26th San Francisco International Asian American Film Festival - March 13-23, 2008

Browse by Category

The Festival’s screenings and events are organized into numerous categories. Browse these sections first and see what you’re interested in. Then dive into the film guide to learn more, and begin planning your schedule. To see all films click here.

Opening Night

Kick off the Festival in style with a screening of acclaimed director Wayne Wang’s latest film, A Thousand Years of Good Prayers at Castro Theatre, followed by a star-studded Gala Reception at the opulent Asian Art Museum. One of the most anticipated cultural and social events of the year, SFIAAFF’s Opening Night promises to be a memorable evening. See More

Closing Night

SFIAAFF wraps up the San Francisco leg of the Festival with a screening of Tony Ayres’ Australian drama The Home Song Stories at the Sundance Cinemas Kabuki. Winners of the competition awards will be announced prior to the screening, which will be followed by an intimate party at the beautiful Bambuddha Lounge. See More

Centerpiece Presentation

Annually one of the highlights of the Festival, the Centerpiece Presentation offers a keynote film in the program at Castro Theatre. This year’s selection is the second feature from Michael Kang (The Motel, SFIAAFF ‘05), West 32nd, a groundbreaking American and Korean co-production starring John Cho and Grace Park. See More

Special Presentations

From a special preview of a hotly anticipated commercial release—Harold & Kumar Escape From Guantanamo Bay—to a one-of-a-kind event—a sing-along presentation of Colma: The Musical—these are two of the can’t-miss offerings at the Festival this year. See More

Spotlight on Wayne Wang

From Chan is Missing to The Joy Luck Club, and from Maid in Manhattan to his latest, A Thousand Years of Good Prayers, Wayne Wang’s directing career has been a saga encompassing the American filmmaking experience: immigrant beginnings, rapid education and acculturation, immersion in ethnic politics, pioneering of the low-budget DIY ethic, Hollywood success and now a renewed return to roots. The Festival presents three of Wang’s groundbreaking films as well as an opportunity to sit down in an intimate conversation with Wang himself. See More

Tribute to Edward Yang

2007 saw the unexpected loss of Taiwanese director Edward Yang, at the too-young age of 59. One of the founders of the Taiwanese New Wave, Yang was a thoroughly modern artist who created works that explored not only the tumultuous recent history of Taiwan, but also the rhythms of contemporary, urban Taipei. The Festival remembers Yang with screenings of three of his most significant films. See More

Out of the Vaults

Each year SFIAAFF selects a rarely seen or archival film to reintroduce to audiences—a work ready for rediscovery and viewing within an Asian American context. Chosen from films that predate the Festival and were made from the silent era to Hollywood’ Golden Age, these works are fascinating products of their times, and also intriguing for what they reveal about Asian American cinema today. See More

San Jose Opening Night

Kick off the San Jose portion of the Festival with a screening of Richie Mehta’s Amal at Camera 12 Cinemas, followed by an elegant Gala Reception at the nearby San Jose Museum of Art. See More

Narrative Competition

SFIAAFF’s annual competition of the finest Asian American and Canadian independent cinema in the narrative category is, in many ways, the heart of the Festival. This year’s lineup offers nine stellar works—including five world premieres—from both familiar names and fresh new voices. The winner, as judged by a three-person jury, will be announced at the Closing Night screening on March 20. See More

Documentary Competition

Seven fascinating films—including three world premieres—are featured in the Festival’s competition of Asian American non-fiction films. The subjects range from breakdancers to fortune cookies to kamikaze pilots, illuminating both intimate and far-reaching aspects of the. The winner, as judged by a three-person jury, will be announced at the Closing Night screening on March 20. See More

Documentary Showcase

This non-competitive section features five fascinating documentaries from around the world, from Indonesia and Cambodia to Japan and South Korea. Formally unique and often poetic, four of these films reveal the complex traces of recent history in Asia, while the fifth gives us a glimpse into one of the most beloved contemporary artists in the world. See More

International Showcase

Fifteen of the finest in Asian cinema are showcased in this ever-popular section. From international blockbusters to the most acclaimed art cinema from the festival circuit—including the latest entries from many filmmakers familiar to Festival audiences—there’s something for everyone in this diverse spectrum of films that promise to inspire, provoke and entertain. See More

Shorts Programs

For the future of Asian and Asian American cinema, look no further than the exciting new voices represented in these shorts programs. With their fingers firmly on the pulse of today’s world, these filmmakers offer daring, cutting-edge visions across a wide range of themes. See More

Panels & Talks

Special guests discuss a variety of topics in an intimate setting, offering valuable insight and unique perspectives on the business and craft of filmmaking as well as timely issues surrounding the Asian American experience. See More

Live Performances & Parties

Some of today’s hottest Asian American musical artists gather for two electrifying evenings of Directions In Sound live performances—future-forward hip hop and electronica on the first night; electro-pop and indie rock on the second. Also, don’t miss Festival Social Club, the official after party of SFIAAFF. See More

Family Screening

SFIAAFF and Nickelodeon present a Saturday morning preview of Nick Jr.’s new animated series Ni-Hao, Kai Lan. A free event for the entire family. See More