The annual Colorado Dragon Boat Film Festival celebrates the contributions and accomplishments of Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander communities, as well as Black, Indigenous, and People of Color communities. Experience a diverse range of films, engaging community conversations, a culinary event, and an Asian Marketplace.
Colorado Dragon Boat Film Festival: Celebrating Cultural Connections
( Credit to: Coloradocommunitymedia )
The Colorado Dragon Boat Film Festival is back, offering a unique experience that goes beyond just films. With a focus on "Connecting Through Cultures," this year's festival aims to showcase the contributions and accomplishments of Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander communities, as well as Black, Indigenous, and People of Color communities.
The festival, hosted by Denver Film and Colorado Dragon Boat, will take place from March 14th to March 17th at the Sie FilmCenter in Denver. Featuring a diverse range of films from countries such as Japan, China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Thailand, Philippines, and India, the festival promises to captivate audiences with its selection.
From the opening night feature, "Happy Sandwich," to the closing film, the Chinese box-office hit "Moon Man," attendees will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in compelling storytelling from different cultures. One film to watch out for is "One With the Whale," a documentary that explores the interaction between an indigenous tribe in Alaska and the modern world.
Golden Dragon Award: Recognizing Cultural Upliftment
This year, the Colorado Dragon Boat Film Festival introduces a new film feature called the Golden Dragon Award. This award aims to recognize individuals or groups in the cinematic world who uplift and celebrate the Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander community.
The inaugural award will be presented to Ji-young Yoo, an actress in the festival entry "Smoking Tigers." Born in Denver, Ji-young Yoo attended Colorado Academy before pursuing her studies at the University of Southern California.
Engaging Community Conversations: Connecting Through Cultures
Beyond the films, the Colorado Dragon Boat Film Festival offers community conversations that delve deeper into the theme of "Connecting Through Cultures." On March 16th and 17th, panel discussions will focus on "Connecting Through Cultures with Asian American Adoptees" and "Connecting Through Cultures with Food & Foodways." These conversations aim to engage festival-goers in insightful discussions about culture and identity.
Culinary Delights: Exploring Asian Cuisine
Food enthusiasts will have something to look forward to at the Colorado Dragon Boat Film Festival. On March 17th from 11 a.m. to noon, a culinary event featuring six different Asian food vendors will take place. Recognizing the significance of food in Asian culture, the festival organizers believe that sharing their cuisine with everyone is essential in fostering cultural understanding and unity.
Asian Marketplace: Supporting Creativity and Talent
In addition to the film screenings and community conversations, the Colorado Dragon Boat Film Festival will host an Asian Marketplace on March 16th. This marketplace will showcase gifts, artwork, crafts, and novelties from local Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander-owned businesses. It provides an opportunity to support and appreciate the creativity and talent within these communities.
Embracing Diversity: A Decade of Cultural Celebration
As the Colorado Dragon Boat Film Festival approaches its tenth year, the continued growth and success of the event can be attributed to the community's enthusiastic embrace. Coloradans have demonstrated a strong desire to immerse themselves in diverse cultures, with both Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander and BIPOC community members, as well as allies, attending the festival year after year.
Don't miss this opportunity to connect with cultures through the power of cinema and celebrate the rich contributions of diverse communities. For more information about the festival and ticket options, please visit denverfilm.org.