Philadelphia Asian American Film Festival is gearing up for its biggest year yet

The ninth annual Philadelphia Asian American Film Festival is almost here, flaunting a 10-day schedule jam-packed with over 70 films.

But it’s not just movies. The festival, taking place from Nov. 10 to 20, has a full slate of panels and events that ponder art, culture, identity and more.

It’s very much a transnational festival, too. A panel during the academic conference will explore othering within Persian culture. One art exhibit will feature works from local Muslim artists in reflection of Japanese internment.

“It’s this cross-geographical look at folks today in Philadelphia and folks in the past in California,” said Nehad Khader. “The repression for communities that identify as Asian in different ways and yet have these similar experiences decades between one another.”

Events and films will prod stereotypes about Asian Americans, said Khader, striking a balance between local and global while putting those conversations in dialogue with one another.

“The festival taps into what’s in the pulse of the nation, what’s in the pulse of the Delaware Valley region and what’s in the pulse of Philadelphia,” she said. “It’s dynamic.”

There’s a little something for everyone. Check out the full spread of programming below. Check out the program