara

In India, products like Fair and Lovely are sold to lighten skin. Fairer-skinned women are more likely to obtain high-profile jobs and social status, while darker-skinned women are shamed. This short exposes this dated bias that runs rampant in numerous cultures. This short is available to view on YouTube.

God’s Daughter Dances (2021) Director: Sungbin Byun

A transgender female dancer, Shin-mi, gets a call from the Military Manpower Administration, to attend the Military Service Examination.

Americanized (2021) | Director: Erica Eng

Growing up in Oakland’s hip-hop culture, Eng struggles with her Chinese American identity. To her high school basketball team, she’s just that girl who sits on the bench; but to the Asian kids she’s “Americanized.”