MCC to Host Fifth Annual Lowell Asian American Film Festival

Middlesex Community College is proud to present the fifth annual Lowell Asian American Film Festival (LAAFF) running from Thursday, October 15 through Friday, October 16 at MCC's 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.

"Film has an incredible power to bring people together, open doors to new perspectives, and celebrate the richness of our cultures and shared experiences," said Virak Uy, MCC's Director of External Affairs and Program for Asian American Student Advancement. "This year, we are thrilled to welcome an extraordinary number of submissions from filmmakers across the country and around the world, making LAAFF 2026 a vibrant celebration of diverse voices and powerful storytelling."

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On Thursday, a 6 p.m. opening reception and performance will kick off the festival. Filmed in the mountains of Tuyên Quang and Cao Bằng in Vietnam, "Detective Kien: The Headless Horror" will serve as LAAFF's opening film. Running from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., an 8:30 p.m. Q&A will follow.

Earlier in the day, the event will hold a film workshop for students from 11 a.m. to noon. There will also be a noon to 1 p.m. screening and selection of the Best Student Short Film.

Events on Friday will begin at 2 p.m. with Animated Shorts. Narrative Short Films will run at 3 p.m. with a 4:30 p.m. showing of Documentary Short Films. Filmed in Cambodia's Battambang province, the closing film "The Old Man" will air from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., followed by a Q&A with Vandy Piseth, Assistant Director.

LAAFF 2025's closing film "Mouse" premiered in theaters on September 25 in select cities. With Uy calling the achievement "a wonderful reminder of the impact festivals have in connecting filmmakers with new audiences," there is a planned digital release in the future, according to Kenny Riches, director, writer and star of "Mouse."

"LAAFF's support of films from Asian and Asian American filmmakers is extremely important in providing opportunities for films like 'Mouse' to be seen by diverse audiences," Riches said. "I'm forever grateful to MCC for the kindness and hospitality they shared on my trip to Massachusetts, and I was honored to speak to such a wonderful community of staff, students and audience members."

MCC accepted submissions on FilmFreeway through June 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 2026 LAAFF is funded by the Middlesex Community College Foundation.

Tickets are $15 each day or $25 for both Thursday and Friday. Student discounts are available at the box office. MCC's 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.

"We invite our community and audiences everywhere to join us for two unforgettable days of film, music, performances and culture," Uy said. "We can't wait to celebrate with you!"

Learn more about the Lowell Asian American Film Festival to reserve a seat or email LAAFF@middlesex.edu for more information.