Calling all filmmakers of Asian descent! The 30th Asian American International Film Festival is now accepting works for the following categories: screenplay, music video, youth and works-in-progress. The festival will take place July 19-28 in New York. Founded in 1978, the AAIFF is proudly known as the “First Home to Asian American Cinema.” It was the nation’s first festival dedicated to screening works by media artists of Asian descent and, 30 years later, the festival continues to be a leading showcase for Asian and Asian American film and video. Go to www.asiancinevision.org for more information.

 

Nominations are now being accepted for the fourth annual “Local Hero” awards program which honors the accomplishments and contributions of men and women of Asian/Pacific American heritage. The winners will receive their award at a reception in mid-May in Los Angeles scheduled in celebration of National Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. Presented by Union Bank of California, N.A. and KCET, the “Local Hero” awards will honor a total of five individuals in the following categories: arts, business, community activism/volunteerism, education and social services. The deadline to submit nominations is Friday, March 30. The winners will also be featured in a television spot that will air on KCET and in print advertisements to be published in May.

Nomination forms are available via e-mail request to Alicia Romero, alicia.romero@uboc.com. Nominees must be unsung individuals who have made a significant impact to their profession and community and who have not received measurable public or media recognition for their accomplishments and contributions. All nominees must reside in one of the following counties: Los Angeles, Ventura, Santa Barbara, Riverside, San Bernardino, Orange, San Luis Obispo, Kern and Inyo. Nominations may be submitted by mail to Local Hero Awards, 445 S. Figueroa, St., 12th Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90071 or by fax to (213) 236-4147.