These are five feature films you shouldn’t miss at the Philadelphia Asian American Film Festival which will take place in person and online from November 2 – 12, 2023 in Philadelphia, USA.

Above the Clouds by Jon Hill – USA | 2022 – 90 minutes
Taking place over the course of one day, the film follows Jay as he returns to L.A. following the death of his father. With the help of a stranger, Jay must find a way to navigate his new life while dealing with his grief. The two bond over a lost dog, an old cassette tape, and an unforgettable day while helping each other learn that there’s no such thing as bad days, just tough ones. (PAAFF 2023)

Trailer:

Peafowl by Sung-bin Byun – Korea | 2022 – 114 minutes
Myung is a trans woman who has cut ties with her family and hometown because of who she is. Now it seems that all she needs is surgery, but the only way to earn enough money is by winning the Waacking dance competition. One day she receives a call that her father passed away and she will gain his legacy if she performs the Drum Dance at his memorial. With no choice left, Myung returns to her hometown to perform according to her father’s will. (PAAFF 2023)

Trailer:

The Grizzlie Truth by Kathleen S. Jayme – Canada | 2022 – 99 minutes
Award-winning filmmaker and super fan Kat Jayme sets out to uncover the truth behind the disappearance of her beloved hometown NBA team in hopes of bringing them back. In her obsessive quest to find out what really happened to the team and its cult fandom, she unravels the mystery that’s haunted the NBA’s Vancouver Grizzlies fans for 20 years. The Grizzlie Truth is a ’true-crime style’ story exploring the deep roots of fandom, and an irreverent expose of the wild business of professional sports. (PAAFF 2023)

Trailer:

Unseen by Set Hernandez – USA | 2023 – 88 minutes
Most people dream of a better future. Pedro, an aspiring social worker, is no different. But as a blind, undocumented immigrant, Pedro faces political restrictions to obtain his college degree, secure a job as a health care provider, and support his family. As he finally graduates, uncertainty looms over Pedro. What starts as a journey to provide mental health for his community ultimately transforms into Pedro’s path towards his own healing. Through experimental cinematography and sound, unseen reimagines a cinema accessible for blind/low vision audiences, while exploring the intersections of immigration, disability, and mental health. (PAAFF 2023)

Trailer:

Yaobikuni’s Love by Kentarou Miura – Japan | 2022 – 58 minutes
A woman who has become immortal from eating a mermaid is known as a Yaobikuni. When Miike starts spending time with and interviewing three modern day Yaobikuni women, those involved with it gradually start to disappear. (PAAFF 2023)

Trailer:

For more information, please visit: https://paaff.org/