Special Events | Free Events

October 15-29
UltraStar Mission Valley at Hazard Center, lobby
7510 Hazard Center Drive
San Diego, California 92108
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Everyone is invited to participate in our Cancer Awareness Campaign, which includes a public origami project to help raise spirits and awareness about cancer. Based on Japanese tradition, folding a thousand cranes brings long life and healing. Throughout the festival, we hope to collect 1,000 paper cranes, string them together, and donate them to a local cancer patient. Learn more about the tradition here.

Saturday, October 17
5:30 PM (Reception), 7:00 PM (Dinner)
Town & Country Hotel
500 Hotel Circle North
San Diego, CA 92108
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Mingle with the stars as we celebrate the top films of our festival at the annual awards gala. Enjoy free-flowing Stella Artois during the reception, and a chance to win Southwest Airlines tickets. Black tie optional. Presented by Viejas Enterprises and Netflix.

See the invitation here. (PDF file, 4.7 MB)

Gala seats are $150 by September 18 or $175 after. Click here to purchase a seat online, or if you prefer to process over the phone, please email us at gala[at]sdaff.org.

October 16-27
UltraStar Mission Valley at Hazard Center, lobby

A timely collection of films about North Korea, plus a free panel, discussing all things North Korea. The spotlight includes the following films:

• "The Crossing"
• "Kimjongilia"
• "Tiger Spirit"

Sunday, October 18, 12:00 PM
UltraStar Mission Valley at Hazard Center

Hear from some of the highest rated YouTube celebrities for a dynamic and intimate discussion. Speakers include Kev Jumba, Wong Fu Productions, David Choi, Paul Dateh, and Projekt NewSpeak who share insight on how to build a following, and how viral notoriety changed their lives.

Sunday, October 18, 2:30 PM
UltraStar Mission Valley at Hazard Center

Hear from professional fight choreographers and stuntmen about how technology has changed the art of fighting on film.

Saturday, October 24, 2-4 PM
Doubletree Hotel, Mission Valley
7450 Hazard Center Drive
San Diego, California 92108
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An actor's workshop for beginners presented by the San Diego Asian American Repertory Theater (SDAART). Get practical advice from local experts on the acting biz, agents, auditions, and headshots. Also, meet and hear from special guest, comedian/actor Randall Park.

Saturday, October 24
8:00 PM-2:00 AM
Canes Bar & Grill
3105 Ocean Front Way
San Diego, CA 92109 (Pacific Beach)
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Our popular hip hop showcase returns with a vengeance! Headlining this year is Lyrics Born, with additional live performances from Kero One and members of the Visionaries. Presented by ABS/CBN International, MYX, Toyota, and Jack In the Box. 21+ only.

Tickets: $15 if you RSVP at blowfish[at]sdaff.org or $18 at door

October 15-29, 4 PM
UltraStar Mission Valley Cinemas at Hazard Center

Thanks to Target, for our 10th anniversary we are offering 10 Free Films at 4 PM weekdays between October 15-29. Even though this program is free, you must get a ticket at the box office.

Saturday, October 17 & 24, 11:30 AM
UltraStar Mission Valley Cinemas at Hazard Center

Bring out the kids for a special 40-minute journey of Nick Jr's popular Ni-Hao, Kai Lan.

Monday, October 19, 6:30 PM
UltraStar Mission Valley Cinemas at Hazard Center

Join us as we remember our dear friend, George Lin, through originally produced short films, responding to the question, "You know you're watching a bad movie when…."

Tuesday, October 20, 4:30 PM
UltraStar Mission Valley Cinemas at Hazard Center

A collection of short films for the young at heart, appropriate for ages 8 and up.

Sunday, October 25
UltraStar Mission Valley Cinemas at Hazard Center

A lively discussion about nukes, the "Dear Leader," and true stories from North Korean defectors.

Tuesday, October 20, 7:15 PM
UltraStar Mission Valley Cinemas at Hazard Center

Meet Maestro, Jung-Ho Pak, artistic director of Orchestra Nova (formerly the San Diego Chamber Orchestra), and see him in action in this free documentary screening.

Saturday, October 24, 4:30 PM
UltraStar Mission Valley Cinemas at Hazard Center

Showcase of films from the SDAFF's popular Teen Video Producers Program. Presented by Bank of America.