Philadelphia Asian American Film Festival

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Loss & Longing Shorts

Fleisher Art Memorial 719 Catharine St, Philadelphia, PA, United States

This FREE program offers a selection of five short films dealing with coming to terms with death, and longing after loss. Filmmakers expected in attendance for post-screening Q&A. Song on Canvas An emotionally lost artist, trapped in the corporate world, receives encouragement to pick up his brush again from, out of all people - his deceased mother played by Sharon Omi (Eat With Me). Directed by PAAFF alumni Keo Woolford (The Haumana). Harry on the Clouds This animated short is about a grieving sheep mother whose young son’s spirit comes back to visit from heaven. Knots When Scarlett’s grandfather comes to town for her high school graduation, she must come to terms with the loss of her mother and mend her relationship with her father. The motif of the knot is what keeps the generations together with themes of family, acceptance and crossing cultures. I Won't Miss You 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. Godlike Alex, a complex and introverted high school teenager with an interest for gaming, finds himself at odds with his Grandmother when he receives news of his mothers passing. Facebook Event Page 

Free

Okay I’ll Tell You + Bi(?!)Lingual – Theater Performances

Fleisher Art Memorial 719 Catharine St, Philadelphia, PA, United States

As part of our ongoing commitment to the community, PAAFF’16 will include a series of FREE screenings and live theater performances November 16-17 at Fleisher Art Memorial in South Philadelphia. Okay I'll Tell You Four adults, who were adopted when they were young, gather to share their stories of family, loss, love, pride, and identity. Here, they challenge us to face their own questions, stare down narratives that keep being thrown at them, and wonder how, and sometimes even if, this part of their stories matters. Together, they mourn the closures they cannot have, embrace a future that has always been wide open, and celebrate the people with whom they have grown. Please note: this piece is not specifically created for children and does contain cursing, sexual references, and racial anxiety. The original creation of OK, I’ll Tell You received support from a 2015 Leeway Foundation Art and Change Grant. Approximately 55 minutes with audience talk back afterwards. Ensemble: Rae Bradley - Creator/Performer Noah Breymeier - Creator/Performer Siona Stone - Creator/Performer Sarah Mitteldorf - Creator/Director Website: sarahm.net Bi(?!)Lingual Asaki Kuruma’s first solo show that is incubated by Simpatico Theatre Project as a part of 2014 SoLow Festival. The show is inspired by Asaki’s life-time experience as a foreigner- Born in Japan, learned English, came to America to pursue her dream- only life just doesn’t work the way movies do. 10 min excerpt of the 55 minute original will be performed by Asaki in advance of the main event theater performance. Asaki Kuruma - Creator/Performer Facebook Event Page

Free

Musical Shorts

Fleisher Art Memorial 719 Catharine St, Philadelphia, PA, United States

This FREE four film shorts program offers a glimpse into the lifestyle of two virtuoso immigrant musicians, a struggling indie folk artist about to catch his big break, and Chinese punk rockers in Beijing. Filmmakers expected in attendance for post-screening Q&A. Carnatic Cornet Venkat Ganesan is attempting to do something that has never been done before, play the south Indian classical Carnatic music on the cornet. This short doc follows Venkat the week leading up to his first live performance. Dinosaur Rider Adapted from true stories and featuring a cast of local punk-rockers acting as themselves, this narrative short is a vibrant portrait of what it’s like to be young and punk in contemporary China. Crescendo A narrative short about sacrificing one’s passions to ensure the success of future generations, told through one hardworking South Asian immigrant’s perspective as a dishwasher and lover of classical music. I Hate Big Phony Navigating in between cultures, the soulful Korean singer-songwriter-guitarist Bobby Choy discusses his emotionally moving music and performs some of it too, lending insight into his life journey and what’s next for him. Facebook Event Page

Free

Titles are for Little Witches – Theater Performance

Fleisher Art Memorial 719 Catharine St, Philadelphia, PA, United States

As part of our ongoing commitment to the community, PAAFF’16 will include a series of FREE screenings and live theater performances November 16-17 at Fleisher Art Memorial in South Philadelphia. Titles are for Little Witches: The Salem Bitch Trials The world is full of bitches. Or is it witches? And are they talking about them or us? In this “discoveries we have made so far” showing, the Kaleid ensemble will explore the ways that the word “bitch” is used and history of witchcraft accusations to ask: What is power? How do we take it from each other? How do we claim it for ourselves? And who needs titles anyway? Approximately 55 minutes with audience talk back afterwards. Ensemble: Pratima Agrawal - Creator/Performer Nastassja Baset - Creator/Perfomer Gabriella Sanchez - Creator/Performer Sarah Mitteldorf - Creator/Director Daniel Ison - Sound Designer Gina Purri - Composer Tanaya Thomas - Choreographer Website: kaleidtheatre.org Kaleid Theatre is a project of CultureTrust Greater Philadelphia. Kaleid Theatre, as in kaleidoscope, as in collide, is a physical theatre ensemble. We are interested in how language, movement, music, and sound can come together to create a new, multi-sensory, multi-dimensional language, which allow us to explore issues that are not easy to talk about through one sense or dimension alone. The things that mean the most to our communities are often the hardest to articulate. They frequently deal with emotion, power hierarchy, the divine, trauma, transcendence, even voicelessness. To explore these themes, Kaleid layers consistent and conflicting languages from different mediums – such as text, movement, music, or sound. This method allows us to mirror the layered experience of consistent and conflicting emotions and ideas that embody these human experiences, and to explore them in a more honest and fully articulated way. Facebook Event Page 

Free

Comedy Shorts

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

This FREE shorts program offers a diverse selection of comedy shorts starring AAPI actors and comedians. Filmmakers expected in attendance for post-film Q&A. 3 Minutes At a local speed-dating event, a couple makes all-too-honest assessments of each other over the course of a three-minute conversation. Dirty Sock A man tries to prevent the future soiling of his sock using a digital time machine app. Moby Dick A comedic take at Korean culture, where circumcision is considered a necessity. Based on the filmmaker’s own high-school aged experience. First Date Deepak meets his future bride for the first time. She’s not exactly what he expected but everything he ever wanted. Almost Asian A comedy webseries created by Katie Malia that follows a half-Asian actress’ everyday life in Los Angeles. Each episode polaroids Katie’s personal and professional struggles with tongue-in-cheek humor as she awkwardly attempts to maneuver through life as a half-Asian woman. Facebook Event Page

Free

Painted Nails

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

Synopsis: Van Hoang, a Vietnamese immigrant and nail salon owner, sees her American dream crumble as she discovers that her health problems, including two miscarriages, are the result of toxic chemicals in the products used in her salon. Painted Nails tells the story of her journey into activism as she becomes a leader in the fight for safe cosmetics. Audiences witness Van's transformation from a self-described shy woman who speaks minimal English to a forthright advocate who testifies before Congress. In Washington, DC, at hearings for the Safe Cosmetics and Personal Care Products Act, Van, now a few months pregnant, steps forward to speak out not only for workers in nail salons, most of whom are Asian immigrants, but for all people exposed to the toxic chemicals in personal care products. Co-presented by VietLead facebook.com/vietlead/ Facebook Event Page 

$6 – $8

Good Luck Soup

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

Synopsis: After years of rejecting his Japanese heritage, filmmaker Matthew Hashiguchi sets out on a sometimes humorous, yet insightful journey to discover what it means to be Japanese American, and how that identity changes over time. Along the way, we learn about the life of his grandmother, a former incarceree at a WWII Relocation Camp, and how other family members also struggled with their Japanese American identities in a predominantly White neighborhood in the Midwest. The family’s various experiences have produced unique perspectives on race, identity, religion and heritage that continues to change as the family assimilates deeper into the American fabric. However, as time changes the cultural and ethnic makeup of the family, they still look to the past in an attempt to learn from and preserve their Japanese heritage. A thoughtful reflection on multiracial identity, mixed race families, and the legacy of intergenerational trauma. Director Matthew Hashiguchi expected in attendance for post-film Q&A and discussion of Good Luck Soup Interactive online transmedia database. Screens with All The Way, a short doc about a Japanese American seniors bowling league in Salt Lake City. Director Alli Nakamura expected in attendance. Facebook Event Page 

$6 – $8

Atousa’s Laughter East Coast Premiere

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

Synopsis: Twelve strangers embark on the Trans-Asia Express, a four-day train journey from Tehran to Istanbul. Amongst them are Marjan, a girl with a bag full of money and embezzlement documents, Moosa, a man searching for his lost sister, Atousa a beautiful femme fatale, Dr.Taheri, the train"s physician, and a couple of tourists. When Marjan"s bag is stolen, everyone becomes a suspect. Overcoming spatial constrictions with innovative camera technique to tell its captivating story, this film was shot entirely on a moving train in five days. Part of the New Directions in Iranian Cinema Showcase, filmmakers expected in attendance for post-film Q&A after their East Coast Premiere. Facebook Event Page

$6 – $8

Forever, Chinatown East Coast Premiere

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

Synopsis: Forever Chinatown is the story of self-taught 81-year-old artist Frank Wong who spent the past four decades recreating fading memories of the San Francisco Chinatown of his youth by building extraordinarily detailed miniature models. A meditation on memory, community, and preserving one"s own legacy, Frank"s three-dimensional miniature dioramas become rare portals into a historic neighborhood and a window to the artist"s filtered and romanticized memories and emotional struggles. In his compromise with immortality, Frank announces plans to cremate his exquisite works with him upon his death in order to "live inside them forever" in his afterlife. This film takes the journey of one individual and maps it to a rapidly changing urban neighborhood from 1940s to present day. Director James Chan and Producer Corey Tong expected in attendance for post-film Q&A. Facebook Event Page 

Free

Mixed Match

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

Synopsis: With the multiracial community becoming one of the fastest growing demographics in North America, being mixed race is no longer just about identity, it can be a matter of life and death. Mixed Match tells an important human story from the perspective of mixed race blood cancer patients who are forced to reflect on their multiracial identities and complex genetics as they struggle to find bone marrow donors. An engaging reflection on changing demographics of American society that explores what role race plays in medicine.  Director Jeff Chiba Stearns and documentary subject Athena Asklipiadis expected in attendance for post-film Q&A.

$6 – $8

A Dialogue: Living Harmony １００年ごはん

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

Synopsis: This innovative documentary explores the burgeoning organic farming and slow food movements in Southern Japan, directed by sustainable Chef Chigumi Obayashi daughter of renowned Avant-garde filmmaker Nobuhiko Obayashi (House). Usuki is a small Japanese city with a population of only 41,000, but over 2,110 farms. Due in part to the important role of agriculture in the local economy, the people of Usuki are making efforts to ensure a safe and healthy food supply for future generations. Over the past decade government, farmers, businesses, and the public at-large have worked together to develop innovative farming methods, including the establishment of a compost plant and education about organic food for the general public. Their biggest accomplishment is the decision that all meals for schoolchildren must be supplied by local and organic providers. Despite challenges that improving organic food production presents, the people of Usuki offer an inspiring example for others around the world to follow. Director Chef Chigumi Obayashi in attendance for post-film Q&A. Facebook Event Page 

$6 – $8

Breathin’ The Eddy Zheng Story

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

Synopsis: This film tells the story of Eddy Zheng, a Chinese immigrant who spent over 20 years behind bars and has now become one of the nation"s most recognized leaders on prison reform and youth violence prevention. Eddy entered the criminal justice system at 16 years old with limited understanding of the English language or the US judicial system. While in prison, Eddy learned English, earned his college degree, published his poetry, and advocated for Ethnic Studies in the prison college curriculum. This film offers a thoughtful portrait of Eddy as he negotiates what it means to "live freely" while attempting to rebuild a family, reconcile with his victims, and make a lasting change in society. Director Ben Wang and subject Eddy Zheng are expected in attendance for a post-film Q&A. Co-presented by 1Love Movement. Facebook Event Page 

$6 – $8

The Last Tour East Coast Premiere

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

Synopsis: Dishonorably discharged from the Army for his role in Iraqi prisoner torture, Jun Lee struggles to feed his family. When his former commanding officer offers him a mercenary job Jun thinks he"s finally found a way out. But when a simple kidnapping job takes a sudden dark turn, Jun has an acute attack of conscience and frees the prisoner. With mercenaries on their tail Jun turns to his survivalist Aunt and Uncle for help - and soon the motley crew must make their last stand against heavily armed professionals. While fairly lighthearted in nature, The Last Tour offers critical insight into the issues returning soldiers face as they navigate reentry to society. Director/Lead Actor Ryun Yu expected in attendance for post-film Q&A with members of the cast and crew. Facebook Event Page 

$6 – $8

Dying to Kill East Coast Premiere

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

Synopsis: Schafer Jones was a promising comedian on the rise, until a seemingly random heckler incites an onstage meltdown, captured for all the world to see. Using the meltdown as an excuse to encourage Schafer to take risks on stage, his manager and best friend Jeff begins shooting a documentary on Schafer"s comeback. The film makes a hard tonal switch from mockumentary to horror when Schafer is abducted. The reason for his captivity? To make him a better comedian. Schafer only has four chances to make his captor laugh, or the people he loves will start to die. A unique take on the horror genre with genuine reflection on the dark side of the stand-up comedy circuit. Writer/Director Raymond C. Lai, Writer Koji Steven Sakai, and Lead Actor Dwayne Perkins expected in attendance for post-film Q&A. Facebook Event Page 

$6 – $8

Youth Media Shorts

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

2016 featured the pilot version of PAAFF's Youth Media Workshop, made possible through an exciting collaboration with PhillyCAM, Philadelphia's public access television station. Spanning July 18-22, 2016 our week-long intensive workshop used a similar format to Center for Asian American Media's Muslim Youth Voices Project, encouraging youth ages 12-18 to tell stories from their own unique perspectives. Providing an even balance of media literacy education and practical production tutorial, the end product of this summer workshop is a series of five short films, which will be premiered here at PAAFF'16. Free to the participants, we hope to expand this program to more AAPI youth and perhaps other immigrant communities in a future iteration. After the screening, youth filmmakers will have a chance to participate in a Q&A, along with Program Facilitator Ariel Taylor. Films shown will include works by: Gallant Abidinm, Joshua Hite, Justin Lee, Darlene Leohansson, George Wu, Jenny Wu Visit phillycam.org for more details. Facebook Event Page

Free

PAAFF EATS Food Shorts

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

Each of the films in this FREE program of shorts involves food culture, preparation, or appreciation. Filmmakers expected in attendance for post-screening Q&A. Destination Philadelphia: An Immigrant's Journey An intimate portrait of Philadelphia-based chef/owner of critically acclaimed Xi’an Sizzling Woks. The Last Tip During the course of his meal, a loyal patron reminisces into his past memories at his favorite restaurant one last time. The Roots of 'Ulu ‘Ulu, or breadfruit, grows on trees that last for decades and require relatively little water or nutrients. This short doc traces the history of ‘Ulu in ancient Hawaiian cuisine and resurgence in popularity by a new generation of Hawaiians. Sameer and the Giant Samosa A dark comedy about a newlywed Indian couple and their diverging views on marriage and tradition. A surreal turn of events reveals the groom’s true, hidden appetites.From China to LA, Shanxi-born chef Jeffrey Zhifeng Yang continues one of the world’s most fabled culinary traditions - the art of noodles. Mamori Every summer Ben’s grandmother picks, stews and cans tomatoes at Matsumura Farms in Esparto, CA. A short doc of earnest life lessons passed from one generation to the next. Doubles with Slight Pepper An Indo-Carribean chef struggles to support himself by selling doubles, Trinidad’s quintessential street food. When his estranged father returns, he must decide whether to save his life. Facebook Event Page 

Free

The Last Smile East Coast Premiere

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

Synopsis: 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. Enlisting the services of a private detective to investigate the case, they discover that the son"s death was caused by reaction to an over the counter health supplement. In spite of his grief, he vows to bring the multi-billion dollar health supplement company responsible to justice. Examining the broken system of unregulated health supplement industry in US, The Last Smile also deals with subject of greed and corruption prevalent in our society. Facebook Event Page 

$6 – $8

Be About It

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

Synopsis: Two fathers and their families battle against a potentially life-threatening disease impacting the Asian American community. Both contracted hepatitis B (hep B) at birthHep B, caused by the hepatitis B virus, can result in serious liver problems before symptoms become noticeable and is frequently referred to as a "silent killer." Up to two million people are infected in the US, and as many as two out of three Asian Americans living with it aren't aware they have it. Often stigmatized and misunderstood, hep B is the most common cause of liver cancer among Asian Americans. Through the lives of Alan and AJ, witness how two families cope with the impact of this potentially life-threatening virus. Screening with Caregiving: A Circle of Love a short doc by AARP about caregiving in the Chinese American community from the perspective of the three family caregivers, including MSNBC News Anchor Richard Lui. Facebook Event Page 

$6 – $8

Closing Night Film Mele Murals

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

Join Philadelphia Asian American Film & Filmmakers for our Closing Night Film and Reception celebrating the grand finale of our 2016 festival! Synopsis: 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. At the center of the story are two renowned street artists - Estria Miyashiro (aka Estria) and John Hina (aka Prime) - a group of Native Hawaiian youth, and the rural community of Waimea. Set against the resurgence of Hawaiian language and culture of the past twenty years, Estria and Prime tell how their street art has taken them on personal journeys to discover their history, identity and responsibilities as Hawaiian people. Director Tad Nakamura and Hawaiian graffiti legend John "Prime" Hina are expected in attendance for a post film Q&A and live mural painting. Admission also includes entry to the Closing Night Reception catered by local Hawaiian food truck Poi Dog Philly and featuring the unveiling of limited edition Hawaiian ice cream flavor from Little Baby's Ice Cream. Facebook Event Page 

$8 – $10

Free Film Screening: Unbroken Glass

12 Gates Art Gallery 106 N 2nd St, Philadelphia, PA, United States

A documentary about hereditary depression in the Indian American community. Director Dinesh Sabu will be in attendance.