Lee Ann Kim, Executive Director, San Diego Asian Film Foundation
Lee Ann Kim is the founding executive director of the San Diego Asian Film Foundation (SDAFF). A former broadcast news journalist, Lee Ann has been awarded Best Festival Director by the International Film Festival Summit in 2008, and recognized by San Diego Magazine as one of the Top 50 People to Watch in 2009. She has grown the SDAFF's annual film festival from a 3 day event into a dynamic, 15-day festival, showcasing 200+ films from 20 countries. She graduated from the University of Maryland with a journalism degree and minor in Spanish.
What drew you to this work?
I'm not a closeted cinefile by any stretch of the imagination. But I do love telling and hearing stories. As a Korean immigrant growing up in Chicago, I also felt acutely aware that I was "different" and having to always explain "where I came from" affected me deeply. With the lack of three-dimensional Asian American characters on television and film, I feel compelled to continue our film festival to connect audiences to the diverse experience of the Asian diaspora. Also, I have a very deep respect for the artists who suffer and sacrifice so much to bring us these stories.
What keeps you engaged with this work?
I just love my volunteers and staff. They are the most passionate, loving, and hard-working people that I know. I feel like I work for THEM. Also, I enjoy meeting the filmmakers and artists and hearing their story behind the story. They inspire me. It's important that we keep promoting their work because most times, their films are inaccessible to the public. And of course, our supporters/attendees. When I see them laugh, cry, and refelective about the films, I feel like we've done a good job.
What was the most pivotal moment of your leadership journey?
Leaving my job as a news anchor. I worked for the ABC affiliate in San Diego for nearly 13 years as an anchor and reporter. During that time I was also building the SDAFF. Working at the news station (KGTV), gave me an advantage because people already knew who I was, so that certainly helped with marketing and fundraising. Now, I consider our film festival my personal "newscast"
What are your strengths as a leader?
I wear my heart on my sleeve, so I am always thanking my staff and volunteers. It's amazing how simply saying, "thank you" goes a long way for people. Also, I've become very creative on coming up with ideas on how to engage the public with our festival (beyond films). But I think the strength of a true leader is also being a true servant. I do alot of grunt work too. Nothing is above me. Oh, and most importantly, I try to make everything we do to be FUN. When you lose the fun element, you lose your people.
How do you stay on top of your game?
The support of my husband, and the drive for excellence (aka type A personality!).
What are you working on that gets you excited and inspired?
Trying to build bridges with domestic and international film festivals. Also, we are making our films accessible beyond the festival through an awesome partnership we have with our local Time Warner Cable, offering our films for free On-Demand. Yay!
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