George C. Lin

George Lin was a fierce advocate for indie film, indie music, and the right way to eat greasy food and ice-cold boba. Slightly awkward and downright fearless, George never turned down a conversation or a chance to meet a new friend. He founded the DC APA Film Festival in 2000, and later joined the San Diego Asian Film Foundation (now Pacific Arts Movement) as its Programming Director.

At SDAFF, he helped launch a number of initiatives such as Blowfish (a live music showcase), Reel in the Vote (voter awareness campaign through media arts), and even the ridiculous idea of purchasing used bread trucks to drive around town and project films (which SDAFF eventually realized as Drive-By Cinema).

After a long fight with cancer, George passed away on October 14, 2008. Each year since his passing, Pacific Arts Movement has proudly presented an Emerging Filmmaker Award in honor of George Lin. Selected by the SDAFF programming team, winners are presented to first-time feature filmmakers and other promising new voices.

Past Emerging Filmmaker Award
2024: Alison Nguyen - History As Hypnosis
2023: Joseph Mangat - Divine Factory
‍2022: So Yun Um - Liquor Store Dreams
‍2021: Tiffany Sia - Never Rest/Unrest
‍2020: Elizabeth Lo - Stray
‍2019: Miko Revereza - No Data Plan 
‍2018: Christopher Makoto Yogi - August at Akiko’s 
‍2017: Anahita Ghazvinizadeh - They
‍2016: Andrew Ahn - Spa Night
‍2015: Takeshi Fukunaga - Out of my Hand
‍2014: Vera Brunner-Sung - Bella Vista
‍2013: Leslie Tai - Grave Goods and Superior Life Classroom
‍2012: Ernie Park - Late Summer
‍2011: Patrick Wang - In the Family
2010: Nadine Truong - Shadow Man and Eggbaby
2009: Mark Tran - All About Dad