Exchange Database
In its 30s, NY festival showcases Asian cinema
Before the Asian American International Film Festival screened its first feature in 1978 in what is now New York's Chinatown, US audiences had no dedicated showcase for independent Asian or Asian-American cinema. The closest one could get was the occasional martial-arts film at the local movie house. The 35th edition of the annual festival is a 12-day affair that opened Wednesday and runs through August 5. The US-Chinese production Shanghai Calling, set for release in China later this summer, was the first film screened at this year's festival.
The festival, which is hosted by Asian CineVision, a nonprofit organization "dedicated to promoting and preserving Asian and Asian-American media expressions," has previously been the venue for premieres of films by celebrated directors Wayne Wang, Ang Lee and Mira Nair.
Outcomes:
While the market for Asian cinema continues to expand as the US industry takes note of spending power from the East, Asian leads remain rare in Hollywood. The festival attempts to create opportunities for Asian directors and actors that might not otherwise be there, said Daniel Henney, the leading man in Shanghai Calling.
Government?:
No
Type of Exchange:
business
culture
media
Partners:
Asian American International Film Festival
Sponsor(s):
Asian CineVision
Participants (Types):
directors, actors, producers, movie watchers
Exchange Date:
Wednesday, July 25, 2012 to Friday, August 3, 2012
Continuing:
No
Image:
Location:
New York City, New York
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