Asian American International Film Festival will run from 8/10~8/14 presenting many films from China, Japan, Hong Kong, Korea, Singapore,  Taiwan, Thailand, The Philippines, Vietnam, and USA.  Don’t miss it!

ArtGate Gallery | August 10, 2011 | 9:30PM
AAIFF’11 is proud to partner with ArtGate Gallery and celebrate the opening of our 34th year of films, workshops and events. Come mingle with filmmakers, stars, guests, sponsors and industry. Enjoy savory treats by famous Filipino restaurants Maharlika and others, and signature cocktails.

John Sayles | 121min | USA | English, Tagalog w/ES
Chelsea Clearview | 7:00PM | August 10, 2011

AAIFF’11 Opening Night Presentation
NYC Premiere

AMIGO, the 17th feature film from writer-director John Sayles, stars Joel Torre as Rafael Dacanay, a village mayor caught in the murderous cross-fire of the Philippine-American War in 1900.

When U.S. troops garrison his village, Rafael comes under pressure to collaborate from the blood-and-guts Colonel Hardacre (Chris Cooper) as he tries not to betray his people. But the situation is complex, as Rafael’s brother Simón (Ronnie Lazaro) is the head of the local Filipino guerillas, and considers any concessions to the Americans to be traitorous.

A devious Spanish friar (Yul Vazquez) is charged with translating, but thwarts communication with his spiteful intrigues. A sympathetic American lieutenant (Garret Dillahunt) begins to learn that the hearts and minds of the Filipino people cannot be won at gunpoint.

Rafael is forced to make the near-impossible, potentially deadly decisions faced by civilians in an occupied country. Friendship and betrayal, romance and heart-breaking violence, AMIGO is a page torn from the forgotten history of imperialism, and mirrors today’s unresolvable conflicts. Director, producer and star in attendance.

ArtGate Gallery
520 W 27th St #101 (10th & 11th Aves)
New York, New York 10001

$55 Screening + Reception | $45 for Members
$35 Screening only
$30 Reception only

The annual Asian American International Film Festival (AAIFF) is produced by Asian CineVision (ACV), a nonprofit media arts organization devoted to the development, promotion and preservation of Asian and Asian American film and video. In 2011, AAIFF celebrates its 34th year. The nation’s longest-running festival of its kind, AAIFF is a leading showcase for the best in independent Asian and Asian American film and video.  For more info: http://www.aaiff.org