The San Diego Asian Film Festival (SDAFF) returns for its 26th year from November 6–15, 2025, hosted by Pacific Arts Movement (Pac Arts). This year’s edition features over 150 films from around the world, continuing its legacy as the largest showcase of Asian and Asian-American cinema on the U.S. West Coast.
Highlighted Screenings
Among the standout selections:
- Forge – Opens the festival on November 6. A slick crime drama focused on art forgery, directed by Jing Ai Ng and starring Kelly Marie Tran.
- Magellan – A sweeping epic by acclaimed Filipino auteur Lav Diaz, depicting colonial encounters and ambition; already generating critical buzz.
- No Other Choice – A provocative film from Park Chan-wook’s circle, led by Lee Byung-hun, bringing a darker edge to the lineup.
- Morte Cucina – A Thai culinary-thriller about a cook haunted by her past who channels it through her craft.
- Tiger – A Japanese drama exploring Japan’s LGBTQ+ community, directed by Anshul Chauhan, fresh off acclaim from Busan.
Tickets, Q&A & Awards Gala
Individual screening tickets are expected to be around $15 general admission and $12 for Pac Arts members, with all-access passes available for about $110. Students and seniors usually get discounted rates.
The festival’s hallmark Q&A sessions with filmmakers and cast will follow many of the premieres and special screenings, giving audiences a chance to discuss creative process and production stories directly with the artists.
The Awards Gala—scheduled toward the end of the festival—honors outstanding achievements in directing, acting, and storytelling, alongside audience choice awards and special jury recognitions.
A Little History
Founded in 2000, SDAFF has become one of the most respected Asian film festivals in North America. Over the years, it has premiered landmark works, introduced global auteurs to U.S. audiences, and built a strong reputation for celebrating both established and emerging Asian voices in cinema.
Why Go
If you’re in the San Diego area—or ready to make the trip—this is one of the best opportunities to immerse yourself in the depth and diversity of Asian and Asian-American filmmaking. From red-carpet premieres to intimate Q&As, SDAFF remains a vital meeting point for artists, fans, and industry insiders.
Check out sdaff.org for the full lineup, tickets, and daily event schedule.
