CITY ARTS : Chili ‘n’ Screens

ChiliVisions VII returns to Little Tokyo on Saturday to provide food for the stomach, eyes and mind.

It starts off with samplings of chili concocted by local Asian-American organizations, followed by screenings of new films and videos produced by Asian-American artists.

The chili cook-off begins at 4:30 p.m. in the Japanese American Community and Cultural Center’s plaza at 244 S. San Pedro St. Among the groups vying for the “Best Chili” title this year are the Asian Pacific Women’s Network and the Asian American Drug Abuse Program. At 7:30 p.m., screenings of works by independent producers will begin at the Japan America Theatre. This year’s program features “Maceo: Demon Drummer from East L.A.,” a documentary by veteran Japanese-American filmmaker John Esaki. The film tells the story of a young Chicano who performed with one of Japan’s renowned taiko drumming groups, Ondeko-Za.

ChiliVisions is an annual fund-raising event for Visual Communications, an organization dedicated to the accurate depiction of Asian-Americans. The organization encourages and presents Asian-American media works by producing and showing films and videos, sponsoring exhibits and workshops and publishing educational materials.

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ChiliVisions VII, Saturday at the Japanese American Community and Cultural Center and Japan America Theatre, 244 S. San Pedro St. Chili cook-off begins at 4:30 p.m.; screenings begin at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $23 for adults, $12 for children under 12. Tickets for screenings only are $7. Information: (213) 680-4462 or (213) 680-3700.