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
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
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
