Philadelphia Asian American Film Festival

Latest Past Events

Good Luck Soup

Asian Arts Initiative 1219 Vine St, Philadelphia

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

Be About It

Asian Arts Initiative 1219 Vine St, Philadelphia

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