Wyman Lee is president of the DC Asian Pacific American Film Festival. The 12th annual festival will be held Oct. 6 to Oct. 15 and features films as well as free programs open to the public at the Smithsonian Freer and Sackler galleries. How did you get involved in the film festival?
I’ve been doing this for seven or eight years, this is my first year as president. At the time, my friends were doing graphic design for the festival and asked me to come to some of the meetings. I just got hooked on the vibes and started helping with the website.
What’s your connection to Asian film?
My parents are Chinese, they immigrated here in the 1970s from Hong Kong. Early on we got a VCR and they would get tapes from Hong Kong. I used to watch a lot of kung fu and comedies from Hong Kong. It really shaped my interest in film.
What’s your favorite Asian film?
“Chungking Express,” directed by Wong Kar-Wai.
Did you study film in college?
I’ve always has an interest in film, but I studied computer science at the University of Maryland. Most of the volunteers for APA are not in the film industry. Washington isn’t like New York or L.A. The film industry focus here is usually on documentaries like National Geographic.
Are you hoping to change the film scene in D.C.?
Not change, but grow. We’re making a collaborative effort with our organization. We try to get people who want to be involved in the industry.
What will surprise people most about Asian films?
The diversity of them. Typically people are interested in the kung fu films or something like that genre, but our films have a musical vibe, even broad comedies.
What are some favorites at the festival?
Romantic comedies tend to do very well.
– Leigh Giangreco
