Asian Festival, Film Fest are set Aug. 27-28

Asian Culture Center of Tennessee is hosting two events at the end of the month to celebrate its culture.

Knox Asian Film Festival begins at 1 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 27, at Central Cinema, 1205 N. Central St. A pass for all five films is $35, or $10 for each screening per person.

Ninth Knox Asian Festival, free of charge, is from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sunday, Aug. 28, at World’s Fair Park. Those wishing to may register online at https://www.knoxasianfestival.com for the chance to win one free ramen bowl from the Ramen Bones food truck, which is a Festival sponsor but will not be serving this year. Thirty registered participants will be selected at random for the free dish after the event, and will be notified via e-mail.

Film Festival

Specific films planned include the documentary “Far East Deep South,” which focuses on the 1882 Chinese Exclusion Act and its profound impact on generations. It is described by ACCTN executive director and Farragut resident Kumi Alderman as “an eye-opening film.”

The Taiwan documentary “Pakadavai” about Taiwan tribes features “Rashomon,” which was the first Japanese film to receive a significant international reception; “Memories of Murder,” a 2003 South Korean crime thriller co-written and directed by Bong Joon-ho; and “The Kingdom of Dreams and Madness,” a documentary of Studio Giburi.

For more Film Festival information, visit http://www.centralcinema865.com.

Knox Asian Festival

The Asian Cultural Parade kicks off festivities at 10 a.m. at the water fountain on the Park lawn, concluding at 10:30 a.m. at the Amphitheater stage.

Managing one of the stages will be Farragut High School students Ivy Zhang and Alan Tan, co-presidents of the school’s Asian Club. “They did fundraising by selling bubble tea to donate (to the) Asian Festival,” Alderman said.

“We also showcase various martial arts demonstrations, Thailand Traditional Dancers from Washington D.C., K-Pop and J-Pop performances, Kimono Show, a bonsai exhibition, a cosplay contest, Japanese tea ceremony, and Japanese drummers Taiko Drum group from Disney World and Korean Fan Dancers from Georgia,” she added.

“(And) You can learn Japanese summer dance.”

She said 1,250 seats will be available under the Amphitheater tent for the big stage performances.