In its ninth year, the San Diego Asian Film Foundation has big plans for its festival. Already the programming staff has been sifting through hundreds of film entries and scouting out the best Asian American and international cinema. The SDAFF has also been trying to find ways to broaden its outreach. Supervisor Greg Cox recently approved a $17,000 grant for the SDAFF to expand into Chula Vista. (May 14, 2008)

As part of APIA Heritage Month, the SDAFF pays respect and tribute to the late Iris Chang, who heroically battled for the truth about atrocities committed by the Japanese military during World War II. A new docudrama based on the life of Iris Chang and her quest for truth and justice, Iris Chang: The Rape of Nanking, will be screened in San Diego for a one time special engagement. Don't miss this inspiring, powerful, and moving film about a modern day APIA hero. (May 13, 2008)

Viz Pictures, a media partner of the SDAFF, brings the live action version of "Death Note" to San Diego on May 20 and 21, at 7:30 PM. "Death Note" is based on the hit supernatural action mystery manga series written by Tsugumi Ohba and illustrated by Takeshi Obata. (May 13, 2008)

Every vote counts! Sadly, statistics show Asian Pacific Islander Americans have the lowest rates of voter participation among all ethnic groups. REEL IN THE VOTE is a non-partisan campaign launched by the San Diego Asian Film Foundation to encourage more Asian Pacific Islander Americans (APIAs) to participate in the democratic process during this crucial election year.

Through the power of grassroots media and the sheer number of attendees at our annual film festival, we believe REEL IN THE VOTE can make a difference through the following components:
- A national PSA contest (Watch sample PSAs)
- Commissioning short documentaries relating to our campaign that will screen during a free program at the film festival
- Hosting a voter registration drive during our festival, October 9-16 (May 12, 2008)

The San Diego Asian Film Foundation is proud to annouce its 2008 selection of Reel Voices interns. With a record number of applicants, the selection process for 8 slots was very competitive. In the end, the applicants were chosen for the depth of ideas expressed in their essays and enthusiasm for this summer internship. The chosen students are:

Akio Mitsunaga, La Jolla HS, Junior
Alfred Pappas, Poway HS, Senior
Elle Lipson, Poway HS, Senior
Harrison Tong, Torrey Pines HS, Freshman
Joska Charles, Kearny HS
Mari Jacobson, High Tech HS, Sophomore
Ryan Medel, SD SCPA
Stephanie Plascencia, Crawford HS, Sophomore

These talented budding filmmakers will meet all summer at the SDAFF office, learning to shoot and edit. Their finished documentaries will be packaged into a DVD and premiere at the 9th Annual San Diego Asian Film Festival, October 9-16, 2008. (May 05, 2008)