The 2021 SEATTLE ASIAN AMERICAN FILM FESTIVAL (SAAFF ) showcases independent films that share the collective experiences and individual Asian American stories across different worlds and within the city of Seattle. This year SAAFF is partnering with Northwest Film Forum to host the festival (almost) entirely online. That means there are more films over more days than ever before–123 films in total, including 4 feature narratives, 5 feature documentaries, and 15 shorts programs over 11 days, March 4-14, 2021. Films are not rated for content and viewer discretion is advised. With the exception of a few special limited screenings, you’ll be able to access the films anytime during the festival and you’ll have 48 hours to finish watching once you hit play. Tickets: FULL FESTIVAL PASS $120, SHORTS PASS $80, FESTIVAL 6‑PACK: $50. More info: 2021 Seattle Asian American Film Festival
Seattle Asian American Film Festival showcases feature-length and short format films by and about Asian Americans across North America, with an emphasis on filmmakers from the Pacific Northwest. SAAFF provides a space for Asian American voices, perspectives and histories by screening independent films that reflect the diversity and richness of the city’s Asian American community.
Live events Seattle Asian American Film Festival
- March 2 at 7 pm PST. Opening Night Party Livestream (90 min). Featuring performances by local Asian American and Pacific Islander artists.
- SOLD OUT. The Paper Tigers Drive-In (130 min). Celebrate the Pacific Northwest Premiere of the full length feature film, THE PAPER TIGERS, as well as a pre-recorded Q&A with the director Bao Tran, producer Yuji Okumoto and actors Alain Uy, Ron Yuan, and Mykel Shannon Jenkins. Limited space available; purchase your tickets early!
- March 11 at 1:00 pm PST. Grief Like No Other Live Panel (60 min). Live panel discussion following the free shorts program, Grief Like No Other: Holding Space for Healing from Miscarriage, Stillbirth, & Infant Loss, with the filmmakers and family-building advocates. According to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, anywhere from 10 to 15 percent of pregnancies are lost, on average. However, miscarriage remains an uncomfortable topic among many families and communities. In order to shed light on this emotional topic and process firsthand experiences with miscarriage, the filmmakers featured in this program don’t hold back in their honest portrayals of this kind of loss.
- March 14 at 6:00 pm PST. Closing Night Live Panel (60 min). Live panel discussion following the Closing Night shorts program, Collective Memory, Community Spaces. Take an intimate look into the past, present, and future of spaces that were born out of resilience and innovation. From the oldest Sikh temple in North America to the final days of an acclaimed New York City restaurant, this program explores the histories, memories, and communities that flourished in these featured Asian American spaces. Experience the warmth and crackling energy of decades-old memories and the tough goodbyes when doors come to a close, and ask yourself — in what ways do the spirits of our communities live on?
