A scene from In a New York Minute, the feature film debut of writer/director Ximan Li.
The 23rd Annual Vancouver Asian Film Festival (VAFF) celebrates Asian diaspora and diversity in film. This year, the festival takes place Nov 7-10 at the Cineplex Odeon International Village Cinemas (88 W. Pender St.), in Vancouver’s historic Chinatown district.
This year’s selections include opening night’s In a New York Minute and Centrepiece Spotlight film Empty by Design. Filmmakers will be in attendance at both.
For more on the films and events coming with this year’s VAFF, see below.
In A New York Minute—In the opening night film, three strangers discover the solution to their problems lies in a single pregnancy test. Based on a Chinese short story, the film takes a slice-of-life approach to relationships featuring an Asian and Asian American-led cast, including Celia Au, Amy Chang, Yi Liu, with Ludi Lin, and Cheng Pei Pei. Writer/director Ximan Li heads a female-centric production crew. International premiere.
Eva Noblezada stars in Yellow Rose, the closing night film at this year’s Vancouver Asian Film Festival.
Empty by Design— Two people find themselves back in the Philippines after years of being away. Feeling isolated in a place that was once called home, their friendship helps them find a sense of peace and connection to their lost culture. Canadian premiere.
Crouching Tiger & Beyond—This is a multi-media presentation in collaboration with the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra (VSO) with composer/conductor Tan Dun at the Orpheum Theatre.
Yellow Rose—In this closing night film, a Filipino girl who wants to pursue her country music dreams has her world shattered when her mom suddenly gets picked up by Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Yellow Rose is set in the Austin music scene. International premiere.
For more info visit vaff.org.
