SDAFF: Mission

OUR MISSION

Read a letter from Lee Ann Kim, SDAFF Executive Director.

Justin Lin and Roger Fan at SDAFF 2006

Daniel Dae Kim and Lee Ann Kim at the 2006 Awards Gala

The mission of the San Diego Asian Film Foundation (SDAFF) is to connect audiences with the human experience through the Pan Asian Media Arts. In doing so we help create a more compassionate and cultured society.

Through our film festival and year-round programs, we aim to: to present unique, culturally-enriching programs that would otherwise be inaccessible to the public; engage the public in meaningful discourse and positive social change through our programs; promote artistic excellence, innovation and the independent voice; and strengthen San Diego as an arts destination.

The premiere event of the SDAFF is its annual film festival in October, during which thousands of patrons come out to experience films from around the world and connect with the artists who created them. 2009 marks the festival's 10th season of programming. In addition, the SDAFF offers a quarterly film series, a membership program, and documentary training for local high school students.

OUR VALUES

The following values help shape our Foundation:

• INNOVATION/CREATIVITY | Being ahead of the curve
• EXCELLENCE | Exceeding expectations
• LEADERSHIP | Being the one others turn to
• CREATING COMMUNITY | Bringing people of all different backgrounds and experiences together
• FUN/HIP/COOL | Understanding trends, creating inclusive programs that everyone wants to be a part of

We also value our strong ties with area schools, providing educational opportunities to enhance students' learning in film analysis and production, ethnic studies, language, humanities, political science, history, religion, marketing, and social advocacy. The SDAFF works with the University of San Diego, San Diego State University, UC San Diego, Cal State San Marcos, City College, Southwestern College, Miramar College, High Tech High School, Kearny High, Crawford High school, among many others.

We also work with more than 100 community, business, and school groups who partner with us on various programs throughout the year.

Thanks to the leadership of founding executive director Lee Ann Kim, the programming team and many passionate volunteers, the SDAFF has gained an international reputation for the quality of its programs and its commitment to artists and the community.

Here's what some of our guests have had to say about us:

"…a one-of-a-kind film festival that truly emodies the spirit of our ever-evolving community."
— Justin Lin, director of Better Luck Tomorrow

"…the festival's dedicated staff always make it a great time."
— Daniel Dae Kim, actor (ABC's "Lost")

"…the most lasting impression I walk away with is a real love and support."
— Michael Kang, director of "The Motel" (SDAFF '05)

"SDAFF is the most well-run and the most fun festival I've been to."
— James Kyson Lee, actor (NBC's "Heroes")

"I saw more excellent films in 3 days than most people will see in a year…one of the classiest film festivals I've ever been to."
— Eric Campos, FilmThreat.com

"This film festival rides on rails."
— David Elliot, Film Critic, San Diego Union-Tribune

"The tireless staff at the San Diego Asian Film Festival put on an amazing program and fabulous show…definitely one of the best venues for the Asian film community to showcase their work."
— Ricky Nierva, Lead Character Designer at Pixar Animation Studios, creator of Monsters, Inc. and Finding Nemo