I think of the festival as an opportunity to continue an extended conversation about diverse Asian Pacific American issues. In their own way, these makers are shaping how the world sees Asians and Asian Americans. Together we are creating a contemporary image out of the diverse experiences of people from 50 ethnic backgrounds, varied religious and cultural traditions, and different political histories.
Artists throw out their ideas just as the farmer sows seeds.
It will take fertile ground, and in this case, an engaged audience to transform the filmmakers' visions about our dreams, desires and destiny into social reality. Thank you for joining us in this crucial aspect of the creative process. I wish to express our appreciation to the California Arts Council, the San Francisco Grants for the Arts program, the San Francisco Art Commission, Chevron , and United Airlines . With their support and with the help of our board, donors, and members, we are able to share this wonderful opportunity to keep the conversation flowing and ideas abounding as we enter the new millennium.