Photo Essay: San Diego Asian Film Festival Opening Night

Guardian Staff, Millie Root, and Justin Lu

Nov 7, 2022

The San Diego Asian Film Festival opened with a heartfelt and impactful family film entitled “Bad Axe” at the historic San Diego Natural History Museum in Balboa Park. The documentary about a small Cambodian Mexican American family had the entire room sobbing with joy, especially as the family members themselves surprised the audience with a personal Q&A after the films premiere at the film festival’s packed opening night.

Opening Night panel featuring Bad Axe producer and cast. *Justin Lu | UCSD Guardian*

From left to right, the host (Brian Hu), the producer (Kat Vasquez) and members of the Siev family who were featured in the opening night documentary. *Justin Lu | UCSD Guardian*From left to right, Chun and Jaclyn Siev, two of the members of the Siev family featured in Bad Axe are interviewed before the movie screening at SDAFF’s Opening Night. *Justin Lu | UCSD Guardian*

Producer and family stars of the opening night documentary, Bad Axe. *Millie Root | UCSD Guardian*

After a panel with the producer and cast of Bad Axe, Guardian Photo Editor Millie Root compliments the host Brian Hu on his consistently stellar presence at SDAFF. *Justin Lu | UCSD Guardian*

SDAFF Opening night turn out for the feature documentary, Bad Axe. *Millie Root | UCSD Guardian*

Opening speech at SDAFF’s Opening Night. *Justin Lu | UCSD Guardian*

About the Contributors

Millie Root, Photo Editor

Millie loves the way light reflects off bus windows, artisenal teas, and community co-ops. Join Millie on the journey of a lifetime to tell important stories with amazing photographs.

Justin Lu, Photographer

When not watching video essays on design and gaming, can be found at events or working on silly programming projects. Hit me up for music recs, to give music recs, or for macOS keyboard shortcuts!

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