Festival

How did it start?

The New Asia Film Festival in the first international film festival in the city of Richmond, providing local residents with the opportunity to view and experience new and innovative independent films from many Asian countries and cultures. 

Over the past several years, Richmond has undergone a dramatic development. Being the host of the 2010 Olympic Games has completely transformed the city from a small and rural community to an international metropolis. Richmond is now seen as one of Canada’s most culturally diverse cities and has the highest number of new immigrants. Asian immigrants have contributed significantly to the cities rapid growth comprising 60% of its overall population according to the 2006 Statistics Canada Census.

The dramatic change has inspired us to contribute to the new population landscape and cultural trend, and assist in the development of this new multi-ethnic community by promoting and fostering a dialogue through film between the many differing groups. We wish our festival can present a new image of Asian culture, reflect contemporary issues relevant to people on both sides of the Pacific Ocean, and thereby encourage communication between Canada, Asia and the world at large.

The New Asia Film Festival was inaugurated in May 2008 and are entering our third annual screening in May 2010.