The premiere Philadelphia virtual showcase of Asian diasporic films

BY KRISTAL SOTOMAYOR ON NOVEMBER 5, 2020

The Philadelphia Asian American Film Festival (PAAFF) is one of the city's premiere destinations for films and storytelling from the Asian diaspora. The 13th edition of PAAFF runs virtually from November 5 to 15 with on-demand screenings, live-streamed performances, and discussions. It is also the first year Festival Director Selena Yip assumed leadership. “Although it is disappointing that we won’t be able to celebrate Asian diasporic film and art in the physical presence of my community this year, the online platform has brought new opportunities to connect with artists and filmmakers all over the world. I’m excited to see how far our voices will reach in this new format,” explains Yip.

With over 80 films to watch at PAAFF, we are sharing three films from the program that are available to audiences in the United States and Canada.

Between Tides directed by Masa Fox

Have you ever heard of the Bonin Islands? The film Between Tides interviews residents about their childhoods on the archipelago during World War II. The sovereignty of Chichijima has a complicated history. The first permanent colony on Chichijima in 1830 was led by Nathaniel Savory. Made up over seven different races on the island, the native islanders became second class citizens on their own land. In the late 1800’s, the Japanese government claimed the island. After World War II, the United States Navy occupied the Chichijima and offered residents high school education in Guam. In 1968, the island was controlled by Japan and granted residents citizenship. From growing up on a U.S. occupied island and learning English to the sudden shift to Japanese citizenship and learning Japanese, Chichijima has been between two worlds. Between Tides examines the multi-ethnic background and complex nationality of Chichijima residents. The film is nominated for PAAFF’s Best Documentary Feature award. PAAFF will host a live Q&A on November 7 at 5 p.m. EST.

The Badger directed by Kazem Mollaie

An Iranian abduction thriller, The Badger follows mother Soodeh Sharifzadegan (performed by Vishka Asayesh) as she tirelessly gathers a ransom for her son Matiar. Soodeh is in the midst of her planning for her second marriage and dealing with her termite-infested rental home. She applies to the U.S visa lottery and hires a termite extermination company that uses badgers to seek out the core of the infestation. Termites in the house break down the walls as her life crumbles apart. Soodeh must confront both her estranged father and ex-husband for help to pay the ransom. In the end, The Badger is not what it seems and the true kidnapper is not who you would expect. The film is nominated for PAAFF’s Best Narrative Feature award. Join the live Q&A on November 14 at 12 p.m. EST.

Spider Moth Butterfly directed by Alexis Moh

Filmed in Mexico, Spider Moth Butterfly is an experimental film about a traveling circus led by a young circus master Lisa (performed by director Alexis Moh). The film features dance, mime, theater, and other forms of performance art. The circus acts as almost a cult driven by their passion for the art. The addition of a new member to the troupe brings conflict with talented Violeta who becomes jealous for Lisa’s attention. Violeta begins to unravel as she questions how far she would go for her art. There will be a live Q&A with Moh on Thursday, November 12 at 5 p.m. EST.

Learn more about the festival and purchase your ticket online.