Philadelphia Asian American Film Festival November 10-20, 2016

Highlighting 10 Day Film Festival #PAAFF

By Tinsel & Tine Editor, Le Anne Lindsay

Wishing THE PHILADELPHIA ASIAN AMERICAN FILM FESTIVAL @PAAFF an Awesome Opening & Nov 10-20 fest #PAAFF – https://t.co/mMz0Eg7oCN pic.twitter.com/xFhifbAH0D

— Tinsel & Tine (@tinseltine) November 10, 2016

The 9th Annual Philadelphia Asian American Film Festival is Philly’s home to the best films by and about Asian Americans. It gets underway on November 10, 2016 with opening film THE TIGER HUNTER (International House) by Lena Khan 2016

(Comedy/Narrative) Danny Pudi (NBCs Community) stars as Sami Malik, a young Indian man who immigrates to 1970s Chicago to become an engineer at a top firm. When his job falls through, he resorts to an elaborate charade with a band of misfit friends to convince his would-be father-in-law that he has made it big in America, woo the woman of his dreams, and live up to the legacy of his father – a legendary tiger hunter. Powerfully told through Pudi”s breakout leading man performance, The Tiger Hunter is a funny yet poignant reflection on the experiences of many first generation South Asian immigrants in the United States,

Director Lena Khan and lead actor Danny Pudi are expected to attend for post-film Q&A.

Film will be followed by the PAAFF”16 Opening Night Reception featuring Bhangra dance music spun by prolific NY-based DJ Rekha, a selection of Indian food, and complimentary wine and beer. Free to all ticket and badge holders.

Philly Premieres

DAZE OF JUSTICE filmmaker: Michael Siv (Sat 11/12 5:40pm)(Documentary) Shot on location in Phnom Penh this challenging film documents local reactions to the Khmer Rouge genocide trials as they occurred. At the heart of this story are the Cambodian American women who broke decades of silence, abandoning the security of their American homes on a journey back to Cambodia as witnesses to the UN Special Tribunal prosecuting the Khmer Rouge.

Director Michael Sive expected to attend Q&A post screening.

BAD RAP filmmaker: Salima Koroma (Sat 11/12 7:35pm) (Documentary featuring Live Hip Hop Music) An engrossing feature documentary detailing the obstacles and successes of four up-and-coming Asian American rappers trying to break into a world that often treats them as outsiders. From battle rhymes of crowd-favorite Dumbfoundead to the tongue-in-cheek songs of Awkwafina, the unapologetic visuals of Rekstizzy to conflicted values of Lyricks, the film paints a memorable portrait of artistic passion in the face of an unsung struggle.

Producer Jaeki Cho expected to attend Q&A post screening.

UNDER CONSTRUCTION filmmaker: Rubaiyat Hussain (Sun 11/13 4:20pm) (Narrative) A hard hitting narrative feature with strong anti-misogynist undercurrents, Under Construction is a film about a modern Muslim woman struggling to find herself in the sprawl of urban Bangladesh. A feminist awakening occurs in middle class actress Roya as she reconstructs a famous and politically minded play of Rabindranath Tagore for modern times, reclaiming her agency in the process. Produced at a time when attitudes towards gender roles and modern family dynamics in Bangladesh are going through a societal shift, the innovative camera work and contemporary visual storytelling technique echoes the progressive social message in this film.

Director Rubaiyat Hossain expected in attendance for post-film Q&A.
Co-presented by Mustard Seed Film Festival mustardseedfilmfest.org/

PAAF EATS

FREE! PAAFF EATS Food Shorts (Sun 11/20 12:15pm)
The Roots of Ulu | John Antonelli 2015
Destination: Philadelphia an Immigrant’s Journey | Xiaoyu Yang, Yuqi Zhang 2016
Sameer and the Giant Samosa | Faroukh Virani 2016
Mamori | Ben Wang 2013
The Last Tip | Patrick Chen 2016
Noodle Deli | David Liu 2016
Doubles with Slight Pepper | Ian Harnarine 2011

FREE INDONESIAN NIGHT AT READING TERMINAL MARKET (Tues 11/15 6-9pm)
event co-sponsored by Old City Coffee, Reading Terminal Market & Modero Dance Co.
Enjoy an entire evening of FREE entertainment at one of Philadelphia’s most iconic food destinations with complimentary tastings of rare West Java Indonesian coffee in the Center Court from 6pm until film starts. Food available for purchase throughout the event.

Featuring authentic Indonesian food available for purchase from local Indonesian Chef Joko Tan who recently won Best Vegetarian Dish at the 2016 PAAFF Asian Chef Experience.

Any so much more … CLICK HERE for all the films and events on PAAFF Festival Genius.

Venues: I-House (37th & Chestnut Sts.) AAI (1219 Vine Street) UPenn (3601 Locust Walk Rm 108) CCP (Winnet Student Life Bldg 17th btwn Spring Garden & Callowhill) Reading Terminal Market (12th & Arch Sts) Fleisher Art Memorial (719 Catherine Street)

Tinsel & Tine (Reel & Dine): Philly Film, Food & Events Blog