Austin Asian American Film Festival fifth year
By Yvonne Lim Wilson | September 29, 2008
2008 Austin Asian American Film Festival poster
Asians have been so rare in movies and television that even just seeing an Asian actor on a commercial would make me stop and watch.
But times are changing; more and more Asians are getting into the movie business, both in front of and behind the camera. It's about taking ownership and telling our own stories, not waiting for Hollywood to do it for us.
The Austin Asian American Film Festival is a powerful example of that, and it's all happening here, October 9 - 12.
"Our goal is to screen films Asian Americans would want to screen – these are real to me, not put together by outside people," said Masashi Niwano, executive director of the Austin Asian American Film Festival. "One prominent Asian American actress said, ‘We can complain and whine about negative representations in the media, or we can do it ourselves."
With 40 films whittled down from 270 entries, you can be sure these films are the best of Asian and Asian American cinema right now.
One of the most important screenings this year is the 1989 Academy Award nominated "Who Killed Vincent Chin?" presented alongside "Vincent Who?," which explores how the Asian community has been impacted by the 1982 racially motivated killing of a Chinese American. "Who Killed Vincent Chin" co-director Christine Choy will be present for the screening.
All the films presented this year are premieres, with the exception of "Who Killed Vincent Chen?," something Niwano wanted to do to make a big splash.
"We wanted to make a name for ourselves so we put everything on the table this year," Niwano said.
This year the festival steps it up by adding opening and closing night parties, a live concert featuring Black Panda and Giant Hornets from Japan and also a panel discussion with LA-based actress Jodie Long, Austin actress Leng Wong and UT professors.
"We'll be discussing Asian Americans acting in comedies and how Asian Americans can play with stereotypes. We want to stir conversations," Niwano said.
Festival goers will find a diverse line-up including documentaries, musicals, experimental films, claymation, comedies and drama.
"We look at the world and see the trends. This year there is a lot of talk of China with not only the Olympics, but with globalization. It's a very interesting time for the Chinese and American dynamics," Niwano said.
The festival began five years ago as small UT group. Niwano saw the potential to grow the festival into something huge for Austin when he took over two years ago.
The biggest change happened last year when the festival changed its name from Austin Asian Film Festival to Austin Asian American Film Festival, representing a commitment to highlight Asian American works in addition to foreign films.
The lineup this year is split 50-50 between Asian and Asian American films; seven films are by local Austin filmmakers.
"We don't want to forget there are amazing stories here in our backyards. Austin is a vibrant arts community and a vibrant Asian community as well," Niwano said. "That's something I'm very passionate about."
And it's only going to grow. When I asked Niwano about the future, it's clear he isn't afraid to think big: more screen times, more people, more concerts and parties, maybe even a traveling roadshow.
Whatever the future holds, it's clear Austin Asian American Film Festival is making an impact, providing an outlet for Asian American voices.
"All the films educate, even if it's as small as getting to know a small community in Thailand or Japan," Niwano said. "My hope is people can go into these films and walk a mile in someone else's shoes."
For tickets, schedules and more information, visit Austin Asian American Film Festival.
