Middlesex Community College is proud to present the fourth annual Lowell Asian American Film Festival (LAAFF) starting on Friday, October 17 at MCC’s Richard and Nancy Donahue and Family Academic Arts Center. Over two days, Middlesex will screen Asian American-directed films from across the country in celebration of art, culture and diversity.

“MCC’s fourth annual LAAFF is a celebration of storytelling that honors the voices, experiences, culture, history and creativity of the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community,” said Virak Uy, MCC’s Director of External Affairs and Program for Asian American Student Advancement. “Thanks to the generous support of the MCC Foundation and the Lowell Cultural Council, the festival continues to grow as a platform for emerging filmmakers and a reflection of Lowell’s rich cultural tapestry as well as celebrating our community vibrancy in arts, culture and films. We look forward to welcoming audiences for a weekend of cinematic excellence and community celebration.”

On Friday, a 5 p.m. opening reception will kick off the festival with delicious food, music, cultural performances. The opening film “Free Tea Bed” will be screen from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., followed by a 7:30 p.m. Q&A with the director.

Events on Saturday, October 18 will begin at 11 a.m. with Animated Shorts. At noon, Student Short Films will air, followed by a 1 p.m. intermission. Narrative Short Films will run at 1:30 p.m. with a 2:30 p.m. showing of Documentary Short Films. An award ceremony and reception will take place at 3:30 p.m. with a 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. screening of the Closing Film “Mouse,” and Q&A with the director and producer to end the festival.