AAIFF’13 is around the corner and we have some people working at ACV we’d love for you to meet. Get ready as we introduce you to our awesome staff members!
Name: Ben Dumond
School: Just graduated from NYU, Class of 2013!
Position at ACV: AAIFF’13 Lead Designer
What brought you to Asian CineVision (ACV)?
I have always made it my intention to become a graphic designer and to open my own firm, but have always struggled to reconcile that with my desire to work in the nonprofit sector. A friend told me about this opportunity and I jumped at it for its ability to fulfill both goals.
What is your favorite part about being at ACV so far?
I’ve never really had this much administrative oversight on a project before and being responsible for the entire design of a festival which reaches and impacts so many people, while terribly frightening, is awesome. My fellow staffers here are equally awesome!
Asian CineVision has been around for over 35 years. Why is it important that an organization like Asian CineVision should still exist?
Media is a sector in which we have struggled greatly in redefining misconceptions and bending stereotypes surrounding Asian Americans. It’s also the most mainstream outlet through which our community is represented, so it will always be important to showcase and embrace talent that challenges these misconceptions. We represent an intersection between art and identity that has previously been heavily underrepresented; our work is a testament to the importance of this intersection and its continuance.
What should people expect from the 2013 Asian American International Film Festival?
Greatness. Seriously, the staff is working incredibly hard to make this festival an exciting one. Come for the films, stay for the company (and come back for the open bar 😉 ).
What is a fun fact about yourself?
Hawaii will always be my home – shoutout to my Mililani Trojans!
If you can be anything in this world, regardless of money or status, what would it be and why?
I would dedicate myself fully to working in the nonprofit sector, but as it is, I have a lot of student loans to attend to before I can make that my reality. Traveling some more would also be nice; Morocco, Iceland, and Egypt are at the top of my current list!