CAAM is happy to call the Bay Area its home, just like it is to Patrick Epino, co-founder of the National Film Society. Gear up to see some Asian villains from your favorite childhood action flicks at CAAMFest San Jose 2014 in Epino’s co-created Awesome Asian Bad Guys. Since 1982, the annual festival has been an important launching point for Asian American independent filmmakers as well as a vital source for new Asian cinema. Submit now and join us at the nation’s largest showcase for new Asian and Asian American films.
Patrick Epino on CAAMFest:
CAAMFest was awesome. Having grown up in the Bay, it was the best homecoming I could’ve asked for. I’m extremely thankful for the support that the festival showed for Awesome Asian Bad Guys and our team at our two premiere screenings. It was a new audience for us and a new experience screening as the National Film Society, and the response was something I’ll never forget.”
Epino’s tips on submitting to film festivals:
I’d say do your homework and see what a festival has been screening the past couple years. Watch some of the films if you have access to them. Sure, festivals can change their tastes and focus, but it helps to know what’s come before you. Also, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Starting out, one of the mistakes I made was being too reluctant to reach out and ask questions. Festival staffers are extremely busy, but if you catch them at the right time of year (read: not right before the festival deadline), they’re usually more than willing to offer insights.”
Additionally, and this may be obvious, but you’d be surprised: you should attend the festival. Get to know the people who make it happen and see first hand the great work they’re doing. They’re there to support and foster your work, but in turn as filmmakers we must support theirs as well.”
Patrick Epino is a filmmaker and digital content producer. After writing and directing his first feature film, Mr. Sadman, starring Scoot McNairy (Argo, Halt and Catch Fire) and Tim Kang (The Mentalist), he co-founded the National Film Society, a new media studio and PBS web series. He’s also the co-creator of Awesome Asian Bad Guys, an action-comedy web series crowdfunded by over $54,000 raised on Kickstarter. Patrick is a graduate of the University of Chicago and earned his MFA in Cinema from San Francisco State University.
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