Chicago Filipino American Film Festival Offers Filmmakers Chance to Shine

Yes, Pilipino American filmmakers and fans, there’s a place just for you, too.  And the best part is that you get to avoid the cold.  Sort of.

The Chicago Filipino American Film Festival (CFAFF), now in its 5^th year, is an annual showcase for Pilipinos and Pilipino Americans to shine.  The November extravaganza has grown from its modest beginnings into a highly anticipated event, giving everyone a chance to interact with international filmmakers and the great Pilipino community in the Windy City.  In addition to spotlighting both new feature films and shorts, the festival also has a video competition, live music, and classic Filipino films.

 Directors: from left to right: Larry Versola, Jonald Reyes, Johnny Asuncion, Edward J. Mallillin, Larry Versola
“We just think about the fact that our audience has very few opportunities to check out these kinds of films,” noted programming director Jonathan Laximana, who has seen his pet project evolve into one of Chicago’s (and the greater Pilipino community’s) most loved treasures.  “We like to recognize the filmmakers who make personal investments of time and creativity in our audience.”

The 2008 edition included hometown director Jonald Reyes’ documentary That Asian Thing, Johnny Asuncion’s award-winning feature Float, and my own Brown Soup Thing.

“The event not only strengthens the Filipino community and brings people together, but also produces more awareness to the art of our Pinoy brothers and sisters,” said Reyes.  “That Asian Thing’s crew and artists were honored to be part of the festival.”

 Cheryl Noe: Cheryl Noe autographs a Brown Soup Thing poster at the CFAFF
Cheryl Noe, star of Brown Soup Thing and Flipped Switch, echoed that sentiment.

“Chicago was wonderful!  The fans were so enthusiastic and supportive.”

With directors and their stars appearing at the screenings, Chicago fans were given a chance to interact with the artists, making the experience all the more personal and fun for everyone.

With the bar continually rising, fans in Chicago and Pilipino filmmakers can take great pride in what’s surely to come in 2009.

And November won’t be that cold.

For more information on the Chicago Filipino American Film Festival, visit www.cfaff.org.  For more specific questions, contact Jonathan Laxamana or Larry Versola.  The festival is run in conjuntion with FAN, the Filipino American Network in Chicago.  Special thanks to FAN, Larry, and Jonathan for the great work they do.  Please support the CFAFF and our great friends in Chicago.

Photos Courtesy of Shana Quisumbing