upcoming grant deadline: 05/15/2024
The eighth annual Philadelphia Asian American Film Festival (PAAFF) will celebrate Asian American films and filmmakers from November 12-22. The festival will feature over 60 films, intimate discussions with filmmakers, special programs on food, music, and culture, including featured guests spoken word artist Michelle Meyers (LTA '14, ACG '11) and Peter Shinkoda (Nobu on Netflix’s Daredevil). The PAAFF takes place at International House (3701 Chestnut Street, University City) from November 12-15 and moves to Asian Arts Initiative (1219 Vine Street, Chinatown North) from November 20-22. There will be a Free Community Screening Series from November 16-19 at multiple venues in South Philly.
The centerpiece of the festival will be a special music event with producer and emcee Scott “CHOPS” Jung of Philly’s legendary Mountain Brothers, whose producing credits include Kanye West, Snoop Dogg, Lil Wayne, and Nicki Minaj. This multimedia program will explore the Asian American Hip Hop movement through music videos and live performances by artists included in the seminal compilation album, Strength in Numbers. It will also feature a Q&A with CHOPS and special guests to be announced at a later date.
The festival will open with the Philadelphia premiere of SEOUL SEARCHING, a John Hughes-esque teen comedy set in South Korea, on Thursday November 12 with director Benson Lee in person; followed by an Opening Night Reception featuring 1980s dance music and a costume contest. RIGHT FOOTED, a documentary about Filipina American Jessica Cox, who was born without arms and went on to become the first person licensed to pilot an airplane with her feet, will close the festival. Cox and her husband Patrick will be in attendance.
The Philadelphia Asian American Film Festival (PAAFF) is the first event of its kind in Philadelphia – an award winning annual film festival celebrating and elevating the Asian American experience each November. Since 2008 PAAFF is proud to have presented dozens of culturally relevant films and exciting programming to broad and diverse audiences in the Greater Philadelphia region. Main venues include International House of Philadelphia in University City and Asian Arts Initiative in Chinatown North.
