This is a guest post by Kathryn “Ryn” Cole, a 2024 summer LOCI Program participant. Ryn works in the Library’s Office of Communications.
Of the People: Widening the Path is proud to participate in this year’s Asian American International Film Festival (AAIFF) in New York City from August 1-11. Established in 1978, this annual festival is celebrating its 47th year. As the nation’s first and longest-running festival of its kind, the AAIFF is a showcase for the best independent Asian and Asian American cinema.
AAIFF will feature a diverse lineup of screenings, panels and discussions. The Library of Congress will be present for numerous festival events, including opening night on August 1, when our own Roswell Encina will lead a Q&A with artist Nobuko Miyamoto following a screening of her project, “A Song in Movement.” Doors to this ticketed event open to the public at 6 p.m., and the Q&A session will begin at 8:30 p.m.
The piece follows Miyamoto’s life as both a Japanese activist and actress. Best known for her role in “A Taxing Woman,” Miyamoto has been nominated for eight Best Actress Japanese Academy Awards. An icon in Asian American film, she has starred in numerous movies and television programs since her debut in 1966.
The festival will also highlight 2023-2024 Library of Congress Innovator in Residence Jeffrey Yoo Warren and his “Hidden Portals” project with a presentation and Q&A on Sunday, August 4 at 12:30 p.m. By illuminating stories that have been “historically hidden,” Warren says the project “connect[s] present-day Asian Americans with the some of the earliest histories of Asian Americans in this country.” Warren utilized the Library’s archival records, photographs and more to create this virtual immersive experience.
Immediately following a presentation by Warren, Encina will moderate a Q&A about his process and how creatives can take advantage of the Library’s collections.
Festivalgoers can experience “Hidden Portals” firsthand during live, on-site demonstrations on Saturday, August 3, and Sunday, August 4 at the Regal Union Square.
This festival encourages film enthusiasts, students, academics and the general public alike to take part in learning from these enlightening sessions. We look forward to attending AAIFF and are proud to highlight our commitment to promoting and preserving Asian Cinema.
For more on the Of the People program, subscribe to the Of the People blog!