MCC to Host Second Annual Lowell Asian American Film Festival

Middlesex Community College is proud to present the second annual Lowell Asian American Film Festival (LAAFF), starting on Friday, October 20. Over three days, Middlesex will screen seven Asian American-directed films from across the country in celebration of art, culture and diversity. Held at MCC’s Richard and Nancy Donahue and Family Academic Arts Center, the entirety of the festival will be free.

“MCC is thrilled to once again sponsor and host the second annual Lowell Asian American Film Festival at our Academic Arts Center,” said Virak Uy, MCC’s Director of Asian American Student Achievement Program. “The festival has a mission of empowering Asian Americans through film and bringing Asian American films to the public with the hope of inspiring future generations of filmmakers. The weekend will provide an opportunity to bring the community together and celebrate diverse voices, experiences and entertainment that represent one of the college’s largest population of students.”

The 2023 LAAFF is sponsored by MCC and funded by an ARPA grant from the City of Lowell. An Opening Reception will kick off the event on Friday, October 20 with an opening reception, followed by a 7 p.m. screening of “Elvis of Cambodia” with a Q&A with director Chris Parkhurst.

Events on Saturday, October 21 will start at 12:30 p.m. with a screening of an MCC student film “Sunday” and a Q&A with the directors. At 1:30 p.m., there will be a screening of “One O’Clock” with a Q&A by director Vibol S. Sungkriem. Following a 2:30 p.m. screening of “Skin Can Breathe,” there will be a screening of “Dealing with Dad” at 4 p.m. and a Q&A with the director Tom Huang.

After a Closing Reception at noon on Sunday, October 22, there will be a 1:30 p.m. screening of “The Next Generation of Asian American Art.” At 2 p.m., there will be a screening of “Chinatown Rising” with a Zoom Q&A by directors Harry and Josh Chuck. The final screening of the weekend will be “Vincent Who?” at 5 p.m., followed by a Zoom Q&A.

For more information, email laaff@middlesex.mass.edu.

Visit www.middlesex.mass.edu/laaff/ to reserve a free seat or email laaff@middlesex.mass.edu for more information.

“MCC has extensive connections with many Asian American community organizations and cultural institutions in Lowell,” Uy said. “In continuing to build stronger and deeper connections, LAAFF is an excellent example of MCC’s commitment to the communities and people it serves.”