By Thomas Tam

Not many have the privilege of being asked to say something on the occasion of a 25th anniversary. For one thing, you have to live long enough for the occasion. For another, you have to be, at least, still somewhat relevant to what the occasion celebrates. Most important of all, however, is that you have to be remembered by those who are responsible for organizing the occasion.

By Alvin Eng

To paraphrase Eric Clapton’s testimonial to Muddy Waters: Tom Tam’s activism changed my life and whether you know it or not, it changed yours too. The fact that you are reading this at the 31st Asian American International Film Festival (AAIFF) is testimony to his legacy.

By Daryl Chin

As I write, there is all this excitement on the news media about "change." Barack Obama seems to have clinched the Democratic nomination for president, and the primary race, between Hillary Clinton and Obama, has stirred up all sorts of reactions. I can't help but remember the many people that I have known who were committed social activists. And perhaps no one was so persistently committed than Thomas Tam.