Asian film fest turns 10
Culinary treats, cinematic adventures fill annual Aurora showcase
Joe Nguyen, editor
May 24, 2007

Festival information Where: Aurora Fox Arts Center, 9900 E. Colfax Ave., Aurora, 80014 [map] When: May 31 to June 3 Fee: $30/person on opening night; $20/person on closing night $8 general admission; $6 DFS members, seniors or students; $5 for children 12 and under Tickets may be purchased at the Aurora Fox Arts Center during the festival. The box office opens one hour prior to each day's first film and remains open until the end of each day's last film. Prior to the festival, tickets may be ordered with a credit card by calling (303) 326-8695, online with a credit card at denverfilm.org, or at the Starz FilmCenter [map]. Pre-ordered tickets will be placed in will call. Festival's official website Denver Film Society website

Like fine wine, the Aurora Asian Film Festival gets better with age.

The festival has featured a bevy of films from the U.S. and across Asia during its history. Now in its 10th year the festival, which takes place May 31 through June 3 at the Aurora Fox Arts Center, features nine movies that span a variety of genres. Many already have U.S. distribution according to Brit Withey, program director for the Denver Film Society.

“This year’s festival obviously has more higher-profile films in it than the past years,” said Withey, who was in charge of selecting the movies, “and I think that’s attributed to the growing success of the festival.”

One of this year's focus is to draw in a younger and broader audience. Movies such as Satoshi Kon's anime feature “Paprika” and Johnnie To's action-packed thriller “Exiled” are expected to help bring in a wider demographic.

“Those two films should engage a young audience and hopefully should bring out a young audience,” Withey said.

Vietnamese-American director Ham Tran's “Journey from the Fall” was selected as this year's opening- night movie. Kim Nguyen, managing editor of TheDenverChannel.com, will serve as the event's emcee, taking over for perennial host and 7 News anchor Christine Chang.

In what has become tradition for the festival, Fletcher Plaza will once again play host to the gala following the film. For the first time, this year will have a culinary theme.

“We will be featuring Asian cuisine with ice and vegetable carvers, sushi-making demonstrations, (and) chocolate and pastries showpieces,” said Edith Pasion, co-chair of the Aurora Asian/Pacific Community Partnership.

There will also be a culinary competition in which a panel of judges will award chefs based on presentation, taste and originality. As in years past, food booths will provide Asian cuisine for the guests.

The festival also partnered up with the East End Arts District. There will be a summer art walk on June 1 and 2 in conjunction with the film festival, according to Chuck Hahn, acting co-chair of the AAPCP. The Other Side Arts and Downtown Aurora Visual Arts will exhibit Asian-themed works from local artists and also serve as hosts for the closing night gala after “Buddha's Lost Children.”

“We will have food and beverage at both locations,” Hahn said. “And we will have pedicabs if people want to ride those.”

Months of planning and hard work have been put into the festival. But it will all be worth it if a new generation learns to appreciate the world of Asian cinema.

“What we have tried to do is reach a broader audience, anybody can enjoy the films,” Hahn said. “We've also tried to focus not only on the typical filmgoer, but also a younger demographic and allow them to experience an alternative to traditional film.”

Joe Nguyen is the editor in chief for AsiaXpress.com. Joe can be contacted via e-mail at joe@asiaxpress.com.