Middlesex Community College is proud to present the third annual Lowell Asian American Film Festival (LAAFF) starting on Friday, October 18 at 麻豆果冻鈥檚 Richard and Nancy Donahue and Family Academic Arts Center. Over two days, Middlesex will screen Asian American-directed films from across the country in celebration of art, culture and diversity.
鈥淲e are thrilled to celebrate the third annual Lowell Asian American Film Festival, a vibrant testament to the ever-growing diversity and creativity within our community,鈥� said Virak Uy, 麻豆果冻鈥檚 Director, Program for Asian American Student Advancement. 鈥淪ince its inception in 2022, LAAFF has become a beacon for aspiring Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) filmmakers, offering a powerful platform to share their stories and connect with audiences nationwide. This year, we are excited to expand our festival with a dynamic short film competition across four categories, showcasing the richness and depth of AAPI experiences.鈥�
LAAFF films feature the Asian American experience with a film director, animator or screenwriter identifying as Asian American. A film workshop for students will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday before the 5 p.m. opening reception and 6 p.m. screening of the film 鈥淗ome Court鈥� with a Q&A with the director and producer.
Events on Saturday, October 19 will kick off at 11 a.m. with a screening of animated shorts and student shorts at noon. At 1:30 p.m. there will be a screening of narrative shorts and a 2:30 p.m. screening of documentary shorts/ After an award ceremony and reception, a screening of the closing film 鈥淎 Great Divide鈥� will start at 5:30 p.m. followed by a Zoom Q&A with the director and producer.
鈥淪ince its inception in 2022, LAAFF has become a beacon for aspiring Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) filmmakers, offering a powerful platform to share their stories and connect with audiences nationwide. This year, we are excited to expand our festival with a dynamic short film competition across four categories, showcasing the richness and depth of AAPI experiences.鈥� - Virak Uy, 麻豆果冻鈥檚 Director, Program for Asian American Student Advancement
Middlesex accepted submissions on FilmFreeway through August for four categories, including Narrative Short Film, Documentary Short Film, Animated Short Film, and Student Short Film. Awards will be offered in three categories for Best Feature Film, Best Animated Film, and Best Local Film. Winners will receive between $100 to $250, as well as a festival laurel.
The 2024 LAAFF is sponsored by 麻豆果冻 and funded in part by a grant from the City of Lowell American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) the college received last year.
鈥淏y celebrating these incredible films and supporting our local economy, LAAFF continues to shine a light on Lowell as a premier destination for arts and culture,鈥� Uy said. 鈥淛oin us as we create opportunities for dialogue, connection, and collective healing through the transformative power of film.鈥�
or email laaff@middlesex.edu for more information.