It’s the most wonderful time of the year….and no, I’m not talking about Christmas shopping. I’m talking Asian film festivals, baby. Truthfully, they pop up all around the calendar, but two biggies are this week.

Here in the East, check out the First Annual Philly Asian-American Film Festival, October 9-12. Yes, that’s right—you can be a part of the inaugural run. They got the ball rolling with much hard work and grass-roots marketing.

Phil Lam will be there, representing as a producer of Santa Mesa, a really cool story set in the Philippines. Here are a few others attending, who will be around for Q&A:

Samrat Chakrabarti (Star of Kissing Cousins)
Steven Hahn (Director of Pretty To Think So)
Philip Lam & Louise Lovegrove (Producers of Santa Mesa)
Benson Lee (Director of Planet B-Boy)
Mark McGraw (Co-star of The Sensei)
Michael Muna (Producer of Shiro’s Head)

Also, a Saturday panel from 1:30-3pm, “How To Break Into the Film Industry”, features:

Lyman Chen (Actor The Departed, The Happening)
Jeffrey Erb (CEO of Feverpitch Pictures)
Benson Lee (Planet B-Boy)
Jason Loftus (Casting Director Heery Casting)
Anula Shetty (Independent filmmaker/producer)

Just a few of the featured films:

Planet B-Boy
Kissing Cousins
Pretty to Think So
Santa Mesa
The Sensei
Parallel Adele

The 72 Hour Shootout winners are getting another showing, too.
Check it all out at http://phillyasianfilmfest.org

On the Left Coast, the San Diego Asian Film Festival is gearing up for its 9th annual outing, October 9-16. I’ve heard that this one’s really fun for aspiring filmmakers; San Diego’s proximity to L.A. makes it easy for actors and other industry people to come on down and hang out.

Ping Pong Playa is the Opening Night Showcase. Sorry, Charlie, it’s sold out, and festival director Lee Ann Kim has closed online sales. But if you’re able, cruise on down and see some of the other great features, including but not limited to:

Kissing Cousins
Santa Mesa
Red Race
My Father
Mystic Ball
Public Enemy Returns
Foster Child (John John)
L: Change the World (just for you manga fans!)

And so many others. It’s a banquet, people. Pick your pleasure at the official site: http://sdaff.org/festival/2008

I know this begs the question: Which one will Elena attend? Neither, my friends, for this year at least. I have a show of my own…singing in my brother’s wedding. My heart beats for film, but family comes first…

However, I must give my kudos to everyone involved. Let’s hope that Philly and SD have an awesome turnout so that all the filmmakers involved get the recognition they deserve. If you can, please attend and show the Asian-American filmmaking community your loud, proud, muscular support.

Tags: Kissing Cousins, phil lam, Philly Asian Film Fest, ping pong playa, San Diego Asian Film Festival, Santa Mesa