The 48th Asian American International Film Festival (AAIFF), held from July 31st to August 10th in New York City, featured a diverse array of Asian and Asian-American films through a combination of physical screenings and online presentations. This year’s edition, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of the organizing entity, Asian CineVision, centered around the theme of “Restoration and Rebirth.” Drawing inspiration from the traditional Japanese ceramic repair technique of “Kintsugi,” the festival aimed to use visual storytelling to respond to historical trauma and life’s fractures by creatively piecing together fragments to nurture new growth and hope.
The festival’s Creative Director, Murielle Hsieh, highlighted the significance of the Narrative Feature category and the challenges it presents to the jury. Actress and writer from Taiwan, Wu Ke-Xi, was invited to serve as one of the judges for the “Narrative Feature – Emerging Director” award. Wu Ke-Xi, known for her work in both theater and film with a wealth of experience, was deemed a standout choice for her dual roles as an actor and writer.
During an interview at the Taipei Cultural Center in New York City, Wu Ke-Xi emphasized the importance of creativity and originality in the submitted works as a judge. She believes that Asian American films in this year’s competition each tell unique stories of migration and displacement, emphasizing that sharing one’s authentic experiences is a crucial value of these films. By showcasing stories from diverse ethnicities and communities, these films facilitate deeper mutual understanding and identification.
“What touched me most were the sincere stories being shared,” Wu Ke-Xi encouraged aspiring directors, emphasizing that with passion for filmmaking and a firm belief in pursuing one’s true calling, despite limited resources and funding, one can find ways to realize their dreams and immerse themselves wholeheartedly in the process.
Murielle Hsieh reiterated the healing and connective power of filmmakers who, through their works, address familial, gender, and intergenerational scars, akin to how Kintsugi repairs broken objects into something more beautiful. AAIFF distinguishes itself from other Asian film festivals by its focus on independent productions and emerging directors, striving to cultivate a platform that fosters community engagement.
Wu Ke-Xi, known for her acclaimed performances in films like “The City of Last Farewells” and her self-written and acted work “Nina Wu,” which received accolades for its screenplay, continues to make waves in the international film scene with her recent projects. Her endeavors, like her involvement in the international co-production “An Offering of Love” helmed by Oscar-nominated director Abderrahmane Sissako, have garnered critical acclaim, including awards at prestigious film festivals.
This year’s lineup at AAIFF also featured two outstanding Taiwanese works. “Decathlon: The CK Yang & Rafer Johnson Story,” directed by Wei-Yang Chen, delves into the competitive yet friendly relationship between Taiwanese decathlon pioneer CK Yang and American athlete Rafer Johnson, highlighting both historical significance and humanistic values. “Stories of the Return,” directed by Jolinna Li, explores cultural identity and intergenerational dialogue through the lens of homecoming and memory, earning recognition such as the Best Artistic Narrative Film award at the Paris Cine Film Festival.
For ticket purchases and further information about the 48th Asian American International Film Festival, please visit the official website: https://www.aaiff.org/