ASIAN CINEVISION ANNOUNCES
THE 28th ANNUAL ASIAN AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL JULY 15-31, 2005
Presented by AZN Television

June 21, 2005 (New York)- Asian CineVision (ACV), a non-profit media arts organization dedicated to promoting and preserving Asian and Asian American media expressions, in association with Asia Society, today announced the 28th Asian American International Film Festival (AAIFF) will run July 15-31, 2005. This year's festival will take place at the Asia Society (www.asiasociety.org), 725 Park Avenue (at 70th Street) and the IFC Center, 323 Sixth Avenue in Manhattan. Select films will also be shown at the Cinema Arts Centre (www.cinemaartscentre.org), 423 Park Avenue in Huntington, Long Island.

The AAIFF - the nation's longest running festival devoted to works by filmmakers of Asian descent -is an annual global showcase of feature narrative, documentary, short films, and special programs. This year's festival kicks off on July 15 with a special advance presentation of Olivier Assayas' CLEAN, starring the inimitable Maggie Cheung, who will be present at the screening. Cheung is the winner of the 2004 Cannes Film Festival's Best Actress Award for her nuanced performance in this critically acclaimed film. The international superstar will also be presented with the CineVisonary Award, honoring her contributions to the landscape of international cinema. There will be a mini-retrospective of her career, including Stanley Kwan's compelling 1992 docudrama CENTER STAGE, Peter Chan's charming romantic comedy COMRADES: ALMOST A LOVE STORY, and Johnnie To's superhero action hit THE HEROIC TRIO. In addition, The Film Society at Lincoln Center will host an intimate One-on-One with the accomplished Cheung, celebrating the unique artistry of this legendary star, who has appeared in more than 80 films.

With 19 world premieres, 14 U.S. premieres, 36 East Coast premieres, and 47 New York premieres, this year's festival will present films from countries including France, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Peru, Taiwan, and the United States. From action thriller to romantic comedy, from sci-fi to docudrama, no genre is left untapped. Audiences will have the opportunity to see some of the latest and most innovative films from the Asian diaspora, including the centerpiece presentation of Michael Kang's touching coming-of-age story THE MOTEL, which will be screened at 7pm on July 21st at the Asia Society; Adam Chin's compelling assemble piece MALADAPTIVE; Joko Anwar's spirited and witty JANJI JONI; Francisco Aliwalas' heart-stopping neo-noir thriller BLUE HOUR; Mystelle Brabbee's intelligent documentary HIGHWAY COURTESANS and Gaurav Seth's hilarious and unpredictable PINK LUDOOS.

For cinephiles with a taste for after-peak-hour fare, AAIFF will present its first late-night program NightVisions, a series of edgy and inventive films. The special series includes Oxide Pang's bloodcurdling AB-NORMAL BEAUTY, Ho-cheung Pang's hysterical and illicit AV, Miike Takashi's rousing splatter fest IZO, and Yuthlert Sippapak's slapstick farce/romantic comedy PATTAYA MANIAC. (Please visit www.asiancinevision.org for a complete program listing.)

Other program highlights include the presentation of the "Emerging Director Award" and the ³Excellence in Short Filmmaking Award.² AAIFF will also showcase its first-ever music video program, highlighting emerging and established works by Asian American musicians. Finally, there will be a special presentation of EXCEEDING MY HORIZONS, a remarkable documentary about the internationally renowned violin prodigy Chuan Yun Li who will give a special benefit concert following the screening at 7pm on July 28th at the Asia Society.

Continuing its mission to provide filmmakers with opportunities to connect with the larger independent film community and learn more about their craft, the AAIFF has set up a number of panel presentations with industry professionals including "All about the Benjamins: Finding a Million for your Feature," "Adaptation: From Novel to Script" and "Legal Eagle: Clearing Content for Broadcast."

"Representing the latest achievements in Asian and Asian American filmmaking, the AAIFF remains a vital exhibition platform that celebrates the diversity of talent and expression in the world of cinema," says Festival Director Diana Lee. "We believe this year's program reflects the evolution of artistic excellence in Asian and Asian American filmmaking."

As co-presenter of the festival, Asia Society's participation ensures a broader scope and reach, making the festival one of the most prominent and prestigious of its kind. "The Asia Society is thrilled to be collaborating once again with Asian CineVision on the 28th Asian American International Film Festival. This festival continues to feature a diverse body of films and genres that reveal the richness of Asian and Asian American cinema today. Maggie Cheung's participation kicks off a festival that is provocative, entertaining, and speaks to an audience of film enthusiasts as well as up-and-coming filmmakers, actors and people in the industry," says Vishakha N. Desai, President of Asia Society.

As presenting sponsor of the 28th AAIFF, AZN Television lends its corporate and media support to this important industry and community event. "AZN Television is very proud to be the presenting sponsor of this year's Asian American International Film Festival," says Steve Smith, Managing Director, International Networks and AZN Television. "AZN Television is committed to airing films from Asian and Asian American filmmakers and as the channel continues to evolve to provide programming for the Asian American community, these types of films will be an important part of the schedule and we will continue to support the filmmakers."

Launched in 1978, the AAIFF was created with a mission to provide a formal annual showcase for filmmakers of Asian descent. The AAIFF was one of the first festivals in North America to introduce to the public now internationally acclaimed directors including Oscar-winner Ang Lee, as well as Oscar nominees Zhang Yimou, Mira Nair, and Ismail Merchant. Since its inception, the AAIFF has also helped to pave the way for the establishment of other Asian film festivals in major cities -including Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Toronto, and Vancouver.

Tickets for the 28th AAIFF will be available for purchase online beginning June 27, 2005 at www.asiancinevision.org and at the box office of Asia Society 212.327.9385. For complete program information, please visit www.asiancinevision.org or call the Festival hotline at 212.989.1422.

For more information, please contact:
Asian CineVision
212.989.1422
info[at]asiancinevision[dot]org