Special Events | Free Events

October 9-16
UltraStar Mission Valley at Hazard Center, lobby
7510 Hazard Center Drive
San Diego, California 92108
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Reel in the Vote with us during this important election year. If you care enough to watch a film and support the SDAFF, you should care enough to be registered to vote!

Friday, October 10
8:00 PM-2:00 AM
Canes Bar & Grill
3105 Ocean Front Way
San Diego, CA 92109 (Pacific Beach)
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Our popular Friday night party, featuring live musical performances by The Blue Scholars, Far East Movement, hip-hop violinist Paul Dateh, and Ashley Robles. Plus Fresh Beats and DJ Icy Ice spinning tunes. Tickets are $7 with festival ticket stub or $10 general admission. 21 and older only.

Saturday, October 11, 12:00 PM
UltraStar Mission Valley at Hazard Center

Asian American actors talk about their breakthrough into big-time Hollywood. Scheduled to attend are Aaron Yoo (21, Disturbia), Leonardo Nam (The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift), Smith Cho (Knight Rider), Sheetal Sheth (Looking for Comedy in the Muslim World), and Jimmy Tsai (Ping Pong Playa).

Saturday, October 11, 5:30 PM (Reception), 7:00 PM (Dinner)
Town & Country Hotel
500 Hotel Circle North
San Diego, CA 92108
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Mingle with the stars as we celebrate the top films of our festival at the annual awards gala. Performers include recording artist Susie Suh and hip-hop violinist Paul Dateh. Lifetime achievement honoree is actor Soon-Tek Oh. Tickets are $175 per person or $1500 for table of ten. If you would like to attend, please email sheila@sdaff.org. Presenting sponsors are Macy's, Fujitsu, and Viejas Enterprises.

Sunday, October 12, 2:30 PM
UltraStar Mission Valley Cinemas at Hazard Center

Popular comic book artist Jim Lee and writer Greg Pak talk about the trend of turning comics to live action film.

Monday, October 13 6:00 PM
UltraStar Mission Valley Cinemas at Hazard Center

Youtube celebrity, Christine Gambito, talks about her rise to fame through HappySlip, based on her Filipino American family.

We're bringing up and coming filmmakers, Wong Fu Productions, and popular hip hop artists, Far East Movement, to universities across San Diego. Join these artists, plus other special celebrity guests for a very special program about the importance of music and videos.

University of San Diego, SH-21120
October 9, 12:30 PM

San Diego State University, Backdoor-Aztec Center
October 10, 12:30 PM

University of California, San Diego, Cross Cultural Center- Price Center East
October 10, 2:30 PM

Featured Artists: Terry Matsuoka, afterschoolspecial, Tin Cagayat, Lindsay Yung, Geunjin, Ken Oak Band, Gabriella, Monday's Alibi

Saturday, October 11, 10:30 AM
UltraStar Mission Valley Cinemas at Hazard Center

Bring out the kids for the world premiere screening of one of Nick Jr.'s most popular shows - Ni Hao, Kai-Lan. Trick or treat, it's Halloween! Kai-lan and her friends dress up to go trick or treating.

Saturday, October 11, 12:00 PM-6:00 PM
UltraStar Mission Valley Cinemas at Hazard Center, lobby

Experience some of So Cal's most talented musicians unplugged.

Sunday, October 12, 12:00 PM
UltraStar Mission Valley Cinemas at Hazard Center

Showcase of films from the SDAFF's Teen Video Producers Program. Reception immediately following, sponsored by Chipotle.

Tuesday, October 14, 6:00 PM
UltraStar Mission Valley Cinemas at Hazard Center

World premiere of short docs celebrating Asian Americans in politics and democracy. Reception immediately folllowing.

October 13-16, 4:00 PM
UltraStar Mission Valley Cinemas at Hazard Center

Films at 4 PM are free to the public during October 13-16. Films include "Red Race," "Follow Your Heart," and "Family Inc." Attendees must get a ticket to each film at the box office. Free Films at Four is sponsored by Burkett & Wong Engineering.

October 21-23
University Village Cinemas in Riverside
1201 University Avenue
Riverside, CA 92507
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The first film of each day in Riverside is offered free to UC Riverside students with ID. Films include "Oh Saigon," "House of Sharing," and "Mystic Ball." Attendees must get a ticket to each film at the box office.