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Sharp Health Plan
is a proud sponsor of the
San Diego Asian Film Festival
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— we are the people of San Diego County.
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5 6 7
about sdaff Ticket Info special events and
panels at a glance
10 12 19
festival schedule member film and program
information guide
74 75 78
foundation and special thanks print source and
festival staff film index
If you believe in six degrees THEREAFTER II, revealing the complex life of a prostitute-turned
of separation, then you may military wife.
agree technology has made the
world a much smaller place. Other fascinating documentaries include THE GREAT
Countries, languages, and space HAPPINESS SPACE about male host bars in Japan; the
no longer separate us. The once emotionally riveting NA KAMALEI: MEN OF HULA showcasing
inaccessible is now accessible Hawaii’s oldest male hula troupe; rock the house with AIR
through the internet and media, GUITAR NATION and the rise of Asian American “C-Diddy” ;
and we learn we as humans are and SENTENCED HOME, which humanizes America’s flawed
ultimately connected through immigration policy.
common experiences of love,
hate, despair, and happiness. Our spotlight film from Sundance, DARK MATTER, will certainly
That connection is what makes spark discourse, based on the true story of the rise and fall of a
our film festival so precious gifted physics student, Gang Lu. Plus, international films including
and critical. As our world Park Chan-Wook’s I’M A CYBORG BUT THAT’S OKAY and the
becomes smaller, the need to understand each other, to co-exist, heartwarming HULA GIRLS from Japan are expected to draw
becomes more pressing. Through film, we emotionally connect large crowds. If you’re looking for action, try the Asian American
with stories and people who open our minds to worlds we never gangster film BABY or Truc Charlie Nguyen’s masterfully
knew existed, who remind us of life’s worst tragedies and simplest choreographed THE REBEL.
pleasures. Who make us laugh and think, giving us something to
talk about long after the credits end. Most of all, I believe film For those with a short attention span, never fear - we have eight
inspires and creates community. fantastic short film programs ranging from stories of love, family,
and purgatory to downright low-brow humor in our comedy
Even after eight years of doing this, our festival’s programmers shorts program, “CRAZYSEXYFUNNY.” Also returning this year
are always surprised at the new crop of films offering fresh is our showcase of San Diego films in “Localmotion”, our fantastic
perspectives and unique storytelling. With more than 100 films animated shorts program “Animation: The Illusion of Life,” and
in 57 unique programs, we hope you will take in as much of the our locally produced student documentaries, “Reel Voices.”
cinematic feast as you can. We are especially proud to have a
record number of Asian American features, from our opening And if that’s not enough, we get to meet and chat with the
night film FINISHING THE GAME directed by the amazing charming GEORGE TAKEI who is receiving our lifetime
Justin Lin, to our closing night film, the West Coast premiere of achievement award for his contributions to Hollywood for 50
Michael Kang’s WEST 32ND, starring John Cho, Grace Park, and years (oh my!).
newcomer Jane Kim. Both directors are SDAFF alumni. Also
returning to our festival with feature films - Gene Rhee and his Whatever you choose to see, we hope that you will leave feeling
hilarious romantic comedy THE TROUBLE WITH ROMANCE, more connected to the world... and to yourself.
Korean adoptee Joy Dietrich in her feature debut TIE A YELLOW
RIBBON, and documentary filmmaker Ho Sup Lee with AND Lee Ann Kim
Executive Director
Tickets for all shows can be purchased at the Hazard Center UltraStar Cinema box office.
To guarantee seating, patrons must show up at least 15 minutes before showtime.
NON-MEMBER PRICES
Opening & Closing Night Films $15 (Finishing the Game & West 32nd)
General Admission $9
Festival 4-pack (while available) $30
Music Showcase $7 with ticket stub, $10 without
offsite event, refer to info below
MEMBER PRICES
Opening & Closing Night Films $9
General Admission $5
Festival 4-Pack (while available) $18
Blowfish Music Showcase free w/ membership card
members must show membership card at time of purchase
members also receive discounts on festival t-shirts
REFUND POLICY
No refunds for unused tickets, 4-packs, or all-festival passes. Exchanges are only available when a program is oversold.
SPECIAL DISCOUNTS
We offer $2 discounts for the following groups with appropriate identification:
Students
Military
Seniors
Harrah’s Total Rewards Card Holders
Viejas V-Card Holders
Eastlake Card Holders
Opening Night Party Blowfish: Intersection of The New Media: A Web2.0 Panel
Thu Oct 11, 9PM Sights and Sounds Sat. Oct 13, 11:30AM FREE
Airport Lounge, 2400 India St. Fri Oct 12, 8PM UltraStar Cinemas, Mission Valley
Join us with the cast and crew of FINISHING Aubergine , 500 Fourth Ave. UltraStar 6 - Time Warner
THE GAME as we celebrate the beginning Our popular Friday night party, featuring live Industry experts and filmmakers share advice
of our 8th season. Free for members, pass hip-hop performances, music videos, and in this free panel on how to best market
holders, and FTG attendees. Sponsored by local DJs. Plus, celebrity appearances and your film on the web, and examine the latest
AZN Television. 21& up. drink specials. $7 w/ ticket stub/$10 at door. in technology. Moderated by Dean Lim (XDL
21& up. See page 15 for more info. films, “On the Lot”) who brings his expertise
on digital filmmaking and marketing to the
masses.
Dishing With the Stars: A Break Another Leg: Acting The Trek of George Takei: An
Celebrity Panel Workshop Intimate Discussion
Sat Oct 13, 2PM Sun Oct 14, 10:30AM Sun Oct 14, 1PM
UltraStar Cinemas, Mission Valley Doubletree Hotel – Sonoma Room UltraStar Cinemas, Mission Valley
Candid discussion with Hollywood’s Asian A multi-dimensional workshop exploring A live discussion about the personal journey
American stars. See page 14 for more info. theatre training, acting, agents, auditions and of actor George Takei – from Star Trek to
headshots, by the Asian American Repertory the Howard Stern Show and NBC’s Heroes.
Theatre. For more info visist: www.sdaff.org See page 16 for more info.
PRESENTING GALA
SPONSORS
SCREENING SPONSORS
TECHNOLOGY GRANT
EDUCATION SPONSORS
bank of america
MULTI-MEDIA SPONSORS
hyphen magazine
IN-KIND DONORS
chipotle infusions of tea l&l sansai japanese grill
sidney frank importing co. zion market
OCT. 11 THURSDAY 9:15pm THE TROUBLE WITH 6:00pm I’MA CYBORG BUT
4:45pm Know Justice Know Peace ROMANCE THAT’S OK
Theater 6 - Time Warner preceded by Girls Night Out Theater 7 - Harrah’s
Theater 1 - Eastlake
7:00pm FINISHING THE GAME 6:15pm Love is a Battlefield
Preceded by Building a 9:30pm BABY Theater 6 - Time Warner
Journey Theater 2 - Fujitsu
Theater 7 - Harrah’s 7:30pm TRE
9:45pm THE VICTIM Theater 2 - Fujitsu
7:15pm 5 CENTIMETERS PER Theater 7 - Harrah’s Preceded by Shoot My Life
SECOND
Preceded by Voices of OCT. 13 SATURDAY 7:45 PM GREAT HAPPINESS SPACE
Distant Star Theater 1 - Eastlake
10:30am Break Another Leg
Theater 2 - Fujitsu
Doubletree Sonoma Room
8:30pm UNDOING
7:30pm A DIRTY CARNIVAL Theater 6 - Time Warner
11:30am The New Media: Using
Theater 6 - Time Warner
Web Video for Making Your
8:45pm BLACKOUT
Voice Heard
7:45pm BOLINAO 52 Theater 7 - Harrah’s
Theater 6 - Time Warner
Theater 1 - Eastlake
9:30 PM Heaven is Too Far Away
12:00pm WHAT THE SNOW
9:15pm ISABELLA Theater 1 - Eastlake
BRINGS
Theater 2 - Fujitsu Theater 2 - Fujitsu
OCT. 14 SUNDAY
9:45pm ANG PAMANA 12:30pm Know Justice Know Peace 11:30am Reel Voices
Theater 7 - Harrah’s Theater 1 - Eastlake Theater 7 - Harrah’s
5:30pm CrazySexyFunny!
Theater 1 - Eastlake
Becoming a member of the San Diego Asian Film Foundation means you are joining a community of supporters of Asian American cinema and
culture. As a member, you receive discounts on film festival tickets and merchandise, invitations to members-only events, and access to sneak
preview screenings of films prior to their theatrical release. Memberships are year-long, from January through January.
subscribe today!
Mention this ad and get 4 issues for only $16! For
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The Infinite Power of Cinema | 13
DISHING WITH THE STARS: a celebrity panel
Our favorite Asian American celebs give us a dose of reality when it comes to surviving in Hollywood. It’s not all glitz and glamour, so why do they
do it? From type-casting and scoring the dream role to indie projects and their MySpace pages, a no-holds bar discussion. Panel Length: 90 minutes
Sat. Oct 13, 2007 2:00pm UltraStar2 - Fujitsu
Moderated by Lee Ann Kim. Scheduled to speak:
YUL KWON
Winner of Survivor: Cook Islands
FEATURED MUSIC
VIDEOS
Ain’t No Sunshine - Tatum Jones
Iraq - TIMZ
Back Home - Blue Scholars
Champion - Native Gun
???? - The Upstarts
Post 9/11 Blues - MC Riz
??? - Far East Movement
TRT: 300 minutes
BLOWFISH
UNPLUGGED
Sat Oct 13, 12PM FREE
Ultrastar Cinema Lobby
experience the eclectic acoustic
styles of some of SoCal’s most
talented musicians.
Co-Presented By:
Onami
Future Rockstars of America
Futurerockstarsofamerica.com
Takei as Mr. Sulu Speaking at Human Rights Campaign tour Takei with Masi Oka in Heroes Takei at Sirius Radio’s Howard Stern Show
To subscribe, visit
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or call (877) 869‑0787
*Mature content
*Director, cast & crew scheduled to attend
Preceded By
BUILDING A JOURNEY
Director: Anson Ho | 14 min. | Video | 2007
An exciting look behind the scenes with Justin Lin and the
crew of FINISHING THE GAME, its journey to Sundance,
and reflections on Asian American cinema.
Bruce Lee passed out of the living world into legend 34 years ago,
but for Asian Americans living in the P.B.L. (Post-Bruce Lee), we
revere the man for his unique stature as one of the small pantheon of
folk heroes to our name.Yet there’s also a level of angst and resent-
ment at how his mythic status has defined how the world sees us,
especially those of us who are males. That ambivalence is a powerful
theme of Justin Lin’s FINISHING THE GAME, a dark mockumentary
purporting to tell what happened when Hollywood decided to try
to complete Lee’s final, unfinished work, “Game of Death,” using a
double to replace its deceased superstar. FINISHING THE GAME,
due out in October from IFC films, is an homage—and a loving one.
But it’s also a critique—not so much of Lee the man, but of the Rube
Goldberg apparatus that his life and death set in motion.
c
ongrats on the incredible success of your second feature! It’s
such a departure from THE MOTEL (awarded Best Dramatic
Narrative Feature, SDAFF ‘05). What made you decide to focus
your next feature on New York’s Koreatown?
There are lines blurred, but the heart of the film is based in facts. My co-
writer Edmund Lee was a reporter at The Village Voice when I first met
him, and he had been working for a year already on an expose on Korean
criminal culture. The case involved in the film is also very common and
actually had been inspired by a real murder of a room salon manager a
friend who worked in the non-profit sector had told me about. Obvi-
ously, there is artistic license taken in the delivery of these events, but it
is the essence of truth.
How cool was it to work with such a talented cast (which included both
John Cho in WEST 32ND
huge Korean and Korean American stars)? Any diva stories?
I have been blessed with the talent I have gotten to work with. I had
never worked with John Cho or Grace Park prior to this film and there
was a fear that with either or both of them that I would run into bad
Hollywood behavior. But I think that as with all Asian American actors
out there that have been fortunate enough to get consistent work, they
are very grounded in the fact that the types of roles I write are not the
typical roles they get to play – namely, characters that are very close to
their own experiences.
You had sold-out screenings at Tribecca Film Fest, where WEST 32ND
premiered. What was that like to premiere in your home town where
the film was shot?
It was gratifying to be able to show the film to the city to which it was a
love letter. The support we got there was amazing. We had to turn away
hundreds of people at every screening. That was unheard of.
Jane Kim in WEST 32ND
You can meet filmmaker Michael Kang, his cast, and crew at our closing
night screening of WEST 32ND, Thursday, October 18.
Screening Sponsors
*Mature content
*Producers scheduled to attend
New York-based Chinese opera director Chen who helps him in his transition into American who killed six people at the Iowa University
Shi-zheng makes his first feature film debut society. Liu becomes protégé to head of of Iowa in 1991. It is a remarkable surprise
with DARK MATTER, which follows a Chinese the cosmology department Jacob Reiser, that any filmmaker would even approach the
science student pursuing a PhD. He is studying played by Aidan Quinn, who threatens to subject of a tragic campus shooting from
the origins of the universe. The Mid-Western thwart Liu’s aspirations with campus politics the gunman’s point of view, but even more
Valley State University cosmology student, when it becomes clear that Liu’s developing surprising that it is executed so well, with
Liu Xing, dreams of winning the Nobel Prize theories oppose Reiser’s models. Eventually a certain elegance and sense of honesty.
by attempting to unravel the secrets of Liu gets pushed to the margins of academia Add to that an outstanding performance by
dark matter, that mysterious substance that and society after he goes behind Reiser’s newcomer Ye Liu, DARK MATTER proves to
governs the universe. Liu finds a remarkable back to publish his discoveries. Alone and be as mesmerizing a film as the universe itself.
amount of freedom in the United States and unsupported, Liu finally explodes with vengeful
initially finds it exciting, but as time passes he hostility in a final and chilling act of violence. Co-presented by:
finds himself struggling as an alien in a new Cal State San Marcos Asian Pacific Islander
environment. He develops a connection with DARK MATTER is based on the true story Faculty Staff Association
a generous socialite played by Meryl Streep of a disgruntled physics student from China
D
irector Chen Shi-Zheng’s DARK MATTER plunges he is a foreign student in a foreign land. As such, Xing finds
the expansive and progressive world of academia into himself embroiled in confusion that forces him from his coveted
darkened corners — the film is loosely based on the true standing within the academic arena. Soon, the violently obsessed
story of Gang Lu, a brilliant young physicist from China whose and unbalanced Xing dives back into the chance to reclaim his
talents met a tragic end at an American university in 1991. The reputation.
film, recipient of the Alfred P. Sloan Prize at the 2007 Sundance
Film Festival and Shi-Zheng’s first feature-length piece, centers on The similarities between the film, the subject it is based on (in
Liu Xing (Liu Ye), a budding scientist who arrives at Valley State which Lu shot and killed five colleagues then committed suicide)
University as a part of a cosmology research team. and this year’s shootings at Virginia Tech sparked protests to the
film’s U.S. release. However, the events at Virginia Tech, in which
“We researched [Gang Lu], but after some time, the characters students were indiscriminately murdered, differ vastly from
in our film took on lives of their own that departed from the DARK MATTER’s themes, an intensely dark tour of one star’s fall
original characters and became more consuming,” producer Janet into desperation and, eventually, murder.
Yang said. “There was also a great deal of research done about
Chinese students at universities across the country in general, “We had long wrapped production when VA Tech occurred,” Yang
and science students in particular.” said. “We had already screened the film at Sundance in January,
and won the Alfred P. Sloan Award. Ironically, the only criticism
The film courts an undercurrent of gloomy themes, many of of note that we received about the film was that the ending to
which recently drew public ire. Xing faces a bevy of obstacles some seemed kind of implausible. After VA Tech, nobody made
throughout the film, and finds himself lost in a web of cultural that accusation.”
and campus politics. Xing cannot escape his glaring weakness:
Because the film’s producers “could not comfortably distribute
and promote our film so close to [Virginia Tech’s] aftermath,”
Yang said, the film is now slated for a spring 2008 release.
- By Charles Nguyen
5
CENTIMETERS PER SECOND is not she narrates her story with the innocence of
typical Anime. There are no talking youth. The withering pain of love that cannot
Japanese w/ English subtitles| 60 min. | Video |
animals. There are no inanimate objects be is a bittersweet theme that purports these
Color | 2007
with faces. There are no intense, overtly growing stories of young adults.
DIRECTOR: Makoto Shinkai Japan violent scenes. There is only an animated love
story as real as can be. Written and directed The animation throughout the film is stunning,
Thu. Oct 11, 2007 7:15pm by Makoto Shinkai, 5 CENTIMETERS PER with every scene taking place in an actual
UltraStar2 - Fujitsu SECOND spans three sequential, short-story location in Japan. Makoto brings the audience
Tue. Oct 16, 2007 6:15pm episodes, each a different time period in the into this familiar realm of life, with the spark of
UltraStar2 - Fujitsu life of Takaki Tono. young love and the glisten of beautiful imagery;
it is only a shame that these short stories are
The first episode is situated when Takaki just that--too short.
Achingly beautiful, 5 CENTIMETERS PER is about to enter junior high. After his very
SECOND, breaks new ground in anime in close friend Akari Shinohara moves away, Co-presented by:
both artistry and storytelling. Named for the they try to remain in contact with each other Japan Society of San Diego and Tijuana
speed at which cherry blossom petals fall, through letters and phone calls. But when
5 CENTIMETERS PER SECOND consists Takaki learns that his family is moving farther
of three segments and follows a boy named Preceded By
away, he hitches on a train to see Akari one
Takaki through his life, first as a middle school last time. The story is told through Takaki’s VOICES OF A DISTANT STAR
student, through high school, and as an adult narration, with poetic details of his emotions Director: Makoto Shinkai, Steven Foster | 30 min. |
working as a computer programmer. Delicate, and thoughts. Video | 2003
powerful, and heartrending, each segment
explores the complex nature of human Such is also true for Kanae Sumita, who is When the alien Tarsians attack, Mikako volunteers
to be a pilot to protect mankind. Separated from his
beings, giving viewers a familiar and real world introduced in the next segment as a friend in
girlfirend, the two remain in contact by sending text
perspective of the struggles we face against Takaki’s older teen years. She is a classmate of messages, but each battle takes Mikako further from
time, space, people, and love. Masterfully Takaki in his new school after moving from his Earth and messages take longer to arrive. Will their
crafted with every second counting, this is a home in the last episode. Claiming it was “love love stand the test of time and distance?
film that will certainly stay with you for days. at first sight” when she first meets Takaki,
26 | The 8th Annual San Diego Asian Film Festival
FEATURES
*Mature content
One of the leading filmmakers of the Hong Kong new wave during the early ’80s, Patrick Tam returns after a Co-presented by:
15-year absence with a film that is visually (and emotionally) arresting. Set in 1990s Malaysia,Tam’s family drama SingMa Club, Chinese Consolidated
dissects the troubled relationship between a loser father (Hong Kong superstar Aaron Kwok) with a gambling Benevolent Association
problem and his son who desperately looks up to him. Deserted by their wife and mother, the men drift across
the thin line that divides survival from collapse. Fleeing from loan sharks, the father encourages his son to rob
houses, a scheme with predictably disastrous results. In contrast, the mother is now remarried and living a
comfortable middle-class life. A few years later, the grown-up son returns to his home and, for better or worse,
comes to terms with his loss of innocence.
*Mature Content
*C-Diddy scheduled to attend
Co-presented by:
A battle of naked ambition played out on the national and, ultimately, world stage, AIR GUITAR NATION San Diego Dragon Boat Team,
chronicles the birth of the U.S. Air Guitar Championships. Legions of aspiring rock stars live out their dreams SDSU Asian Pacific Student Alliance
on a quest to become the world champion in a strange world where musical ability plays second fiddle to
virtual virtuosity (think “American Idol” meets a Star Trek convention). Two aspiring rock legends strum and
strut their way towards glory and the coveted national title. C. Diddy (David Jung), a Korean American samurai
warrior clad in a Hello Kitty breast plate and red kimono, emerges as an early favorite. But his arch nemesis,
Björn Türoque (Dan Crane), is not far behind. While C. Diddy threatens to unleash his self-professed “Asian
Fury’’ on his competitors, Björn vows to take Diddy down.
Full of triumph and hilarity, patriotic spirit and competition, AIR GUITAR NATION won the coveted Best
Audience Award at the SXSW Film Festival and is quickly spawning a cult following in both the film and the
artform.
From North Korea to Australia, this short film program will take you around the world in 90 min-
utes. Fasten your seat belts! TRT: 91 min.
Sun. Oct 14, 2007 12:30pm UltraStar2 - Fujitsu
Thu. Oct 18, 2007 7:15pm UltraStar2 - Fujitsu
*Mature Content
*Cast and crew scheduled to attend
Co-presented by:
Tea importer David Lee Hoffman travels throughout China in search of handcrafted premium teas. Directors Infusions of Tea, Chinese Consolidated
Les Blank and Gina Leibrecht follow this adventurer as he discovers exquisite teas and attempts to overcome Benevolent Association
bureaucratic obstacles to buying tea directly from farmers. Hoffman is most interested in teas that have been
handpicked and carefully dried and heated to create the fragrance, color, and taste unique to each tea-maker.
As he admires a cup of tea, he describes the care that went into picking each tea bud, then mourns the
tea-makers who may not be around much longer. China’s emphasis on factory-produced tea treated with
chemical fertilizers is endangering the small farmer who has produced organic tea for generations.
The documentary also reveals every step of the tea-making process, from the picking of the buds to their
slow heating over a wok. Tea experts discuss the history and tradition of tea drinking and its health benefits.
After seeing this film, you’ll never drink a cup of tea the same way again.
Beautifully shot and acted, AMERICAN PASTIME gives an accurate depiction of life in the Topaz Internment League of San Diego
Camp. Director Desmond Nakano (“White Man’s Burden”) deftly blends sports elements with historical
accuracy. AMERICAN PASTIME is a triumphant achievement, providing proper focus to a dark chapter in
American history by telling the inspirational tale of how sports can sometimes be more than just a game.
The Infinite Power of Cinema | 29
FEATURES
Award-winning filmmaker Hosup Lee made his mark during SDAFF ’05, winning the Best Documentary
Award with “And Thereafter.” This year, he returns with the second in his trilogy of documentaries on Korean
military brides, AND THEREAFTER II. The film follows Ajuma, one of thousands of Korean women who
married American servicemen and immigrated to the United States with hopes for a better life. Widowed, she
leads an isolated existence in southern New Jersey. A former prostitute, Ajuma is alienated from both Korean
and American society, and spends most of her free time on gambling trips to Atlantic City. At first, Ajuma is
unwilling to recollect her past and the conflicts between the director and subject begin to undermine the
project, but eventually she begins to open up to the filmmaker, almost to the other extreme. The fascinating
but foul-mouthed Ajuma unflinchingly recounts her past and speaks with scathing honesty on men and aging.
AND THEREAFTER II is riveting and thoughtful filmmaking, with a surprising twist at the end and even a
glimmer of hope you don’t see coming.
Director Romeo Candido’s supernatural thriller ANG PAMANA: THE INHERITANCE is a spectacle of *Mature Content
atmospheric chills that takes its inspiration from age-old Filipino folklore. In his second feature, Candido has
crafted a marvelously fun picture that is sure to please fans of the horror genre.
Co-presented by:
Siblings Johnny and Anna travel back to the Philippines for their grandmother’s funeral. Their inheritance? Her Filipino American Chamber of
opulent country estate. With their sexy socialite cousin Vanessa leading the way, the three take a trip to their Commerce of San Diego, Philippine
new property and meet Tommy, the estate’s mentally challenged resident, and one who may have psychic American Business Improvement and
abilities. When Vanessa invites some local boys to the estate for some excitement, their day of adventure Development, Mabuhay Alliance,
turns into a waking nightmare when one of the boys suffers a mysterious death. Soon the cousins discover SDSU Andres Bonifacio Samahan,
that their grandmother’s tales of spirits and monsters hiding in the forest are more than just urban legend; in CSUSM Kamalayan Alliance
order to save his family, Johnny must recall not only Grandmother’s stories, but their lessons as well.
—Christopher Au (SFIAAFF)
Hyun-min Lee is an animator from Seoul, South Korea. She came to the United States in 2000, and has earned a degree in painting
from Wesleyan University and a Masters degree in animation from the California Institute of the Arts. She enjoys working in all areas
of animation, but her work mainly focuses on traditional hand drawn techniques. She cites the early Disney films as an influence on
her work, and has spent time training with animators Eric Goldberg and Bert Klein. Hyun-min currently resides in the Greater Los
Angeles area and continues to work on various animation projects.
By Sam Chen
The person who has been the biggest inspiration in my life is my mother, and since she passed away a few years ago I was
left with countless memories of the times I spent with her. I thought animation was the best medium to pay tribute to
those memories, for me and for my family, so as soon as I properly learned how to animate I had to make a film about all
the things that I missed about her.
Your style is so reminiscent of classic Disney animation. What is your favorite Disney animated film, and which one(s) have
you learned the most from?
One of my favorites is “Robin Hood” because I used to watch it as a kid. I also really like “Cinderella”, “The Three
Caballeros,” and “Aladdin” and a lot of the old Disney shorts that would run Sunday mornings. We’d record them and I’d
watch them over and over. I’ve learned a lot from those bits of classic animation that make you completely forget the fact
that they were hand-drawn by someone. I’d like to be able to create such memorable characters for people someday.
My dream would be to ultimately be a lead animator that a director could depend on to do a character right. The classic
Disney animators would be given a character and the director knew they could just do it—they had total confidence in
their work and ability. I would be very happy if I could reach a point where people would have that sort of confidence in
me, and I hope the work I produce can be a big part of making the film an enjoyable experience for the audience.
I like to watch a lot of films, but I also enjoy watching people around me like my family and
friends and seeing their daily emotions and reactions. No person, life, or day is exactly the
same as the other and the fact that animation can capture everything from the most subtle
responses to the most outrageous pieces of imagination is what inspires me to continue
working.
Word has it that you are the first Asian woman to work in Disney’s
hand-drawn department as a 2D apprentice animator. Tell us more
about this position and what it means to you.
BADASS MOFOS COLE NEEDS WOMEN THE BASTARD THE SPACE BURGER
Director: James Jaculina | 2 min. Director: David Chai | 8 min. | Director: Dave Quion | 3 min. | Director: Sookyoung Choi | 3
| Video | 2007 Video | 2006 Video | 2005 min. | Video | 2007
Bruce Lee is resurrected in this What happens if your wildest Mild mannered Johnny was A surreal and horrific world
“balls to the wall” tribute set in dreams of acquring every woman sitting in his boring cubicle when of attacking eyeballs and
a retro-psychedelic ‘70s-esque on Earth were to come true? his computer short-circuited, extraterrestrial fast-food
world. medium: Traditional & Digital gave him magical super powers workers.
medium: Traditional and transformed him into...the medium:
Bastard. Computer Animation
medium: Traditional
*Mature Content
*Director and crew scheduled to attend
Dubbed by some critics as the Asian American “Boyz n the Hood,” Juwan Chung’s second feature film BABY
is undeniably a slice of urban ganglife type of film. The title character, Baby, is a motherless 11-year-old boy Co-presented by:
who is taken under the wing of the gangsters next door in East Los Angeles during the 1990s. One dark UCR - Asian Pacific Student Programs
evening ends with Baby shooting a rival gang member, landing him seven years in juvenile hall. The adult Baby,
Office, UCSD Multi-Asian Student
played by newcomer David Huynh, re-enters society but has no real opportunities to change his life. The
Association
only father figure he really has is the gang ringleader Benny (Fedor Chin). The hardened and disillusioned
Baby attempts to pick up the pieces of the adolescence he never had in the underbelly of Monterey Park and
Alhambra. Can Baby walk the straight and narrow path, or will he join his gang family once again? Huynh’s
portrayal of Baby is one of the most memorable performances in the film festival, one that conveys both
ferocity and yet loneliness and vulnerability. It is rare to see a film about Asian American gang culture, even
rarer to see it executed with stylized direction and a supreme cast.
Co-presented by:
Filipino American Chamber of
Ato Bautista’s savvy second feature film reinvigorates the Filipino thriller. Gil (Robin Padilla) suffers frequent Commerce of San Diego,
blackouts due to his heavy drinking. His inability to control his alcoholism drives his wife away, leaving Gil to
House of the Philippines, Filipino Press,
take care of his son, Nino (John Michael Reyes). In despair, Gil promises to quit drinking and reunify the family.
Mabuhay Alliance, USD Filipino Ugnayan
But one night, Gil experiences another blackout. This time, he is left with a mysterious bloody rear bumper on
his tattered Mercedes. In the calamitous aftermath his life spirals into hysteria as he struggles to uncover the Student Organization
real story hidden by his fragmented viewpoint, one where the lines between real and unreal are blurred.
Bautista plays with rapid imagery through deftly edited sequences to parallel Gil’s scattered mind. Delivering
a powerful, nuanced performance, Padilla captures one man’s desperate attempt to regain a normal, sober life
for his beloved family. Bautista’s keen ability to switch between reality and illusion establishes BLACKOUT as a
standout film in the thriller genre.
—Viet-Ly Nguyen
Co-presented by:
Vietnamese American Youth Alliance,
SDSU Vietnamese Student Association,
In 1988, 110 people boarded a boat to flee persecution in their homeland of Vietnam. Unfortunately, the boat Filipino American Chamber of Commerce
immediately ran into a storm and the engine failed a day into the journey, stranding the boat at sea. Nineteen of San Diego, Philippine American Youth
days later, a U.S. Navy warship, the U.S.S. Dubuque discovered the boat. However, instead of rescuing the Organization, CSUSM Vietnamese
refugees, the U.S. warship continued on. Starving and lacking drinking water, the boat people eventually
American Student Association
resorted to cannibalism in order to survive. After drifting at sea for 37 days, the boat was saved by Filipino
fisherman from the village of Bolinao. Out of the 110 passengers, only 52 people survived and BOLINAO 52
is the gripping account of this ill-fated journey.
BOLINAO 52 documents the account of one survivor of this tragic incident, Tung Trinh, as she journeys back
to Philippines to confront her demons and gain a sense of closure. Along the way, she also meets face-to-
face with a man who was a sailor on the U.S.S. Dubuque and we learn more about how a U.S. Navy ship
could have possibly left starving refugees to die at sea.Vietnamese American director Duc Nguyen, himself
a surviving boat person, skillfully presents the tale of a woman coming to grips with an unspeakably horrific
time in her life, while simultaneously preserving the story of an avoidable tragedy.
KYOCERA
Salutes
Asian
Cinema
Bring on
the popcorn
and enjoy
the show!
Co-presented by:
Japan Society of San Diego and
Tijuana, Japanese American
New York film editor Linda Hattendorf first noticed Jimmy Mirikitani freezing cold in the streets of
Historical Society of San Diego,
Manhattan’s Soho, sleeping in front of a grocery store. Later, she returned to buy one of his drawings in
exchange for taking a photograph of him. Thus began a friendship between the Ohio-born New Yorker and Buddhist Temple of San Diego,
the 80-year-old, homeless Japanese American man. Hattendorf documents their strange relationship and Japanese American Citizens League
eventually his life in a very personal, shoe-string budget documentary. Both subject and director’s lives take a of San Diego, City College World
turn following 9/11, when Hattendorf invites the homeless artist to sleep in her home since the Manhattan air Cultures Program
becomes unbreathable.
Stories of Mirikitani’s life begin to unravel as he essentially becomes Hattendorf’s roommate. Mirikitani was
held in the Tule Lake Japanese internment camp for three and a half years of his young life during WWII where
he was coerced to renounce his citizenship even though he was born in Sacramento, CA. Most of his family
had perished when the bomb fell on Hiroshima. These events leave Mirikitani with some bitterness and little
faith in his country.
2006 Audience Award Tribeca Film Festival
Warning: You must be willing to laugh out loud to watch this group of comical shorts.
TRT: 78 min.
Sat. Oct 13, 2007 5:30pm UltraStar1 - Eastlake
Tue. Oct 16, 2007 7:15pm UltraStar 6 - Time Warner
*Mature content / *Cast and crew scheduled to attend
AN UNBEARABLE DAY
Director: Miqi Huang | 2 min. |
Video | 2006
The mundane life of a human
being is explored through the
eyes of a bear.
SIGNERZ
Director: Roman Cortez | 14
min. | Video | 2007
The life and times of those crazy
sign spinners on the street.
At Osaka’s Cafe Rakkyo, a nightclub where young male hosts provide alcohol and companionship to their
wealthy female clientele, charismatic Issei is by far the top earner. The handsome well-dressed hosts, in an
unusual twist on the Japanese Geisha tradition, use their charm, humor and knowledge of the female psyche
to induce women to spend exorbitant sums of money on expensive alcohol.
Director Jake Clennell takes us on an entertaining but thoroughly unjudgmental journey into this fascinating
underworld, from the apparently smitten young women who love being put on a pedestal by the dashing
hosts to the hosts themselves, who rationalize that they are providing needed services. However, things
are not like they first seem at Cafe Rakkyo, and the film provides shocking twists and turns along the way,
culiminating with a mind-blowing revelation that may cause you to question everything you have seen. More
than a documentary about Japanese host clubs, THE GREAT HAPPINESS SPACE provides insights into the
love/hate relationship between the genders that has existed since dawn of time.
The Infinite Power of Cinema | 41
SHORTS
Screening Sponsors:
Co-presented by:
Iwaki is a remote mining town in northern Japan that would be right at home in America’s rust belt, and Japan Society of San Diego and Tijuana,
with its coal mine closing, its future looks grim. In a desperate attempt to save the local economy the town Japanese American Citizens League of San
elders decide to cash in on the Polynesian craze that’s sweeping the world (the movie is set in 1965), so they Diego
announce they’re building a Hawaiian theme park--complete with a hula dancing troupe. The only problem: no
one in Iwaki knows how to dance the hula. Also, no one in Iwaki has ever been to Hawaii. Actually, no one in
Iwaki has ever really left the city limits. Once they import an alcoholic hula teacher from Tokyo who’s on the
run from bad debts, things get worse as the respectable local women refuse to participate in “indecent” hula
dancing and the only people who sign up for the classes are a handful of misfits.
Korean-Japanese director Lee Sang-Il (“Scrap Heaven”) rewrites the conventions of the “team of underdog”
genre (see: “The Full Monty”). It’s not hard to see why this flick, based on a true story, rocked the Japanese
box office and swept the Japanese Academy Awards. HULA GIRLS reminds its audience that there’s nothing
to be ashamed of if you come out of a movie feeling good and wanting to put on a lei and a tapa and swing
your hips to a hula mele.
*Mature content
Screening Sponsors:
Young-goon (Lim Su-jeong, “Tale of Two Sisters” SDAFF ‘04) is girl who thinks that she is a cyborg who must
avenge her grandmother. She his admitted to psychiatric ward, where she meets Il-soon (Korean pop star
Rain), a handsome young man who thinks that he can steal people’s souls.Young-goon refuses to eat food
because she believes that as a cyborg, she needs only electrical charges from a transistor radio to survive.
Young-goon and Il-soon become drawn into a romantic relationship. As Young-goon’s physical condition
continues to deteriorate, Il-soon enlists the help his fellow patients to save her life.
Not since “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” has a film so engrossingly taken viewers deep into the minds
of the mentally ill, without an ounce of condescendence. Director Park Chan-wook (“Oldboy”) affirms his
place among the world’s greatest filmmakers by straying far from his typically violent films to create a world Co-presented by:
that is at the same time breathtaking in its visual brilliance and humorously quirky. Rain, Time Magazine’s most www.kidsland.tv
influential person of 2007, is spectacular in his feature film debut and his co-star Lim Su-jeong demonstrates
why she is one of the top young actresses in Asia.
44 | The 8th Annual San Diego Asian Film Festival
FEATURES
On the eve of Macau’s handover to China, police officer Shing is having the worst time of his life. Suspended
for suspected corruption, he tries to find solace with an elfin creature by the name of Yan, whom he
just picks up. As he tries to smooth-talk her into bed, she suddenly snaps back with the biggest turn-off
imaginable: that she is the daughter he never knew existed! While Shing desperately tries to hold himself
together, his bachelor life inevitably falls apart as Yan insists on living under his roof. Together the two of them
start roaming through exotic Macau, tracking down Yan’s missing puppy and striving to acquaint with each
other. No sooner has Shing grown into his new role as a father than he finds his hands full. When Yan is not
fighting with his girlfriend Kate, she is being bothered by her dorky classmate Fai.
Experience Hitachi
www.hitachi.us/digitalmedia
From the sandy shores of San Diego, a collection of short films made in or about America’s Finest City.
TRT: 82 minutes
Sun. Oct 14, 2007 5:30pm UltraStar2 - Fujitsu
*Mature content / *Cast & crew scheduled to attend
LOVE IS A BATTLEFIELD
This entertaining short film program examines the difficulties single people today face when seeking
love. We are young! TRT: 79 minutes.
Sat. Oct 13, 2007 6:15pm UltraStar 6 - Time Warner
Tue. Oct 16, 2007 8:45pm UltraStar 6 - Time Warner
*Mature content / *Cast & crew scheduled to attend
MODERN DAY AKIRA’S HIP HOP SHOP FORTUNE HUNTERS IRONY - SERIOUSLY
ARRANGED MARRIAGE Director: Joe Doughrity | 15 min. Director: Thom Harp | 21 min. | Director: Karen Lin | 3 min. |
Director: Rehana Mirza | 5 min. | Video | 2007 Video | 2007 Video | 2007
| Video | 2006 An Asian man infatuated with hip When Arthur, a writer at Won’t you be the best of me
Two young Indian Americans hop meets a black woman with a fortune cookie factory, or will you be just another
meet to begin a beautiful a passion for cooking. Can they accidentally sends a love letter to memory?
relationship, but all is not what put aside racial differences to his ex-girlfriend into the printing
it seems. give love a chance? press, every cookie at every
restaurant reveals a piece of his
broken heart.
MASH IT UP - KXL
Director: Steve Mallorca | 4 min. | Video | 2007
A new breed of soundclash, KXL brings you to the meeting place of dance hall ragga, electro beat
and rock. Pulsing beats, punchy guitars, lo-fi sitars, dhol, tablas, and dub vibrations mash it up and
swirl in and out at you.
FADEOUT - +/-
Director: Chris Deaner | 5 min. | Video | 2007
Take the time you will see, everybody knows what’s been going on.
IRONY - SERIOUSLY
Director: Karen Lin | 3 min. | Video | 2007
Won’t you be the best of me or will you be just another memory?
IRAQ - TIMZ
Director: Ron Najor | 3 min. | Video | 2006
A true rallying cry during these difficult political times.
Q & A w/
Director Lisette
Kaualena Flanary
By Lee Ann Kim
A
significant part of the film’s success was the access given
to you by the dancers and their hula teacher, Robert
Cazimero. He is one demanding teacher! Where you
taken aback by his style?
No, I wasn’t taken aback by Robert’s style. On the contrary,
I liked that he was such a strong personality and also
extremely honest and real. Hula can be demanding, and
I think that really comes across in the film as we see the
men prepare for the competition. I do think that there
is a different style of teaching involved when it comes to
teaching men, and really, it made me thankful that I am a
girl! Kidding, but really, while Robert is a demanding teacher,
the students know that he loves them and cares for them
deeply and that he only wanted them to do better. All of
NA KAMALEI: THE MEN OF HULA them wanted very much to make him happy and proud.
And they certainly did.
As a female filmmaker, did it take long for you to gain the trust
USA | 57 min. | Video | 2006 Sat. Oct 13, 2007 4pm of these men? I’m sure it helped that you’re a professional hula
DIRECTOR: Lisette Kaualena Flanary UltraStar6 - Time Warner dancer, yourself, no?
WRITER: Lisette Kaualena Flanary
Tue. Oct 16, 2007 4:15pm Being a hula dancer myself definitely influences my work. At
PRODUCER: Lisette Kaualena Flanary first, I wondered if it made a difference that I was a woman
UltraStar1 - Eastlake
CAST: Robert Uluwehi Cazimero, making a film about men who danced hula, but I cannot
Halau Na Kamalei Co-presented by: Hui o express enough how wonderful all of these guys in this
Hawaii of San Diego, school are. There is such a strong feeling of being ‘ohana,
Preceded by THE KING BOYS Ahahui Kiwila Hawaii o San or family, that permeates so much of hula and the Hawaiian
Director: Christopher Clark Diego, Tula Productions, community in general so I felt very, very welcomed.
15 min. | 35mm | 2006 Jonathan Tarr Foundation Anything surprising about the audience’s reaction about NA
A boy turns to wrestling to give his life KAMALEI:THE MEN OF HULA? Do men respond differently
new purpose. than women?
I think that both men and women have both really
responded to seeing men express their emotions so freely
and openly. A lot of women have told me that they wished
their partners danced hula because it might help them be
more open with their feelings! I don’t think that men have
Mention hula, and most people think interviews with several of the male responded differently than women to this film, but I have
of beautiful, long-haired women in dancers, some who have been with had a lot of guys tell me that the hula was a lot tougher
grass skirts and plumerias, swaying the group since it began in 1975, than they thought it was.
their hips to the beat of drums and reveal the men faced deeply rooted
I was completely engrossed in the Halau’s journey to the
ukuleles. While hula has evolved into cultural and gender stereotypes.
competition. I’m such a sucker for men showing their emotions.
a form of entertainment, its roots Shame and questions of masculinity,
What was the most emotional part for you?
are much more sacred. Masters however, are not allowed in the
of hula often treat it as a religion, Halau Na Kamalei, whose powerful There were many emotional moments for me in making
a way of life. NA KAMALEI: THE chants and rigorous performances this film. Following the halau to the volcano when they
MEN OF HULA unveils part of the are nothing but manly. Extensive made their offerings of their lei to the goddess Pele I think
rich history of legendary master footage of the Halau Na Kamalei’s was the most exciting and emotional for me. Because it’s
hula teacher, Robert Cazimero, journey to the Merrie Monarch a sacred ritual, Robert had initially told me that he did
and Hawaii’s oldest all-male hula Festival captures many touching not want me to film that, and I understood why (as a hula
group as they prepare to compete moments of laughter, brotherhood, dancer) but was extremely disappointed (as a filmmaker).
in the world’s largest hula festival. and Hawaiian pride. It also provides After having spent such a long time following the men
Cazimero’s sincere passion and fascinating insight into the historical leading up to competition, Robert really understood what I
fiery personality push his team of significance of one of Hawaii’s most was trying to do with the film and that my intentions were
“hula brothers” to the point of well-known, yet misunderstood pono, or good. When he told me that he had decided to
exhaustion, yet their loyalty to traditions. let me film, I was super excited. And truly, it’s some of the
the Halau is unwavering. Candid most beautiful footage I’ve ever shot.
Co-presented by:
Association for Preserving Historical
A powerful, emotional and relevant reminder of the heartbreaking toll war takes on the innocent, NANKING Accuracy of Foreign Invasions in China,
tells the story of the Japanese invasion of Nanking, China, in the early days of World War II. As part of a Chinese Service Center of San Diego,
campaign to conquer all of China, the Japanese subjected Nanking – then China’s capital – to months of aerial San Diego Chinese Historical Museum,
bombardment. When the city fell, the Japanese army unleashed murder and rape on a horrifying scale. In the San Diego-Yantai Friendship Society, US-
midst of the rampage, a small group of Westerners banded together to establish a Safety Zone where over
China Peoples Friendship Association
200,000 Chinese found refuge. Unarmed, these missionaries, university professors, doctors and businessmen
bore witness to the events, while risking their own lives to protect civilians from slaughter.
The story is told through deeply moving interviews with Chinese survivors, chilling archival footage and
photos of the events, and testimonies of former Japanese soldiers. At the heart of NANKING is a filmed
stage reading of the Westerners’ letters and diaries, featuring Woody Harrelson, Mariel Hemingway and Jurgen
Prochnow. Through its interweave of archival images, testimonies of survivors, and readings of first hand
accounts, the film puts the viewer on the streets of Nanking and brings the forgotten past to startling life.
Co-presented by:
NEW YEAR BABY City of San Diego Public Library
Winner of numerous audience and jury awards, NEW YEAR BABY is a mesmerizing account of director
Socheata Poeuv’s journey to uncover her family’s long-hidden past in Cambodia. During the Christmas holiday,
a shocking secret is revealed during a familiy meeting: her older siblings are not her full siblings--her sisters
were taken in after her aunt’s death in the Killing Fields. Filled with questions, Socheata heads to Cambodia
with her parents. She must balance her journalistic background against a respect for her parents, as the family
struggles to open old, but still-raw wounds. This intimate documentary explores the painful separation and
death of family members under the Khmer Rouge.
Resistant to divulging too much, Socheata’s parents eventually share their story as they revisit places of their
past: from the labor camp where her parents met, to the unmarked grave of her aunt, and the trail her father
took four times to lead his family to safety in Thailand. Refusing to allow a nation’s tragedy to be erased, NEW
YEAR BABY gives a voice to one family’s pain and heroism, providing a challenge to the old Khmer Rouge
principle, “If you preserve secrecy, half the battle is won.”
The Infinite Power of Cinema | 53
FEATURES
*Mature content
Preceded By
THE KING BOYS
Director: Christopher Clark
Upon turning 18, handsome Su-min (Lee Young Hoon) leaves his countryside orphanage and moves to Seoul 15 min. | 35mm | 2006
with big dreams. But his hopes of becoming an artist quickly give way to a scramble for survival. After losing Clinging to the memory of his
his job at a factory, he ends up in the world of prostitution, turning tricks at an all-male brothel. Already father who never returned from
close to hitting rock bottom, Su Min’s life gets more chaotic with the appearance of Jae Min (Lee Han), a war, a boy turns to wrestling to
man whose advances he’s already spurned once. Jae Min (Lee Han), a closeted wealthy executive, begins give his life new purpose.
a relentless pursuit of Su Min that’s met with an equally adamant refusal. The icy wall eventually melts, as
the two fall into a passionate relationship. But when the realities of family and society surface, will love be
Co-presented by:
enough?
Guys Like Us, www.kidsland.tv
NO REGRETS is the debut feature from Leesong Hee Il, Korea’s first openly gay filmmaker. Leesong has
long been a familiar name in the festival circuit, having directed the acclaimed short films “Sugar Hill,” “Good
Romance,” and “La Traviata.” Bold and haunting, NO REGRETS represents a breakthrough for both Korean
queer cinema and independent filmmaking. Opening in only a handful of Korean theaters, the film managed
to attract critical reviews, along with 40,000 moviegoers, setting a new box office record for an indie film.
RELATIVE DISTANCE CAN YOU KEEP A LEAD ROLE: FATHER MODERN DAY
Director: Cathy Begien | 15 SECRET Director: PJ Raval | 15 min. | ARRANGED MARRIAGE
min. | Video| 2005 Director: Jay Esguerra | 5 min. | Video | 2006 Director: Rehana Mirza | 5 min.
If you asked everyone in your Video | 2007 When director Joseph Chu | Video | 2006
family to speak openly about A queer Asian youth comes puts out a casting call for a film Two young Indian Americans
you for two minutes, what to terms with his sexual and based on his own family, he meet to begin a beautiful
would they say? Cathy found religious identity with the help never expects his own father relationship, but all is not what
out. of a delicious dessert. to audition for the lead role. it seems.
Co-presented by:
Asian American Journalists Association SD Chapter National Lesbian and Gay Journalists Association SD Chapter
Asian Pacific Islander Community AIDS Project P.F.L.A.G. SD Chapter
FilmOut San Diego Project STAR (Supporting Transgender Access to Resources)
First UU Church Rainbow Outreach SD LGBT Community Center - Women’s Resource Center
Greater San Diego Business Association The LGBT Resource Center of SDSU
Guys Like Us UCSD LGBT Resource Center
Long Yang Club of SD
By Michael Chen
PJ, your film seemed very intimate and personal. How much of it was based on the
relationship with your father?
I’d say it’s based more on the emotions surrounding our relationship rather
than actual events. Initially I knew I wanted to make a film based on my
relationship with my father though I didn’t know what it was going to be
about—so I decided to make a film about that in certain ways. Halfway
through writing my script I got a phone call form my father asking me to visit.
That visit heavily influenced the making of the film
Has your father and the rest of your family seen the film? How did they react?
Yes, my family has seen it. They reacted well, though I honestly didn’t know
what to expect. In the past I’d always been more private with them when it
came to my work, so I think they were more moved by the fact that I was
trying to share something personal with them.
Great. We definitely see more eye to eye these days. I think part of it is we’ve
grown together and are more willing to break from our past parent-child
relationship and enter a father-son relationship on more of an equal footing.
It’s more about present and future and not about the hang-ups in the past.
Plus, he can’t ground me anymore.
The end of the film was a stunner. Did it at all resemble your own coming out?
No! I don’t think I could ever find a way to actually push my father; it’s the
whole familial piety thing you know? It makes me uneasy just to think about it!
But these are the reasons why I chose that exact ending. I wanted something
really extreme and revealing just to play with those notions.
You’ve got major roots in San Diego. Do tell! And why the heck would you end up in
Texas???
Co-presented by:
Tomoya (Hayato Ichihara) learns that Aoi Sato (Juri Ueno), a close friend from his college days, has died in a Japan Society of San Diego and Tijuana,
airplane accident just moments after he sends her a picture of an unusual rainbow from his cell phone. In the SDSU Japanese Student Association
aftermath of this tragedy, Tomoya recounts his friendship with Aoi from their first meeting as members of a
collegiate film club, up until the time they finally parted ways.
RAINBOW SONG, which was produced by the acclaimed Shunji Iwai (“All About Lily Chou Chou”),
showcases some of Japan’s hottest young actors - Hayato Ichihara (“All About Lily Chou Chou”), Juri Ueno
(“Swing Girls”), and Yu Aoi (“HULA GIRLS,” Hana and Alice), who stands out as Aoi Sato’s sight-impaired
sister Kana. The subtle direction and writing provide the gifted actors with the opportunity to deliver sincere
and touching performances that both young and old will find heartwarming. Not your typical love story,
RAINBOW SONG will touch anyone who has ever held regrets over lost opportunities.
*Mature content
Outlandishly fun, THE REBEL hits you in the gut with masterfully choreographed martial arts sequences that
are raw and powerful. Throw in a little bit of adventure, romance, and some black magic and you have an Co-presented by:
exciting and entertaining story.Vietnam is under colonial French rule during the 1920s. Anti-French rebellions Vietnamese Student Association - SDSU,
emerge all over the country to disrupt the foreign occupiers. In response, the colonialists have inflitrated the Vietnamese American Youth Alliance
countrysde with Vietnamese sleeper agents to track and destroy these rebels.
The film follows the journey of Levan Cuong, a French cultured undercover elite. Although branded with
a perfect track record, Cuong’s inner conscience is troubled by the sea of Vietnamese blood he had spilled
to uphold a washed out French ideal. Following an assassination of a high ranking Frenchman, Cuong is
assigned to seek and kill the notorious leader of the resistance. Cuong encounters Vo Thanh Thuy, a relentless
revolutionary fighter and the daughter of the rebel leader. Cuong’s superior intends for him to use Thuy as
a means to get to her father, but Cuong soon develops feelings for her. Thuy’s patriotism ignites conflicts
between Cuong’s consciousness and his cultured faith. Will Cuong discover his inner self and find love or will
he continue his mission?
By Mike Watson
My 12th grade English teacher, John Adsit, made me write essay after essay. Sixteen
weeks in the fall, and another sixteen in the spring, I wrote an essay a week.
I hate to write.
“You wanna learn to write?” he’d bark. “Then write!”
I loathed the evenings wasted, toiling on another essay—but looking back, I value not
only the writer I became, but also the life lesson it taught me. Want to learn to do
something? Do it. A lot.
Four months ago, I began work as an instructor for the Reel Voices Project. The
eight students whose work you’ll see in this program came together in a cramped
office building. It was a little awkward, as first meetings are known to be. But as the
weeks wore on, insecurities were shed, opinions were formed, and the foundation of
eight young filmmakers was slowly laid. Our preferences didn’t always mesh on the
documentaries we watched, as they learned the basics—storytelling, pacing, cinema-
tography. But discussions grew from disagreements, and piece by piece, these young
filmmakers set out to tell their own stories.
It was a rollercoaster of emotions once we handed out cameras and waited for
tapes to return. We know firsthand the feeling of watching something you shot turn
out exactly as you envisioned it, just as well as we know the devastation of return-
ing with dark video, blue video, and sometimes no video at all! And we shared those
emotions with the students in a way only a teacher can. In a way, it’s more intense—
because the emotions aren’t your own.
I became a teacher the day these students entered that room. I’ve not spoken in
front of a high school class since I finished 12th grade. Without knowing it, these
students taught me as much as I taught them. It’s an honor to have someone ask you
a question about your own area of expertise. And it’s humbling—in a good way—to
learn something from a student who is just learning about your passion.
Like any film you see this week, here you will also see the passion of the filmmakers
in the reflection of the screen. But for this screening, I hope you’ll feel the excite-
ment, the fear, the tears, and the elation that brought these beginning storytellers to
this point.
And I hope that if they ask you for your opinion, you’ll give it. Their next movie may
be right around the corner. As it turns out, expertise is gained by experience.
This class wants to learn to make movies.
You want to make movies? Get out there. Make movies.
*Mature content
Co-presented by:
Samoan Community Council of
San Diego, USD Aikane O Hawai’i
Sione is getting married, but there’s just one problem. Actually, there are four problems: his brother and
his three best friends. They’re all nearly 30-something men who still act like they’re 16. The four live to
get drunk and chase all the wrong women. Additionally, they have a remarkable record of causing chaos at
every wedding they attend, so when Sione bans them from attending his wedding, they realize something’s
got to give. The town priest offers them an ultimatum: find a respectable girlfriend to take to their best
mate’s wedding, or be left out. Sounds easy enough. How hard can it be finding a girl in the world’s biggest
Polynesian city when you’re young, gifted and brown?
Praised by Variety as a “shrewdly written, impeccably timed, and audaciously played romantic comedy,”
SAMOAN WEDDING is a rare opportunity to see an all-Polynesian cast on the big screen.
©2007 LG Electronics Inc. LG Logo and Chocolate Logo are trademarks of LG Electronics Inc. Other logos shown are registered trademarks of their respective owners.
www.LGusa.com
SENTENCED HOME
USA | English & Khmer w/ English subtitles | 76 min. | Video | Color | 2005
DIRECTORS: David Grabias, Nicole Newnham
WRITERS: David Grabias, Nicole Newnham
PRODUCERS: David Grabias, Nicole Newnham
Q & A with David Grabias, prior to this documentary? the film was getting access and permission
co-director of the eye- When we heard about the story, we realized to film with our subjects while they were
opening documentary, how uninformed we—and most Americans— in the custody of the U.S. and Cambodian
SENTENCED HOME were about the 1996 immigration law, and the government immigration departments.
By Lee Ann Kim devastating impact it was having on individuals What is the general reaction to the film? Has any
and families. We had no idea what the law of the reaction surprised you?
What made you select this particular topic? really meant when it was passed. It seems very
We have been surprised that there has been
unfair to us that there is no appeal process,
We first heard that Cambodian very little negative reaction to the film. It
and we hope that our film encourages people
Americans were going to be deported is a controversial subject, but the power
to reconsider the laws and lobby for change.
back to Cambodia in the summer of of our film’s human story and its portrayal
2002. At that time, the Cambodian Was getting access to the subjects’ lives difficult? of the emotional lives of three families has
American community had just become outweighed any political critiques for the most
Our subjects were remarkably open with us.
aware of the United States’ newly signed part.
We became close to them and their families,
repatriation agreement with Cambodia,
especially in the case of Loeun Lun. The way You can meet director David Grabias at the
which meant that almost 1,500
his deportation affected his family became screening of his film, SENTENCED HOME, on
Cambodian Americans would be forcibly
the focus of his story. One of the biggest Sunday, Oct 14 at 12:15pm. Or check out his
returned. The deportees’ situation
challenges was trying to get them to express website at: www.artifactstudios.tv
raised questions about immigration law,
real emotion—one of the only scenes where
human rights and the cultural identity of
you can see how angry they are is when Co-presented by:
immigrants and refugees.
Loeun kicks a flowerpot after saying goodbye ACLU of SD and Imperial Counties
Were you familiar with the Patriot Act laws to his mother. The other big challenge of
The Infinite Power of Cinema | 63
FEATURES
*Mature content
*Director scheduled to attend
Liam Liu is a struggling actor who passes time by picking up beautiful, vapid girls in hip Hollywood bars. The Co-presented by:
closest thing to an emotional connection in Liam’s life is a flirtatious friendship with 16-year old Adelaide
Chinese Consolidated Benevolent
(Hayden Panettiere, NBC’s Heroes), a precocious high school girl who is actually more mature than Liam.
Association, Asian Pacific Historic
When Liam learns he has inherited his grandmother’s home in Shanghai, China, he travels to the exotic city
and discovers a profound connection to his family legacy. Liam meets a sophisticated Chinese woman there Collaborative
named Micki (Kelly Hu, “The Scorpion King,” “X2”) and finds himself falling into instant infatuation with her.
Liam decides to move to China, leaving behind Adelaide, who is quite possibly the only girl who has ever loved
him. He suddenly finds himself at a crossroads - does he choose this new exotic world full of wonders or
does he go back to America and make an honest attempt to put his life in order?
Written and co-directed by David Ren, this Asian American romantic comedy features a winning performance
by Ken Leung (“X-Men,” Sopranos). Hayden Panettiere and Kelly Hu both shine as Liam’s romantic interests.
SHANGHAI KISS world premiered at the 2007 San Francisco International Asian American Film Festival to
rave reviews.
Screening Sponsors:
Go-ni (Cho Seung Woo, “Marathon” SDAFF ‘05) is a compulsive gambler who loses his sister’s alimony money
and life savings when he gets swindled in a crooked card game. Devasted, Go-ni wanders around the country
searching for the “tazza” (Korean slang for high-rolling gambler) who destroyed his life. During his journey,
Go-ni runs into sage old veteran Pyoung (Baek Yoon-shik, “Save the Green Planet”), who eventually agrees to
become his mentor, and Madam Jeong (Kim Hye-soo) a sultry gambling pro who has a knack for separating
men from their money.
Director Choi Dong-hoon has succeeded in crafting a flashy, fast-paced thriller that evokes western films,
but with a distinctively Korean flavor. The charismatic young lead Cho Seung-woo shines, as does the
incomparable Baek Yoon-shik. However, Kim Hye-soo really steals the show as the classic femme fatale who
is sexy and seductive, while at the same time convincingly menacing. The top-grossing Korean drama of 2006, Co-presented by:
TAZZA is truly a must-see cinematic experience.
Korean American Senior Association
64 | The 8th Annual San Diego Asian Film Festival
FEATURES
Q & A with because I was raised in a very traditional While there are a growing number of Asian
actress Korean household and was heavily disciplined American women in television and film, the
Jane Kim, to be fluent. Although, I don’t have the same numbers are still relatively small. Are you
starring opportunity to practice as I did growing up, it conscience of this, and do you feel a responsibility
in two came pretty naturally. to represent the Asian American community?
In some ways, your roles in WEST 32ND and
features Yes, however, more than that, I just always
TIE A YELLOW RIBBON are similar, in that your
at SDAFF characters suffer a lot of pain. Can you talk about
feel responsible for representing myself in a
this year – TIE A YELLOW respectable way, first and foremost. The rest
that?
RIBBON and our closing is too much to think about. Just making sure I
night film, WEST 32nd. When choosing a project to work on, make the right choices, treat others the right
I gravitate towards certain characters I way and behave professionally and humbly
We’re excited to showcase you in two sympathize for or conversely towards keeps me quite busy.
different features this year. It’s interesting characters I just don’t understand, but want to
Is there anything surprising you can share about
how you speak Korean in one film and play for its challenge.
yourself?
English in the other. Is there a different WEST 32ND premiered at Tribeca.What was that
I am a black belt Taekwondo Instructor. I love
method to acting in another language? festival’s experience like?
working with children, especially special needs
Acting in English and Korean definitely Tribeca was a lot of fun. Especially since the kids. It’s been the most gratifying, challenging
has its differences in that there are film was shot in NYC, for it to premiere in and beautiful thing I’ve done in my life. I hope
certain phrases and slangs that cannot NYC was very special. However, because of to continue my work with kids and start
be duplicated into another language the tremendous support (all five screenings something to incorporate Taekwondo into
and have the same impact. Acting in were beyond sold out), a lot of family and the physical training (but more so, mental
Korean came easier than I thought friends stood in line for over an hour and still and emotional development) of special needs
got turned down.
The Infinite Power of Cinema | 65
FEATURES
*Mature content
*Cast & crew scheduled to attend
Preceded By
SHOOT MY LIFE
Director: Kimberly-Rose Wolter |
With “Charlotte Sometimes” SDAFF ‘02 and “Americanese,” award-winning filmmaker Eric Byler 12 min. | Video | 2007
demonstrated a penchant for decidedly adult anti-romances full of sex, loneliness and smoldering jealousies. When reality isn’t good enough
He continues his exploration of modern relationships with his third feature, fittingly titled TRE, focusing on action must be taken.
friendship and infidelity. The result is arguably his darkest, most provocative film yet.
Co-presented by:
The boorish yet witty slacker Tre, recently dumped, crashes at the home of his close friends Gabe and Kakela,
SD Alliance for Asian Pacific Islander
who get engaged shortly after Tre arrives. It soon becomes evident that Tre and Kakela have an attraction that
can barely be concealed—or contained. A fourth character proves the catalyst who disrupts the stasis of the Americans
love triangle, and sets off a chain of events that forces them all to confront some hard truths.
The antithesis of usual Hollywood romances, the film pursues its hard-earned emotional truths by presenting
atypical romantic leads and refusing to concoct easy resolutions. Tre is a frequently enigmatic anti-hero, and
those looking for a bland love story will be rudely met with an unconventional portrait of relationships.
—Taro Goto (SFIAAFF)
One night, one hotel, four rooms, and there’s bound to be trouble. Director Gene Rhee (SDAFF ’02) taps into Preceeded By:
the voyeur in all of us with his provocative, romantic comedy. THE TROUBLE WITH ROMANCE presents GIRLS NIGHT OUT
a quartet of vignettes on a disparate group struggling with the challenges of love. Each story follows the Director: Mark Arbitrario| 6 min.|
inhabitants of different rooms in one hotel on the same evening. In the bathroom, a young woman (Jennifer Video | 2006
Siebel) looking for closure has an emotional conversation with her hallucination of an ex-lover. Down the hall, An obsessive compulsive former
a husband (David Eigenberg, Sex in the City) plans for a steamy weekend with his wife until she brings on too badass on a quest for revenge
much spice. On another floor, a young man has his first encounter with a high-end call girl (Sheethal Sheth).
The heart of the film finds SDAFF fave Roger Fan (FINISHING THE GAME) as a hilarious, bumbling boyfriend Co-presented by:
who commits the ultimate faux-pas by inviting his stoner buddies to celebrate with him and his girlfriend SD Alliance for Asian Pacific Islander
Stephanie (Emily Liu). With crisp pacing and solid performances by familiar faces, Rhee’s feature debut is Americans
heartbreaking in its sincerity of emotion. Rhee and his co-writers smartly complicate their initial set-ups with
fresh twists and turns, each of which reveal more and more about the nature of love, and the ever-changing
desires of the heart. —Adapted by Christopher Au, SFIAAFF
66 | The 8th Annual San Diego Asian Film Festival
FEATURES
UNDOING
USA | 90 min. | Video | 2006
DIRECTOR: Chris Chan Lee
WRITER: Chris Chan Lee
PRODUCERS: Karin Chien, Sung Kang
CAST: Sung Kang, Kelly Hu, Russell Wong, Leonardo Nam, Tom
Bower, Jose Zuniga, Ron Yuan
Q &A with off the ground. These experiences really Hu, Sung Kang, Bobby Lee, Leonardo Nam... what
exposed me to different was it like working with them?
Director
sensibilities as far as theme and storytelling.
Chris And living abroad made me obsess more
It was great to work with a core cast that
Chan already had a lot of experience, and brought
about perspective, environment, and identity.
Lee, who unique perspectives to their roles. With that
I really like the quiet FEEL, the mood of this film. experience comes confidence and the ability
returns to
Why did you decide to go with the film noir to create choices, so that greatly benefited the
the film genre? film, not the mention the shooting schedule.
circuit with UNDOING,
a film noir set in LA with I love noir films. Actually noir has permeated Your thoughts on today’s Asian American
just about every kind of film out there these filmmakers and the state of Asian American
an all-star cast.
days. But I am compelled by it from the sense cinema?
By Lee Ann Kim
that fundamentally noir is so much about
There is an ever growing number of voices
externalizing the internal human condition.
and that diversity is beingreflected in the films.
You have inspired many Asian Americans to It’s a rich vocabulary accompanied by a set of
It’s an exciting time.
pursue filmmaking, and are considered a rules that either need to be adopted, broken,
pioneer. What has your journey been like or challenged. The unspoken exchange is Chris Chan Lee is scheduled to attend the
since “Yellow,” and how did that journey a key ingredient in my mind to our Asian screening of UNDOING,
evolve to the creation of UNDOING? upbringing, and as a director I believe a
modern Asian American noir drama was Co-presented by:
I traveled and directed English-language
the perfect platform to explore this idea of San Diego Asian Professionals
television in Singapore, and worked on
documentaries and television back in internal or non-verbal communication.
the states while assembling a team of You gathered quite a cast - Russell Wong, Kelly
collaborators and getting UNDOING
The Infinite Power of Cinema | 67
FEATURES
*Mature content
Co-presented by:
South Asian Bar Association
Set in rural South India,VANAJA explores the chasm that divides classes as a young girl struggles with her
coming of age.Vanaja (Marmatha Bhukya) is the 14-year-old daughter of a poor, low caste fisherman, struggling
with dwindling catches and mounting debt. When a sooth-sayer predicts that she will be a great dancer one
day, she goes to work in the house of the local landlady, Rama Devi, (Urmila Dammannagari), in hopes of
learning Kuchipudi dance while earning a keep.
Vanaja seems to be on an ascending path until Shekhar (Karan Singh), Rama Devi’s 23-year-old son, returns
from the United States to run for local political elections. Sexual chemistry is ignited between the handsome
Shekhar and the young Vanaja (still a minor at fifteen). The situation turns ugly when Vanaja’s superior intellect
pits her against Shekhar in a public incident which ultimately humiliates him in front of his mother. Matters
escalate, spiraling downwards and she is pitched into a tale of class and family from which there is only one
escape.
*Mature content
Pretty, vivacious young Ting harbours hopes of becoming a popular actress, and she’s certain she just needs
that lucky break. It comes along, alright, but her first serious acting job is a downright eerie one. She’s been Co-presented by:
hired by the police to stand in for murder victims in carefully staged reenactments of notorious crimes. Ting Asia Media Inc.
knows that what she’s doing is intended to aid the investigative process, but nonetheless, she takes great pains
to offer prayers of apology to the victims she is impersonating. She’s certain they’re watching, fully aware that
their deaths have become theatre for the living. She’s right. The dead are there.
The highest-profile case of her budding career falls into Ting’s lap. She is to play Min, a former Miss Thailand
brutally butchered in a bathtub. It is a role she will gain a lot of attention for, and one she begins preparing for
with extensive research and rehearsal. Her efforts spark her curiosity about the notorious unsolved crime,
about who it was who took the life of the beauty queen. Ting is drawn deeply into Min’s life, who she was,
how she moved, how she thought –- as Min’s tortured spirit begins slowly, ominously seeping into Ting’s life.
But is she there to guide the girl, or are her motives malevolent?
Co-presented by:
After his big city dreams are crushed, Manabu (Yusuke Iseya) returns to Hokkaido, the countryside of his Japan Society of San Diego and Tijuana,
childhood, with confusion, guilt, and secrets. After betting and losing the last of his money at a Banei horse Japanese American Historical Society of
race, his older brother Takeo (Koichi Sato), reluctantly allows him to re-enter his life. Through the struggles of San Diego
the draft horses, the two brothers begin to understand and respect each other again.
Masterfully directed, Director Kichitaro Negishi captures the idyllic and relaxed setting of Hokkaido while
subtly building emotional momentum centering around hope, acceptance, forgiveness, and redemption.
WHAT THE SNOW BRINGS was the big winner at the 2005 Tokyo Festival, taking home the Grand Prix, as
well as the Director, Actor and Audience Awards.
*Mature content
Co-presented by:
Asian Pacific Historic Collaborative,
San Diego Arthouse Independent Movie
Meetup Group
Enchantingly twisted, David Kaplan’s first feature is a magical marvel: a rotoscope animated fairy tale set in
New York’s Chinatown. A Sundance Film Festival selection,YEAR OF THE FISH gathers an all-star cast for a
modern-day Cinderella story imbued with a vibrant, rotoscope sheen.
Ye Xian (An Nguyen) is a young Chinese woman who travels to New York to make money for her sick father.
Indebted to a massage parlor madam (Tsai Chin) for smuggling her into the country,Ye Xian winds up doing
all the cooking and cleaning at the seedy parlor. This Cinderella story has no wicked step-sisters, but Mrs.
Su, the cold-hearted madam, supplies plenty of venom – all of it directed at Ye Xian. Alone, and humiliated,Ye
Xian finds solace in a tiny Koi carp, which is given to her by a mysterious hunchback (Randall Duk Kim). The
curious, ever-expanding fish eventually leads her to a struggling musician (Ken Leung), who may be her Prince
Charming but remains out of reach. Hope remains, however, as magic begins to happen on the day of the new
year, at the Chinatown banquet that everybody is trying to get into.
News Features
70 | The 8th History
Annual San Diego Asian Film Culture
Festival Sports Arts Entertainment Community Opinion
The Infinite Power of Cinema | 71
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