By Maria Esteves – August 16, 2011

The 34th Asian American International Film Festival 2011 (AAIFF11) Opening Night New York premiere of AMIGO, directed by John Sayles, commenced Wednesday, August 10, 7:00 pm, at the Chelsea Clearview Cinemas. A special Q&A session with director Sayles, producer Maggie Renzi, and actor Joel Torre moderated by Associate Director of Programming, Scott Foundas, Film Society of Lincoln Center, preceded the festivals Opening Night Reception at Art Gate Gallery. Presented by Asian CineVision, AAIFF11 Opening Night arrivals included international filmmakers, dignitaries, producers, sponsors, celebrity guests, industry professionals, and patrons.

AAIFF11 Opening Night Premiere of AMIGO, executive director
John Woo, right, and board of director Gregory Chew,
Asian Cinevision.

AAIFF11 Opening Night Premiere of AMIGO,
writer, director, John Sayles.

AAIFF11 Opening Night Premiere of AMIGO,
actor Joel Torre.

AAIFF11 Opening Night Premiere of AMIGO, writer, director,
John Sayles, left, and actor Joel Torre.

AAIFF11 Opening Night Premiere of AMIGO, writer, director, John Sayles,
left, with producer Maggie Renzi and actor Joel Torre.

AAIFF11 Opening Night Premiere of AMIGO, Asian CineVision board of directors Gregory Chew, left end, John Shin, right end, with writer, director, John Sayles, center, and executive director Harish Salvja, Silk Screen.

AAIFF11 Opening Night Premiere of AMIGO, Asian CineVision
board of director Gregory Chew, left with writer, director,
John Sayles, AMIGO.