General Admission: $15 | Senior & Student Admission: $5 | MOCA Member Admission: Free

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MOCA x NYAFF Film Club is a quarterly program celebrating the brilliance and boldness of Asian and Asian American cinema. This series highlights films of historic and cultural significance under the theme Margin, spotlighting daring films that challenge the norm, rewrite narratives, and push boundaries. 

Each session is more than just a movie night—it’s an opportunity to connect, discover, and engage. This year’s screenings are scheduled for May 7, June 11, September 24, and December 10. Following the screening, join us for a moderated conversation to explore the film’s themes, creative impact, and cultural context. Attendees are encouraged to share their thoughts and continue the dialogue during a casual networking reception afterward.

Don’t miss this chance to immerse yourself in the world of bold cinema and meaningful connections. Let’s watch, chat, and celebrate together!

JUNE SCREENING

Pushing Hands (1991)

Directed by: Ang Lee
Runtime: 105 minutes 

Pushing Hands follows Mr. Chu, an elderly Tai Chi master who moves to the United States to live with his son Alex, a Taiwanese-American computer engineer, and Alex’s American wife, Martha. While Alex hopes the arrangement will bring the family closer together, cultural and linguistic differences quickly create tension within the household.

Mr. Chu struggles to adapt to American life and feels isolated by the language barrier, while Martha becomes increasingly frustrated by the disruptions to her routine and creative work as a writer. Alex, caught between filial duty and his marriage, finds himself unable to reconcile the needs of both sides. As conflicts escalate, Mr. Chu ventures out on his own, forming unexpected connections and reclaiming a sense of independence.

Through its intimate portrayal of family dynamics, Pushing Hands explores themes of immigration, generational divide, cultural identity, and the delicate balance between tradition and assimilation. The film marked Ang Lee’s feature debut and the beginning of his celebrated “Father Knows Best” trilogy. It was widely recognized on the international festival circuit, winning awards including Best Film at the Asia-Pacific Film Festival and earning multiple honors at Taiwan’s Golden Horse Awards, helping to launch Lee’s career as a major voice in global cinema.

Starring: Sihung Lung, Lai Wang, Bo Z. Wang, Deb Snyder, Haan Lee

Stay after the screening for a conversation between MOCA’s Curator Herb Tam and NYAFF’s Programmer Sam Jamier, starting at 8:15 PM. Explore the film’s deeper meanings and behind-the-scenes context before engaging in further discussions with fellow attendees over beverages.

ABOUT New York Asian Film Festival

The New York Asian Film Festival (NYAFF) is North America’s premier event showcasing the very best in new Asian cinema. Held annually in July at Film at Lincoln Center and various venues across New York City, NYAFF is celebrated for its bold, diverse, and dynamic programming.

The festival highlights a wide spectrum of films—from emerging voices to masterful auteurs—spanning genres such as cutting-edge blockbusters, independent treasures, and groundbreaking works.

As a vital platform for Asian filmmakers, NYAFF fosters cross-cultural dialogue and champions the innovation, creativity, and richness of Asian storytelling on a global stage.