Making representation matter: New Mexico Asian Film Festival puts spotlight on APINH creators

Lava Khonsuwon and the team behind the New Mexico Asian Film Festival have been at work since March reviewing submissions for this year’s event.

The festival will take place beginning at 6 p.m. Friday, Nov. 17, at Black Cat Cultural Center in Nob Hill.

“We’re doing short films again,” says Khonsuwon, the festival executive director. “We will have two blocks of films this year.”

The first block begins at 6:30 p.m., with the second beginning at 8 p.m.

The festival is presented by the Asian Business Collaborative and showcases Asian Pacific Islander and Native Hawaiian (APINH) cinema offering a wide variety of films made by APINH filmmakers and artists.

As this year’s theme is titled “Persistence,” organizers have selected its winning films to showcase at this year’s event.

The program will include screenings of local and national short films selected from submissions by a festival committee.

The winners for 2023 are:

• Best New Mexico Filmmaker: Andy Bui, “Hair Like Snow.”
• Best Documentary: “Closing Time,” directed by Sherwin Lau.
• Best Film: “APPA,” Directed by Keli’i Grace.
• Best Performer: Elizabeth Ho, “Tiny Joy.”
• Best Ensemble: “After Inang.”

“I was truly captivated by the exceptional lineup of films at the festival; we could have easily filled an entire weekend with their compelling stories,” Khonsuwon says. “It was a remarkable showcase of diverse perspectives on life through an Asian lens. Behind the camera, Asian directors truly shined, adding depth and authenticity to the narratives.”

NMAFF elevates the voices of APINH artists, empowering them to share their experiences, challenge perspectives, and celebrate their rich heritage and culture. The second annual film festival has garnered significant recognition within the film community due to its rarity as a curated event for APINH-focused films.

“The festival celebrated the richness and variety of cultures, ages, and genres, offering a wide range of experiences that resonated with audiences of all ages and generations,” says Justin Otsuka, festival coordinator. “This is a remarkable representation, as it demonstrates that Asian stories are not limited to a single narrative but encompass a multitude of actors and opportunities.”

Khonsuwon says Panavision, renowned for its exceptional support in the film industry, proudly sponsors the esteemed Best New Mexico Filmmaker Award, which grants a remarkable $15,000 Film Package to the deserving recipient.

Making representation matter: New Mexico Asian Film Festival puts spotlight on APINH creators

“We really had to pay attention to the awards, especially the Panavision award because it came with some prize money,” Khonsuwon says. “I watched close to 15 hours of submissions and the stories were phenomenal, and the filmmaking is fantastic.”

SEND ME YOUR TIPS: If you know of a movie filming in the state, or are curious about one, email film@ABQjournal.com. Follow me on Twitter @agomezART.