Our Texas Shorts block celebrates the vibrant spirit of the Lone Star State, inviting audiences into a charming foray of creativity, transformation, and self-discovery. An Indian-American retiree rekindles his passion for art in the wake of major life changes (STILL DRAWING). A recently divorced Asian American comedian mines heartbreak for punchlines while haunted by the raw edges of love and loss (PATSY). In 2002 Saigon, a young girl’s coming-of-age is shaped by an unlikely friendship and the silent truths of womanhood and survival (ROOFTOP LEMPICKA). Two queer strangers find connection on a late-night subway, their pasts unfolding in poetic fragments (NEWBIES). And in a quiet suburban library, a solitary clerk pieces together the lives of others through forgotten objects left between the pages of returned books (AN ONGOING LIST OF THINGS FOUND IN THE LIBRARY DROP, USUALLY BEING USED AS BOOKMARKS). These films, united by Texas roots, capture the beautiful universal moments that shape who we are—and who we’re becoming.
Languages: English, Vietnamese, Hindi; with English subtitles
CONTENT CONSIDERATION: The film PATSY contains depictions of suicide.
Q&A to follow screening.
The mission of the Austin Asian American Film Festival (AAAFF) is to tell Asian and Asian American stories via media arts and help Asian Americans explore opportunities in cinema. We do this by showcasing the best in new Asian and Asian American cinema at our annual film festival, and through year-round screenings and special events. AAAFF is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.