Arts & Entertainment

AAIFF 2018: Pics From Opening Night's Screening Of 'Searching'

The 41st Asian American International Film Festival is officially underway as Daniela's Lens takes Patch behind the scenes at opening night!

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The Asian American International Film Festival (AAIFF) kicked off yesterday at the Village East Cinema with a screening of the movie "Searching." The festival is devoted to films by and about Asians and Asian Americans and will be presenting a wide range of films between July 25th and August 4th. For tickets and more information about AAIFF 2018 click here!

About 'Searching'

Actor John Cho plays the role of David Kim, a father who learns about his daughter's disappearance through a digital trail she leaves behind. The film's unique form of cinematography is shot entirely through screen-captures produced on laptops and smartphones. You won't want to miss this!

Take a look through Daniela's Lens to see all of the special moments from opening night.

7:17 p.m.
Actor John Cho is here.
He plays the main character in "Searching".

7:18 p.m.
Director Aneesh Chaganty gives John Cho a warm welcome.

7:22 p.m.
Group shot with film editor Sev Ohanian @sevohanian, actor John Cho @johnthecho, and director Aneesh Chaganty @aneeshchaganty.

9:22 p.m.
After the red carpet, I get to see the movie. It's a very classic thriller with a compelling twist at the end and an exciting way of storytelling using computer screens for the majority of the film. The movie is followed by a panel discussion and Q&A.

9:31 p.m.
When asked why they choose to use a family of Asian descent in the movie, even though the plot line doesn't need it, actor John Cho says:
"There is a big idea about a small deal, which is seeing an Asian American family is a simple thing that is very impactful, and it's just a visual. And not really explaining it, not justifying it. And that says more than an entire Asian American study class could, which is: Don't you agree; this isn't weird? This is normal!"

10:27 p.m.
Time to go to the after party at Cadillac House.
Guests Lisa Chan @elsie_dreams and @jung.m.park are already here.

10:34 p.m.
The film festival organizers have invited local Asian restaurants.
This deliciousness is prepared by JoJu - Modern Vietnamese Sandwiches in Brooklyn.

10:35 p.m.
Asian Cakes! Made by Silk Cakes - A Modern Asian American Cake Shop.

10:45 p.m.
So good! I came back to eat more sashimi multiple times. Prepared by Insa Korean BBQrestaurant in Brooklyn.

10:46 p.m.
Even more desserts! Kulu Desserts.

10:49 p.m.
Hi, there! Daisy Zhou @daysezo and actress and filmmaker Annamikamika @annamikamika.

10:51 p.m.
"We are friends of the director!" says Ryan.
Michael Barbosa @m_bar_bosa and Ryan @ryanslee.

10:52 p.m.
And here are the stars of the night!
Aneesh Chaganty, Sev Ohanian, and John Cho.

10:58 p.m.
Actress Li Jun Li @lijun_li and actress and filmmaker Celia Au @itsceliaau.

11:01 p.m.
Sarah Clark represents the Sake sponsor Hiro tonight.

11:02 p.m.
NYU cinema studies grad Vivian Jiexiao Ying @vivian.parallax and friend.

Editor's Note:
Daniela Kirsch is a renowned entertainment photographer and founder of NameFace — an event photo agency based in New York City. Through her creative expertise and unique visual style, Kirsch not only just knows more than just a thing or two about photographing A-list events, but is forever changing the way we interact with the entertainment industry. In June 2018, Kirsch teamed up with Patch to launch the exclusive photo series 'Daniela's Lens' offering weekly features from local events to red carpet magic.


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