October 24, 2009 | Yvonne Lim Wilson
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“There is a misconception that Asian American films are about discrimination or social commentary,” said Masashi Niwano, executive director of the Austin Asian American Film Festival. “There’s a lot of fun in the Asian American cinema that is not seen as much. We want to re-imagine and present Asian American films as a genre that is fun.”
With 50 films, an opening night party, a Bollywood party, free outdoor screening, film discussion panels and musical concert, there is plenty of fun to be had at the upcoming Austin Asian American Film Festival, Nov. 12 – 15.
This year the AAAFF will present its first ever awards for features and shorts which present the strongest vision in their work. Of the 50 films, 20 are feature films and 30 are short films. Ten are Austin based and 40 percent are international films. Almost all are premieres.
While there is no formal theme for the festival, Niwano explained that this year the festival explores intersectionality and identity – what does it mean to be Asian American mixed with something else?
“For example, Asian Americans in times of war or Asian American gay and lesbians or Asian Americans dealing with traditional value. We wanted to show films with these complex characters,” Niwano said.
Looking over the lineup, you will find some unusual choices. “Persepolis” is an Iranian film. “White on Rice” is about Japanese Americans and features an Asian cast but the director is not Asian (he is a Mormon). On the flip side, “Speed of Life,” is directed by Asian American acclaimed filmmaker Ed Radke but does not have an Asian American cast.
“We’re challenging what it means to be an Asian American film festival,” said Niwano of the film choices.
Some highlights include “A Village Called Versailles” about the Vietnamese community in New Orleans during Hurricane Katrina. “It was rare to find a film about Asian Americans community in Katrina,” Niwano said. “It also talks about racial issues between Vietnamese and African Americans. Sometimes it takes a disaster to bring these two communities together.”
“Old Partner,” which is the closing night film, is the highest grossing documentary in Korea. It’s about an old farmer and his ox of 40 years. It documents the last year of his ox, who is dying from cancer. “It’s a really touching film, and we’re really excited about premiering it in Texas,” Niwano said.
“Persepolis” which was nominated for an Academy Award, will be presented in a free outdoor free screening at the Mexican American Cultural Center with live Iranian music.
In partnership with UT, several films will be screened free on campus. Two discussion panels will also be held on campus, including one featuring Angry Asian Man blogger Phil Yu.
“Angry Asian Man talks about what’s going on in Asian American subculture,” Niwano said. “He’ll talk about rage and how he uses that as a tool to get points across [in terms of political activism] and he’ll talk about his success as a blogger and what made his breakthrough.”
With all the fun and excitement coming up, there is actually much more coming over the horizon. Niwano is working on launching a new, non-profit arts group: Asian American Arts of Austin to promote Asian American artists.
“Film is always going to be my first love, but there is so much going on in Austin … a lot of our staff are also artists, photographers,” Niwano said. “Our mission is to make this year amazing and really use this as a platform to launch our mission to start an umbrella group.”
A three-day concert event is planned in the spring to kick-off the new group. The film festival will continue to be held in the fall under the new group.
“There are international bands who come anyway [to Austin], why not highlight them? A lot of bands come to do a gig and leave and a lot of Asian Americans don’t even know they’re here,” Niwano said.
What’s important is the sharing of our stories and perspectives, whether by film, music or visual art. And the Austin Asian American Film Festival plays a major role in providing a forum for us to do just that.
“When I was younger, I didn’t know there were Asian American films out there and that made me feel isolated and slowed my growth,” Niwano said. “We need to tell our stories.”
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1 comment
When is the concert in the spring?