The 11th annual Seattle Asian American Film Festival is back in-person this year at Northwest Film Forum.
SAAFF is the only film festival to provide a space for pan-Asian American voices, perspectives, and histories told through multimedia arts in Seattle. Our volunteer-run organization empowers and uplifts Asian American creatives and builds community connections through our annual festival and other year-round events. We aim to be a platform that broadens the understanding of our community’s stories through elevating independent films that reflect the diversity and richness of Asian Americana and Asian diasporas.
Below is a preview of the kid-friendly shorts featured in SAAFF 2023:
A Fleeting Moment – An animated short film that follows the journey of two raindrops, and how they come to terms with what it means to be alive.
Cook It Up – "How Do Marbles Get Into Ramune Drinks": This short answers the age old question: how do marbles get into ramune bottles? "Superhero": In a matter of moments, a young girl discovers her own superpowers. "Burger Queen": Two young chefs set out to create a mouthwatering burger.
Joss Lotuses to Grandma– A girl returns to Malaysia after her grandma’s death. The film explores their bond, the biculturalism of immigration, and the cultural rituals that can help heal grief and the loss of separation.
Ollie Bear – Four-year-old Oliver spends every afternoon with his Lola. Get a glimpse into his world and adventures, as we discover his OLLIE BEAR origins. Best enjoyed with a pack of rice crackers.
Live It Up (Teensway Shorts) – "Untitled final": With a few colored pencils and endless creativity, become lost in meandering paths and flowing design. "Untitled (Sky Cycle)": The sky shifts as night turns to day and back again. "Untitled": With the help of her magic powers, a young girl makes a new friend. "Untitled": A young boy finds comfort in a good book on a fall day. "Untitled (Panda Jump)": A panda tries to cool off in the summer heat.
MeiHouWang– On his first day of preschool, Sun goes toe to toe with his new classmates, channeling the strength of the legendary Monkey King to earn their respect and recognition.
Quests are for the Broke – When an adventurer named Palabok catches a glimpse of a stunning orange cloak in a shop display window, she eagerly asks her friend Turon for some money. Upon his refusal, Palabok is forced to embark on the dangerous quest to make some quick cash.
Change It Up (Teensway Shorts) – "The Message": An eerie message leaves everyone wondering how closely they should watch their back. "The Island": As days change and seasons shift, an isolated island experiences change and growth. "Bye, Bye": Two young people come to the realization that saying goodbye is a difficult but necessary process. "Seasons": Changing colors and falling leaves help illuminate this meditation on the changing seasons.
Reyna – REYNA is an animated short film about Vina, this year's lead Queen in the Santacruzan festival, who struggles to get ready after members in the community make negative comments about her appearance.
Gem & Shaz– Two Asian Canadian teenage girls are given one hour at the school dance by their strict immigrant parents and are determined to make the most of it.
