Exploring Queer Asian American Identity in Film

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How does Asian American identity shift or expand when considered in a queer context? What contradictions and conflicts arise? We will explore the intersection between queer and Asian American identities through the personal narratives told both in front and behind the camera in Andrew Ahn’s film work. Through the process of filmmaking, Ahn strives to create an authentically queer Asian American culture. Ahn will screen his short film DOL (FIRST BIRTHDAY) which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in 2012. 

 

Author Bio

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Andrew Ahn is a queer Korean-American filmmaker born and raised in Los Angeles. His feature film SPA NIGHT premiered at the 2016 Sundance Film Festival in the US Dramatic Competition and won a Special Jury Award for Breakthrough Performance. SPA NIGHT also won the US Grand Jury Prize at Outfest. Ahn is an alum of Film Independent’s Project Involve and has promoted diversity in the arts by mentoring youth filmmakers through programs like Pacific Arts Movement’s Reel Voices and Outfest’s OutSet. He graduated from Brown University and received an MFA in Film Directing from the California Institute of the Arts (CalArts).