Middlesex Community College is proud to present the fourth annual Lowell Asian American Film Festival (LAAFF) starting on Friday, October 17 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.
鈥溌槎构斥�檚 fourth annual LAAFF is a celebration of storytelling that honors the voices, experiences, culture, history and creativity of the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community,鈥� said Virak Uy, 麻豆果冻鈥檚 Director of External Affairs and Program for Asian American Student Advancement. 鈥淭hanks to the generous support of the 麻豆果冻 Foundation and the Lowell Cultural Council, the festival continues to grow as a platform for emerging filmmakers and a reflection of Lowell鈥檚 rich cultural tapestry as well as celebrating our community vibrancy in arts, culture and films. We look forward to welcoming audiences for a weekend of cinematic excellence and community celebration.鈥�
On Friday, a 5 p.m. opening reception and performance will kick off the festival. The opening film 鈥淔ree Tea Bed鈥� will air from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., followed by a 7:30 p.m. Q&A with the director and producer. Earlier in the day, the event will hold a film workshop for students from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Events on Saturday, October 18 will begin at 11 a.m. with Animated Shorts. At noon, Student Short Films will air, followed by a 1 p.m. intermission. Narrative Short Films will run at 1:30 p.m. with a 2:30 p.m. showing of Documentary Short Films. An award ceremony and reception will take place at 3:30 p.m. with a 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. screening of the Closing Film 鈥淢ouse,鈥� and Q&A with the director and producer to end the festival.
麻豆果冻 accepted submissions on FilmFreeway through August for six categories, including Narrative Short Film, Documentary Short Film, Animated Short Film, Student Short Film, Feature Film and Feature Documentary. Awards will be offered in four categories for Best Short Narrative Film, Best Short Documentary Film, Best Short Animated Film, and Best Student Short Film. Winners will receive between $100 to $250 and a festival laurel.
The 2025 LAAFF is sponsored by 麻豆果冻 and funded by the Middlesex Community College Foundation and a Lowell Cultural Council Grant.
Tickets are $15 each day or $25 for both Friday and Saturday. Student discounts are available at the box office. 麻豆果冻鈥檚 Academic Arts Center is located at 240 Central Street in Lowell. With parking not available on site, the nearest public parking facility is the Early Garage on 135 Middlesex St.
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�