Must List: Asian American Film Fest, Valentine’s Day Fun and Contemporary Dance

Must Watch
Seattle Asian American Film Festival
(2/12 to 2/15, times vary) This year, the annual festival of films by and about Asian-Americans will be held at the Northwest Film Forum, with the customary mix of new shorts, documentaries and features offering fresh perspectives on contemporary issues—including opening night film To Be Takei, about the Star Trek star.

Must Treat Yourself
How to Spoil Yourself on Valentine’s Day
There are spas to visit and sales to peruse, mini champagne bottles from which to sip and delicate bracelets—with monogrammed charms—to slip on your wrist. Ah, the many ways to declare our love for ourselves this Valentine’s Day.

Must Swoon
Seattle Symphony Performs Roméo et Juliette
(2/12 or 2/14, times vary) Impress your valentine big-time with an evening out to see maestro Ludovic Morlot conduct the Seattle Symphony and Seattle Symphony Chorale in Roméo et Juliette, Hector Berlioz’s rarely performed masterwork from 1839.

Must Hear
Classical Guitarist Andre Feriante’s 20th Anniversary Concert
Saturday (2/14, 8 p.m.) Seattle-based, Segovia-trained musician Andre Feriante brings his classical, Flamenco and Brazilian sounds to the Kirkland Performance Center, where he’ll strum made-in-the-PacNW instruments for a special Valentine’s Day performance.

Must See
Chop Shop: Bodies of Work Returns
(2/14 to 2/15, times vary) Returning for the eighth year, this showcase celebrates fresh work in contemporary dance with a mixed bill featuring noteworthy choreographers from Israel, Vancouver, B.C., and Seattle, including local groups such as the Alana O. Rogers Dance Company and Coriolis Dance (photo above).