10 films to see

If you were limited to just 10, these would be the top choices (in alphabetical order):

An American Story: Norman Mineta and His Legacy: The clear rock star of the festival is Norm Mineta, the former resident of a Japanese internment camp, U.S. congressman and Cabinet secretary under two presidents, who is the subject of this opening night film. Mineta will attend the screening, where he will receive an honorary award from the city of San Francisco. (7 p.m. Thursday, May 10, Castro Theatre)

Bitter Melon: San Francisco filmmaker H.P. Mendoza’s third feature film as director, a tragicomedy about a dysfuctional Filipino American family, was shot primarily in San Francisco’s Excelsior neighborhood. Sure to provoke discussion in both Mendoza’s Q&As and the car ride home, it is a centerpiece presentation. (6:50 p.m. Saturday, May 12, AMC Kabuki; 7:30 p.m. May 19, Roxie Theater; 6:30 p.m. May 23, Piedmont Theater, Oakland)

Come Drink With Me: The landmark 1966 martial arts film is part of the Spotlight award, which honors actress Cheng Pei-pei. It is historic because it is the first major martial arts film with a female fighter hero at its center (Cheng would go on to star as villain Jade Fox in “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon”) and it is the breakthrough film for the great King Hu, whose direction is sublime. Cheng will appear in person. (9 p.m. May 14, AMC Kabuki)

Dead Pigs: Jot this name down and keep it handy: Cathy Yan. This $200,000 movie shot in Shanghai about five social climbers and pig corpses (you’ll just have to see it) is so good, Yan was just hand-picked by actress Margot Robbie to direct a “Suicide Squad” sequel in the DC Universe, with Robbie’s Harley Quinn character the star. From $200,000 to $2 million — you can say you were on the ground floor when Yan hit it big. (8:50 p.m. Sunday, May 13, AMC Kabuki; 12:30 p.m. May 20, Roxie Theater)

Eat a Bowl of Tea: San Francisco filmmaker Wayne Wang has been restoring and tinkering with some of his early films — he premiered the restoration of “Smoke” at SFFilm last month. Now comes “Eat a Bowl of Tea” (1989), a beautiful film about Chinese immigrants in 1940s New York. The film stars Russell Wong and Cora Miao (a.k.a. Mrs. Wayne Wang). (2:30 p.m. Saturday, May 12, AMC Kabuki)

Futbolistas 4 Life: Jun Stinson’s documentary is about two immigrant kids playing the beautiful game (soccer) in Oakland, with a coach from the Fruitvale neighborhood who believes in them. For them, building a wall means stacking defenders outside the 18-yard box. May all their free kicks sail into the net. Presented by the Center for Sports and Social Justice. (6:30 p.m. May 22, Piedmont Theater, Oakland)

Late Life: The Chien-Ming Wang Story: The Taiwanese-born pitcher, who won a World Series ring with the New York Yankees in 2009, faces a career-ending injury and mounts a long, excruciating journey to try to make it back to the major leagues in this (ultimately) uplifting, emotional documentary. (9:20 p.m. Saturday, May 12, AMC Kabuki; 6:40 p.m. Sunday, May 13, New People)

Nailed It: Ever wonder how a nail salon ended up in every strip mall? According to Adele Free Pham’s documentary, it traces back to 20 Vietnamese refugee women who ended up creating a multibillion-dollar industry. Plus, this is the best title in the festival. How can you resist? (4:50 p.m. Saturday, May 12, AMC Kabuki; 12:20 p.m. May 19, Roxie Theater)

The Registry: Bill Kubota and Steve Ozone’s documentary profiles the efforts by aging Japanese American veterans whose skills as translators in the Pacific theater of World War II saved countless lives. Not surprisingly, official recognition has been hard to come by. Showing with the seven-minute short film “Three Boys Manzanar.” (2:40 p.m. Sunday, May 13, AMC Kabuki)

Unlovable: Suzi Yoonessi’s comedy-drama is about a young Asian American woman’s addiction to sex, lack of self-esteem and her journey toward meaning. It’s OK to cringe; we’ve all been there in one form or another. Or maybe not ... Starring San Jose native Charlene deGuzman, John Hawkes and Melissa Leo . (9:40 p.m. Friday, May 11, AMC Kabuki; 8 p.m. May 20, Roxie Theater)

— G. Allen Johnson