MCC Set to Host Third Annual Lowell Asian American Film Festival

This October, Middlesex Community College is excited to host the third annual Lowell Asian American Film Festival (LAAFF). Held at the college’s Richard and Nancy Donahue and Family Academic Arts Center, the event will take place from Friday, October 18 through Saturday, October 19.

“MCC is excited to host the third annual Lowell Asian American Film Festival,” said Virak Uy, MCC’s Director, Program for Asian American Student Advancement. “We are grateful to the City of Lowell for their support in helping to fund the film festival. The mission of LAAFF is to inspire future generations of Asian American, Pacific Islanders (AAPI) filmmakers, increase access, and dismantle barriers, as well as bring together a collection of films to the public that elevate and highlight the rich stories of Asian American experiences."

Over two days, MCC will screen Asian American-directed films from across the country in celebration of art, culture and diversity. LAAFF films feature the Asian American experience with a film director, animator or screenwriter identifying as Asian American.

This year’s event is sponsored by Middlesex and funded in part by a grant from the City of Lowell American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) the college received last year. The weekend will kick off with a screening of the opening film “HOME COURT,” as well as a film workshop for students.

Middlesex is accepting submissions on FilmFreeway through August 30 for four categories, including Narrative Short Film, Documentary Short Film, Animated Short Film, and Student Short Film. Awards will be offered in three categories for Best Feature Film, Best Animated Film, and Best Local Film. Winners will receive between $100 to $250, as well as a festival laurel.

MCC has connections with many Asian American community organizations and cultural institutions across Greater Lowell, according to Uy. Hosting the film festival is a way for the college to deepen these relationships and strengthen its commitment to the communities it serves.

“We are looking forward to going through the selections to highlight an incredible line-up of thought-provoking films and talented filmmakers,” Uy said. “We hope that people from across the country will be able to join us for an amazing cultural and cinematic experience!”

Visit www.middlesex.mass.edu/laaff or email [email protected] for more information about this year’s event, including rules and terms for submitting.