By: Jai Rajendrakumar

The South Asian population has long made its presence felt in the San Francisco Bay area. Next month, the 28th edition of the San Francisco International Asian American Film Festival will be honoring that presence when it kicks off with a film starring one of the hottest Indian-American actors in Hollywood.

Aasif Mandvi

A cinematic showcase, reportedly featuring about 109 films next month, will open with the David Kaplan film Today’s Special, which stars Indian-American star Aasif Mandvi in the lead role.

Today’s Special, a story of a Manhattan-based sous-chef trying to reconnect to his Indian roots, will not be the only food-based film featuring South Asian themes at the film festival.

Indo-Canadian sibling filmmakers Dilip and Deepa Mehta announced they will be at the San Francisco International Asian American Film Festival to present their food-themed dramatic comedy in Cooking with Stella, a movie above the relationship between waiter and customer.

Not to be forgotten in Bollywood, the 2009 romantic comedy Love Aaj Kaal was announced as part of the program. The film stars Saif Ali Khan and Deepika Padukone.

Of course, films from other regions of the Asian continent will be represented at the expansive showcase which is scheduled to run from March 11th through 21st. Among the films screening at the San Francisco International Asian American Film Festival include Amy Tan’s The Bonesetter’s Daughter, Borshay Liem’s In the Matter of Cha Jung Hee, Stephanie Wang-Breal’s Wo Ai Ni Mommy, James T. Hong and Yin-Ju Chens’ Lessons of the Blood, and The Mountain Thief.

Also featured at this year’s event is a highlight of Filipino cinema, which includes a revival of Lino Brocka’s films.

Organizers announced Arvin Chen’s Au Revoir Taipei, which will be making its North American premiere, is scheduled to close the film festival on March 21st. The film is an adventurous love story taking place in the streets of the capital city.

Being honored at the festival will be filmmaker Frieda Lee Mock, it was announced. Amongst her most renowned works include the 2010 Academy Award short-listed documentary Lt. Watada and Sing China!; both films will be screened at the showcase.

The festival will take place throughout San Francisco, playing at venues such as Sundance Kabuki Cinemas, Castro Theatre, Landmark Clay and VIZ Cinema. Tickets run between $10 and $12 and may be purchased in advance at the festival’s website.