Philadelphia Asian American Film Festival

Shorts Program: Sci-Fi Genre

Lightbox Film Center 3701 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA, United States

This block of four Sci-Fi genre narrative shorts explores a variety of not-so-distant futures dictated by technology and varying degrees of dystopia. Filmmakers expected in attendance for post-film Q&A Frenchies Director: Kuan-Fu Lin | 13 mins | USA After strange new neighbors move into his building, fear of the unknown makes a man start to suspect the worst of them. The Lie Game Director: Jyothi Kalyan Sura | 14 mins | USA After losing her boyfriend to depression, a computer scientist creates and anti-depression AI application and looks for funding to complete it. Following a string of failed interviews, she enters her final interview which turns into a bizarre challenge of lie detection. andLIFE Director: Jean Goto | 11 mins | USA Set in the near future when climate change has taken its irreversible toll on Earth, a dying man and his partner contemplate their past. Shabu Director: Kiersten Villanueva | 10 mins | USA Several years after America has placed a “kill-all” order on anyone suspected of dealing in the drug trade, a photojournalist discovers the corrupt nature of the world she lives in.

Free

“How To Break Into The Film Industry” Panel

Asian Arts Initiative 1219 Vine St, Philadelphia, PA, United States

The 2008 PAAFF Film Industry Panel will focus on practical advice to aspiring actors and filmmakers seeking to break into the film business, with particular emphasis on the challenges facing Asian American actors and filmmakers. Michael Wingate Jones, Esq. Panel moderator, actor/filmmaker/attorney Anula Shetty Award-winning filmmaker and community teaching artist at Temple University, University of the Arts, Asian Arts Initiative, and Scribe Video Center. Benson Lee Director/producer of documentary feature, "Planet B-Boy" and nominated for grand jury prize at Sundance 1998 for narrative feature, "Miss Monday." Jason Loftus, C.S.A. SAG actor (The Sopranos), member of prestigious Casting Society of America (Heery Casting), and producer of upcoming independent feature film, "The Storyteller." Jeffrey D. Erb Executive producer and distributor of numerous feature films such as Tooth and Nail, The Speed of Life, Southern Gothic, and Just Add Water, CEO of Feverpitch Pictures and principal in Norristown Studios at Studio Centre Norristown (film studio in development). Lyman Chen Delaware Valley first generation Chinese-American SAG actor with speaking roles in The Departed, The Happening, and Tenure.</p?

A Conversation with Greg Pak

Moderated by: Loraine Ballard Morrill (Clear Channel Radio) PAAFF is excited to present a free special event with Greg Pak, award-winning director of "Robot Stories" and writer of acclaimed Marvel Comics storylines such as "Planet Hulk," "World War Hulk," "Incredible Hercules" (with Fred Van Lente), and "Mageneto Testament." Greg's latest short film, "Mr. Green" starring Tim Kang (The Mentalist) is an Official Selection at PAAFF '10. Greg will be in attendance for life Q&A and will also be receiving the 2010 PAAFF Emerging Voice Award. For the latest about Greg's work, visit www.gregpak.com and twitter.com/gregpak

Perspectives on Asian American Identity (Live Event)

International House Philadelphia 3701 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA, United States

Philadelphia Asian American Film Festival & Filmmakers presents a lively discussion of issues of Asian American cultural identity to lead into Opening Night 2010. This free special event uses a special screening of the HBO produced mini-documentary, "East of Main Street: Asians Aloud" as the point of departure for an informed discussion. EOMS:AA Examines the rich, broad, and unique experiences of the Asian American journey by collecting the diverse perspectives of 14 informative and entertaining individuals. Join our panel of distinguished members of the local Asian American community discussing what it means to be Asian American in America. Moderated by: Nydia Han - Action News 6 ABC reporter Nina Ahmad Chairperson, Mayor's Commission on Asian American Affairs Brad Baldia PAAFF Founding Member and Nat'l President, National Association of American Professionals Allen Chou President, Passion River Films Sebastian Ho Conley Emmy winner and writer/director of "Collin Hearts Kay" Susan Jin Davis Comcast VP Strategic Partnerships, Communications & Data Services Chi-hui Yang Film Programmer/Former Director, SF Int'l As Am. Film Festival Community Partner: The Greater Philadelphia Film Office

Suite Suite Chinatown – Live Performance

Film screening accompanied by a live performance by local musical artist Jason Min! Directors:Howie Shia, Lillian Chan, Serena Lee, Heather Keung, Lesley Loski Chan, Aram Siu Wai Collier, Joyce Wong Program Director:Aram Siu Wai Collier Musical Director:Arthur Yeung A group of artistically diverse, award-winning Chinese Canadian filmmakers were presented with a challenge: answer the question, "What is your Chinatown?" on film. The result is a collaboratively produced, multi-genre cinematic vision of Chinatown, where anything is possible and the unexpected is just the tip of the iceberg!Panel discussion will follow.

Asian Americans in Hollywood

International House Philadelphia 3701 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA, United States

As Philadelphia Asian American Film & Filmmakers looks back 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. BD Wong will be honored with an award for his contributions as an actor! Moderated by: Richard Liu - MSNBC anchor Parry Shen Actor, Yes, We're Open Sarovar Banka Director, A Decent Arrangement Theresa Navarro Producer, Yes, We're Open Booboo Stewart Actor, White Frog BD Wong Actor, White Frog

Opening Night Film – The Tiger Hunter

International House Philadelphia 3701 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA, United States

Join PAAFF for the Opening Night Film & Reception celebrating the beginning of the 2016 Philadelphia Asian American Film Festival. Synopsis: Danny Pudi (NBC's Community) stars as Sami Malik, a young Indian man who immigrates to 1970s Chicago to become an engineer at a top firm. When his job falls through, he resorts to an elaborate charade with a band of misfit friends to convince his would-be father-in-law that he has made it big in America, woo the woman of his dreams, and live up to the legacy of his father - a legendary tiger hunter. Powerfully told through Pudi"s breakout leading man performance, The Tiger Hunter is a funny yet poignant reflection on the experiences of many first generation South Asian immigrants in the United States. Director Lena Khan and lead actor Danny Pudi are expected to attend for post-film Q&A. Film will be followed by the PAAFF'16 Opening Night Reception featuring Bhangra dance music spun by prolific NY-based DJ Rekha, a selection of Indian food, and complimentary wine and beer. Facebook Event Page

$7 – $10

Between Borders Shorts

Lightbox Film Center 3701 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA, United States

This FREE program of five shorts involve various marginalized identities both in the US and abroad. A mixed program of Narrative and Documentary shorts, subjects include mixed ethnic identity, refugees, and racial profiling. Filmmakers expected in attendance. Chanthadeth Chanthadeth grew up with his Cambodian mother and no connection to his Lao father or relatives. This short doc explores his bicultural identity and the meaning of his name, ultimately learning the importance of acknowledging both sides of his cultural heritage. The Three Tales of a Coin A coin recounts its life story, changing hands between a diverse group of Singaporeans in three pivotal transactions. The Lookout This short documentary examines the treacherous boat ride across the Aegean Sea, just one of many hardships endured by Syrian refugees, through the eyes of an altruistic Israeli volunteer hoping to do what he can to ease their suffering. The FBI Blew Up My Ice Skates This animated short recounts the titular incident that happened to the director in the wake of the 1979 Iran Hostage Crisis. Red, White, and Beard Cartoonist Vishavjit Singh has a unique way of fighting intolerance in the post-9/11 US - walking the streets of New York City dressed as Captain Sikh America. This short doc poses a simple question - why can’t Captain America wear a turban? Facebook Event Page

Free