Philadelphia Asian American Film Festival

Latest Past Events

Live Performance: Voided

Lightbox Film Center 3701 Chestnut St, Philadelphia

Writer, Director & Performer: Pratima Agrawal 80 mins | Live Performance What is it like to be an unconventional Indian woman trying to exist in a marginalizing world? Voided is a solo performance inspired by Pratima’s own experiences and the true story of Kalpana Chawla (the first Indian female astronaut in space and one of the crew members who died in the 2003 Columbia accident). It iss the exploration of culture, status quo, and representation that dares to color outside the lines. BIO: Pratima is a local performing artist, teaching artist, and administrator. While she considers herself to be from Austin, TX, she moved to Philadelphia four years ago by way of Bethlehem, PA for the city’s vibrant theatre and arts scene and is inspired by the progressive community voices within and outside of the arts. She finds purpose in working on projects that challenge her as an artist and push the boundaries of art and humanity. She also volunteers for the Philadelphia Ready for 100 clean energy campaign and is a Sixers fan. She would like to thank all her collaborators for their artistry and continued support.

Free

Centerpiece Documentary—Ulam: Main Dish

Lightbox Film Center 3701 Chestnut St, Philadelphia

Philadelphia Premiere Director: Alexandra Cuerdo 79 mins | Documentary | USA | English Get Tickets In this delicious new documentary, Filipino-American filmmaker Alexandra Cuerdo follows the rise of Filipino food via the award-winning chefs who are crossing over to the center of the American table. Watch Trailer Ulam: Main Dish stages this new culinary movement as not only a remarkable achievement for American restaurateurs but also as a validation of Filipino culture. The film confronts issues inherent in representing both Filipino and American identity as well as challenges from both the Filipino community and the world at large. Ultimately, Ulam is a celebration—and confirmation—that Filipino food and Filipinos are here to stay. Director Alexandra Cuerdo expected in attendance for a post film Q&A followed by a catered reception featuring Filipino food. Centerpiece RECEPTION 8-9:00pm | Lightbox Film Center

Documentary Program: Anote’s Ark

Lightbox Film Center 3701 Chestnut St, Philadelphia

The  low-lying  Pacific  nation  of  Kiribati  faces  a  daunting  challenge:  imminent  annihilation  from  sea-level  rise.  As  Anote  Tong,  Kiribati’s  President,  races  to  find  a  way  to  protect  his  nation’s  people  and  maintain  their  dignity,  many  iKiribati  are   seeking  safe  harbor  overseas.  Set  against  the  backdrop  of  international  climate  negotiations  and  the  fight  to  recognize climate  displacement  as  an  urgent  human  rights  issue, Anote’s  personal  struggle  to  save  his  nation  is  intertwined with  the  extraordinary  fate  of  Sermary,  a  young  mother  of  six,  who  decides  to  migrate  her  family  to  New  Zealand.  At  stake  are  the  survival  of  Sermary’s  family,  the  iKiribati  people,  and  4,000  years  of  iKiribati  culture—yet  the  story  also  serves  as  a  cautionary  tale  for  low-lying  populations  everywhere. Get Tickets

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