Asian Film Archive (2026 Release)

As I continued to explore the AFA's collection, I discovered more hidden gems. There was "The Wedding Banquet" (1993), a hilarious Taiwanese comedy about a gay man's fake marriage to appease his traditional parents. And "The House is Black" (1963), a poignant Iranian drama about a leper colony struggling to find hope and dignity.

The more I watched, the more I realized that the Asian Film Archive was not just a repository of films, but a window into the cultures, histories, and experiences of the people who made them. Each film offered a unique perspective on the world, shaped by the social, political, and economic contexts of its time. asian film archive

One of the first films I watched was "S21: The Khmer Rouge Killing Machine" (2003), a powerful documentary about the atrocities committed during the Khmer Rouge regime. The film was a harrowing introduction to the complexities of Cambodian history and the resilience of its people. I was struck by the way the filmmakers wove together personal testimonies, archival footage, and reenactments to create a visceral experience. As I continued to explore the AFA's collection,