The 8th Annual San Diego Asian Film Festival will be October 11-18, 2007. Mark your calendars for another 8 days of cinema in the sun.

Important Dates

• Early Entry Deadline: April 13 ($25)
• Final Entry Deadline: June 15 ($35)
• Festival: October 11-18

Enter your film using our easy online entry form.

The San Diego Asian Film Festival wraps its seventh year at the Mission Valley UltraStar Cinema at Hazard Center. During one of San Diego’s largest Pan Asian cultural events, an estimated 13,000 attendees came out October 12-19, 2006 to experience more than 130 films and videos from over 15 countries, plus celebrity panels, and parties.

"We are thrilled with the turnout," said Lee Ann Kim, executive director and founder of the film festival. "We had more sold-out shows than ever before, which proves we are providing this community with a valuable cultural experience while connecting them to amazingly, talented filmmakers and artists."

Winners of the competitive portion of the festival were announced during the star-studded annual Awards Gala on October 14. Top filmmakers were presented with awards by several Asian American celebrities, including actors Daniel Dae Kim, Ming-Na, Grace Park, Dustin Nguyen and Roger Fan.

Los Angeles-based filmmaker Ham Tran took highest honors with the $1000 Grand Jury Prize from EAfter Productions. His debut film "Journey from the Fall" chronicles the experiences of boat people after the fall of Saigon. In his reaction to the award, Tran stated that it is "more than just recognition. For an independent film such as this, it’s a priceless seal that will help spread the word to the Asian and non-Asian community to help support and show interest in the film’s theatrical release next spring."

Best Narrative Feature went to Julia Kwan’s "Eve & the Fire Horse," a Canadian film about two sisters exploring their faith. Best Feature Documentary was received by longtime filmmaker Robert Richter whose film, "Last Atomic Bomb" follows a survivor of the Nagasaki bombing whose life mission is to end nuclear weapons. A Special Jury award was given to Richard Wong’s "Colma: The Musical," the first Asian American musical. In the short film categories, Matthew Swanson’s "Hiro" took Best Short Narrative; Youngwoon Jang’s "Mirage" won for Best Short Animation; Shon Kim’s "Latent Sorrow" won Best Short Experimental; and Chris Deaner’s "Steal the Blueprints" won for Best Music Video.

This year’s record-breaking attendance led to several sold out programs and panels, including opening and closing night films and the festival’s inaugural music event Blowfish which featured live performances by Asian American artists. "Over 400 people attended," stated Associate Festival Director George Lin, "Everyone had a great time and we look forward to continuing Blowfish and moving it to a larger venue."

A 9:30 screening of "Always - Sunset on Third Street" has been added for those of you who were unable to get tickets to the sold-out first screening. The 9:30 screening will be at UltraStar Cinemas and tickets are $7.

"Always - Sunset on Third Street"

The final day of the 7th Annual San Diego Asian Film Festival has arrived after a week full of meaningful films, slapstick shorts, thought-provoking panel discussions, celebrity encounters, and plenty of parties. Join us tonight for the west coast premiere of the nostalgic Japanese blockbuster, "Always - Sunset on Third Street." The optimistic and visually lavish film set in post-war Tokyo is a heartwarming tale perfect for the whole family.

This film may sell out, so arrive early to get a seat. Stay for the reception immediately following the film. Complimentary food and beverages will be provided.

"Animation: The Illusion of Life"

"Citizen Dog"

Tonight is your last chance to see what Sam Chen, SDAFF Artistic Programmer, calls the strongest collection of animation in the festival's history. "Animation: The Illusion of Life" begins at 7:00. Bursting with exuberance and color, the Thai film, "Citizen Dog," is a visual treat. "Be with Me," another staff favorite, is a tapestry of stories woven around the themes of love, hope and destiny.

"Gift of Barong"

If you missed out on tickets to the sold-out screening of "The Gift of Barong" at 7:30, then stick around for the second screening at 9:30.

What started innocently enough through participation in a Filipino town fiesta in South San Francisco and the accidental viewing of himself in a mirror wearing a barong tagalong (traditional Filipino shirt), caused a major awakening in Dan Moreno. This awakening eventually creates a strong desire in Dan, a Filipino American surfer living in California, to rediscover what it means to be Filipino.

"Be With Me" on Wednesday, Oct 18 at 8:00 PM.

This year's must-see films at the San Diego Asian Film Festival were reviewed by Sam Chen (artistic programmer for the San Diego Asian Film Festival), Scott Marks (film critic for the Gay and Lesbian Times), and Beth Accomando (KPBS film critic) on KPBS Radio's "Film Club of the Air."

Click on the links below to listen to the interviews. To download, right-click and select "Save Link As."

Part 1: "Three Times" by Hou Hsiao-Hsien ( 6:28 | mp3 | 2.6 MB )
Part 2: Reviewer's Top Picks for SDAFF 2006 ( 4:06 | mp3 | 1.7 MB )

The entire "Film Club of the Air" program from October 12 is available here.

SDAFF 2006 continues with $7 tickets for the remainder of the festival (excluding closing night film "Always - Sunset on Third Street" on Thursday, October 19). Now is your chance to catch all the films you missed the first time around, including SDAFF 2006 award winners.

X. Dean Lim received his $1,000 prize at the gala awards dinner. (Photo by Jose Bucud)

Anheuser-Busch selected X. Dean Lim's 30-second commercial titled "Asking Permission" as the winning Michelob Light Flick. Dean was awarded $1,000 from the San Diego Asian Film Foundation during the gala awards dinner on Saturday, October 14.

The winner by popular vote goes to Touchblue's "Something for Everyone."

Congratulations to our 6 finalists:
- Geekstar Films, "Taiko"
- Touchblue's "Something for Everyone"
- Fernando Huerto's "Like Movies?"
- Christine Simpson's "True Love"
- Tonaci Tran's "Deliver This"
- Dean Lim's winning entry "Asking Permission"

Watch all of the Michelob Light Flicks 2006 entries.