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
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
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.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Free Library of Philadelphia- South Branch
1700 South Broad St, Philadelphia, PA, United States
Join Southeast Asian Mutual Assistance Association Coalition (SEAMAAC) and Philadelphia Asian American Film & Filmmakers (PAAFF) for a screening, hosted by the South Philadelphia Library, of “Refugee Kids – One Small School Takes on the World“. This will be a short documentary that follows a student in New York City summer program for children seeking asylum from the world’s most volatile conflicts.
Free Library of Philadelphia- Main Parkway Branch
1901 Vine St, Philadelphia, PA, United States
In collaboration with the city of Philadelphia office of arts, culture, and the creative economy to celebrate Jazz Heritage month. A documentary about seminal Chinese American jazz musician as he comes to terms with his mortality and works to cement his legacy through music.
The Barnes Foundation
2025 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia, PA, United States
How does the art of style reveal personal stories? Join us for our very first Artist Bash! Meet and party with poets, dancers, musicians, and fashion designers sharing their heritage and history using style as a powerful mode of self-expression. Featuring the Ikiré Jones men’s fashion line, classical Indian dancer Roshni Tailor, and poet Lyrispect. Live music by AveNoir and Worldtown’s DJ Oluwafemi. • Tickets are $30;members $15 • Collection and Person of the Crowd exhibition access included. • Cocktails and gastropub fare available for purchase. • Dress code: Festive attire that shows off your personal style! In partnership with iHeartRadio Onehunted, Philadelphia Asian American Film & Filmmakers and Small but Mighty Arts
Lightbox Film Center
3701 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA, United States
Directed by William Worthington Starring Japanese immigrant Sessue Hayakawa, this early Hollywood silent film is a fantasy romance about love and creative inspiration. Tatsu (Hayakawa) is a reclusive painter who lives in the mountains, painting images of the dragon princess he loved in another life. Tatsu comes to believe the daughter of a wealthy art collector is his lost princess, but as he finds happiness in love, his art begins to suffer. In his prime Hayakawa was as popular as Charlie Chaplin, as rich as Douglas Fairbanks, and to this day the only Asian American to own his own Hollywood studio. Although set in Japan, the film was shot on location in Yosemite National Park and stars a predominately Japanese American cast, including his wife Tsuru Aoki. Produced by Hayakawa’s own Haworth Pictures, THE DRAGON PAINTER deliberately provides an authentic perspective on Japanese culture that counters the dominant narrative of stereotypes, violence, and melodramatic conflict expected in so-called “Oriental” films of the period. For these reasons we consider it to be one of the first Asian American films in history. In honoring the legacy of this groundbreaking hundred-year-old film at our 10th anniversary festival, PAAFF has commissioned a new original score to be performed live by Japanese American singer/songwriter Goh Nakamura. Following a brief Q&A with Goh, attendees will enjoy our opening night reception featuring complimentary food and beverage. Credits writer: William Worthington Tickets Festival Pass
