Entertainment & Events
The San Diego Asian Film Festival starts October 15th
Are you in need on a mini-vacation? Well look no further…. The San Diego Asian Film Festival will be back for their 10th anniversary celebration premiering October 15-29.
“It’s unbelievable we’re able to offer so much during a year when the economy was at its worst. But films offer an affordable getaway and an enriching experience that we expect our largest audience ever,” says executive director, Lee Ann Kim.
This stay-cation event is a great place to take your family and friends to relax and experience vibrant Asian culture. More than 200 films will premiere from 20 countries including Canada, Cambodia, China, Hong Kong, Japan, India, Indonesia, Iran, Mexico, Nepal, Pakistan, Philippines, Russia, Singapore, South Korea, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam, and the U.S.
Read on for more information about the festival, including how to send in your favorite Asian Film to enter for a chance to win tickets.
The San Diego Asian Film Festival began with a three-day event at the University of San Diego back in August, 9 2000. Lee Ann Kim, the festival’s founder, had no prior film festival or fundraising experience, but came up with this idea and with the help of filmmaker Mark Arbitrario, film critic Beth Accomando, and a team of ardent volunteers, they were able to accomplish a sold-out screening of “THE DEBUT” and “GIRLFIGHT.” About 3,500 people attended the first festival. Ten years later, they are expecting well above that.
Prices vary depending on how many days and which films you would like to view. For opening and closing night films, it is $14 online and $15 at the door. For general admission, it is $7.50 online and $9.50 at the door, and if you are a student, senior, or military member tickets are $8 a person. Discounted tickets and value packs (4 and 10 tickets) are available online until October 11.
Tickets can be found at the Hazard Center UltraStar box office as early as October 13. Festival updates are available on your cell phone by texting “SDAFF” to 53137. For ticketing info, film details, and schedule, go to www.SDAFF.org.
Not only will this film festival enhance your cultural learning, it will also add to your philanthropic activities.
The festival will be donating all ticket sales from the film Before We Close, to the George C. Lin Memorial Fund, which benefits cancer research.
The San Diego Asian Film Foundation is partnering with Sharp Health Plan and the American Cancer Society to make a difference in the fight against cancer. There will also be a large selection of films dedicated to cancer awareness including 100, Be Sure to Share, and In Love We Trust.
Also a public origami art project will be available to make 1,000 paper cranes, which will be donated to local cancer patients.
One of the highlights of our festival is the Gala Awards Dinner on Saturday, October 17, 2009. Formal dress is essential for a fun night of celebrities, film awards, drinks, and meeting the filmmakers and stars. There will also be special performances by “Bollywood Step Dance, David Choi, and Jane Lui.”
If you are not able to make this wonderful event, the San Diego Asian Film Foundation is very excited to launch a year-round partnership with Time Warner Cable of San Diego. Time Warner has generously offered the opportunity to provide free access to some of the favorite short films and programs their customers.
In order for you to better plan your days at the festival, The Entertainer recommends the following films:
CHILDREN OF INVENTION– a critically-acclaimed Sundance film directed by Tze Chun.
IP MAN — directed by Wilson Yip, based on the life of Bruce Lee’s wing-chun master.
RED CLIFF — John Woo’s epic war film that is known as the most expensive movie ever produced in Asia.
TANDORI LOVE and OM SHANTI OM — the festival’s first Bollywood films.
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