18th Boston Asian American Film Festival

WATCH FILMS | MEET FILMMAKERS | ENGAGE IN DISCUSSIONS The Boston Asian American Film Festival (BAAFF) empowers Asian Americans through film by showcasing Asian American experiences and serving as a resource to filmmakers and the Greater Boston Community.  The festival is here for YOU—to see and been seen, to hear and be heard— as individuals exploring the joys and challenges of a collective community. Tickets: $15+ / Varies Venues: 10/15 Coolidge Corner Theatre 10/16-25 Emerson Paramount Center ____________________________________ Join us for the 18th annual Boston Asian American Film Festival! Meet inspiring filmmakers, take part in meaningful conversations, and explore diverse Asian American stories that connect, empower, and uplift our communities through film. BAAFF is a co-production of the Asian American Resource Workshop and ArtsEmerson. See the rest of the lineup for the film festival at BAAFF.ORG BAAFF Lineup-at-a-glance Thursday, Oct. 8 (Pao Arts Center) 6:30PM <a href="https://baaff.org/preview-party">Preview Party [FREE] </a> Thursday, October 15 (Coolidge Corner Theatre) 7:00PM <a href="https://baaff.org/forge">OPENING NIGHT </a><a href="https://baaff.org/isle-child">Isle Child</a> Friday, October 16 (Emerson Paramount Center) 6:00PM <a href="https://baaff.org/breaking-the-code">Breaking the Code</a> 9:00PM <a href="https://baaff.org/after-dark-2026">Shorts: After Dark </a> Saturday, October 17 (Emerson Paramount Center) 12:00PM <a href="https://baaff.org/road-to-sydney">The Road to Sydney (Preceded by Sheesh: A Taylor Love Story)</a> 3:30PM <a href="https://baaff.org/in-transit">Shorts: In Transit </a> 8:00PM CENTERPIECE <a href="https://baaff.org/jersey-boy">Jersey Boy</a> Sunday, October 18 (Emerson Paramount Center) 1:00PM <a href="https://baaff.org/sag-aftra">Everything SAG-AFTRA All at Once Panel [FREE]</a> 3:00PM <a href="https://baaff.org/chinatown-cha-cha">Chinatown Cha-Cha</a> 6:30PM <a href="https://baaff.org/drawing-lines">Shorts: Drawing Lines</a> Saturday, October 24 (Emerson Paramount Center) 3:30PM <a href="https://baaff.org/families-forged-found">Shorts: Families Forged &amp; Found</a> 6:30PM CENTERPIECE <a href="https://baaff.org/y-vlan">Y Vân: The Lost Sounds of Saigon</a> Sunday, October 25 (Emerson Paramount Center) 1:00PM <a href="https://baaff.org/in-waves">In Waves</a> 4:30PM CLOSING <a href="https://baaff.org/montreal-my-beautiful">Montreal, My Beautiful</a>

Emerson Paramount Center

BAAFF Shorts - Families

<a href="https://baaff.org/families-forged-found">SHORTS: Families Forged &amp; Found</a> “Families, Forged and Found” highlights the bonds made between friends, neighbors, communities, and beyond. It’s the stories of the families we’ve created or found in the unlikeliest of places. <a href="https://baaff.org/families-forged-found">READ MORE »</a> • Three Ladies &amp; A Fake ID Directed by Brandon Okumura • Gilbert Gong – The Heart of Lincoln Square Directed by Jim McSilver • Headbang&nbsp;&nbsp;Directed by Anna Khaja • Betty St. Clair Co-directed by Syra McCarthy &amp; Kyle Casey Chu • Muoz-doic Mixtape Directed by Quyên Nguyen-Le • Yu &amp; Me Co-directed by Esther Chan &amp; Claudine Cho<ul><li>Saturday, Oct. 24, 3:30PM</li><li>Emerson Paramount Center</li><li>Followed by Q&amp;A</li><li><a href="https://baaff.org/families-forged-found">Get Tickets</a></li></ul> _________________ Join us for the 18th annual Boston Asian American Film Festival! Meet inspiring filmmakers, take part in meaningful conversations, and explore diverse Asian American stories that connect, empower, and uplift our communities through film. BAAFF is a co-production of the Asian American Resource Workshop and ArtsEmerson. See the rest of the lineup for the film festival at BAAFF.ORG BAAFF Lineup-at-a-glance Thursday, Oct. 8 (Pao Arts Center) 6:30PM <a href="https://baaff.org/preview-party">Preview Party [FREE]&nbsp;</a> Thursday, October 15 (Coolidge Corner Theatre) 7:00PM <a href="https://baaff.org/forge">OPENING NIGHT </a><a href="https://baaff.org/isle-child">Isle Child</a> Friday, October 16 (Emerson Paramount Center) 6:00PM <a href="https://baaff.org/breaking-the-code">Breaking the Code</a> 9:00PM <a href="https://baaff.org/after-dark-2026">Shorts: After Dark&nbsp;</a> Saturday, October 17 (Emerson Paramount Center) 12:00PM <a href="https://baaff.org/road-to-sydney">The Road to Sydney (Preceded by Sheesh: A Taylor Love Story)</a> 3:30PM <a href="https://baaff.org/in-transit">Shorts: In Transit&nbsp;</a> 8:00PM CENTERPIECE <a href="https://baaff.org/jersey-boy">Jersey Boy</a> Sunday, October 18 (Emerson Paramount Center) 1:00PM <a href="https://baaff.org/sag-aftra">Everything SAG-AFTRA All at Once Panel [FREE]</a> 3:00PM <a href="https://baaff.org/chinatown-cha-cha">Chinatown Cha-Cha</a> 6:30PM <a href="https://baaff.org/drawing-lines">Shorts: Drawing Lines</a> Saturday, October 24 (Emerson Paramount Center) 3:30PM <a href="https://baaff.org/families-forged-found">Shorts: Families Forged &amp; Found</a> 6:30PM CENTERPIECE <a href="https://baaff.org/y-vlan">Y Vân: The Lost Sounds of Saigon</a> Sunday, October 25 (Emerson Paramount Center) 1:00PM <a href="https://baaff.org/in-waves">In Waves</a> 4:30PM CLOSING <a href="https://baaff.org/montreal-my-beautiful">Montreal, My Beautiful</a>

BAAFF Centerpiece - Y Vân: The Lost Sounds of Saigon

CENTERPIECE DOCUMENTARY Y Vân: The Lost Sounds of Saigon Directed by Khoa Ha and Victor Velle Documentary | 95 Minutes | English and Vietnamese | Boston Premiere<ul><li>Saturday, Oct. 24, 6:00PM EDT</li><li>Emerson Paramount Center</li><li>Followed by Q&amp;A with Directors</li></ul>Y Vân: The Lost Sounds of Saigon tells the epic story of Y Vân, a legendary Vietnamese composer, and his granddaughter Khoa as she journeys to uncover and preserve his lost music. A story told across three generations, Y Vân: The Lost Sounds of Saigon brings to life the golden age of Saigon and uncovers a timeless tale of love, music and family. <a href="https://purchase.artsemerson.org/EventAvailability?EventId=37601&amp;_gl=1*1q01mph*_gcl_au*NTU2NTY0NjEzLjE3ODcyNTI2NDQuLS4tLjE3ODcyNTI2NDQuOTE5NTc3MTgxLjE3ODk2OTc3OTguMTc4OTY5ODI5Mg..*_ga*MTUyMTAyNzE3LjE3ODcyNTI2NDU.*_ga_43ELNV638B*czE3ODk2OTc3OTgkbzMkZzEkdDE3ODk2OTg0MTIkajM5JGwwJGgw">GET TICKETS</a> _________________ Join us for the 18th annual Boston Asian American Film Festival! Meet inspiring filmmakers, take part in meaningful conversations, and explore diverse Asian American stories that connect, empower, and uplift our communities through film. BAAFF is a co-production of the Asian American Resource Workshop and ArtsEmerson. See the rest of the lineup for the film festival at BAAFF.ORG BAAFF Lineup-at-a-glance Thursday, Oct. 8 (Pao Arts Center) 6:30PM <a href="https://baaff.org/preview-party">Preview Party [FREE]&nbsp;</a> Thursday, October 15 (Coolidge Corner Theatre) 7:00PM <a href="https://baaff.org/forge">OPENING NIGHT </a><a href="https://baaff.org/isle-child">Isle Child</a> Friday, October 16 (Emerson Paramount Center) 6:00PM <a href="https://baaff.org/breaking-the-code">Breaking the Code</a> 9:00PM <a href="https://baaff.org/after-dark-2026">Shorts: After Dark&nbsp;</a> Saturday, October 17 (Emerson Paramount Center) 12:00PM <a href="https://baaff.org/road-to-sydney">The Road to Sydney (Preceded by Sheesh: A Taylor Love Story)</a> 3:30PM <a href="https://baaff.org/in-transit">Shorts: In Transit&nbsp;</a> 8:00PM CENTERPIECE <a href="https://baaff.org/jersey-boy">Jersey Boy</a> Sunday, October 18 (Emerson Paramount Center) 1:00PM <a href="https://baaff.org/sag-aftra">Everything SAG-AFTRA All at Once Panel [FREE]</a> 3:00PM <a href="https://baaff.org/chinatown-cha-cha">Chinatown Cha-Cha</a> 6:30PM <a href="https://baaff.org/drawing-lines">Shorts: Drawing Lines</a> Saturday, October 24 (Emerson Paramount Center) 3:30PM <a href="https://baaff.org/families-forged-found">Shorts: Families Forged &amp; Found</a> 6:30PM CENTERPIECE <a href="https://baaff.org/y-vlan">Y Vân: The Lost Sounds of Saigon</a> Sunday, October 25 (Emerson Paramount Center) 1:00PM <a href="https://baaff.org/in-waves">In Waves</a> 4:30PM CLOSING <a href="https://baaff.org/montreal-my-beautiful">Montreal, My Beautiful</a>

BAAFF - In Waves

In Waves Directed by Phuong Mai Nguyen and AJ Dungo, Author of Autobiographical Novel Animated | 91 Minutes | English | Boston Premiere<ul><li>Sunday, Oct. 25, 1:00PM EST</li><li>Emerson Paramount Center</li><li>Followed by Q&amp;A with Directors</li></ul>AJ (voiced by Will Sharpe), a reserved high school student in Los Angeles, spends his days drawing and skateboarding with his friends. Kristen (voiced by Stephanie Hsu), an energetic surfer, finds joy and freedom in the ocean. When they meet, curiosity evolves into deep love: Kristen teaches AJ to surf and shares its historical connection to Hawaiian culture. As their relationship grows closer, AJ is inspired to preserve their connection by drawing their story. An animated true story set against the sun-soaked surf culture of Southern California, IN WAVES explores the joy of finding your soulmate, the courage it takes to live life to the fullest, and the enduring power of love to shape who we become and what we leave behind. <a href="https://purchase.artsemerson.org/EventAvailability?EventId=36803&amp;_gl=1*14lbcqy*_gcl_au*NTU2NTY0NjEzLjE3ODcyNTI2NDQuLS4tLjE3ODcyNTI2NDQuOTE5NTc3MTgxLjE3ODk2OTc3OTguMTc4OTY5ODI5Mg..*_ga*MTUyMTAyNzE3LjE3ODcyNTI2NDU.*_ga_43ELNV638B*czE3ODk2OTc3OTgkbzMkZzEkdDE3ODk2OTg0MzYkajE1JGwwJGgw">GET TICKETS</a> _________________ Join us for the 18th annual Boston Asian American Film Festival! Meet inspiring filmmakers, take part in meaningful conversations, and explore diverse Asian American stories that connect, empower, and uplift our communities through film. BAAFF is a co-production of the Asian American Resource Workshop and ArtsEmerson. See the rest of the lineup for the film festival at BAAFF.ORG BAAFF Lineup-at-a-glance Thursday, Oct. 8 (Pao Arts Center) 6:30PM <a href="https://baaff.org/preview-party">Preview Party [FREE]&nbsp;</a> Thursday, October 15 (Coolidge Corner Theatre) 7:00PM <a href="https://baaff.org/forge">OPENING NIGHT </a><a href="https://baaff.org/isle-child">Isle Child</a> Friday, October 16 (Emerson Paramount Center) 6:00PM <a href="https://baaff.org/breaking-the-code">Breaking the Code</a> 9:00PM <a href="https://baaff.org/after-dark-2026">Shorts: After Dark&nbsp;</a> Saturday, October 17 (Emerson Paramount Center) 12:00PM <a href="https://baaff.org/road-to-sydney">The Road to Sydney (Preceded by Sheesh: A Taylor Love Story)</a> 3:30PM <a href="https://baaff.org/in-transit">Shorts: In Transit&nbsp;</a> 8:00PM CENTERPIECE <a href="https://baaff.org/jersey-boy">Jersey Boy</a> Sunday, October 18 (Emerson Paramount Center) 1:00PM <a href="https://baaff.org/sag-aftra">Everything SAG-AFTRA All at Once Panel [FREE]</a> 3:00PM <a href="https://baaff.org/chinatown-cha-cha">Chinatown Cha-Cha</a> 6:30PM <a href="https://baaff.org/drawing-lines">Shorts: Drawing Lines</a> Saturday, October 24 (Emerson Paramount Center) 3:30PM <a href="https://baaff.org/families-forged-found">Shorts: Families Forged &amp; Found</a> 6:30PM CENTERPIECE <a href="https://baaff.org/y-vlan">Y Vân: The Lost Sounds of Saigon</a> Sunday, October 25 (Emerson Paramount Center) 1:00PM <a href="https://baaff.org/in-waves">In Waves</a> 4:30PM CLOSING <a href="https://baaff.org/montreal-my-beautiful">Montreal, My Beautiful</a>

BAAFF Closing Film - Montreal, My Beautiful

CLOSING NIGHT&nbsp;FILM Montreal, My Beautiful Directed by Xiaodan He Narrative | 118 Minutes | French and Chinese with English subtitles Content Warning: 16+ Mature Content: Conjugal violence, racism, sexual situations<ul><li>Sunday, Oct. 25, 4:00PM EDT</li><li>Emerson Paramount Center</li><li>Followed by Q&amp;A with Director</li></ul>Feng Xia, a 53-year-old Chinese immigrant and mother living in Montreal, has spent her life shaped by duty — to her family, her culture, and a loveless marriage. But when she meets Camille, a spirited young Québécoise, a long-buried desire is awakened. In the balmy and joyful Montreal summer, Feng Xia takes the radical step of choosing herself — embarking on a journey of forbidden love and long-overdue self-discovery. Her awakening becomes a profound reckoning with identity, exile, and the steep cost of liberation. Starring — Joan Chen, Charlotte Aubin, John Xu, Pei Yao Xu, Anzhe (Angelo) Zhang, Jean-Guy Bouchard, Isabelle Miquelon, Zion-Luna Ribeaux Valdès, Annette Garant, Éloi Archambaudoin, Wensi Yan, Pantelis Palioudakis, Amélie Pelletier This role speaks to me on a deeply personal level. It’s rare to find a script that explores age, sexuality, and cultural dislocation with such depth. I very much enjoyed exploring and inhabiting Feng Xia’s unique world, and I can’t wait for audiences to do the same. — Joan Chen <a href="https://purchase.artsemerson.org/EventAvailability?EventId=37801&amp;_gl=1*14lbcqy*_gcl_au*NTU2NTY0NjEzLjE3ODcyNTI2NDQuLS4tLjE3ODcyNTI2NDQuOTE5NTc3MTgxLjE3ODk2OTc3OTguMTc4OTY5ODI5Mg..*_ga*MTUyMTAyNzE3LjE3ODcyNTI2NDU.*_ga_43ELNV638B*czE3ODk2OTc3OTgkbzMkZzEkdDE3ODk2OTg0MzYkajE1JGwwJGgw">GET TICKETS</a> _________________ Join us for the 18th annual Boston Asian American Film Festival! Meet inspiring filmmakers, take part in meaningful conversations, and explore diverse Asian American stories that connect, empower, and uplift our communities through film. BAAFF is a co-production of the Asian American Resource Workshop and ArtsEmerson. See the rest of the lineup for the film festival at BAAFF.ORG BAAFF Lineup-at-a-glance Thursday, Oct. 8 (Pao Arts Center) 6:30PM <a href="https://baaff.org/preview-party">Preview Party [FREE]&nbsp;</a> Thursday, October 15 (Coolidge Corner Theatre) 7:00PM <a href="https://baaff.org/forge">OPENING NIGHT </a><a href="https://baaff.org/isle-child">Isle Child</a> Friday, October 16 (Emerson Paramount Center) 6:00PM <a href="https://baaff.org/breaking-the-code">Breaking the Code</a> 9:00PM <a href="https://baaff.org/after-dark-2026">Shorts: After Dark&nbsp;</a> Saturday, October 17 (Emerson Paramount Center) 12:00PM <a href="https://baaff.org/road-to-sydney">The Road to Sydney (Preceded by Sheesh: A Taylor Love Story)</a> 3:30PM <a href="https://baaff.org/in-transit">Shorts: In Transit&nbsp;</a> 8:00PM CENTERPIECE <a href="https://baaff.org/jersey-boy">Jersey Boy</a> Sunday, October 18 (Emerson Paramount Center) 1:00PM <a href="https://baaff.org/sag-aftra">Everything SAG-AFTRA All at Once Panel [FREE]</a> 3:00PM <a href="https://baaff.org/chinatown-cha-cha">Chinatown Cha-Cha</a> 6:30PM <a href="https://baaff.org/drawing-lines">Shorts: Drawing Lines</a> Saturday, October 24 (Emerson Paramount Center) 3:30PM <a href="https://baaff.org/families-forged-found">Shorts: Families Forged &amp; Found</a> 6:30PM CENTERPIECE <a href="https://baaff.org/y-vlan">Y Vân: The Lost Sounds of Saigon</a> Sunday, October 25 (Emerson Paramount Center) 1:00PM <a href="https://baaff.org/in-waves">In Waves</a> 4:30PM CLOSING <a href="https://baaff.org/montreal-my-beautiful">Montreal, My Beautiful</a>

BAAFF Shorts - Drawing Lines

<a href="https://baaff.org/drawing-lines">Shorts: Drawing Lines</a> “Drawing Lines” showcases films that beautifully illustrate the diverse and evocative medium of animation. This collection vividly brings complex emotions into singular focus through a wide array of techniques to tell stories of nostalgia, identity, belonging, and more. <a href="https://baaff.org/drawing-lines">READ MORE »</a> • Living On The Edge of the Internet Directed by Clarisse Chua • Yokaitopia Directed by Glenna Burner • Cabbage Daddy Directed by Grace An • reTIRED Directed by mari jaye blanchard • Broken Mosaic Directed by Alexandra “Lexie” Orr • The Bird, the Girl and the Typhoon Directed by Angeline Marie Michael Meitzler • Our Pockets Are Full Directed by Anjali Pulim • Trading Cards Directed by Radheya Jang • Paper Daughter Directed by Cami Kwan<ul><li>Sunday, Oct. 18, 6:30PM</li><li>Emerson Paramount Center</li><li>Followed by Q&amp;A</li><li><a href="https://baaff.org/drawing-lines">Get Tickets</a></li></ul>_________________ Join us for the 18th annual Boston Asian American Film Festival! Meet inspiring filmmakers, take part in meaningful conversations, and explore diverse Asian American stories that connect, empower, and uplift our communities through film. BAAFF is a co-production of the Asian American Resource Workshop and ArtsEmerson. See the rest of the lineup for the film festival at BAAFF.ORG BAAFF Lineup-at-a-glance Thursday, Oct. 8 (Pao Arts Center) 6:30PM <a href="https://baaff.org/preview-party">Preview Party [FREE]&nbsp;</a> Thursday, October 15 (Coolidge Corner Theatre) 7:00PM <a href="https://baaff.org/forge">OPENING NIGHT </a><a href="https://baaff.org/isle-child">Isle Child</a> Friday, October 16 (Emerson Paramount Center) 6:00PM <a href="https://baaff.org/breaking-the-code">Breaking the Code</a> 9:00PM <a href="https://baaff.org/after-dark-2026">Shorts: After Dark&nbsp;</a> Saturday, October 17 (Emerson Paramount Center) 12:00PM <a href="https://baaff.org/road-to-sydney">The Road to Sydney (Preceded by Sheesh: A Taylor Love Story)</a> 3:30PM <a href="https://baaff.org/in-transit">Shorts: In Transit&nbsp;</a> 8:00PM CENTERPIECE <a href="https://baaff.org/jersey-boy">Jersey Boy</a> Sunday, October 18 (Emerson Paramount Center) 1:00PM <a href="https://baaff.org/sag-aftra">Everything SAG-AFTRA All at Once Panel [FREE]</a> 3:00PM <a href="https://baaff.org/chinatown-cha-cha">Chinatown Cha-Cha</a> 6:30PM <a href="https://baaff.org/drawing-lines">Shorts: Drawing Lines</a> Saturday, October 24 (Emerson Paramount Center) 3:30PM <a href="https://baaff.org/families-forged-found">Shorts: Families Forged &amp; Found</a> 6:30PM CENTERPIECE <a href="https://baaff.org/y-vlan">Y Vân: The Lost Sounds of Saigon</a> Sunday, October 25 (Emerson Paramount Center) 1:00PM <a href="https://baaff.org/in-waves">In Waves</a> 4:30PM CLOSING <a href="https://baaff.org/montreal-my-beautiful">Montreal, My Beautiful</a>

BAAFF - Chinatown Cha-Cha

Chinatown Cha-Cha Directed by Luka Yuanyuan Yang Documentary | 85 Minutes | English | New England Premiere<ul><li>Sunday, Oct. 18, 3:30PM EDT</li><li>Emerson Paramount Center</li><li>Followed by Zoom Q&amp;A with Director</li></ul>The 92-year-old previous nightclub dancer Coby Yee decides to get back on stage again after joining the senior dance troupe Grant Avenue Follies. Together they go on a tour for the last time, bridging once isolated Chinese communities in the US, Cuba and China &nbsp; <a href="https://purchase.artsemerson.org/EventAvailability?EventId=37201&amp;_gl=1*3v8ebq*_gcl_au*NTU2NTY0NjEzLjE3ODcyNTI2NDQuLS4tLjE3ODcyNTI2NDQuOTE5NTc3MTgxLjE3ODk2OTc3OTguMTc4OTY5ODI5Mg..*_ga*MTUyMTAyNzE3LjE3ODcyNTI2NDU.*_ga_43ELNV638B*czE3ODk2OTc3OTgkbzMkZzEkdDE3ODk2OTgyOTQkajU1JGwwJGgw">GET TICKETS</a> _________________ Join us for the 18th annual Boston Asian American Film Festival! Meet inspiring filmmakers, take part in meaningful conversations, and explore diverse Asian American stories that connect, empower, and uplift our communities through film. BAAFF is a co-production of the Asian American Resource Workshop and ArtsEmerson. See the rest of the lineup for the film festival at BAAFF.ORG BAAFF Lineup-at-a-glance Thursday, Oct. 8 (Pao Arts Center) 6:30PM <a href="https://baaff.org/preview-party">Preview Party [FREE]&nbsp;</a> Thursday, October 15 (Coolidge Corner Theatre) 7:00PM <a href="https://baaff.org/forge">OPENING NIGHT </a><a href="https://baaff.org/isle-child">Isle Child</a> Friday, October 16 (Emerson Paramount Center) 6:00PM <a href="https://baaff.org/breaking-the-code">Breaking the Code</a> 9:00PM <a href="https://baaff.org/after-dark-2026">Shorts: After Dark&nbsp;</a> Saturday, October 17 (Emerson Paramount Center) 12:00PM <a href="https://baaff.org/road-to-sydney">The Road to Sydney (Preceded by Sheesh: A Taylor Love Story)</a> 3:30PM <a href="https://baaff.org/in-transit">Shorts: In Transit&nbsp;</a> 8:00PM CENTERPIECE <a href="https://baaff.org/jersey-boy">Jersey Boy</a> Sunday, October 18 (Emerson Paramount Center) 1:00PM <a href="https://baaff.org/sag-aftra">Everything SAG-AFTRA All at Once Panel [FREE]</a> 3:00PM <a href="https://baaff.org/chinatown-cha-cha">Chinatown Cha-Cha</a> 6:30PM <a href="https://baaff.org/drawing-lines">Shorts: Drawing Lines</a> Saturday, October 24 (Emerson Paramount Center) 3:30PM <a href="https://baaff.org/families-forged-found">Shorts: Families Forged &amp; Found</a> 6:30PM CENTERPIECE <a href="https://baaff.org/y-vlan">Y Vân: The Lost Sounds of Saigon</a> Sunday, October 25 (Emerson Paramount Center) 1:00PM <a href="https://baaff.org/in-waves">In Waves</a> 4:30PM CLOSING <a href="https://baaff.org/montreal-my-beautiful">Montreal, My Beautiful</a>

BAAFF Centerpiece - Jersey Boy

BAAFF CENTERPIECE NARRATIVE Jersey Boy Directed by Jaskaran Singh Narrative | 106 Minutes | English, Punjabi | East Coast Premiere<ul><li>Saturday, Oct. 17, 6:30PM EDT</li><li>Emerson Paramount Center</li><li>Followed by Q&amp;A with Director</li></ul>Shattered by a family tragedy in the wake of 9/11, a young Sikh boy struggles to hold onto love, family, and identity as he grows up in a country feeling like he doesn’t belong. Content Warning: 16+ Racism, violence, hate crimes &nbsp; _________________ Join us for the 18th annual Boston Asian American Film Festival! Meet inspiring filmmakers, take part in meaningful conversations, and explore diverse Asian American stories that connect, empower, and uplift our communities through film. BAAFF is a co-production of the Asian American Resource Workshop and ArtsEmerson. See the rest of the lineup for the film festival at BAAFF.ORG BAAFF Lineup-at-a-glance Thursday, Oct. 8 (Pao Arts Center) 6:30PM <a href="https://baaff.org/preview-party">Preview Party [FREE]&nbsp;</a> Thursday, October 15 (Coolidge Corner Theatre) 7:00PM <a href="https://baaff.org/forge">OPENING NIGHT </a><a href="https://baaff.org/isle-child">Isle Child</a> Friday, October 16 (Emerson Paramount Center) 6:00PM <a href="https://baaff.org/breaking-the-code">Breaking the Code</a> 9:00PM <a href="https://baaff.org/after-dark-2026">Shorts: After Dark&nbsp;</a> Saturday, October 17 (Emerson Paramount Center) 12:00PM <a href="https://baaff.org/road-to-sydney">The Road to Sydney (Preceded by Sheesh: A Taylor Love Story)</a> 3:30PM <a href="https://baaff.org/in-transit">Shorts: In Transit&nbsp;</a> 8:00PM CENTERPIECE <a href="https://baaff.org/jersey-boy">Jersey Boy</a> Sunday, October 18 (Emerson Paramount Center) 1:00PM <a href="https://baaff.org/sag-aftra">Everything SAG-AFTRA All at Once Panel [FREE]</a> 3:00PM <a href="https://baaff.org/chinatown-cha-cha">Chinatown Cha-Cha</a> 6:30PM <a href="https://baaff.org/drawing-lines">Shorts: Drawing Lines</a> Saturday, October 24 (Emerson Paramount Center) 3:30PM <a href="https://baaff.org/families-forged-found">Shorts: Families Forged &amp; Found</a> 6:30PM CENTERPIECE <a href="https://baaff.org/y-vlan">Y Vân: The Lost Sounds of Saigon</a> Sunday, October 25 (Emerson Paramount Center) 1:00PM <a href="https://baaff.org/in-waves">In Waves</a> 4:30PM CLOSING <a href="https://baaff.org/montreal-my-beautiful">Montreal, My Beautiful</a>

BAAFF Shorts - In Transit

<a href="https://baaff.org/in-transit">Shorts: In Transit</a> “In Transit” explores the immigrant experience and the transformations that occur along their journeys. These are stories of triumph, inclusion, and discovery but also of tribulation, heartache, and struggle as they build their new lives. <a href="https://baaff.org/drawing-lines-2">READ MORE »</a> • The Boy with the Dinosaur Head Directed by Imran J. Khan • Nervous Energy Directed by Eve Liu • Sole (얼) Directed by Haneol Lee • Harvest Party At Camp Two Directed by Reaa Puri • Can I Put You On Hold Directed by James Cutler • Next Up, Lin Sun Directed by Jane Alcala<ul><li>Saturday, Oct. 17, 3:30PM</li><li>Emerson Paramount Center</li><li>Followed by Q&amp;A</li><li><a href="https://baaff.org/in-transit">Get Tickets</a></li></ul>_________________ Join us for the 18th annual Boston Asian American Film Festival! Meet inspiring filmmakers, take part in meaningful conversations, and explore diverse Asian American stories that connect, empower, and uplift our communities through film. BAAFF is a co-production of the Asian American Resource Workshop and ArtsEmerson. See the rest of the lineup for the film festival at BAAFF.ORG BAAFF Lineup-at-a-glance Thursday, Oct. 8 (Pao Arts Center) 6:30PM <a href="https://baaff.org/preview-party">Preview Party [FREE]&nbsp;</a> Thursday, October 15 (Coolidge Corner Theatre) 7:00PM <a href="https://baaff.org/forge">OPENING NIGHT </a><a href="https://baaff.org/isle-child">Isle Child</a> Friday, October 16 (Emerson Paramount Center) 6:00PM <a href="https://baaff.org/breaking-the-code">Breaking the Code</a> 9:00PM <a href="https://baaff.org/after-dark-2026">Shorts: After Dark&nbsp;</a> Saturday, October 17 (Emerson Paramount Center) 12:00PM <a href="https://baaff.org/road-to-sydney">The Road to Sydney (Preceded by Sheesh: A Taylor Love Story)</a> 3:30PM <a href="https://baaff.org/in-transit">Shorts: In Transit&nbsp;</a> 8:00PM CENTERPIECE <a href="https://baaff.org/jersey-boy">Jersey Boy</a> Sunday, October 18 (Emerson Paramount Center) 1:00PM <a href="https://baaff.org/sag-aftra">Everything SAG-AFTRA All at Once Panel [FREE]</a> 3:00PM <a href="https://baaff.org/chinatown-cha-cha">Chinatown Cha-Cha</a> 6:30PM <a href="https://baaff.org/drawing-lines">Shorts: Drawing Lines</a> Saturday, October 24 (Emerson Paramount Center) 3:30PM <a href="https://baaff.org/families-forged-found">Shorts: Families Forged &amp; Found</a> 6:30PM CENTERPIECE <a href="https://baaff.org/y-vlan">Y Vân: The Lost Sounds of Saigon</a> Sunday, October 25 (Emerson Paramount Center) 1:00PM <a href="https://baaff.org/in-waves">In Waves</a> 4:30PM CLOSING <a href="https://baaff.org/montreal-my-beautiful">Montreal, My Beautiful</a>

BAAFF - The Road to Sydney (Preceded by Sheesh: A Taylor Love Story)

<a href="https://baaff.org/road-to-sydney">The Road to Sydney (Preceded by Sheesh: A Taylor Love Story)</a> Directed by Benito Bautista Documentary | 100 Minutes | English, Tagalog with English subtitles when other languages spoken | East Coast Premiere<ul><li>Saturday, Oct. 17, 12:00PM EDT</li><li>Emerson Paramount Center</li><li>Followed by Q&amp;A with Director</li></ul>The Road to Sydney follows Philippine dance master and choreographer Sydney Loyola, who found refuge in dance after a childhood of bullying in Palawan. Now based in the San Francisco Bay Area, Sydney faces the painful realities of job loss and eviction following her gender transition and affirmation. Through courage and artistry, she embarks on a journey of healing, identity, and reconciliation with her estranged father. Content Warning: 16+ Reference to Abuse and Sexual Trauma <a href="https://baaff.org/road-to-sydney">Sheesh: A Taylor Love Story</a> Directed by Ramona S. Diaz Documentary | 16 Minutes | English and Tagalog | Boston Premiere In a country where drag is both art and survival, a Filipino impersonator named Taylor Sheesh turns Taylor Swift fandom into a movement of joy, belonging, self-expression, and empowerment — revealing the power of queer performance to make people feel seen, beautiful, and free in a region still fighting for equality. _________________ Join us for the 18th annual Boston Asian American Film Festival! Meet inspiring filmmakers, take part in meaningful conversations, and explore diverse Asian American stories that connect, empower, and uplift our communities through film. BAAFF is a co-production of the Asian American Resource Workshop and ArtsEmerson. See the rest of the lineup for the film festival at BAAFF.ORG BAAFF Lineup-at-a-glance Thursday, Oct. 8 (Pao Arts Center) 6:30PM <a href="https://baaff.org/preview-party">Preview Party [FREE]&nbsp;</a> Thursday, October 15 (Coolidge Corner Theatre) 7:00PM <a href="https://baaff.org/forge">OPENING NIGHT </a><a href="https://baaff.org/isle-child">Isle Child</a> Friday, October 16 (Emerson Paramount Center) 6:00PM <a href="https://baaff.org/breaking-the-code">Breaking the Code</a> 9:00PM <a href="https://baaff.org/after-dark-2026">Shorts: After Dark&nbsp;</a> Saturday, October 17 (Emerson Paramount Center) 12:00PM <a href="https://baaff.org/road-to-sydney">The Road to Sydney (Preceded by Sheesh: A Taylor Love Story)</a> 3:30PM <a href="https://baaff.org/in-transit">Shorts: In Transit&nbsp;</a> 8:00PM CENTERPIECE <a href="https://baaff.org/jersey-boy">Jersey Boy</a> Sunday, October 18 (Emerson Paramount Center) 1:00PM <a href="https://baaff.org/sag-aftra">Everything SAG-AFTRA All at Once Panel [FREE]</a> 3:00PM <a href="https://baaff.org/chinatown-cha-cha">Chinatown Cha-Cha</a> 6:30PM <a href="https://baaff.org/drawing-lines">Shorts: Drawing Lines</a> Saturday, October 24 (Emerson Paramount Center) 3:30PM <a href="https://baaff.org/families-forged-found">Shorts: Families Forged &amp; Found</a> 6:30PM CENTERPIECE <a href="https://baaff.org/y-vlan">Y Vân: The Lost Sounds of Saigon</a> Sunday, October 25 (Emerson Paramount Center) 1:00PM <a href="https://baaff.org/in-waves">In Waves</a> 4:30PM CLOSING <a href="https://baaff.org/montreal-my-beautiful">Montreal, My Beautiful</a>

BAAFF Shorts - After Dark

<a href="https://baaff.org/after-dark-2026">Shorts: BAAFF After Dark</a> “BAAFF After Dark” features films that are sure to make you cower, laugh, and maybe even tip your delivery driver a little more. Designed to provoke, this block of bite-sized genre films will take you from a violent past to a dystopian future, with everything in between. <a href="https://baaff.org/after-dark-2026">READ MORE »</a> • I Think About Killing You Directed by Ran Ran Wang • Breeder Directed by Sapphire Sandalo • Indian in a Box Directed by Nishanth R. • Get Her Back! Directed by Leah Nanako Winkler • My Dinner With Victor Directed by Andrew Chiu • Shitfly Directed by Julian Park • Born To Kill Directed by Sally Tran<ul><li>Friday, Oct. 16, 9:00PM</li><li>Emerson Paramount Center</li><li>Followed by Q&amp;A</li><li><a href="https://baaff.org/after-dark-2026">Get Tickets</a></li></ul>_________________ Join us for the 18th annual Boston Asian American Film Festival! Meet inspiring filmmakers, take part in meaningful conversations, and explore diverse Asian American stories that connect, empower, and uplift our communities through film. BAAFF is a co-production of the Asian American Resource Workshop and ArtsEmerson. See the rest of the lineup for the film festival at BAAFF.ORG BAAFF Lineup-at-a-glance Thursday, Oct. 8 (Pao Arts Center) 6:30PM <a href="https://baaff.org/preview-party">Preview Party [FREE] </a> Thursday, October 15 (Coolidge Corner Theatre) 7:00PM <a href="https://baaff.org/forge">OPENING NIGHT </a><a href="https://baaff.org/isle-child">Isle Child</a> Friday, October 16 (Emerson Paramount Center) 6:00PM <a href="https://baaff.org/breaking-the-code">Breaking the Code</a> 9:00PM <a href="https://baaff.org/after-dark-2026">Shorts: After Dark </a> Saturday, October 17 (Emerson Paramount Center) 12:00PM <a href="https://baaff.org/road-to-sydney">The Road to Sydney (Preceded by Sheesh: A Taylor Love Story)</a> 3:30PM <a href="https://baaff.org/in-transit">Shorts: In Transit </a> 8:00PM CENTERPIECE <a href="https://baaff.org/jersey-boy">Jersey Boy</a> Sunday, October 18 (Emerson Paramount Center) 1:00PM <a href="https://baaff.org/sag-aftra">Everything SAG-AFTRA All at Once Panel [FREE]</a> 3:00PM <a href="https://baaff.org/chinatown-cha-cha">Chinatown Cha-Cha</a> 6:30PM <a href="https://baaff.org/drawing-lines">Shorts: Drawing Lines</a> Saturday, October 24 (Emerson Paramount Center) 3:30PM <a href="https://baaff.org/families-forged-found">Shorts: Families Forged &amp; Found</a> 6:30PM CENTERPIECE <a href="https://baaff.org/y-vlan">Y Vân: The Lost Sounds of Saigon</a> Sunday, October 25 (Emerson Paramount Center) 1:00PM <a href="https://baaff.org/in-waves">In Waves</a> 4:30PM CLOSING <a href="https://baaff.org/montreal-my-beautiful">Montreal, My Beautiful</a>

BAAFF - Breaking the Code

Breaking The Code Directed by Ben Rekhi Documentary | 82 Minutes | English | New England Premiere<ul><li>Friday, October 16, 6:00PM EDT</li><li>Emerson Paramount Center</li><li>Followed by Q&amp;A with Director</li></ul>A son retraces his father’s journey from Indian immigrant to Silicon Valley tech pioneer, uncovering a powerful story of migration, sacrifice and love that transcended borders and broke the glass ceiling of Indians in America. Content Warning: 16+ Reference to Suicide <a href="https://purchase.artsemerson.org/EventAvailability?EventId=36201&amp;_gl=1*1vfv13n*_gcl_au*NTU2NTY0NjEzLjE3ODcyNTI2NDQuLS4tLjE3ODcyNTI2NDQuOTE5NTc3MTgxLjE3ODk2OTc3OTguMTc4OTY5ODI5Mg..*_ga*MTUyMTAyNzE3LjE3ODcyNTI2NDU.*_ga_43ELNV638B*czE3ODk2OTc3OTgkbzMkZzEkdDE3ODk2OTgyOTQkajU1JGwwJGgw">GET TICKETS</a> Join us for the 18th annual Boston Asian American Film Festival! Meet inspiring filmmakers, take part in meaningful conversations, and explore diverse Asian American stories that connect, empower, and uplift our communities through film. BAAFF is a co-production of the Asian American Resource Workshop and ArtsEmerson. See the rest of the lineup for the film festival at BAAFF.ORG BAAFF Lineup-at-a-glance Thursday, Oct. 8 (Pao Arts Center) 6:30PM <a href="https://baaff.org/preview-party">Preview Party [FREE]&nbsp;</a> Thursday, October 15 (Coolidge Corner Theatre) 7:00PM <a href="https://baaff.org/forge">OPENING NIGHT </a><a href="https://baaff.org/isle-child">Isle Child</a> Friday, October 16 (Emerson Paramount Center) 6:00PM <a href="https://baaff.org/breaking-the-code">Breaking the Code</a> 9:00PM <a href="https://baaff.org/after-dark-2026">Shorts: After Dark&nbsp;</a> Saturday, October 17 (Emerson Paramount Center) 12:00PM <a href="https://baaff.org/road-to-sydney">The Road to Sydney (Preceded by Sheesh: A Taylor Love Story)</a> 3:30PM <a href="https://baaff.org/in-transit">Shorts: In Transit&nbsp;</a> 8:00PM CENTERPIECE <a href="https://baaff.org/jersey-boy">Jersey Boy</a> Sunday, October 18 (Emerson Paramount Center) 1:00PM <a href="https://baaff.org/sag-aftra">Everything SAG-AFTRA All at Once Panel [FREE]</a> 3:00PM <a href="https://baaff.org/chinatown-cha-cha">Chinatown Cha-Cha</a> 6:30PM <a href="https://baaff.org/drawing-lines">Shorts: Drawing Lines</a> Saturday, October 24 (Emerson Paramount Center) 3:30PM <a href="https://baaff.org/families-forged-found">Shorts: Families Forged &amp; Found</a> 6:30PM CENTERPIECE <a href="https://baaff.org/y-vlan">Y Vân: The Lost Sounds of Saigon</a> Sunday, October 25 (Emerson Paramount Center) 1:00PM <a href="https://baaff.org/in-waves">In Waves</a> 4:30PM CLOSING <a href="https://baaff.org/montreal-my-beautiful">Montreal, My Beautiful</a>

BAAFF Opening Night - Isle Child (Q&A with Director  Thomas Percy Kim)

Join us for the 18th annual Boston Asian American Film Festival! Meet inspiring filmmakers, take part in meaningful conversations, and explore diverse Asian American stories that connect, empower, and uplift our communities through film. BAAFF is a co-production of the Asian American Resource Workshop and ArtsEmerson. Boston Asian American Film Festival OPENING NIGHT&nbsp; ISLE CHILD Directed by Thomas Percy Kim Narrative | 91 Minutes | English / Korean Content Warning: Strong Language<ul><li>Thursday, Oct. 15, 7:00PM EDT</li><li>Coolidge Corner Theater</li><li>290 Harvard St, Brookline, MA</li><li>Followed by Q&amp;A with Director Thomas Percy Kim</li></ul>When a young Korean-American adoptee discovers a hidden letter revealing his birth mother is terminally ill in Korea, he must choose between maintaining his perfect American life or confronting the painful truth of his past. &nbsp; General Admission – $25&nbsp; Director’s Bio – Thomas Percy Kim Thomas Percy Kim, who grew up in Concord, Massachusetts, is a young, Korean-American writer/director kindled by raw, introspective narratives. His stop-motion short film, TREJUR, screened at venues such as Indyshorts and Busan International before receiving the Harry Winston Brilliant Futures award and YoungArts gold medal. Before attending USC film school, his live-action short, SI, starring Ki Hong Lee (MAZE RUNNER) premiered at LAAPFF before being sold and distributed by HBO Max. See the rest of the lineup for the film festival at BAAFF.ORG BAAFF Lineup-at-a-glance Thursday, Oct. 8 (Pao Arts Center) 6:30PM <a href="https://baaff.org/preview-party">Preview Party [FREE]&nbsp;</a> Thursday, October 15 (Coolidge Corner Theatre) 7:00PM <a href="https://baaff.org/forge">OPENING NIGHT </a><a href="https://baaff.org/isle-child">Isle Child</a> Friday, October 16 (Emerson Paramount Center) 6:00PM <a href="https://baaff.org/breaking-the-code">Breaking the Code</a> 9:00PM <a href="https://baaff.org/after-dark-2026">Shorts: After Dark&nbsp;</a> Saturday, October 17 (Emerson Paramount Center) 12:00PM <a href="https://baaff.org/road-to-sydney">The Road to Sydney (Preceded by Sheesh: A Taylor Love Story)</a> 3:30PM <a href="https://baaff.org/in-transit">Shorts: In Transit&nbsp;</a> 8:00PM CENTERPIECE <a href="https://baaff.org/jersey-boy">Jersey Boy</a> Sunday, October 18 (Emerson Paramount Center) 1:00PM <a href="https://baaff.org/sag-aftra">Everything SAG-AFTRA All at Once Panel [FREE]</a> 3:00PM <a href="https://baaff.org/chinatown-cha-cha">Chinatown Cha-Cha</a> 6:30PM <a href="https://baaff.org/drawing-lines">Shorts: Drawing Lines</a> Saturday, October 24 (Emerson Paramount Center) 3:30PM <a href="https://baaff.org/families-forged-found">Shorts: Families Forged &amp; Found</a> 6:30PM CENTERPIECE <a href="https://baaff.org/y-vlan">Y Vân: The Lost Sounds of Saigon</a> Sunday, October 25 (Emerson Paramount Center) 1:00PM <a href="https://baaff.org/in-waves">In Waves</a> 4:30PM CLOSING <a href="https://baaff.org/montreal-my-beautiful">Montreal, My Beautiful</a>

Coolidge Corner Theatre

17th Boston Asian American Film Festival

Boston Asian American Film Festival Celebrating 17 Years! WATCH FILMS | MEET FILMMAKERS | ENGAGE IN DISCUSSIONS The Boston Asian American Film Festival (BAAFF) empowers Asian Americans through film by showcasing Asian American experiences and serving as a resource to filmmakers and the Greater Boston Community.  The festival is here for YOU—to see and been seen, to hear and be heard— as individuals exploring the joys and challenges of a collective community. Tickets: $5+ / Varies Venues: 10/16 Brattle Theatre 10/17-19 Emerson Paramount Center 10/20-26 Virtual Screenings Available

BAAFF Golf Getaway

2025 BAAFF GOLF GETAWAY Support BAAFF’s 17th Anniversary Monday, September 29, 2025 LAKE WINNIPESAUKEE GOLF CLUB New Durham, New Hampshire All proceeds support BAAFF’s mission to celebrate and explore Asian American experiences and storytelling through film and video. We hope you will join us at the private, member-exclusive Lake Winnipesaukee Golf Club. Surrounded by stunning foliage and right on the lake, this picturesque scenery will make for a wonderful day of golfing, fun, and prizes. This event is in support of Boston Asian American Film Festival’s productions, community engagement, and film partnerships. This year BAAFF celebrates its 17th anniversary of  empowering Asian Americans through film by showcasing Asian American experiences and serving as a resource to filmmakers and the Greater Boston Community. For questions, please contact Ellen Kaye at <a href="mailto:baaff.golf@aarw.org">baaff.golf@aarw.org</a>

LAKE WINNIPESAUKEE GOLF CLUB

S22: conversations

Wondering what to do in Boston? Places to eat? Free activities? Good for a group? Date night spot? Girls night out? The best things to do? Ask Joyraft!

Best places to go in Boston? Things to do? Places to eat?

Questions & answers about things to do in Boston

Recs 💬

Community recs 💬

S4: top picks

The most fun, cool and unique things to do in Boston. Can’t miss events, shows and experiences. Concerts, restaurants, bars, free things in Boston and beyond.

The most fun and cool events happening around Boston

Hot and new things to do in Boston

Hot & new

Hot & new 🔥

S11: happening this weekend

What to do in Boston this weekend? From festivals, concerts, performances, free events, screenings and more, Joyraft has the best things to do in Boston.

25+ things to do in Boston/Cambridge/Somerville this weekend

Things to do in Boston this weekend

This wknd

This weekend for you

S17: interest based

Your guide to everything to do around Boston.

Things to do in Boston and beyond

Things to do in Boston

New at Museum of Science, Boston 💫 

S21: roundups

Our top picks: outdoor dining, free events, spring festivals, best bars, upcoming concerts, museum parties - the latest in and around Boston.  Slug: joyraft-top-picks-best-things-to-do-boston-ma

Top picks of the best things to do in and around Boston

Joyraft picks: Boston’s best things to do

Roundups ⭐️

Curated by Joyraft ⭐️

S28: calendar experiences

This week in Boston

This week in Boston 📆

This week 📆

S20: c+d experiences

Discover new, unique events and experiences happening in and around Boston. Perfect for date night, good for a group or with a friend. Be the first to know.

The newest events happening in and around Boston

The newest events on Joyraft

Just added

Just added to Joyraft

S16: editor picks

The most unique and can’t miss things coming up in Boston / Cambridge / Somerville and beyond. Festivals, food, drinks, fairs, concerts, art and free activities.

Unique and Can’t Miss Things to Do in Boston

Can’t-miss things to do in Boston 🚨

Can't-miss things to do 🚨

S2 (A): top experiences

The most popular things to do on Joyraft. Concerts, restaurants, bars, events, parties, openings, kid friendly, date ideas, free things in Boston and beyond.

Top 20 things to do in Boston

Top 20: Joyraft’s most popular

Top 20

Top 20 on Joyraft

S3 (A): trending experiences

Discover can’t miss events and things to do in Boston. The most fun, unique and cool events coming to the Boston area this spring and summer.

The hottest events happening in Boston

Trending events on Joyraft

Trending 📈

S19: interest based

Kid-friendly events in Boston

S18: interest based

Where to eat and drink in Boston? Joyraft has Boston’s newest bars, restaurants and specials. Drinks and pre fixe dinner menus. Cambridge & Somerville too.

baaff

Experiences