11TH FILM FEST OCT 21-28, 2010

Bone marrow drive at festival

Full film screening

Executive director Lee Ann Kim and actor Daniel Dae Kim

Calm before storm outside festival

Lifetime Achievement honoree, Kieu Chinh, and actress Ming Na

Opening night outside theater

San Diego Asian Film Festival

The San Diego Asian Film Festival is one of the largest exhibitions of Asian international and Asian American cinema in North America. Along with narrative features, the Festival also showcases documentaries, short films, and animation. The Festival is competitive, offering awards in various categories and cash prizes for filmmakers.

2009 festival web site
2010 call for entries information

Along with films, attendees can enjoy:

  • Opportunities to engage in discussion with filmmakers and actors
  • Educational panels and workshops
  • Free youth films
  • Star-studded Gala Awards Dinner, receptions, and other special events
  • Blowfish, a live hip hop musical showcase
  • Freebies and discounts from participating merchants and sponsors
  • Film Schedule changes/additions on your cell phone. Simply text "SDAFF" to 53137 to sign up

We Believe...

…that film is universal. It is a powerful means to shape how people view the world and each other. It helps us understand our past, and sometimes offers a wonderful escape from the present. The Festival aims to serve the broadest audience possible and present the most diverse range of stories that connect us to the human experience.

San Diego Asian Film Festival Links

Festival Feedback

  • "...the Festival has enriched my life so much... and the movies I see seem to have a way of sticking with me for the next whole year, some even longer."
    – Nancy Taylor, patron
  • "...we always make it a point to not let anything interfere with attending.. We would rather spend 10 days at the film festival than go on a 10 day cruise. This year we saw 22 fillms!"
    – Tom & Loretta Hom, members
  • "... the SDAFF is a cultural asset that gives unselfishly to its members, the arts and the community at-large."
    - Dominic Tong, member
  • "...the most lasting impression I walk away with is a real love and support."
    — Michael Kang, director of THE MOTEL
  • "...SDAFF is the most well-run and the most fun festival I've been to."
    — James Kyson Lee, actor (NBC's "Heroes")
  • "...I saw more excellent films in 3 days than most people will see in a year...one of the classiest film festivals I've ever been to."
    — Eric Campos, FilmThreat.com
  • "...this festival thinks "big" in terms of doing things right -- and with a touch of glam -- but it obviously hasn't lost the intimacy and camaraderie that large-scale festivals tend to sacrifice."
    — Jessica Yu, director of PING PONG PLAYA
  • "...it's a festival that supports and nurtures communication and collision of ideas amongst artists in the most relaxed and comfortable atmosphere I've ever experienced at a film festival."
    — Aaron Yoo, actor (Nick & Nora)
  • "... one of the few venues which not only supports the promotion of the Asian diasporic arts, it also supports the artists by creating a community which nurtures and inspires."
    – Mohammed Naqvi, director of SHAME