The 35th annual LA Asian Pacific Film Festival returns to Los Angeles bursting to brim with even more new films, conference series, and voices to check out. There is so much to check out and it is definitely not too late to watch these must-sees below!
The film festival is presented by the active community powerhouse that is Visual Communications. Since 1970, Visual Communications has been the rallying energy and support for the continued growth of Asian American and Pacific Islander media artists. This group is rich in history, strength, and inspiration.
Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival (LAAPFF) started on May 2, 2019 and will run until May 20, 2019. This is the place to see Asian American and International cinema. Whether you’re a fan, a dreamer, or already creating art. This festival will change or inspire you in one way or another. If you’re not in the Los Angeles area, keep an eye out for these films at your local film festival or theater. There is a reason why these films are garnering buzz.
LUCKY GRANDMA (directed by Angela Cheng)
When: Thursday, May 9
Where: Regal L.A. Live / 1000 W Olympic Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90015
Time: 9:00 PM
About the film: Tsai Chin is an 80 year old Grandma who is ready to live life. After a fortune teller predicts her auspicious day, she heads straight to the casino. Instead of luck, she finds the attention of gangsters. So she hires a rival gangster as her bodyguard quickly beginning a Chinatown Gang War
The Farewell (Directed by Lulu Wang)
When: Wednesday, May 8
Where: Regal L.A. Live / 1000 W Olympic Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90015
Time: 7:30 PM
About the film: This movie is based on an actual lie. Awkwafina plays Chinese-born/US-raised Billi who travels back to China to learn that the much beloved matriarch, Nai-Nai, does not have long to live. Much to Billi’s dismay, the whole family as decided not to tell Nai Nai the time she has left. Under the guise of an expedited wedding, family members come together to be with Nai-Nai.
This movie is a surprise addition to the festival thanks to distributor, A24. The film premiered at Sundance and earned great acclaim. In another interesting tidbit, this is based off a true story from the directors family and was featured in an episode of NPR’s THIS AMERICAN LIFE.
MOANA in Ōlelo Hawaiʻi Screening
When: Thursday, May 9
Time: 7:30 pm
Where: Where: Regal L.A. Live / 1000 W Olympic Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90015
About: Watch the Disney film, MOANA in its native language with English subtitles. This FREE screening (must RSVP) will also feature a panel with:
CHRIS LEE (Executive Producer, Hawaiian language version)
AULIʻI CRAVALHO (stars in both versions as MOANA)
AARON SALA (Musical Director, Hawaiian language version)
OSNAT SHURER (Producer, MOANA)
To keep up with the LA Asian Film Festival:
http://www.facebook.com/vcfilmfestival
http://www.twitter.com/vcfilmfestival
http://www.instagram.com/vcmediaorg
http://www.youtube.com/VisualCommunications
