YNOT at the Movies

Starting March 12, Asians cinema enthusiasts will flock to Sundance Kabuki, Castro Theater, and other venues in Berkeley and San Jose.

With 108 films and 47 programs, this year's lineup contains a little less films compared to the past. That translates to more furious competition among the submissions and better films in the festival. Actually, I like this size better because I feel less overwhelmed and much easier to schedule the screenings during the festival.

I have written about some films at this year's SFIAAFF, including:

• Chinese Cinema at SFIAAFF 2009
• Japanese Cinema at SFIAAFF 2009
• Korean Cinema at SFIAAFF 2009

Of course, shorts programs are NOT to be missed at all cost at the SFIAAFF. They never fail to be refreshing, rewarding, entertaining, and amusing. Even a film might not be my cup of tea, a few minutes later, a new one will appear on the big screen.

Among all the shorts, I have only seen one — the delightful "The Postcard" playing in the program "It's Easy Because You're Beautiful."

After the charming "Police Box" (SFIAAFF 2007, Frameline31), director Josh Kim returns to SFIAAFF with his new short film "The Postcard" (South Korea 2007 | in Korean | 15 Min.). The film brilliantly tells a story about how a boy conveys his crush on a postman — he writes messages on postcards.

When I can see great Asian cinema with film lovers, who cares how much the Dow is falling. When the festival is over, things will be back to normal. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the festival. That's what I am going to do beginning next Thursday.