Philadelphia Asian American Film Festival

Latest Past Events

Closing Night: The Soul of the Tiger

Asian Arts Initiative 1219 Vine St, Philadelphia

Directed by Francois Yang After his brother suddenly dies, dies, Alex, a thirty-something man of French Chinese descent, returns to Paris in search of an explanation. Torn between two cultures and caught in a love triangle with women who represent both sides of his heritage, Alex must come to terms with his family’s past as he tries to uncover the truth behind his brother’s death. Produced by the same team who brought us PAAFF15 film alumni Mooncake, this feature film is a landmark achievement for the Francophone Asian diasporic community, and highly relatable to the Asian American experience. Tickets Festival Pass

$10

Paris, Ni Hao

Asian Arts Initiative 1219 Vine St, Philadelphia

Directed by Zixuan Deng Immigrants in France. Through their specific experiences, the film gives an intimate look at the rise of a new generation of French Chinese who identify with two cultures, speak two languages, and demand acceptance within contemporary French society. Filmed in French and Chinese with English subtitles, this film reveals the resilience of the Chinese community in Paris, but also underscores the universal complications and shared immigration histories across the Chinese diaspora. Filmmaker Zixuan Deng expected in attendance for post-film Q&A. Tickets Festival Pass

$10

A Whale of a Tale

Asian Arts Initiative 1219 Vine St, Philadelphia

Directed by Megumi Sasaki After a documentary film denouncing Japan’s longstanding whale and dolphin hunting practices called The Cove wins an Academy Award in 2010, the sleepy fishing town of Taiji suddenly awakens to find itself in the global spotlight. Almost overnight, Taiji transforms into the go-to battleground for international anti-whaling activists. The camera delves into the lives of local whalers, global activists, and an American journalist in the “whale and dolphin killing town” and suggests that not everything is as black and white as it might seem. Filmmaker Megumi Sasaki is expected to be in attendance for a post-film Q&A. Tickets Festival Pass

Free