AAAFF's 2021 Holiday Gift Guide

Written and curated by AAAFF Community Programs Director & Film Programmer, Neha Aziz
Twitter: @NehaAziz13 / IG: @nehaaziz

Hey friends!

Welp, the holidays are here and if you are still looking for presents to give your pals, your relatives, or yourself; look no further than the AAAFF 2021 Gift Guide! We’ve got suggestions for your arthouse film lover, books that will be adapted (your chance to read them and claim to be an OG fan), and so much more. Explore below!

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WORLD OF WONG KAR WAI 

Earlier this year, Criterion released a stunning box set of the films of Wong Kar Wai. The set consists of: As Tears Go By, Days of Being Wild, Chungking Express, Fallen Angels, Happy Together, In the Mood For Love, and 2046. Extras include deleted/alternate scenes, art prints, and interviews to name a few! 

BRUCE LEE GREATEST HITS 

Get your Kung Fu on with the legend himself, Brue Lee! This box set includes: The Big Boss, Fists of Fury, The Way of the Dragon, Enter the Dragon, and Game of Death. DVD extras feature essays, the 2004 documentary Blood and Steel, and alternate soundtracks. 

BOOKS, BOOKS, BOOKS

There are so many amazing AA/PI film and TV adaptations coming our way! Not an exhaustive list by any means, but we picked some favorites including Crying at H Mart, Gold Diggers, Minor Feelings, and Shortcomings. Speaking of books, check out this blog post by local bookseller and booklover Eugenia Vela for even more recommendations!

MINARI POSTCARD SET 

We at AAAFF adore Lee Issac Chung’s Minari, and if you have a fellow Minari lover in  your life, take a look at these gorgeous mini prints from A24. 

APPAREL FROM SUPER YAKI

Houston-based artist Super Yaki really celebrates the unsung heroes of cinema including The Village and Phantom of the Opera! Some personal faves are the ​​Miyazaki Club, Directed by Karyn Kusama, and Be Nice to Kelly Marie Tran tees. 

GIRLS ON TOPS 

Get some of the women directors names you admire on a t-shirt! We love Lulu Wang, Isabel Sandoval, and Chloé Zhao tees. 

SHANG - CHI FATHER SON DUO T-SHIRT

Who isn’t a fan of Simu Liu and Tony Leung? However, if this shirt isn’t your jam, take your pick of other choices here. 

OMSOM SAMPLER

Spice UP your life! Get this 6 sampler starter featuring flavors from Southeast Asia. 

TO ALL THE BOYS I’VE LOVED BEFORE CANDLE

Bring the smell of Lara Jean’s kitchen into your home, scents of vanilla, apple spice, and cinnamon. YUM!  

AA/PI Books to Fall in Love With

Written by Guest Writer, Eugenia Vela

Twitter: @euvelab
instagram: @euvelab

We’re now deep into “Best of” season, and while I adore lists— reading them, making them, checkin ‘em off— I have my issues with those “Best of” that make headlines every year. What even IS “best”, y’all? Let’s talk about books that we LOVE. When AAAFF asked me to put together a list of books by AA/PI creators, I knew it was my time to share exactly that: books I love. Books I believe you will love, too. Books to inspire you. Books that will make you laugh and cry. Books that will make you want to call your mom, okay? So here’s what we’re digging into in this list: stories on identity, language, and survival, comedy, justice, and romance, family, privilege, edibles? and SO! MUCH! MORE! I hope y’all enjoy and find something new for you and yours. 

As a former indie bookseller, I have to remind y’all to support local indie bookstores when you’re doing your shopping. I love attending AAAFF and participating in the wonderful screenings they put together— recent favorites include Minari and Curtain Up!— and I know that the festival, as a staple of the Austin community, understands the value of supporting local. I encourage you to explore some of the gems in your own town; Austin has amazing shops like BookPeople, BookWoman, Black Pearl Books, and more. You can also shop via bookshop.org, which the titles on this list link to, in order to support indies all over the country. Happy reading!

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For the grown-ups

Pachinko by Min Jin Lee (Grand Central Publishing)

Oh, Pachinko. How do I even begin? There is no real way to do this masterpiece justice. Pachinko sat on my shelves for years, even though I knew it was beloved and recommended by MANY folks I trust. Well, I genuinely believe that books find you at the right time. So one day, years after acquiring the title, I walked up to my shelf and picked it up. What followed was weeks of restricting myself to only a chapter or two a day because I did not want this book to end. I wanted to live in its pages and reach out to the characters created by Min Jin Lee in this unforgettable, impeccably detailed immigrant story. We meet young Sunja in early 1900s Korea and follow her family for generations after she marries and moves to Japan. Pachinko is a book of love, sacrifice, hope, history, and ambition. This is one of those books that you will want to hug after you’ve read the last page, and will leave you wondering just what you’re supposed to do next. Phew. Here’s hoping Pachinko finds you soon. 

Edibles: Small Bites for the Modern Cannabis Kitchen by Stephanie Hua with Coreen Carroll, photography by Linda Xiao (Chronicle Books)

Every modern kitchen needs a good cannabis cookbook, right? Stephanie Hua, founder of the gourmet edibles line, Mellows, and Coreen Carroll, winner on the Netflix series Cooked with Cannabis, bring you a recipe collection that is fresh, simple, and adventurous enough for chefs of all levels. From basics like canna honey and maple syrup, to a twist on the regular ole pot brownie (reader, meet the “Booty Call Brownies”) and an inside scoop on the herb’s therapeutic effects, this cook/bake book will guide you through an easy and delicious edibles experience, not to mention look stunning on your kitchen counter. A personal favorite recipe is the fried mac and cheese bites… ooof *chefs kiss*.

Afterparties by Anthony Veasna So (Ecco Press) 

There’s something about the fall/winter season that makes me want to discover a great new book of short stories. If you’re looking for a smart, modern collection to suck you right in, Afterparties is it. Published posthumously, the nine stories that make up Anthony Veasna So's debut collection are messy portraits of Cambodian American life. So doesn't pander to a white readership, nor does he ask for pity, painting scenes of those living with the traumatic side effects of genocide, sexually frustrated young people, and washed up dreamers. Afterparties is ultimately about history and how a community persists and thrives. Perfect for readers who love the power, depth, and humor of Carmen Maria Machado, Tommy Orange, and Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah. 

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For young adults

Yolk by Mary HK Choi (Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers) 

I absolutely love Mary HK Choi’s work and will read ANYTHING she puts out. You may be familiar with her writing from GQ Magazine, but she also writes novels for young adults, like her Austin-set debut, Emergency Contact, or her fantastic (and anxiety inducing) sophomore novel Permanent Record. Choi’s writing is sophisticated and captivating, and she is a master of character-driven stories. While her first two books explore early 20-something romance, her latest, Yolk, dives into the uncomfortable, complicated side of family relationships. When two estranged sisters, Jayne and June, come together in a time of need, they learn just how far they’re willing to go for one another. Their story tells of jealousy and anger, forgiveness and hope, layered with deeply rooted issues of body image, mental health, and depression. There is a LOT to unpack in Yolk, and it’s a difficult but rewarding read. Take your time. OH, one more thing. All of Choi’s stunning book covers are illustrated by ohgigue, and trust me, they deserve a spot on your bookshelf. 

The Magic Fish by Trung Le Nguyen (Random House Graphic)

This graphic novel is unlike any other, and possibly one of the most beautiful books I’ve ever read. The Magic Fish is a complex, magically layered tale of a boy and his mother, and the way stories connect us through language, space, and time. Trung Le Nguyen weaves in fairy tales with the present-day happenings of Tiến’s life, as he tries to figure out how to come out to his parents. The artwork here is breathtaking. You will want to read The Magic Fish more than once to take in the intricacy in each spread, and the way the creator has managed to connect different perspectives into one awe-inspiring, unforgettable story. 

Tokyo Ever After by Emiko Jean (Flatiron Books) 

If you’re hoping to escape reality and dive into a fun, modern fairy tale, look no further. Y’all, this novel is such an easy sell: think Princess Diaries meets Crazy Rich Asians for the new generation. Izumi Tanaka’s just a regular Japanese-American girl living in a very white, small town in California, when she learns that her long lost father is… *drumroll*... the Crown Prince of Japan. What follows is a whirlwind adventure filled with conniving cousins, paparazzi chases, and a lil’ dash of forbidden romance in this introduction to your new favorite princess. Me thinks Izzy and Mia Thermopolis would be good pals. Plus, there’s already a sequel in the works, coming to a bookstore near you in May 2022. I. Need. It. 

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Recommended for ages 8-12:

A Wish in the Dark by Christina Soontornvat (Candlewick)

I will admit I am not the biggest fantasy reader, but Austin author Christina Soontornvat’s fresh new world swallowed me whole! Pong is a prison-born orphan on the run, searching for freedom and discovering his own magical talents and limitations while facing new enemies, like the prison warden’s daughter, Nok, who has taken it upon herself to capture Pong and return him to Namwon Prison. This Thai-inspired reimagining of Les Miserables will pull readers into an action-packed, heartfelt, and funny (yes, it has it all!) story of justice, privilege, and finding light in the dark. 

Stand Up, Yumi Chung by Jessica Kim (Kokila)

This book is my go-to recommendation for young readers with a funny bone! Personally, I believe we need MORE stories of kids who love standup, and this one reads like an instant modern classic. Yumi is our SNL-obsessed heroine, whose parents run a Korean barbecue restaurant and have high expectations and big hopes for their kid—  and attending comedy camp run by a YouTube celebrity is NOT one of them. But what’s a girl to do, if not persistently (and secretly) chase her dreams of comedy stardom? Jessica Kim’s clever and laugh-out-loud funny debut starrs a brave, young girl who is all heart and isn’t afraid to ask big questions. Protect Yumi at all costs. 

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Picture books (for all ages!)

What I Am by Divya Srinivasan (Viking Books for Young Readers)

In the book’s Author Note, Divya Srinivasan shares the story of a rude stranger who once asked her sister, “What are you?” Neither of them ever forgot that moment. In What I Am, the young narrator ponders all the things that make her who she is. She is a scaredy-cat. She is brave. She is a daughter and a granddaughter. She is American. She is Indian. While some qualities might seem contradictory, they all exist at once. Paired with Srinivasan’s signature bright and bold illustrations, What I Am is a sweet and thoughtful celebration of the simple things that work together to make us unique individuals. If you love this book as much as I do, make sure you check out some of the Austin author’s other work, including the Little Owl books, Octopus Alone, and Cinnamon, written by Neil Gaiman. Divya was also an animator on Richard Linklater’s Waking Life!

A Big Mooncake for Little Star by Grace Lin (Little, Brown for Young Readers)

This dreamy, whimsical book inspired by the phases of the moon reads like the perfect bedtime story. So nuzzle under your favorite blanket and get ready to meet Little Star, who can’t help but sneak out of bed and nibble on the mooncake her mama set out to cool. Author-illustrator Grace Lin thrives on a limited color palette and sparse text, delivering a treasure cove of detail in big spreads that beg to be framed and hung on the wall. (Not that I am encouraging y’all to tear out pages, but.) An homage to the Mid-Autumn Moon Festival and the connections we make through food and tradition, A Big Mooncake for Little Star is an irresistible treat. 

Fauja Singh Keeps Going by Simran Jeet Singh, illustrated by Baljinder Kaur (Kokila)

You can probably tell from my list that I’m not the biggest nonfiction reader. I do love the occasional essay collection, memoir, or biography, and that includes picture book biographies. Enter Fauja Singh, a man who ran his first marathon at 89 years old— and at 110, is still alive and running! The Texas author and fellow runner, Dr. Simran Jeet Singh, knew he had to tell this special story of a young boy who couldn’t walk and grew up to break marathon records. This beautifully illustrated tale of resilience and determination will inspire readers of all ages. I personally learned a lot from Fauja Singh, and while I’m not planning on signing up for a 5K any time soon, his message of perseverance, independence, and deep care for mind, body, and spirit applies to pretty much everything in life. Fauja Singh Keeps Going deserves to be celebrated!

2022 AAAFF Submissions Are Now OPEN!

Although it feels like the 2021 Austin Asian American Film Festival was just yesterday, it is time to start thinking about 2022! Submissions are now open for the 14th Edition of AAAFF and will last until February 27 via FilmFreeway. 

We accept entries for Narrative Features, Narrative Shorts, Documentary Features, and Documentary Shorts.

Submission fees for Narrative Features (60 minutes or longer) and Documentary Features (45 minutes or longer):

Early Bird Deadline (January 1)

• Standard: $35

• Student: $25

Regular Deadline (February 27)

• Standard: $40

• Student: $30

Submission fees for Narrative Shorts (45 minutes or shorter) and Documentary Shorts (45 minutes or shorter):

Early Bird Deadline (January 1)

• Standard: $20

• Student: $15

Regular Deadline (February 27)

• Standard: $25

• Student: $20

The 2022 Austin Asian American Film Festival will take place from June 23-26. Click here for more information about rules and eligibility. 

GOOD LUCK! :)

Marvel's Eternals brings new perspectives and firsts to the MCU

Written by guest writer Pam Renteria:

Phase Four of the Marvel Cinematic Universe is about to expand and reinvent the way we think we know Marvel Super Heros. Eternals is the newest project to come from Marvel Studios and it brings with it an award-winning director, star-studded cast, and an overall storyline that many fans aren’t familiar with. When the AAAFF staff asked me to write this piece, I was THRILLED. We worked together this past summer to bring the special premiere of NIGHT ON SIXTH to the Long Center for the 2021 festival. It’s been such a pleasure getting to know the team and there’s nothing I love more than giving my (long-winded) elevator pitch as to why friends (we’re friends now, btw) should check out the latest Marvel movie. Here’s everything you need to know. 

Chloe Zhao - From Marvel fan to being the first woman of color to direct a Marvel film

Back when Chloe Zhao and Nomadland were on the brink of winning the Oscar for best director and picture, many Marvel fans were celebrating the fact that Eternals would be the first MCU film to be directed by a woman of color. It’s reported that in 2018 Zhao was initially meeting with Marvel to work on Black Widow, but due to timing, she had to bow out of the project to go film  Nomadland. Once a list of directors was being put together for Eternals, Zhao came to everyone’s mind due to her love for the MCU and distinct visual style. The rest, as they say, is history! Zhao is incredible and is no stranger to breaking barriers in the industry. Having a director that is a fan and understands this universe is the cherry on top! I cannot wait to see her vision of the Eternals story and how the film will handle several “firsts” for the studio. 

P.S. Let it be known that Captain Marvel 2 is currently in production and is being directed by the one and only, Nia DaCosta!! 

(Fun Fact: Did you know Zhao was originally going to put “Nomadland” on the shelf to work on “Eternals” but the COVID shutdown gave the director the chance to finish the movie AND win an academy award?? The universe works in mysterious ways, my friends.) 

More inclusion and representation to the MCU 

Frankly, I am SO excited for this new phase of Marvel films. With the introduction of Simu Liu as Shang-Chi in Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings and now the cast of the Eternals; Marvel fans are able to see themselves represented in characters now more than ever since the release of Black Panther. 

Eternals brings together one of the biggest, majorly star-studded, and most diverse cast for any Marvel project. This film will be the first to feature a gay superhero (Brian Tyree Henry as Phastos), a deaf superhero (Lauren Ridloff as Makkari), and a South Asian superhero (Kumail Nanjiani as Kingo.) This representation has never been seen before in the MCU and goes to show how much Marvel Studios is intentionally trying to break away from the mold it created in phases 1-3. (Personally, I am so excited to see Salma Hayek in the gender-flipped role of Ajak - the wise and spiritual leader of the Eternals.)

In a recent interview, Lauren Ridloff explained that when she got the offer for the role of Makkari, she accepted because the movie would allow her a platform to speak up for people who have been marginalized. I couldn’t agree more and think it’s about time we see these types of characters and backgrounds in more superhero movies. 

Remember the releases of Black Panther and Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse and how we saw how happy our community was to see themselves on the big screen? We need more of that. We need more movies that will tell the stories of marginalized communities in an effortless way that won’t feel forced. We need characters that will represent the world we live in. 

(For feels: Check out this clip in an interview Salma Hayek and Kumail Nanjiani did recently with Jimmy Kimmel explaining how excited, proud, and emotional their families were to hear they were in the film.)

Pam, what is this movie even about?

Even longtime Marvel fans may not be too familiar with the Eternals and their role in the Marvel Universe. The story is pulled from a limited-run comic series from the mid-1970s and was revived by Neil Gaiman in the mid-2000s - which helped bring these characters into the modern Marvel universe. Eternals is set to introduce fans to a new part of the Marvel lore and explore beings called the Celestials, Deviants, and Eternals. Extremely long story short, the Celestials are the creators of the Deviants and the Eternals. The Eternals are beings that look like humans yet possess abilities like flight, mind-reading, unbelievable strength, and endurance. These superpowers make them indestructible and immortal. The Deviants are grotesque creatures with genetic mutations that clash often with the Eternals, who have been assigned to be the protectors of Earth and its inhabitants for the past 7,000 years.

The movie is set to explore the aftermath of the events of Avengers: Endgame and force the Eternals to come out of the shadows to reunite against the Deviants. Viewers will also witness some of the most crucial moments in the history of humanity and how the immortal beings influenced them.

To me, the bigger question this movie will answer for moviegoers is “Why didn’t the Eternals do anything to protect Earth from Thanos? And why are they just now coming out of hiding?” 

(If you’re new to all of this, Thanos was the villain of the first three Marvel phases and he basically got rid of half of the universe’s population in order to “bring balance.” Super problematic, but the Avengers saved the day! The population was restored and now this new phase will explore the aftermath of Thanos’ actions.) 

To answer the biggest question you may have: this film is a primarily standalone story. You won’t need to pull all-nighters to watch all of the previous MCU movies to understand Eternals.

LONG STORY SHORT: Go watch Eternals and support stories with marginalized characters.

As you can tell, I’m a huge Marvel fan. I could talk about the characters, their stories, and the easter eggs in movies all day long! But I’m also a woman of color that doesn’t see much representation of myself in the Marvel Universe I love so dearly. On one side, I’m thrilled about the route the MCU is taking and the diverse stories we’re going to see moving forward. On the other, I know that in order for the film industry to continue making these stories, it’s up to us to support these films and show that these types of characters matter. 

It’s up to us to set the stage and show that everyone deserves to see their story be told no matter race, gender, sexuality, or disability. Everyone deserves to see themselves as a superhero.

Let’s support these characters, cast, and crew the best way we know how. Watching the movie five times opening weekend! (Or once is fine too!) 

Eternals hits theaters November 5.

Austin Film Festival is Almost Here! Check out these Asian and AA/PI Films at AFF 2021

Austin Film Festival starts on October 21 and ends on October 28, and we wanted to give you a heads up about all the Asian and AA/PI films they will be screening! Take a look at badges and passes here, and check out what other awesome programming they have for their 28th edition.

The Austin Asian American Film Festival has partnered with the 28th Austin Film Festival to offer discounts for their Film Passes and Badges to screen over 200 films in-person, and over 50 films virtually. If you’re able to attend in person, make sure to check out the short film “Good News” by Osric Chau who was featured at our 2019 Austin Asian Film Festival as an actor in “Empty by Design” which was shot in the Philippines.

CLICK HERE to use promo code AAAFF5 for $5 off Film Pass at checkout!

Can’t attend in person? CLICK HERE to use promo code AAAFF10 for $10 off Virtual Badge at checkout!

Happy movie watching! 

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CICADA (South Korea, 122 min)

The story revolves around a master of the traditional funeral play called Jindo Dasiraegi. One day, his daughter returns home years after she left, saddled with debt. Their relationship remains uneasy as she is still in agony over the death of her mother in total disregard of her father, as his heart and soul were dedicated to performing Dasiraegi.

Writer/Director: Chung-ryoul LEE

Cast: Yang-hee LEE, Bo-bi JU, Yeon-woo SEO

Screening(s): Tuesday, October 26, 10:00 PM at Paramount Theatre

ONE SECOND (China, 104 min)

A movie fan in a remote farmland strikes a relationship with a homeless female vagabond.

Writer: Yimou Zhang, Jingzhi Zou

Cast: Yi Zhang, Haocun Liu, Wei Fan, Xiaochuan Li, Yan Li, Yunlong Liu

Screening(s):Wednesday, October 27, 10:30 PM at State Theatre

TORao (Japan, 102 min) 

While conducting research for a college project, Kayako befriends a lonely, retired detective who can’t stop pondering his unsolved case out loud, Torao. Taking an interest in the case, the two embark on a journey to solve the mystery of a small town.

Writer/Director: Kazuya Murayama

Cast: Torao Nishimura, Sakiko Kato, Ayano Ogata, Tomoya Kono, Masaaki Kono, Kazue Minami

Screening(s): Sunday, October 24, 6:00 PM at St. David’s and Wednesday, October 27, 8:00 PM at Galaxy Highland

GO TO KILL (South Korea, 95 min)

After her husband falls into a vegetative state, a woman does everything in her power to make ends meet - even if that means cutting off chickens’ heads or becoming a hitwoman.

Writer/Director: Nam Won Park 

Cast: Yun-sl Choi

Screening(s:) Saturday, October 23, 8:30PM at Galaxy Highland and Tuesday, October 26, 3:15PM at Galaxy Highland

KARMALINK (Cambodia, USA, 102 min)

In near-future Phnom Penh, a teenage boy teams up with a street-smart girl from his neighborhood to untangle the mystery of his past-life dreams. What begins as a hunt for a Buddhist treasure soon leads to greater discoveries that will either end in digital enlightenment or a total loss of identity.

Writer: Jake Wachtel, Christopher Larsen Director: Jake Wachtel

Cast: Leng Heng Prak, Srey Leak Chhith, Sahajak Boonthanakit, Cindy Sirinya Bishop, Rous Mony, Sveng Socheata

Screening(s:)Thursday, October 21, 10:45 PM at State Theatre

GOOD NEWS (Canada, 14 min) 

Happily married without kids and intent to focus on his career, Ryan struggles with the news of an unplanned pregnancy and his wife Nicole’s decision to keep it. When the doctor diagnoses his wife with cancer, it leaves Ryan wanting nothing more than to have a child with Nicole.

Writer/Director: Osric Chau

Screening(s:) Sunday, October 24, 7:00 PM  at Rollins Theatre and Tuesday, October 26, 4:30PM Rollins Theatre

ANGEL (Taiwan, 17 min)

After a girl goes back to a guy’s apartment on their first date, the romantic evening takes a horrific turn when an AI digital assistant reveals to the girl that the guy plans to murder her and provides evidence of his evil intentions.

Writer/director: Dicky Chalmers

Screening(s): Saturday, October 23, 7:15PM at Rollins Theatre and Tuesday, October 26, 11:00 PM at Rollins Theatre

FOILED (USA, 11 min)

Foiled is a family comedy about ten-year-old Dylan and his younger brother Cody who accidentally rip their best friend’s baseball card. They must fix it otherwise they'll lose their best friend and never get to play baseball again. 

Writer/Director: Hao-Wei Timothy Chang

Screening(s): Sunday, October 24, 12:15 PM  at Rollins Theatre Tuesday, October 26, 5:45 PM at Galaxy Highland

ATONEMENT (India, 132 min)

PANGHRUN (ATONEMENT) is a love story which takes place in this dark age, when women could do no more than honor their family name, fall in love with a person chosen for them by someone else, and remain faithful to him at any cost. Inspired by a short story by the renowned poet and author B B Borkar, PANGHRUN (ATONEMENT) is a tragic tale of love, compassion, and ultimate sacrifice one will make, to have a shot at redemption.

Writer/Director: Kazuya Murayama

Cast: Torao Nishimura, Sakiko Kato, Ayano Ogata, Tomoya Kono, Masaaki Kono and Kazue Minami

Screening(s): Sunday, October 24, 6:45 PM at Hideout Theatre and Monday, October 25, 1:00 PM at Galaxy Highland

STEREOTYPE (Republic of Korea, 16 min)

Beak A war has been settled down, but a conflict against each other is still escalating

Writer/Director: Nahyun Beak, Dahyun Beak

Screening(s): Sunday, October 24, 4:30 PM at Galaxy Highland and Monday, October 25, 8:15  PM  at Hideout Theatre

THERE YOU ARE  (USA, 6 min)

After her mother’s death, Su hopes to reconnect with her father during their traditional camping trip on his birthday, but when he cancels it, she is forced to deal with her unresolved grief.

Writers: Rui Huang, Rong Deng Director: Rui Huang

Screening(s): Sunday, October 24, 4:30 PM at Galaxy Highland and Monday, October 25, 8:15 PM at Hideout Theatre

THE ATOMIC SPAWN (USA, 14 min)

In 1952 while working in a nuclear test site, John discovered a small irradiated egg. As his boss uses John as a hasty human test subject in a fallout shelter, the egg hatches to reveal a mutated lizard that’s hungry and growing larger. Now John must work quickly to keep the atomic spawn from destroying his shelter while the threat of radioactive fallout looms outside.

Writer/Director: Arthur Veenema

Screening(s): Thursday, October 21, 10:15 PM CDT at Rollins Theatre and Thursday, October 28, 4:00 PM CDT at Rollins Theatre

WEATHER IS LOVELY (China, 14 min)

A cloud maker and a researcher in a weather observatory accidentally cross paths and end up joining forces to stop a water-thirst cloud monster.

Writer: Pohan Lee/Chun-Chien Lien Director: Chun-Chien Lien

Screening(s): Sunday, October 24, 12:15 PM at Rollins Theatre and Tuesday, October 26, 5:45 PM at Galaxy Highland