I've been attending this Asian Film Festival since 2014, I would say it a great fun cultural event especially for all Asian communities, they have stuffs all year round, Spring Show Case, Shorts and Indies, then their main event which have a varieties of film selections from all over the world, China, Vietnam, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Cambodia, Korea, Japan, and many more. They used to be bigger with budget, I attended Gala Night with star stud guests in the Hollywood Asian American actor circuit, you can name anyone, and they will be there in person for q&a, they were all very nice. This year, I also attending but my status has changed since I myself joined the industry, and I can't wait for more representations from this festival. read more

UPDATE: I am now a SDAFF member!!! Great to finally be a part of the fams. Recently attended the Inaugural Spring Showcase, and although not as big as the annual SDAFF Festival, the peeps did an awesome job organizing the event. We watched the "Man from Nowhere"... One of the best movies I've seen at the Fest. Somewhat long, but action packed and the main dude was freakin' HOT! Met the Membership Director and she's super nice! Can't wait to see the quarterly screenings and attend future events. read more

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I am surprised not many have reviewed Pac Arts Movement, organizers of the San Diego Asian Film Festival, or SDAFF! I first heard of SDAFF in its fifth year in 2004 with the screening of the Filipino film and tearjerker, "Magnifico." Since then, I've attended and/or volunteered for the 2005, 2006, and 2013 events. Before, I would choose Filipino or Korean films. The only reason I barely attended was because of college--either I was too busy studying or too broke to really enjoy SDAFF. Sadly, after 2013, I moved out of San Diego, so I haven't returned to the festival since. Still, I religiously follow Pac Arts on social media and try to see if streaming services of the Hawai'i International Film Festival, or HIFF (in Honolulu where I currently live) screen some of SDAFF's films to somehow support in that way, and they do! Annually since 2015, while away from San Diego, I would catch an SDAFF film or two on my own time. The SDAFF event itself is conveniently located at the Ultrastar Mission Valley-Hazard Center theaters. Entering the event is exciting with red carpet, backdrops, and all! Overall, I'm grateful for the existence of SDAFF. The festival definitely transformed this once uncultured college sophomore around. Also since the last time I attended SDAFF, I started learning about mainland China's film industry and its six generations of prominent film directors. I would love to return to SDAFF to watch some of these Chinese masterpieces on the silver screen, and beyond Netflix, YouTube, or Amazon Prime! Support support support SDAFF's week-long events every April (the SDAFF Spring Showcase) and November! read more

Very well executed festival. I took advantage of the Groupon deals too so you save a little more. Also, they have military, student, and seniors discount at the ticket booth. This was my first SDAFF, but I'll be back again next year. Only saw four movies. What's also cool about seeing the movies is that producers, writers, directors, etc from the film would do a Q & A after the movie. So you get a little more background and insight on what they were actually thinking about during the filming itself. And I took advantage of their free opening night mixer at Maria Maria. Great snacks, plenty of drinks, and a lot of Asians too. Artists and musicians were on hand to show their talents. Blowfish - again...awesome, started off making chocolate smores over an open fire (Thanks to Travis E on the proper etiquette) and ended the night on the dance floor until 1am. Wanted to stay longer, but I had work the next morning. One of my best times ever. They gave out free Stella glasses too...score!!! Dj Icy Icy was there as well as Daniel Dae Kim and some flipina chick with a tiara. And it was Miss Cheryl's birthday too and she was dancing up on the stage... Great pics by Reggie R and the rest of the staff. Yes..SDAFF is cool. But yah, the films are ultimately what really matters. In depth, and well thought out of; it's a good thing to see your fellow Asians making something worthwhile and making a difference out there. So try to go see at least one show or two to support these guys. We need more of these out there to show their talents and bring out more culture into San Diego. Sorry this was posted time-late. So I guess try go see SDAFF next year!!! read more

Pacific Arts Movement - Cinema Near Me - San Diego, California

Love the San Diego Asian Film Festival, i've been going every year for a few years now.. i make it a point to see at least a few movies every year. Im almost never disappointed. Wether you want a good gut busting laugh, fierce action, tear jerker drama, or serious documentary, they've got it all covered. Some of the stand outs over the years, if i can remember that far back, were On Bak, The Ride, Ip Man, Open City, Ping Pong. Just finished watching "A boy and his samurai" really really good! You'll laugh, maybe shed a tear. Funny, adorable, and heart warming. There's another showing later this week don't miss an opportunity to catch this one! No one does Asian Persuasion better than SDAFF! Thanks again SDAFF for another great year! read more

Last night I lost 108 minutes of my life seeing the movie "Nightfall". The SDAFF synopis said "Director Roy Chow Hing-Yeung (Murderer) goes well beyond his love-it-or-hate-it debut by employing every trick in the Hong Kong action arsenal". But there were a total of 2 fight scenes, one of which was during the opening credits, I do NOT consider that enough for "Hong Kong action". Its one of those long depressing dramas. SDAFF writers need to be a bit more accurate in their descriptions. "Nightfall" is playing again on Thursday, skip it! Other than that, so far I've seen two Shorts programs which were pretty good, but sometimes I wonder how certain shorts get picked. "Got a Job!" was terrible. The entire two minutes was just was one meduim shot camera angle facing the two ladies while they babbled to each other. Not a single camera angle change or mix of close ups or long shots. I'm done whining now...SDAFF is quite awesome and well organized with an army of volunteers. read more

OH SNAP TWO WEEKS THIS YEAR! Also, I heard they got Indigo hotel for an event?! GET TICKETS NAO! read more

I came here two years in a row (2006 and 2007) - both times was with Teresa N. It's a fun short road trip for us (Irvine to SD)... when I first came i expected this festival to be held at some unique, grand place, but it's held at an Ultrastar Theater (smaller than most AMC or Edwards theaters). I enjoy movie screenings, especially foreign and indie films, so I can really appreciate the energy placed into an event like this. I'd love to go to more film festivals (like the SF or LA ones)... Like Teresa N. mentioned, the quality of films downgraded from year to year. My first experience here was fun and I watched a good 3-4 films. We even sat in on the panel with that asian girl from Battlestar Galactica (the other guy friend we came with is a big nerdball hehe). It was a rewarding and memorable experience. Even if you don't catch the best movies all the time, it's great to come and see films that reach beyond the scope of your typical Hollywood Blockbuster hits. SDAFF runs for a week, so you can catch showings nightly. You can also pre-purchase tix online read more

Celebrating 10 years. Wow, congrats SDAFF! Reading some of the other reviews, mentions of being "biased", there's no question that I'm biased. Having attended and volunteering for the festival from the very first one I've got an emotional tie to the Festival for sure. Over the years the film submissions has been diverse. I've screened some really engaging films, some great stuff and some not so great, but then again, I'm not a film critic. I'm yelping the Festival, not the films anyway. The Festival has changed and grown over the years. The constant has been the passion of the staff and volunteers. No doubt, the size and scope of this 10th Festival is so much more than the first. Standing strong in an industry that basically views Asians as irrelevant is a tough gig, to say the least. Providing a venue for independent film makers, artists, actors and consumers to interact, to entertain and educate in my home town, a town that has a huge Asian population from virtually every corner of Asia, the largest continent on planet earth, is no small feat. Doing it with class, professionalism and dignity... I tip my hat to you SDAFF. And as a member of the Asian community I stand proud to be a small part of it. read more

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Once I found out about this festival I went every year and started volunteering until I moved to Boston for school. Now that I'm done with that, I moved back just in time (coincidentally) for the festival. I could only make it down for one day and saw two movies. I didn't get a chance to fully look into the schedule and just went to see what my friend picked. One was really good, and one was predictable, but entertaining. While I was in Boston, I tried to find even a semblance of this and would up just missing it even more. This festival is a real treasure and through the years I have seen some of the best movies/ short films/ anime ever made. There are always hits and misses, but I believe (and hope that it's true) that the staff weed through all the submissions and pick the best ones for our viewing pleasure. read more

The San Diego Asian Film Festival is a gem we can enjoy in our wonderful cosmopolitan town that has been the second home for so many different Asian communities. Even if I am not Asian by birth of culture, I am however culturally inclined to see what is going on in the world and especially in the cinema coming from countries like Japan and Korea. Very well organized, variety of locations to choose from and last several days, so we are all able to go watch a film or two at least! Excellent job done by volunteers, especially one of my colleagues who was delivering flyers and posters at work (we have an extensive Asian population, mostly Chinese) and delivering 2 free passes in my cube:) Nice! read more

Pacific Arts Movement - Cinema Near Me - San Diego, California

Came for a screening. It was a full room, free snacks which was an awesome noodle bar. The movie makers were present for Q&A session after. Had a great time read more

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I love SDAFF! I've been going to this festival every year for the last 4 or 5 years now. It's awesome to be able to support the community and enjoy some films that you wouldn't be able to see elsewhere. It's their 10 year anniversary, and this year they are doing it bigger than ever. Instead of just one week, they have expanded it to include two film packed weeks! Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Indian, Thai, Filipino... they have a little bit of something for everyone. It's awesome to be able to watch a movie with my momma and have her actually understand it! Sure, we are limited to Cantonese/Mandarin language movies, but at least we both can understand the story line! (I read the English subtitles. Haha) They even have a yelp banner hanging by the doorway! SDAFF + YELP = 5 stars read more

I cannot express my gratitude for having the opportunity to attend such a beautiful Asian Film Festival here in San Diego. There is so much variety here, in terms of representation of Asian cultures in addition to genres of film. I think I have been going for 7 years now thanks to my Asian American Studies professor who introduced me to the beautiful idea of supporting our local Asian American arts :) Last year's films Kimjongilia and IP Man have changed my life and I'm not even kidding...this stuff is from the heart. Much to my surprise, Director N.C. Heikin attended the screening and was a part of the FREE panel "North Korea in Focus." I don't know how they did it this past year either, but they were giving away free Asian snacks and drinks during film screenings and the panel I attended. That's just unheard of! P.S. Even if you aren't Asian, don't be shy, because the festival is open to everyone :) read more

10th Annual San Diego Asian Film Festival. I love SDAFF and of course Lee Ann Kim who does all the hard work to make this happen every year in our Finest City and the biggest ever Film Festival that runs for 2 weeks. Tonight is the closing night and yes I'll be there for th IP MAN!. It pays to be a patron. Very friendly staff and very helpful volunteers! read more

Going to SDAFF reminds me a lot of shopping at Costco. Every once in a while you find awesome products at unbelievable prices that are here today and gone tomorrow never to be seen again. The same is true of SDAFF. Since I started attending the festival in 2001, I have seen so many truly excellent films that I never hear about again because they don't make it to a wider release. Just to give you an idea, some of my favorites over the years include My Sassy Girl, Where's the Party Yaar?, Charlotte Sometimes, Arahan, My Suicide, Saving Face, Always, Planet B-Boy, Kissing Cousins, and Ping Pong Playa. You probably won't get the opportunity to see them which is truly a shame because they are all great films. SDAFF is a well run event that provides attendees with a week long all-you-can-eat buffet of great films by and about Asians and Asian-Americans. Don't let the focus on minority film makers and stories scare you away because the bottom line has always been about providing attendees with great entertainment. In my experience, the staff tries very hard not to let anyone walk away disappointed by doing things like liberally exchanging tickets for other shows and adding extra screenings when large crowds show up for a particular film. A lot of credit has to be given to the amazing folks at the San Diego Film Foundation for working so hard to create a true cultural treasure here in SD. I highly encourage folks from all backgrounds to check SDAFF out. You won't be disappointed. read more

2nd year going. . Missed this Years Blowfish concert (went last year though). Volunteers are good to say the most. . .at least I still knew some of the main heads that help them. There were a plenty of movies to check out. . .it sucks that there weren't enough showings for some of them. . .Or they showed some of the films during my own work schedule. . .Glad I got to see "The Real Shaolin" and "Ip Man" though. Movies. . .The selection goes up every year. Will definitely consider next years. . read more

Sucks that just because something is Asian...doesn't make it cool. yup, no guarantee heh ; ) It's a really big deal it seems here in s.d. but I feel let down. Not that great, is the Asian kid with a small part in what's the name of that movie again... uh is he the biggest Asian star who could represent our people? really? I saw one of the Anime movies and the story was boring although the Anime visuals were cool no doubt. A little over halfway through the movie the projector messed up and stopped. I was over the whole film and simply asked for a ticket to come back another time so I could leave. The Asian guy who must have been with SDAFF and not the theater handed me a ticket good for any other SDAFF film. I wasn't going to be able to come back for the remaining dates. Gave the ticket to a friend who then discovered she couldn't use it because it was not good for the Last Day of the Festival! That sucks, what a waste of my money! They should have reimbursed me a regular ticket instead, I paid for a ticket and the film messed up. Now I've heard from others that The hazard theater in general is really sucky with technical problems occurring often! Maybe i'll have better luck next year with another film...but I don't have any high expectations. read more

At the Gala! Town & County in Mission Valley. It was a fun night, awards, great hosts, good food. Only problem was that when we got to our table, the salad and dessert was already there (not the problem), then they took an hour after the salads to plate our dinner...and half of our table finished their dessert before we even received our dinner. Still, always a great night out! read more

I watched Wonderful Nightmare today! I was a little confused about where to go, but the helpful and friendly volunteers directed me to the movie. :] It wasn't very crowded. I was surprised there weren't more people there to watch the movie. It was one of the best Korean movies I ever watched! The plot actually made sense. I suggest buying a ticket online and not worrying about getting a ticket the day of. The other time I waited until the day of to buy my ticket and I had to wait in line for an empty seat to open up before they sold me a ticket. It was a popular movie. That was the day I watched Like Father, Like Son. I highly recommend this movie also! read more

I've attended SDAFF the past 3 years, and volunteered the last two. The festival generally picks decent and enjoyable films, and also hosts some enjoyable events. I've been very happy to be a part of the festival and to see the films that it makes available to the public that would be otherwise hard to find. read more

Went to another great film tonight at this festival. Great film called the Accuracy of Death. I'm going to go every day, hopefully to at least one film a day. read more

I'm an annual attender of the SDAFF. I thoroughly enjoyed my first year (2005). Lots of great films and the actor/actress panel was enjoyable. However, I found the festival to diminish in quality and variety over the next two years. I was actually quite disappointed with 2007, as there were no new panelists and the highly anticipated films weren't that great. I did, however, enjoy ONE series of short films "Dim Sum and Then Some". Totally wish I watched the film with Meryl Streep. Boo... that one was sold out. read more

Last year was my first year experiencing the SDAFF and being a volunteer. I'm a film fanatic, a movie monkey. I love movies and love film festivals. Before moving here I Googled film festivals in SD and discovered the SDAFF. I wanted to be a part of it so much that I wound up volunteering to help out. What a great experience and such fabulous people. I can't wait for this year's festival to return. read more

I went to see Norwegian Wood last weekend and drove all the way down just for it. The venue was fine, minus the squeaky seats, and the staff was friendly enough and well organized. I appreciated the bits of music and entertainment in the lobby. I did get a bit perplexed at receiving a survey and a small pencil before walking into the movie, because what do I do with that tiny golf-pencil once I've completed it? They didn't collect it until we exited. I didn't want to throw it on the ground or in the trash. There's no cap! If I put it in my purse, my stuff will get dirty, but this is probably not relevant...but just some of my neuroses getting in the way. But seriously....an open top pencil. O_o read more

Great non-profit foundation that puts on the San Diego Asian Film Festival! I always have a fun time with the diverse films, people, music, programs, and parties! I've been going since 2005! read more

This festival is awesome! I like that they have films we can't normally see. I always look at the schedule and think I might not like any of these films and then I look at the trailer and say that looks awesome. I actually bought a membership this year, so I can't wait to go to the member exclusive events! Yakuza Weapon was awesome! Forever Love was a great movie I though. Love Strikes was good and Confessions of a Murderer was good. Those were probably some of my favorite movies that played. read more

I've been going to the festival for the last 4-5 years I think... Every year they've got great films and from a number of different genres. I try to watch between 4-6 films if work permits. I was sad because this year I was only able to attend 2 films: To weave a name and Shady. I also love to watch the Reel Voices shorts and am glad that they always come out with a dvd because I wasn't able to watch it in the theater. If you've never been you need to plan to go!!! read more

One star for one simple reason: the pricing is totally haphazard and confusing. There's 16 different pricing options, with exceptions and exceptions to the exceptions. In the description for the "All-Festival Pass," they try to be cute and spend 6 sentences explaining how this all-access pass will make you so cool and give you front-of-the-line privileges at "every film." They fail to disclose that their $250 All-Festival Pass is not actually accepted at every film. Totally misleading, don't you think? Sounds like you're buying Itchy and Scratchy Money. read more

Nice selection of foreign films, but the choice of theaters could be better.

(Edited as of 7/27/08.) Of course I'm biased to give only 3-stars because I used to work (really briefly) for the San Diego Asian Film Foundation as one of the programmers, and prior to that I spent 7 years with the San Francisco Int'l Asian American Film Fest. But trust me, my biases are justified, not simply because I'm a Bay Area snob. To be diplomatic, I will say San Diego's Asian Film Fest offers great programming for pure entertainment, and aside from the random film at Landmark Theater, where else would you get to see Asian cinema on the big screen in SD? SDAFF offers quarterly screenings, as well as holding the film festival in October. Otherwise you're left to Netflix, but you'll have to wait for films on DVD, and by then I'm sure you'll have seen the bootleg anyhow. But as someone who's been around the festival circuit and took Asian American Studies, I think SDAFF focuses more on entertainment rather than balancing the education or "edu-tainment" aspect and they tend to showcase older films, international Korean and Japanese films, and shorts, moreso than other more balanced festivals. Just my opinion of course. I suggest checking out other film festivals if you get a chance, to compare. read more

I have been a huge fan of the San Diego Asian Film Festival from when they started with the Filipino movie, "The Debut" what 14 years ago? I go off and on throughout the years. I swear one of these years, I'm going to take off 3 days from work just so I can watch movies all day! My kid and my nephew have interned/volunteered with the organization and both had amazing experiences. Film is such a powerful medium, especially with this Youtube, Facetime, Skype generation. The Reel Voices program for high school youth is a unique experience that I have not found anywhere else. Where else can you use the latest film equipment, be mentored by someone in the industry, direct your own film of your choosing and then have it shown on an actual big screen in a movie theater! Lee Ann Kim, my hats off to you for following your heart and providing the nation with a model Film Festival program every year. You and the team set the bar pretty high and I will always be a fan. Keep on growing and I wish only more success for you and the Pac-Arts organization. read more