Asian American International Film Festival (AAIFF49)
Join Asian CineVision (ACV) for the highly anticipated forty-ninth Asian American International Film Festival (AAIFF) in New York City and virtually from July 30 to August 9. This year’s festival features a captivating array of films that delve into themes of love, relationships, grief, and complex emotions.
A few highlights from the festival program include:
Opening night (July 30) – Join for the NYC premiere of Indonesian supernatural drama “LEVITATING”, a Sundance 2026 selection directed by Wregas Bhanuteja about spiritual possession and fighting against gentrification. The screening will be followed by an in-person Q&A with the director and an opening night reception.
Centerpiece (August 2) – Witness a timeless yet modern adoption story by first-time, NYC director Thomas Percy Kim. “ISLE CHILD” stars Ben Wang and tells the story of a Korean-American adoptee who discovers that his birth mother is terminally ill. He must decide whether to preserve his American identity or uncover his vague past.
Closing night (August 9) – ACV closes out their festival with an uplifting sports documentary that rivals the uplifting sports summer they’ve been having. “HOOP LIKE THIS”, directed by Shubhangi Shekhar, is a film that explores the emotional and physical demands placed on the world’s first professional Indian basketball team as they pursue history.
Christine Choy Tribute + Retrospective (August 2) – ACV celebrates the life and work of Christine Choy, one of Asian CineVisions founders, with screenings of “FEI TAN” and “HA HA SHANGHAI” followed by post-film discussions with friends, students, and collaborators who will give audiences a peak behind the scenes of one of the AAPI film community’s most prolific activist and documentary filmmakers.
Spcial Presentation (August 1) – ACV is honored and beyond excited to present the New York premiere of “LOVE MASSACRE” in 4K restoration. The film is a stylish and shocking genre piece directed by the pioneer of Hong Kong New Wave cinema, Patrick Tam, and stars screen icon, Brigitte Lin.
In addition to a stellar lineup of films, the festival will feature Q&As, receptions, and VIP events, providing unique opportunities to connect with industry professionals and fellow film enthusiasts. Visit this page for the full schedule of events!
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About AAIFF
Established in 1978 by Asian CineVision, the Asian American International Film Festival is the nation’s first and longest running festival of its kind and the premier showcase for the best independent Asian, Asian diaspora, and Pacific Islander cinema. AAIFF is committed to film and media as a tool for social change and to supporting diversity and inclusion in the media arts.
About Asian CineVision
Founded in 1975 by grassroots media activists, Asian CineVision (ACV) has spent the past 50 years devoted to the development, exhibition, promotion, and preservation of Asian and Asian American experiences through film and media arts. ACV’s mission is to nurture and grow the community of makers and lovers of Asian and Asian American and diasporic independent diasporic Asian film, television, and digital. In addition to its flagship event, the Asian American International Film Festival, ACV runs the ACV Media Archives, a Fiscal Sponsorship program, the media publication Cinevue, the Asian American International Screenplay Competition and Reading, and the National Festival Tour.