Virginia Tech Massacre: Perspectives

Since Washington, DC is in relative close proximity to Virginia Tech, a number of members within our organization have been contacted to comment on the events that occurred at Virginia Tech. After a film festival meeting, a reporter for CNN came to interview several Korean-Americans in our organization and get their viewpoints. Though I haven't seen the finished video segment, the following blog entry describes what transpired and some of the opinions that were expressed.

Korean-Americans' backlash fears lessen

Our organization was also contacted to comment on the connection of the gunman's released photos and the film, "Oldboy". It's understandable to attempt to make sense of the tragedy but to link it to one film may be a stretch of the imagination. Grady Hendrix, the former blogger of Kaiju Shakedown, wrote an article for the New York Sun that touches upon several topics with a big picture view of how Asian Americans are portrayed in the media using a historical context.

A Bad Week for Asian Americans Gets Worse

Jeff Yang, who writes a column for San Francisco Gate, also reveals the perspectives of several Asian Americans in the entertainment industry and takes a critical look at Asian males, violence, and film.

Angry Asian Men

Since the news broke that the shooter was Asian-American, there has been a flood of articles dealing with Asian-American issues, such as mental health, cultural double standards, and representation of Asians in mainstream media. Though ultimately his race will probably not prove to be a prime factor in the events that took place, we should focus on the lives that were lost and continue to openly discuss the issues
that affect Asian Americans today.

Upcoming Dates

Asian Pacific American Film (APA Film) is currently accepting submissions for the 8th Annual DC APA Film Festival scheduled to take place September 27 through October 6, 2007 at locations throughout the DC area including the Landmark E Street, Goethe Institut, Canadian Embassy, and National Museum of Women in the Arts.

The fest's mission is to bring attention to the creative output from Asian Pacific American (APA) and Asian Diaspora communities and encourage the artistic development of APA films in the DC area by showcasing short film programs, documentaries, and feature length films by Asian filmmakers based in North America and abroad.

The early deadline for submissions is April 20, 2007. For additional information about submitting your film, please contact Wyman Lee at wymanlee[at]apafilm.org.

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APA Film is in need of staff members and volunteers for the upcoming 2007 film festival. To learn more about volunteer opportunities for DC APA Film, come to our volunteer open house on Wednesday, April 25, 2007, from 6pm to 9pm at Eyebar Lounge, located at 1716 I St NW Washington, D.C.

APA Film has opportunities for volunteers to help in several areas of our organization, including helping to organize the 8th annual DC APA Film Festival to be held from September 27 - October 6, 2007. The mission of the DC APA Film Festival is to bring attention to the creative output from APA communities and encourage the artistic development of APA films in the greater Washington DC metropolitan region. Staff members are needed to participate in the areas of

* Programming
* Sponsorship
* Marketing and Publicity
* Special Events
* Community Outreach
* Guest Services


APA Film Board members will be in attendance to answer questions about the festival and volunteering within APA film. For additional information about this event, please contact Francis Lira at lirafj[at]yahoo.com.