Middlesex CC to Host First Ever Lowell Asian American Film Festival

Middlesex Community College is proud to present the first ever Lowell Asian American Film Festival (LAAFF). Over two days, Middlesex will screen Asian American-directed films from across the country, in celebration of art, culture and diversity.

“MCC is excited to be the sponsor of the first ever Lowell Asian American Film Festival,” said Virak Uy, MCC’s Director of Asian American Student Achievement Program. “The mission of LAAFF is to empower Asian Americans through films and to bring Asian American films to the public. Our goal is to inspire future generations of filmmakers, as well as to provide access and opportunities for underrepresented community members who are interested in pursuing a career in the film industry.”

The weekend-long event will take place from Friday, October 21 to Saturday, October 22 at the college’s Richard and Nancy Donahue Family Academic Arts Center. MCC will sponsor the event with support from the Middlesex Community College Foundation.

“Middlesex is honored to host the first ever Lowell Asian American Film Festival, featuring a line-up of wonderful films, highlighting several MCC alumni who have gone on to success in the film industry, and representing one of the college’s largest populations of students,” said Phil Sisson, MCC’s President. “In returning to more in-person events and activities, MCC is also proud to showcase our beautiful and historic buildings, such as the Academic Arts Center. The Center is not only a space to foster learning, growth and artistic exploration, but to bring together the Greater Lowell community and celebrate the diverse voices, experiences and entertainment that makes this city and college special.”

An Opening Reception at 5 p.m. on Friday, October 21 will kick off the event, sponsored by Enterprise Bank. A screening of “In the life of Music” and a Q&A with the director will follow. At 11 a.m. on Saturday, October 22, MCC will screen “The Roots Remain.” The documentary features Cambodian Artist Fonki – one of Montreal’s most prominent street artists – who visits Cambodia to create a mural in honor of his deceased grandparents.

MCC’s next presentation will take place at 2 p.m. on Saturday with a screening of “The Last Good Bye” and “The Transfer” by director Vibol Sunkriem, who will also do a Q&A. At 2:30 p.m. director Jenny Thach will screen “Let Me Fall,” followed by a Q&A.

With support from the Boston Asian American Film Festival, LAAFF will host a screening of “Bad AXE” with a Q&A by director David Siev and stars of the film starting at 4:30 p.m. A reception at 6:45 p.m. on Saturday – sponsored by Mosaic Lowell – will close out the festival.

Tickets are $5 for each event or $20 for the full festival and may be purchased in advance.

“With extensive connections with many Asian American community organizations and cultural institutions in Greater Lowell, MCC is always striving to build stronger and deeper connections,” Uy said. “LAAFF is another example of MCC’s commitment to the communities it serves.”