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FOUNDER'S MESSAGE

Welcome to the website of the San Diego Asian Film Foundation! Whether you stumbled upon us through a Google search or intentionally sought us out, we're glad you found us!

Our film foundation is run by a passionate, motley crew of talented people who love film and the arts, global citizenship, Asian American culture, and being connected in a positive, meaningful way. We're like family here and hope you have the chance to experience one of our many year-round events.

Though we’re best-known for our annual Asian Film Festival, the SDAFF does so much more - from quarterly screenings, educational programs, and community programming to social advocacy. In 2008, for example, we adopted the issue of voter registration as our social cause. This year, we have chosen to raise awareness about cancer and the importance of early detection. Using our film festival as a platform, we hope to heighten the understanding of cancer, break down the shame of the disease, and challenge audience members to share knowledge of getting screened.

On a personal note, I founded the film festival and foundation because as a Korean immigrant growing up in the Midwest, I always felt disconnected and different. That was in large part due to the lack of Asians on television and film, and how they were portrayed during the 1970s and 1980s. I'll never forget the feeling of pride while watching Wayne Wang's "Joy Luck Club" in 1993, and how refreshing it was to see Asian American actors like Tamlyn Tomita and Ming-Na speaking on the big screen in perfect English. Such a wonderfully strange experience, I remember crying throughout the film because I connected so deeply with the characters and the story.

The following year, I saw for the first time Sandra Oh starring in a Canadian feature called "Double Happiness." I was beside myself, blown away by her raw talent, and again, feeling so connected to her. It's hard to describe that feeling of empowerment and validation, but it is that same feeling that I have today through our work at the San Diego Asian Film Foundation.

The beauty of our foundation is that we have created a place where everyone, Asian Pacific Islander or not, is welcome to share and discover stories that connect us as human beings. It is a place where we can laugh, cry, learn new perspectives, and ultimately expand our minds through the power of cinema.

If you agree, we hope that you will support us by simply subscribing to our eNewsletter, attend our events, add us as a friend on Facebook, Twitter, or better yet, become a paid member of our Foundation. We want to be connected to YOU.

Carpe Diem,

Lee Ann Kim