by KYW's Karin Phillips
 
Philadelphia's first annual Asian-American film festival kicks off Thursday night and features films about and by Asian Americans.

Far North (above), starring Michelle Yeoh and Sean Bean, is a story about a love triangle in a remote land.  It's the opening film on Thursday night at the Bridge movie theatre, 40th and Walnut Streets, for the 1st annual Philadelphia Asian American Film Festival. 

Festival director Joe Kim, a local independent filmmaker, says Asian-Americans still are not taken seriously in the film industry:

"...whether it's the computer guy, the nerd or karate guy, or whatever.  I think the great thing about Asian-Americans making these films is that they're trying to make a more well rounded portrayal."
 
Kim warns that festivalgoers should not expect outlandish or exotic films:

"A lot of these films that you watch are really not that much different than any of the films that you might watch regardless.  But they might just star Asian-Americans and have a little bit of a twist, maybe different backgrounds. But it's something that everyone can relate to, I think."

For more information, go to phillyasianfilmfest.org.