Philadelphia Asian American Film Festival gears up for eighth year

Week includes over 60 films, panel discussions, parties

The Philadelphia Asian American Film Festival Preview Party at the Philadelphia Center for Architecture.
PAAFF/Facebook

The Philadelphia Asian American Film Festival returns for its eighth exciting year Thursday, Nov. 12 for over 60 screenings, panel discussions, special guest appearances and more. Though this year's festival doesn't have an overall theme, its selections will focus on exploring the Asian American identity from contemporary perspectives. Presented by Comcast, NBC10, Telemundo 62 and Comcast Spectator, the festival brings together Asian American artists, filmmakers, actors and industry leaders from all over the world. 

This year's festival will kick off with a showing of teen comedy "Seoul Searching," Thursday, Nov. 12, with director Benson Lee in attendance. Afterward, everyone will join the opening night party featuring 80's music and a costume contest. 

The festival closes Sunday, Nov. 22 with a screening of "Right Footed," a documentary about Filipina American Jessica Cox. Cox was born without arms but followed her dreams of flying by becoming the first person licensed to pilot an airplane with her feet. She and her husband will attend the closing night screening. 

Spoken word artist Michelle Meyers, Peter Shinkoda of Netflix’s "Daredevil" and producer and emcee Scott “CHOPS” Jung will all attend festival events, too.

From Nov. 12 through Nov. 15, the festival will take place at International House Philadelphia before switching to Asian Arts Initiative Nov. 20 through Nov. 22. From Nov. 16-19, free community screenings will take place at various South Philly venues. 


Philadelphia Asian American Film Festival

Thursday, November 12 through Sunday, November 22
Click here for the full schedule
PhillyAsianFilmFest.org