The 48th Asian American International Film Festival starts July 31st and runs through August 10th. It is put on by Asian CineVision. Most of the screenings take place at the Regal Union Square along with the opening night at Asia Society. There will also be some events at the Welcome to Chinatown hub on the Bowery.

Speaking of opening night, the festival starts with a screening of the feature film Slanted directed by Amy Wang. Slanted won the Narrative Grand Jury prize at this year's SXSW festival.

Slanted follows Joan Huang, a Chinese-American teen in the 2010s South, as she battles racism and cultural clashes. As an 8-year-old, she's bullied for her differences. At 17, obsessed with popularity, she pursues Prom Queen and undergoes extreme changes, including dyeing her hair and considering racial modification surgery, to achieve a "white" ideal. Her quest alienates her from family and friends, satirizing assimilation and white worship while focusing on her tragicomic struggle for self-worth.

The film will be followed by a Q&A with actors Shirley Chen and Fang Du. There will also be a reception in the Asia Society Penthouse.

Other features of note are the centerpiece film Transplant by Jason Park and the closing night film Moloka'i Bound by Alika Tengan.

Natives may want to check out these shorts programs.

CUNY Shorts Showcase at the Regal Union Square on August 2

NYC Shorts: Sounds of the City at the Regal Union Square on August 9.

There are more films and events to check out. Go to their website for the program and to get tickets. https://www.aaiff.org