The Austin Asian American Film Festival (AAAFF) is back for its 18th year, bringing independent films, special events, filmmaker conversations, and community celebrations to Austin audiences.

Sierra Waggoner and Trevor Scott welcomed Marlon Hedrick, Creative Lead for the Austin Asian American Film Festival, and filmmaker Bita Ghassemi, director of Firewall, to We Are Austin for a preview of this year’s festival.

Sierra Waggoner and Trevor Scott welcomed Marlon Hedrick, Creative Lead for the Austin Asian American Film Festival, and filmmaker Bita Ghassemi, director of Firewall, to We Are Austin for a preview of this year's festival.

Sierra Waggoner and Trevor Scott welcomed Marlon Hedrick, Creative Lead for the Austin Asian American Film Festival, and filmmaker Bita Ghassemi, director of Firewall, to We Are Austin for a preview of this year’s festival.

Hedrick shared that AAAFF continues to highlight Asian, Asian American, and Pacific Islander storytellers while showcasing films that audiences may not have the opportunity to see anywhere else.

While the festival features marquee opening, centerpiece, and closing-night events, Hedrick encouraged attendees to explore some of the local programming as well. Courtesy: RogerHo.

While the festival features marquee opening, centerpiece, and closing-night events, Hedrick encouraged attendees to explore some of the local programming as well. Courtesy: RogerHo.

“We’re bringing 34 films this year,” Hedrick said. “Thirty of them have never been screened in Austin, several have never been screened in Texas, and we even have three world premieres.”

While the festival features marquee opening, centerpiece, and closing-night events, Hedrick encouraged attendees to explore some of the local programming as well.

Hedrick shared that AAAFF continues to highlight Asian, Asian American, and Pacific Islander storytellers while showcasing films that audiences may not have the opportunity to see anywhere else.Courtesy: RogerHo.

Hedrick shared that AAAFF continues to highlight Asian, Asian American, and Pacific Islander storytellers while showcasing films that audiences may not have the opportunity to see anywhere else.Courtesy: RogerHo.

“I always recommend people come to our Texas Filmmaker Block and our shorts block because they feature Texas filmmakers and all the talent we have right here in our community,” he said.

"We're bringing 34 films this year," Hedrick said. "Thirty of them have never been screened in Austin, several have never been screened in Texas, and we even have three world premieres."

“We’re bringing 34 films this year,” Hedrick said. “Thirty of them have never been screened in Austin, several have never been screened in Texas, and we even have three world premieres.”

One of those filmmakers is Ghassemi, an Austin native whose film Firewall will be featured during the festival.

“I’m an Austin born-and-raised filmmaker,” Ghassemi said. “This is my hometown, and this is where I started to create Firewall.”

The film blends Persian mythology with contemporary themes, following the story of an Iranian American girl living in Austin who is trying to reach her father in Iran.

The film blends Persian mythology with contemporary themes, following the story of an Iranian American girl living in Austin who is trying to reach her father in Iran.

The film blends Persian mythology with contemporary themes, following the story of an Iranian American girl living in Austin who is trying to reach her father in Iran.

“It’s a Persian mythology film set in Texas,” Ghassemi explained. “It depicts the story of a serpent king from Persian mythology, but it’s told through the lens of a little girl living in Austin.”

For aspiring filmmakers, Ghassemi encouraged creators to take initiative and make the most of the resources available to them.

"I always recommend people come to our Texas Filmmaker Block and our shorts block because they feature Texas filmmakers and all the talent we have right here in our community," he said.

“I always recommend people come to our Texas Filmmaker Block and our shorts block because they feature Texas filmmakers and all the talent we have right here in our community,” he said.

“A lot of filmmakers wait for something to happen,” she said. “I would just say do it. Whatever resources you have available to you, take what you can and make what you can.”

Beyond the films themselves, Hedrick says the festival’s greatest strength is the sense of connection it creates.

Independent films often provide unique perspectives and deeply personal stories that resonate with audiences long after the credits roll.

Independent films often provide unique perspectives and deeply personal stories that resonate with audiences long after the credits roll.

“It’s just community,” Hedrick said. “After the film screens, you can go out in the lobby and have a conversation with the filmmakers. That’s what makes it so special.”

Beyond the films themselves, Hedrick says the festival's greatest strength is the sense of connection it creates.

Beyond the films themselves, Hedrick says the festival’s greatest strength is the sense of connection it creates.

The Austin Asian American Film Festival takes place this week with screenings, parties, filmmaker Q&As, and special events across Austin. For tickets, schedules, and additional information, visit AAAFilmFest.org.

The Austin Asian American Film Festival takes place this week with screenings, parties, filmmaker Q&As, and special events across Austin. For tickets, schedules, and additional information, visit the Austin Asian American Film Festival online.

The Austin Asian American Film Festival takes place this week with screenings, parties, filmmaker Q&As, and special events across Austin. For tickets, schedules, and additional information, visit the Austin Asian American Film Festival online.