HIFF is hosting a free screening of Director Bao Nguyen’s ESPN 30 for 30 documentary BE WATER, followed by an after-film panel featuring Director Nguyen, Lee’s daughter Shannon Lee, Angry Asian Man founder and culture writer Phil Yu, Chi-hui Yang of the Ford Foundation, Momofuku founder and ‘Ugly Delicious’ host Dave Chang, and Kindred Ventures’ Founder Steve Jang on Friday, November 27 to celebrate Bruce Lee’s 80th birthday. The panel discussion will be moderated by New York Magazine’s Chris Lee.
Presented by ESPN and storyspaces. BE WATER will be available to screen online in North America, starting at 3pm HST/5:00 p.m. PST/ 8:00 p.m. EST. Although FREE, a ticket is still required to view the film on HIFF’s streaming platform. Click here to RSVP.
BE WATER is a feature-length documentary that offers a unique glimpse into the man behind the myth, featuring interviews from celebrity friends, members of his own family, and even private letters written by Bruce Lee. BE WATER premiered at Sundance 2020 and competed in the U.S. Dramatic Feature competition. In June, it had its U.S. broadcast debut on ESPN as part of the sports broadcaster’s 30 on 30 documentary series, breaking ratings records. It is an official selection of the 2020 Cannes Film Festival in the Cannes Classics section.
Martial artist. Actor. Philosopher. Choreographer. Filmmaker. Legend. These words summarize the Asian American icon who inspired the world with his groundbreaking work before dying mysteriously and suddenly at the age of 32. Yet many often forget that he was a man who struggled against many limitations: racism, xenophobia, and even his own ego. Bruce Lee made the most of his time on Earth, reminding us all of the importance of adaptation, persistence, and ambitious in the pursuit of greatness: in short, to be water. Synopsis written by: Lee Ngo
Bev’s Girl Films is delighted to be included in the inaugural San Francisco Chinatown Community Film Festival featuring works by Asian American filmmakers at Clarion Performing Arts Center, 2 Waverly Place, San Francisco, CA 94108, from Friday, March 20 – Sunday, March 22, 2020.
Over the course of three days, the filmmakers who will be showcased include Elaine Mae Woo, Arthur Dong, Rick Quan, Crystal Kwok, Lia Chang, Garth Kravits and Felicia Lowe. Q & A’s with the filmmakers will follow the screening.
Four Bev’s Girl Films shorts will be screened on Sunday, March 22 at 3pm. I’ll be participating in a Q & A following the screenings with writer/director Garth Kravits, and my castmates Virginia Wing and Jason Ma.
Jo Yang, Garth Kravits, Virginia Wing, Jason Ma and Lia Chang attend Asian American Night of CAMBODIAN ROCK BAND at Pershing Square Signature Center in New York on February 9, 2020. Photo by Alex Sanchez
Tickets are $12 at Eventbrite.com. Students $5 at the door. Each ticket is good for the day of the festival. VIP tickets are $200 with two passes for the entire festival.
Below is the full lineup. Friday, March 20, 2020
5:30 pm
Doors Open – Guzheng music during seating
6:00 pm “Anna May Wong ~ Frosted Yellow Willows” Q & A with filmmaker Elaine Mae Woo.
With disarming sensuality and commanding presence, Anna May Wong defined the role of the ‘Dragon Lady’. Narrated by Nancy Kwan, “Anna May Wong ~Frosted Yellow Willows: Her Life, Times, and Legend” is a story about the first Chinese American woman who endured many hardships and heartaches to become an international film star. From humble beginnings in a Chinese laundry, she went on to star in pictures such as Technicolorʼs Toll of the Sea (1922), E.A. Dupontʼs Piccadilly (1929) and Josef von Sternbergʼs Shanghai Express (1932) with Marlene Dietrich. Never one to rest on her laurels, Anna would utilize her fame to aid her country and the country of her ancestors during times of war. Her body of work in film, radio, stage and television established her as a true pioneer of early cinema and the performing arts both in Hollywood and internationally.
DIRECTOR STATEMENT
In the early 1990s, a well known director at a reception following the screening of a Kurosawa film brought Anna May Wong to Elaine Mae Wooʼs attention. Elaine admitted that she knew nothing about Anna. The director shook his head, said a couple of words and then walked away. It was at this point that Elaine swore that she would learn about Anna before she would ever see this director again. This is how the making of “Anna May Wong ~Frosted Yellow Willows: Her Life, Times and Legend” and Elaine’s first film began.
Nearly ten years in the making, this biographical documentary film was finally presented its world premiere at Italy’s famous Le Giornate del Cinema Muto – Pordenone Silent Film Festival in late 2007.
7:30 pm
The Chinatown Films of Arthur Dong: “Forbidden City, USA,” “Hollywood Chinese,” “Sewing Woman,” and “Living Music for Golden Mountains.”
Synopsis:
For the past 40 years, San Francisco native Arthur Dong has been a pioneer in the production of groundbreaking documentaries about the history and life in Chinatown, covering topics such as immigration, the bachelor society, sewing factories, Cantonese musical traditions, World War II nightclubs, and Hollywood’s mis-representations and stereotypes. To mark the inaugural Chinatown Community Film Festival, select scenes from his Chinatown-themed films will be screened, to be followed by an intimate on-stage conversation with the Oscar-nominated filmmaker and Felicia Lowe. www.deepfocusproductions.com
9:00 pm Welcome wine reception to thank sponsors.
Saturday, March 21, 2020
5:30 pm Doors Open – Guzheng music during seating
6:00 pm “Dorothy Toy Story”. Filmmaker, Rick Quan Q & A with Cynthia Yee, dancer.
7:00 pm “The Mistress” Filmmaker Crystal Kwok
Q & A with Crystal Kwok. Mimi Chin will talk about her Experiences as the former owner of Dragon A-GoGo and Gentlemen clubs.
Sunday March 22, 2020
2:30 pm Doors Open – Guzheng music during seating
3:00 pm “Hide and Seek” features Lia Chang and Garth Kravits, co-written by Lia Chang and Garth Kravits and executive produced by Lia Chang/Bev’s Girl Films.
Hide and Seek is a short film that speaks to the societal challenge that women, and especially women of color, endure every day. To look in the mirror and to hope to see a face other than your own. One that is closer to what magazines, television and movies define as beautiful or even normal. What face do you see when you look in the mirror?
Rom-Com Gone Wrong is a new comedy short produced by Bev’s Girl Films and Cut & Dry Films. Written and directed by Garth Kravits, the films stars Lia Chang, Eric Elizaga and Brian Kim.
A romantic encounter, ten years in the making.
Official Selection of Disorient Asian American Film Festival of Oregon and 10th Annual Queens World Film Festival.
Bev’s Girl Films presents Belongingness, a new short film starring Isabela Sanchez and Lia Chang.
Written, directed and edited by Cut & Dry Films’ Garth Kravits, Belongingness follows a young girl’s search for identity and a sense of belonging, which comes from an expected source. Original Score by John Tyler Kent. Official Selection of the Asian Film Festival.
Bev’s Girl Films presents WHEN THE WORLD WAS YOUNG, starring Virginia Wing, Jason Ma and Lia Chang. The cast also features Jo Yang, Daniel Dunlow, Michelle Miller and Mark York.
When siblings Benjamin and Audrey return home to confront their Mother’s memory loss, they discover a hidden key to her past.
Jason Ma, Virginia Wing and Lia Chang in WHEN THE WORLD WAS YOUNG. Photo by Garth Kravits
Written and directed by Garth Kravits, the film is Executive Produced by Bev’s Girl Films, with producers Garth Kravits of Cut & Dry Films and Eric Elizaga. Hair and makeup by Dorothy Bhadra.
I’ll be participating in a Q & A following the screenings with writer/director Garth Kravits, and my castmates Virginia Wing and Jason Ma.
“Chinatown” takes you inside the tumultuous and inspiring history to witness how the past and present live together inSan Francisco’s oldest neighborhood. Through a vivid mixture of personal recollections, archival photos, poetry and narration, “Chinatown” recalls the days when the neighborhood was shut out from society, a distinct ghetto and a refuge for new immigrants. Winner of EMMY for “Best Cultural Documentary.”
Part memoir, part history, part investigation, the filmmaker’s search for answers about her mother’s emigration to America during the Chinese Exclusion era reveals the often painful price paid by immigrants who abandoned their personal identity, the burden of silence they passed on to their offspring and the intergenerational strife between immigrants and their American born children. www.chinesecouplets.com
Q & A with Filmmaker Felicia Lowe.
For more information on The Festival, Click on Clarionmusic.com.
—Jointly produced by the Asian American Performers Action Coalition (AAPAC), in partnership with TCG (Theatre Communications Group), the Asian American Arts Alliance, Alliance for Inclusion in the Arts, and the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center with Fordham University Theatre Program—
(NEW YORK)—How can the creative community advance race equity in the theatre? How do artists and producers agree to work together to eradicate yellowface and brownface? What are lessons learned that can be shared? On Monday, May 2nd, 2016, at 7 pm, Beyond Orientalism: The Forum will be held at Fordham University’s Pope Auditorium to explore these vital questions. This interactive public event, in which every attendee will play a role and have a voice, features panel conversations, a breakout session, and multimedia components, more than just a series of talking heads.
This three-hour forum will include two panels and a breakout session. The first panel will be a conversation among influencers in the American theatre—artistic directors and producers impacting the American theatre landscape. The second panel will feature Asian Pacific Islander (API) artists who are activists for diversity in the theatre community. Composed of theatre artists and allies, the public forum will also explore collaborations among API and primarily white arts organizations around the country. The first panel features cultural influencers Chay Yew of Victory Gardens, David Wannen of New York Gilbert and Sullivan Players and other panelists pending. The second panel features playwright Lloyd Suh, director Nelson Eusebio and NAATCO artistic director and actor Mia Katigbak..
Panelists confirmed include:
James Nicola, Artistic Director New York Theatre Workshop
Neil Pepe, Artistic Director Atlantic Theater Company
Randy Skinner, Director, Dames at Sea on Broadway
David Wannen, Exec Dir, NY Gilbert and Sullivan Players
Chay Yew, Artistic Director Victory Garden Theatre, Chicago
Mia Katigbak, Artistic Director National Asian American Theatre Co
Nelson Eusebio, former Artistic Director Leviathan Lab, co-founder Creative Destruction
Moderated by Carmen Morgan, founder ArtEquity.
After a series of yellowface/brownface productions across the United States in 2015, including multiple revivals of Gilbert and Sullivan’s THE MIKADO, API theatre artists across the country felt a necessary dialogue was missing from the theatre community. Beyond Orientalism conversations began in November 2015 with a Town Hall gathering of API theatre artists in response to the persistent practice of racial impersonation in U.S. theatre. Beyond Orientalism: The Forum is the launch of a national initiative to directly address the harmful effects of yellowface and brownface in US theatre, while advocating for diverse representation of API people– and all characters of color – on all stages.
“The Asian American Arts Alliance is proud to be working with our tremendous partners on Beyond Orientalism: The Forum,” said Alliance Executive Director Andrea Louie. “In a political climate that is increasingly polarized, the issues of yellowface and brownface have never been more important. Asian Americans make up 15% of the NYC population and represent its fastestgrowing racial group. But there is a glass ceiling in nearly every sector of the creative workforce, most obviously on New York City stages, which do not reflect the vibrant and diverse world in which we live.”
Angel Desai, a steering committee member of the Asian American Performers Action Coalition (AAPAC), said, “There is an imbalance in the theatrical world, a gap between how Asian Pacific Islanders see ourselves and how some theatre makers see us. Yellowface/brownface is but one symptom of this imbalance. We hope our May 2nd forum can be a step toward bridging that gap. AAPAC is excited to share the conversation about Asian American representation in New York City theatre with such dedicated, passionate partners.”
“TCG renews our call for color-conscious casting to help end the harmful practices of yellow face and brownface,” said Teresa Eyring, executive director, TCG. “We’re proud to partner with organizations who have been leading that work for years, and hope that Beyond Orientalism: The Forum will spark transformative conversations about cultural appropriation, stereotype, racial equity, and more.”
“It seems every day brings a new account of a film, of a TV show, of a theatre production, that fails to represent the variety and breadth of America’s cultural life, and in many cases, with seeming intent, denies truthful depictions of our diversity. Only by engaging with one another, and challenging practices that create barriers, can we ever hope to have our entertainment reflect the true nature of the country,” said Howard Sherman, interim director of Alliance for Inclusion in the Arts.
Fordham Theatre is proud to present the AAPAC Forum because it is fitting conclusion to their 2016/17 season, “A Season at the Mountaintop,” which has been devoted to the vision of a society in which everyone is included.
Beyond Orientalism: The Forum will take place from 7 to 10 pm at Pope Auditorium on Fordham University’s Lincoln Center Campus, located at 113 West 60th Street in Manhattan. Admission is free. Interested attendees should RSVP.
Asian American Arts Alliance is dedicated to strengthening Asian American arts and cultural groups through resource sharing, promotion, and community building. Since 1983, the Alliance has sought to unify, promote, and represent the artistic and cultural producers of one of New York City’s fastest-growing ethnic populations. The organization is a diverse alliance of artists, organizations and arts supporters who believe that working together as a pan-ethnic, multidisciplinary community is essential to nurturing the development of artists and arts organizations and to providing meaningful and innovative ways for civic engagement in society www.aaartsalliance.org
The mission of Asian American Performers Action Coalition is to expand the perception of Asian American performers in order to increase their access to and representation on New York City’s stages.
Theatre Communications Group, the national organization for the U.S. theatre, was founded in 1961 with a grant from the Ford Foundation to foster communication among professional, community and university theatres. Their mission is to strengthen, nurture and promote the professional not-for-profit American theatre. www.tcg.org
The Alliance for Inclusion in the Arts is America’s leading advocate for full diversity as a key to the vitality and dynamism of American theatre, film, and television, with a particular focus on artists of color and artists with disabilities. www.inclusioninthearts.org
The Fordham University Theatre Program is regarded as one of the most outstanding BA theatre training programs in the country. The program combines the intimacy of a small conservatory with an exceptional liberal arts education, and the rich resources and opportunities available in the world capital of the performing arts. Ignite your vision at fordham.edu/theatre
Click here for the Lia Chang Articles Archive and here for the Lia Chang Photography Website.
Lia Chang. Photo by Garth Kravits
Lia Chang is an actor, a multi-media content producer and co-founder of Bev’s Girl Films, making films that foster inclusion and diversity on both sides of the camera. Bev’s Girl Films’ debut short film, Hide and Seek was a top ten film in the Asian American Film Lab’s 2015 72 Hour Shootout Filmmaking Competition, and she received a Best Actress nomination. BGF produces multi-media content for artists, actors, designers, theatrical productions, composers, musicians and corporations. Lia is also an internationally published and exhibited photographer, a multi-platform journalist, and a publicist. Lia has appeared in the filmsWolf, New Jack City, A Kiss Before Dying, King of New York, Big Trouble in Little China, The Last Dragon, Taxman and Hide and Seek. She is profiled in Examiner.com, Jade Magazine and Playbill.com.
CAAMFest 2016 kicks off on Thursday, March 10, 2016, at7:00 pm with the Bay Area premiere of Pamela Tom’s TYRUS . The award‐winning documentary, showing at the majestic Castro Theatre, 429 Castro Street, San Francisco, CA 94114, paints a beautifully intimate portrait of the 105‐year‐old subject Tyrus Wong, eloquently exploring his childhood, career, artistic legacy and the formation of what he views to be his greatest achievement, his family.
Tyrus Wong
TYRUS, THE MAN
Wong is a living testament to the American Dream, and his fascinating story is full of relevance, hard work and passion. From his arrival at the Angel Island Immigration Station as a nine‐year‐old and his battle for identity in the workplace, to the evolution of his voice and legacy, Wong’s ups and downs have shaped the previously undiscovered man into the courageous, funny and wise visionary that he is today.
Wong’s presence at Opening Night makes the event all the more meaningful as we celebrate his story and works. Leading up to Opening Night, Wong will sign a recently rediscovered painting that had been unidentified for decades. Immediately after the screening, let inspiration lead you to the incomparable Asian Art Museum, 200 Larkin St, San Francisco, CA 94102, for the Opening Night Gala, where the painting will be on display. View the dazzling exhibit, Hidden Gold, as you indulge in sweet and savory creations, sip a signature cocktail and dance to music from Traktivist, experiencing the best of the Bay Area.
BAMBI
TYRUS, THE LEGACY
Tyrus Wong is a pioneering icon whose art has touched millions through films like REBEL WITHOUT A CAUSE and most famously, Disney’s BAMBI. His concept art provided the DNA for a distinct and unforgettable atmosphere in the Disney classic, and his legacy as an artist has helped pave the way for new media makers.
CAAMFest 2016 partners with Pixar Animation Studios and the Walt Disney Family Museum to present ASIAN AMERICANS IN ANIMATION, a special presentation inspired by the man himself, Tyrus Wong. The legacy of Wong has helped spawn new generations of artists and continues to this day. The ASIANS IN ANIMATION showcase kicks off with TYRUS and continues with BAMBI and THE SUPER STORY BEHIND “SANJAY’S SUPER TEAM.” Director Sanjay Patel and producer Nicole Grindle discuss the magic and inspiration behind Pixar’s first lead character of color in the Oscar®‐nominated short, SANJAY’S SUPER TEAM.
FESTIVAL TICKET INFORMATION
Tickets for TYRUS Opening Night + Gala are $65 for general admission and $55 for Center for Asian American Media members. Pricing for all regular screenings: General admission tickets ‐ $14. Tickets for students, seniors (65+) and disabled adults ‐ $13 (Limit 1 per program with ID only). Tickets for Center for Asian American Media members ‐ $12 (Limit 2 per program per membership ID). Pricing excludes special events and galas. Tickets are available online. Tickets can be purchased in‐person at our CAAMFest box office at Alamo Drafthouse starting Thursday, March 3, 2016.
About CAAMFest:
CAAMFest, formerly the San Francisco International Asian American Film Festival (SFIAAFF), takes place March 10‐20, 2016 in the Bay Area. CAAMFest is a celebration of film, music, food and digital media from the world’s most innovative Asian and Asian American artists.
About CAAM:
CAAM (Center for Asian American Media) is a non‐profit organization dedicated to presenting stories that convey the richness and diversity of Asian American experiences to the broadest audience possible. CAAM does this by funding, producing, distributing and exhibiting works in film, television and digital media. For more information on CAAM, please visit www.caamedia.org.
Asian Pacific American and Asian filmmakers are making history once again at this year’s 2016 Sundance and Slamdance Film Festivals with a vast array of remarkable films — nearly forty in all! To celebrate this milestone, the Asian Pacific Filmmakers Experience in Park City Committee is presenting the 12th annual reception along with related events to celebrate our presence at the premiere venue for independent cinema. Visual Communications (VC), David Magdael & Associates and Irene Cho invite you to celebrate the filmmakers and their stories.
Consult your festival program for screening times.
There are two filmmaker panels as part of the ASIAN PACIFIC FILMMAKERS EXPERIENCE in Park City on Saturday, January 23. Both panels are set for Vinto Pizzeria on Lower Main Street, 900 Main Street, Park City, Utah, (435) 615-9990.
OUT LOUD: Asian Pacific Voices at Park City 2016 Saturday, January 23, 2016 • 1:00 PM The 2016 APA Filmmakers Experience in Park City is pleased to welcome Andrew Ahn (SPA NIGHT), Rokhsareh Ghaem Maghami (SONITA), Meera Menon (EQUITY), Nanfu Wang (HOOLIGAN SPARROW), and Mila Zuo (CARNL ORIENT) as they gather to chat about the evolving social/political/cultural “space” in which they locate their stories, and the challenges and successes each has experienced in insuring that their works get seen.
Diversity in Film, Entertainment and Hollywood in Park City 2016 Saturday, January 23, 2016 • 3:00 PM
Has diversity been embraced by Hollywood or is there still a gap in film and entertainment? Join the discussion, headed by industry experts (at press time): Francis Cullado (Executive Director, Visual Communications), Daniel Mayeda (East West Players) and Christine Minji Chang (Executive Director, Kollaboration). Additional panelists to be confirmed.
MEET THE ASIAN PACIFIC FILMMAKERS’ RECEPTION
Saturday, January 23, 2016 • 9:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Toyota Mirai Music Lounge | 780 Main Street, Park City, Utah
A party to recognize all the filmmakers and their works at Sundance and Slamdance and have a chance to toast with our fellow artists.
RSVP TO: asianpacificfilm@gmail.com; please indicate “Park City RSVP” in subject line.
Congrats to all of the filmmakers.
S U N D A N C E
ANDREW AHN
SPA NIGHT
BABAK ANVARI
UNDER THE SHADOW
SHARON CHANG (Producer)
THE EAGLE HUNTRESS
PAULL CHO (Executive Producer)
TALULLAH
CHRIS CHUANG (Associate Producer)
JIM
EUGENE CHUNG
THE ROSE AND I
ELY DAGHER
WAVES ‘98
LOC DAO (Co-Director)
CARDBOARD CRASH
ZIYA DEMIREL
TUESDAY
DANFUNG DENNIS (Co-Director)
CONDITION ONE
SCOTT FUJITA (Executive Producer)
GLEASON
BAHMAN GHOBADI
A FLAG WITHOUT A COUNTRY
MARITTE GO (Line Producer)
SLEIGHT
ANDREW THOMAS HUANG
STONEMILKER
YAO HUANG
PLEASURE. LOVE.
KEVIN IWASHINA (Producer)
FRANK & LOLA
KHALDIYA JIBAWI
ANOTHER KIND OF GIRL
ASIF KAPADIA
ALI & NINO
KIM KANGMIN
DEER FLOWER
KI JIN KIM (Producer)
SPA NIGHT
LEE KIM (Producer)
OPERATION AVALANCHE
SO YONG KIM
LOVESONG
DANIEL KWAN (Co-Director)
SWISS ARMY MAN
JASON LEW
THE FREE WORLD
DAVE LIANG (Co-Creator)
NARI
MYNETTE LOUIE (Executive Producer)
LOVESONG
ROKHSAREH GHAEM MAGHAMI
SONITA
MEERA MENON
EQUITY
Q
BRAHMAN NAMAN
SHIVANI RAWAT (Producer)
CAPTAIN FANTASTIC
KEREM SANGA
FIRST GIRL I LOVED
GINGGER SHANKAR (Co-Creator)
NARI
TAIKA WAITITI
HUNT FOR THE WILDERPEOPLE
NANFU WANG
HOOLIGAN SPARROW
APICHATPONG WEERASETHAKUL
CEMETERY OF SPLENDOR
ALEX WOO (Co-Director)
THE ROSE AND I
XIE CHENGLIN
LIFE SMARTPHONE
SUN YUNFAN (Co-Creator)
NARI
CAVEH ZAHEDI
BOB DYLAN HATES ME
S U N D A N C E S C R E E N W R I T E R S ’ L A B
SANDHYA SURI
SANTOSH
W O M E N A T S U N D A N C E F E L L O W S
GRACE LEE
JENNIFER PHANG
Denzel Washington, Winner, Cecil B. Demille Award, his wife Pauletta Pearson Washington, and their children Olivia Washington, Katia Washington and John David Washington, and his ‘Philadelphia’ co-star Tom Hanks at the 73rd Annual GOLDEN GLOBE AWARDS held at the Beverly Hilton Hotel on January 10, 2016.
Denzel Washington received the 2016 Cecil B. DeMille Award from Philadelphia co-star Tom Hanks at the 73rd Golden Globes at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills on January 10, 2016. The two-time Golden Globe Award-winner was joined by his wife Pauletta, and their children Olivia, Katia and John David.
Denzel Washington and his wife Pauletta Pearson Washington, Winner, Cecil B. Demille Award at the 73rd Annual GOLDEN GLOBE AWARDS held at the Beverly Hilton Hotel on January 10, 2016.
Lorenzo Soria, President of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA) stated, “Washington’s long and storied career is earmarked by his countless roles in front and behind the camera. It is the HFPA’s privilege to honor his contributions to the entertainment industry with the Cecil B. DeMille Award.”
Denzel Washington, Winner, Cecil B. Demille Award, his wife Pauletta Pearson Washington, and their children Olivia Washington, Katia Washington and John David Washington, at the 73rd Annual GOLDEN GLOBE AWARDS held at the Beverly Hilton Hotel on January 10, 2016.
Chosen by the HFPA Board of Directors, the Cecil B. DeMille Award is given annually to a talented individual for outstanding contributions to the world of entertainment. Recent recipients include George Clooney (2015), Woody Allen (2014), Jodie Foster (2013), Morgan Freeman, (2012), Robert De Niro (2011), Martin Scorsese (2010), Steven Spielberg (2009), Warren Beatty (2007), Anthony Hopkins (2006), Robin Williams (2005), Michael Douglas (2004), Gene Hackman (2003), Harrison Ford (2002), Al Pacino (2001), and Barbra Streisand (2000).
Denzel Washington, Winner, Cecil B. Demille Award, his wife Pauletta Pearson Washington, and their children Olivia Washington, Katia Washington and John David Washington, at the 73rd Annual GOLDEN GLOBE AWARDS held at the Beverly Hilton Hotel on January 10, 2016.
Washington’s achievements as a performer and a filmmaker have earned him seven Golden Globe Award nominations in two categories, resulting in two wins. He’s also the recipient of two Academy Awards, two Emmy nominations, one Tony Award, one BAFTA Award, one NAACP Image Award, and a Grammy Award for his narration of the legend of John Henry.
Watch his acceptance speech below.
Washington’s filmography includes Flight, Safe House, Unstoppable, The Book of Eli, The Taking of Pelham 123, The Great Debaters (directed), Inside Man, Déjà Vu, American Gangster, The Manchurian Candidate, Man on Fire, Antwone Fisher (directed), Training Day (Academy Award), John Q, The Hurricane (Golden Globe), Remember the Titans, The Bone Collector, Fallen, He Got Game, The Siege, Courage Under Fire, Crimson Tide, Devil in a Blue Dress, Much Ado About Nothing, Malcolm X, Philadelphia, The Pelican Brief, Mississippi Masala, Mo’ Better Blues, Glory (Academy Award), Cry Freedom, and A Soldier’s Story. He appeared on Broadway in Fences (Tony Award), A Raisin in the Sun, Julius Caesar, and Checkmates. His other theatre credits include Richard III, Coriolanus, The Mighty Gents, Spell #7, Ceremonies in Dark Old Men, Every Goodbye Ain’t Gone, When the Chickens Come Home to Roost (Audelco) and A Soldier’s Play (Obie). He produced the Emmy-nominated documentary Half Past Autumn: The Life and Works of Gordon Parks for HBO and was executive producer for the Emmy-nominated Hank Aaron: Chasing the Dream for TBS.
Washington most recently appeared in The Equalizer, directed by Antoine Fuqua, portraying a veteran covert operative who seeks redemption for his dark deeds. He can next be seen in Fuqua’s The Magnificent Seven, starring alongside Chris Pratt and Ethan Hawke, set to be released in September 2016.
Click here for the Lia Chang Articles Archive and here for the Lia Chang Photography Website.
‘Big Trouble in Little China’ trio Peter Kwong (Rain), James Pax (Lightning) and James Hong (David Lo Pan).
ALL PHOTOS COURTESY OF PETER KWONG
In September, fans of John Carpenter’s Big Trouble in Little China who attended HorrorHound Weekend at the Marriott Indianapolis East and Son Of Monsterpalooza Weekend at the Burbank Airport Marriott Hotel & Convention Center were in for a triple treat with BTILC stars Peter Kwong (Rain), James Hong (David LoPan) and James Pax (Lightning) in attendance.
Kwong was gracious enough to share his personal album of all the fun during both weekends.
BTILC stars Peter Kwong (Rain), James Hong (David Lo Pan), and James Pax (Lightning) Peter Kwong and Frankenhead at HorrorHound Weekend at the Marriott Indianapolis East, September 2015.
BTILC stars Peter Kwong (Rain), James Hong (David Lo Pan), and James Pax (Lightning) Peter Kwong and Frankenhead at HorrorHound Weekend at the Marriott Indianapolis East, September 2015.
BTILC stars Peter Kwong (Rain), James Hong (David Lo Pan), and James Pax (Lightning) Peter Kwong and Frankenhead at HorrorHound Weekend at the Marriott Indianapolis East, September 2015.
Peter Kwong and ‘Nightmare on Elm Street’s Robert Englund (Freddy Kreuger) at HorrorHound Weekend at the Marriott Indianapolis East, September 2015.
Peter Kwong and Horror Pup at HorrorHound Weekend at the Marriott Indianapolis East, September 2015.
Peter Kwong and Frankenhead at HorrorHound Weekend at the Marriott Indianapolis East, September 2015.
Comcast NBC10 Telemundo72 Comcast Spectator is presenting the 8th Annual Philadelphia Asian American Film Festival from November 12 to November 22, 2015. In under a decade, PAAFF has emerged as the premier Asian American film festival on the East Coast.
The PAAFF’15 Centerpiece Event, a multimedia program that explores the Asian American Hip Hop movement through music videos, panel discussion, and live performances by artists included in the seminal compilation album, Strength in NUMBERS, takes place on Saturday, November 14th at International House, 3701 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia at 9:00PM. Tickets are $8 General Admission and $6 Students/Seniors. Click here for tickets.
Guest curated by producer and emcee Scott CHOPS Jung (whose producer credits include Kanye West, Snoop Dogg, Lil Wayne, and Nicki Minaj) of Philly’s legendary Mountain Brothers, the first Asian American Hip Hop group signed to a major record label.
Moderator:
Dr. James Peterson
Director of Africana Studies and Associate Professor of English, Lehigh University, James is also Founder of Hip Hop Scholars, Inc and a frequent Guest Commentator on MSNBC and CNN.
Panelists:
Scott CHOPS Jung
Mountain Brothers, Producer and Emcee
Chris PERIL-L Wang
Mountain Brothers, Emcee
Steve STYLES INFINITE Wei
Mountain Brothers, Emcee
Catzie Vilayphonh
Yellow Rage, Spoken Word Artist
Live Performances By:
Rekstizzy
Ann One
JL Jupiter
Joanlee
Featured artists in music video program:
Mountain Brothers
Paul Kim & Dumbfoundead
Bambu & Rocky Rivera
Rekstizzy
Ann One
Level, Rob Campman, & Lil Crazed
Mic Barz & Timothy Flu
Drunken Tiger & Yoon Mi Rae
*Ticket purchase includes FREE Strength In NUMBERS poster to be collected at the venue
Click here for the PAAFF Program and here to purchase tickets.
The 2015 Festival is presented by Comcast NBC10 Telemundo72 Comcast Spectator; and made possible through the generosity of Premier Sponsor Aetna; Founding Sponsor HBO; Partner Sponsors Wells Fargo, PHLDiversity, Pennsylvania Department of Drug & Alcohol Programs, and Samuel S. Fels Fund; and Prime Sponsors PECO, Jefferson Health, Pacific Islanders in Communications, Greater Philadelphia Asian Studies Consortium, Allstate, and Hepatitis B Foundation.
ABOUT THE FESTIVAL
The Philadelphia Asian American Film Festival (PAAFF) is the first and only event of its kind in Philadelphia, bringing in audience members from all over the region and Asian American filmmakers, actors, and leaders, from around the world. The festival also hosts numerous screenings year-round independently and in partnership with regional arts and community organizations.
PAAFF’s parent organization, Philadelphia Asian American Film & Filmmakers, is a nonprofit organization founded in 2008 to showcase films by and about Asian Americans and Pacific Islander Americans for the city of Philadelphia and Greater Philadelphia region. They aim to present captivating programs that engage, inspire, and connect our community both to one another and the non-Asian mainstream.
For more information about PAAFF’15 visit phillyasianfilmfest.org and follow on social media @paaff or #PAAFF15.
Garth Kravits, Elite Magazine publisher Ellen Wang, Lia Chang and Steve Jan, SK-II National Brand Ambassador at the SK-II Pop-up Studio in New York on October 22, 2015. Photo: Elite Magazine
Thanks to Elite Magazine publisher Ellen Wang, I was invited to share my #changedestiny story about becoming an award-winning filmmaker with my debut indie short Hide and Seek, at Elite Magazine’s Ladies Night of Beauty at the SK-II Pop-up Studio in Soho last week.
Lia Chang and Steve Jan, SK-II National Brand Ambassador, take a selfie at the SK-II Pop-up Studio in New York on October 22, 2015.
SK-II Pop-up Studio in New York. Photo by Lia Chang
SK-II Pop-up Studio in New York. Photo by Lia Chang
SK-II Pop-up Studio in New York. Photo by Lia Chang
SK-II Pop-up Studio in New York. Photo by Lia Chang
My skin analysis at the SK-II Pop-up Studio in New York. Photo by Lia Chang
SK-II Pop-up Studio in New York. Photo by Lia Chang
SK-II Pop-up Studio in New York. Photo by Lia Chang
I stopped by the state-of-the-art studio, located at Broome and Greene, a few days prior to have my skin analyzed by Jen.
Photo by Lia Chang
Chocolate covered potato chips by Royce. Photo by Lia Chang
Green Tea Chocolates by Royce. Photo by Lia Chang
SK-II Pop-up Studio in New York. Photo by Lia Chang
SK-II Pop-up Studio in New York. Photo by Lia Chang
The luxurious evening featured tea, dim sum, green tea chocolates from Japan by Royce, a complimentary skin analysis, and testing stations to try out the different products. Everyone also got a goodie bag which included the latest edition of Elite Magazine, and samples of the SK-II Facial Mask, the SK-II Power Cream and the uber popular SK-II Facial Essence.
Elite Magazine publisher Ellen Wang at the SK-II Pop-up Studio in New York on October 22, 2015. Photo by Garth Kravits
Steve Jan, SK-II National Brand Ambassador at the SK-II Pop-up Studio in New York on October 22, 2015. Photo by Garth Kravits
Steve Jan, SK-II National Brand Ambassador and Lia Chang at the SK-II Pop-up Studio in New York on October 22, 2015. Photo Garth Kravits
Steve Jan, SK-II National Brand Ambassador and Lia Chang at the SK-II Pop-up Studio in New York on October 22, 2015. Photo by Garth Kravits
Lia Chang and Steve Jan, SK-II National Brand Ambassador at the SK-II Pop-up Studio in New York on October 22, 2015. Photo by Garth Kravits
Elite Magazine publisher Ellen Wang, and Lia Chang at the SK-II Pop-up Studio in New York on October 22, 2015. Photo by Garth Kravits
Steve Jan, SK-II National Brand Ambassador flew in from LA to host the evening and share the story of SK-II, the hottest skincare brand in Asia.
Steve Jan, SK-II National Brand Ambassador and Lia Chang at the SK-II Pop-up Studio in New York on October 22, 2015. Photo Elite Magazine
Lia Chang at the SK-II Pop-up Studio in New York on October 22, 2015. Photo by Garth Kravits
Lia Chang at the SK-II Pop-up Studio in New York on October 22, 2015. Photo by Garth Kravits
Lia Chang at the SK-II Pop-up Studio in New York on October 22, 2015. Photo by Garth Kravits
The SK-II Pop-up Studio is located at 468 Broome St. at the corner of Greene St., and is open through Halloween. Stop by the studio to experience SK-II yourself, have your skin analyzed and learn which products are best for you. Check out SK-II online.
Lia Chang and Steve Jan SK-II National Brand Ambassador, take a selfie at the SK-II Pop-up Studio in New York on October 22, 2015. Photo: Elite Magazine
HIFF is hosting a free screening of Director Bao Nguyen’s ESPN 30 for 30 documentary BE WATER, followed by an after-film panel featuring Director Nguyen, Lee’s daughter Shannon Lee, Angry Asian Man founder and culture writer Phil Yu, Chi-hui Yang of the Ford Foundation, Momofuku founder and ‘Ugly Delicious’ host Dave Chang, and Kindred Ventures’ Founder Steve Jang on Friday, November 27 to celebrate Bruce Lee’s 80th birthday. The panel discussion will be moderated by New York Magazine’s Chris Lee. 
BE WATER is a feature-length documentary that offers a unique glimpse into the man behind the myth, featuring interviews from celebrity friends, members of his own family, and even private letters written by Bruce Lee. BE WATER premiered at Sundance 2020 and competed in the U.S. Dramatic Feature competition. In June, it had its U.S. broadcast debut on ESPN as part of the sports broadcaster’s 30 on 30 documentary series, breaking ratings records. It is an official selection of the 2020 Cannes Film Festival in the Cannes Classics section. 
6:00 pm “Anna May Wong ~ Frosted Yellow Willows” Q & A with filmmaker Elaine Mae Woo.
Bev’s Girl Films presents Belongingness, a new short film starring Isabela Sanchez and Lia Chang.
