Please join us for In Search of Asia, our new pan-Asian film festival highlighting top contemporary filmmakers in Asian and Asian-American cinema. The festival line-up showcases 36 new films including intriguing documentaries, trippy animé, cutting edge shorts and features.

 

This first-of-its-kind event in Minnesota launches The Film Society's new series of yearly festivals showcasing cinema from around the globe which is of particular interest to the increasingly diverse population of Minnesota.

 

The series is made possible in part by a grant provided by the Minnesota State Arts Board, through an appropriation by the Minnesota State Legislature from the Minnesota arts and cultural heritage fund with  money from the vote of the people of Minnesota on November 4, 2008.

 

 

Dear Festival Goers,

 

Coming at it from the outside, we are not a hotbed of Asian, Asian American street culture like the West Coast USA, or elsewhere USA, yet Mother Asia is making its presence markedly felt in our many lives. So...what is Asia to us and we to Asia that we should be so mindful of her? No need to go back to Genghis Khan, Alexander the Great, Admiral Peary, or Richard Nixon to realize that the world village has trumped national giants in today's life. Yet cultural entities like ours have tended to be euro-centric. For that very reason, Minnesota Film Arts, with its looming Asian Film Festival ("in search of Asia") has mounted the largest Asian film focus seen to date in the Twin Cities, thanks to a grant from the Minnesota Legacy Fund.

 

So what is Asia to us, besides being the largest continent, its huge concentration of people, the pundits telling us the new millennium will see a new Asia, and what can 30 some films from more than a dozen countries add to the perspective?  (We did not manage to survey the some 43 countries considered).  If you may be in search of your Asia, from a film perspective, here are a few clues:  you can't generalize; too much variety.

 

Culture at a distance is what the program provides, underlining different story traditions from the American/European models, ones rooted in very old truths and often a different politics, from a variety Big Brothers--- who are still around!

 

Some impressive guests are due for a visit; special attention to Asian America is given in the noted Asian American sidebar.  A balance has been sought for a variety of program tastes. Take note; a big thanks again goes to our relatively small staff who put this whole thing together in short time and to the board who raised the funding.

 

Sincerely,

 

Al Milgrom - Artistic Director

Minnesota Film Arts

Asian Film Fest Ticket Prices

$10 - Regular

$8   - Members / Students w/ID / Seniors 62+ / Children under 12

Advance Regular Admission Tickets Available Online and at the Box Office Now!

1. Go to the film's page.

2. Click PURCHASE next to the screening you wish to attend.

 

Passes

Purchase a Gold Pass and get admission to any and every film you care to see! The Gold Pass is non-transferable; please bring identification to the Box Office to claim your tickets before each screening. Valid for all screenings, including Opening and Closing Nights. *Added Bonus!* Gold Passholders get preferred early seating!

$130 - Regular

$115 - Students w/ID / Seniors 62+

$100 - Member

 

A punch pass good for 6 tickets! Use one punch for 6 screenings, 6 punches for one screening, or anything in between!

$50 - Regular

$45 - Members / Students w/ID / Seniors 62+

 

Ticket Outlet
Individual Advance Tickets are available online or in person at the St. Anthony Main Theatre Box Office (115 SE Main St, MPLS, 55414). Discounted tickets, 6-Packs and Gold Passes can be purchased at the St. Anthony Main Theatre box office only!

 

Free Screenings

Several screenings throughout the Festival will have no admission. Those who plan to attend these FREE screenings are required to pick up a ticket for admission at the St. Anthony Main Theatre Box Office prior to the screening, available only the day of & on a First-Come, First-Served basis--No Exceptions.