More than 2,000 supporters and film enthusiasts came out to the University of San Diego August 11-13 to meet with stars like comedian Margaret Cho and former Miss Universe, Brook Lee.
SDAFFs director, Lee Ann Kim, who is also the weekend news anchor for KGTV in San Diego, called the event, a dream come true. We offered the San Diego community an exclusive chance to celebrate Asian American film, and so many people responded! It truly valdiates our hard work and the brave vision of these Asian American artists who have taken great risks.
The festival offered nearly 40 programs over the 3-day event, including film screenings, panel discusssions, and social gatherings. A handful of Korean-American filmmakers were on-hand to present their work in-person. Among them, award-winning filmmaker/director, Greg Pak of New York.
Pak presented his short documentary, Fighting Grandpa, a story which he tells through interviews with his grandmother and other relatives. Pak searches to answer the question of whether there was true love between his grandfather, who passed away, and his surviving grandmother. Pak also presented two other short films. One is called Mouse, which won the Best Short Narrative award at SDAFF. His third film is called Asian Pride Porn, a 3-minute comedy that challenges society s stereotypes by talking about smart Asian women and sexually empowered Asian men. (check out his website at: www.asianamericanfilm.com)
Other Korean-American filmmakers at SDAFF included Yongsoo Park, filmmaker and director of Free Country, a raw film about the life of three Korean-American brothers, surviving on the streets of New York after losing both their parents. And there was the infamous Angry Little Asian Girl animation by Lela Lee, also known for her appearance in American Express commercials.
Along with the independent films, SDAFF also showcased big-budget films, such as the Soong Sisters by Cheun Yuen-ting, who traveled from Beijing to attend the festival. Also, San Diegans were treated to an exclusive showing of the Sundance Film Festival winner, Girlfight by Karyn Kusama.
Plus, there were intimate discussions with artists like comedian Margaret Cho, who answered questions about her life and her recent concern film, I m the One That I Want. Cho referred to her Korean culture and her mother as being large influences in her life. She also spoke candidly about her failed TV show, All American Girl, which made history as the first and only prime time television show featuring an Asian American family. The San Diego Asian Film Festival was organized by the Asian American Journalists Association of San Diego. According to Lee Ann kim, This is just one example of how AAJA San Diego made a huge difference by giving a voice to Asian American filmmakers and providing a venue for independent films. As journalists, we strive to give a voice to those communities who are misunderstood or underrepresented. The first-ever San Diego Asian Film Festival fulfilled another element of our mission.
SDAFF board members hope to showcase films from Korea, as they are recognized as some of the hottest in the Asian industry today. Anyone interested for more information, please contact SDAFF via email at: sdaff2000@hotmail.com