It's not hard to understand why the market for foreign films here in America isn't booming. It's not like independent foreign movies are selling out across the country. We like our typical roles just fine, don't we? The blonde bimbo, the Indian deli-owner, and the dragon-fanatic, karate-expert, math-genius Asian. 

I will admit that I don't know very much about Asian/Asian-American film. But because I was lucky enough to attend a few screenings as part of the New York Asian Film Festival (NYAFF), I've grown to really appreciate the Asian characters from the perspective of…Asian directors, producers, actors, audiences.

The NYAFF, which is brought to life by Subway Cinemas, features over 50 films, most of which were "hits" in many countries like Korea, Japan, and Taiwan. Personally, I believe these films represent the truest of Asian life and experiences. This doesn't mean that all the movies have to do "Asian themes," like studying hard or being picked last in P.E. class. These Asian films celebrate life as simply as possible: being human.

The characters in many of NYAFF's films struggle with love and relationships, money and mishap, crazy shenanigans and late-night bar fights.  There isn't something overtly Asian about any of the films, nor did they try to be what they weren't (big-budget Western blockbusters). There was an honesty and a sincere desire to remain true to everyday life and the art of film-making. 

It's refreshing to not have to watch the same archetypes played over and over again. But this summer doesn't just have NYAFF (which ends in about a week). The IndioBravo Film Foundation brought the first Filipino Film festival a couple of weeks ago. Next month the Asian American International Film Festival (AAIFF) will take place over the course of three days, bringing to the screens some of the most organically-sound and independent Asian-American films.

It's very important to support festivals like these because they offer an alternative to the norm. And sometimes not just an alternative, but the reality.

Disney's Mulan was sort of on the right track. So whaddya say? Give the Rush Hour movies a rest, at least for a while.  

Michelle Geslani