Richard Lui’s Documentary Film ‘SKY BLOSSOM: Diaries of the Next Greatest Generation’

The documentary film SKY BLOSSOM: Diaries of the Next Greatest Generation will premiere on November 11^th in salute of Veterans Day and National Family Caregivers Month, honoring the 24.5 million children and millennials who step forward as caregiving heroes to care for family members.

Led by award-winning MSNBC journalist Richard Lui in his directorial debut, SKY BLOSSOM: Diaries of the Next Greatest Generation follows five families across the U.S. whose children are helping to provide essential care services often seen only in hospitals for veteran family members at home. Named a “Top Documentary Feature Contender” by Variety Magazine, the documentary highlights how these young care heroes – cheerleaders, part-time workers and college students – are living double lives, quietly growing up as America’s next greatest generation.

On November 11^th, SKY BLOSSOM: Diaries of the Next Greatest Generation will make its world premiere in Washington, DC at a first-ever drive-in cinema event at The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. It will also be available to moviegoers at complementary screenings across the 50 states for one night only. A list of theaters can be found at www.skyblossom.com.

Richard Lui. Photo by Lia Chang

Sky Blossom: Diaries of the Next Greatest Generation, is a raw, candid look at the millions of teens and millennials caring for injured veterans and service members in homes across America. It’s also a highly personal documentary for the filmmaker, award-winning MSNBC news anchor Richard Lui. Lui’s own experience of caring for his disabled father inspired him to explore how military kids and teens cope with providing this kind of care for injured parents every day, and how they are struggling to find balance in their lives as a result of these injuries. The families featured in Sky Blossom share a new perspective of what it means to be a military family and the film reveals rare insights into the experiences of military children nationwide.

Richard Lui and 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 collaborates with and produces multi-media content for artists, actors, designers, theatrical productions, composers,  musicians and corporations. Lia has appeared in the films Wolf, New Jack City, A Kiss Before Dying, King of New York, Big Trouble in Little China, The Last Dragon, Taxman. She stars in and served as Executive Producer for the short independent films Hide and Seek, Balancing Act, Rom-Com Gone Wrong, Belongingness and When the World was Young. She is also the Executive Producer for The Cactus, The Language Lesson, The Writer and Cream and 2 Shugahs.

 

All text, graphics, articles & photographs: © 2000-2020 Lia Chang Multimedia. All rights reserved. All materials contained on this site are protected by United States copyright law and may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, displayed, published or broadcast without the prior written permission of Lia Chang. You may not alter or remove any trademark, copyright or other notice from copies of the content. For permission, please contact Lia at liachangpr@gmail.com

Katori Hall’s P-VALLEY Starring Brandee Evans, Nicco Annan, Shannon Thornton, Elarica Johnson, Skyler Joy, J. Alphonse Nicholson, Parker Sawyers, Harriett D. Foy, Tyler Lepley, and Dan J. Johnson, Renewed for Season 2 at Starz

After only three episodes airing, “P-Valley,” which currently has a 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, has been renewed for a second season at Starz. Season two will feature 10 episodes.

Katori Hall. Photo by Lia Chang

Down deep in the Mississippi Delta lies an oasis of grit and glitter in a rough patch of human existence where beauty can be hard to find. This southern-fried, hour-long drama tells the kaleidoscopic story of a little-strip-club-that-could and the big characters who come through its doors-the hopeful, the lost, the broken, the ballers, the beautiful, and the damned. Trap music meets film noir in this lyrical and atmospheric series that dares to ask what happens when small-town folk dream beyond the boundaries of the Piggly Wiggly and the pawnshop.

Based on her play Pussy Valley, creator Katori Hall (The Mountaintop, Tina: The Tina Turner Musical) serves as showrunner as well as executive producer. “I can’t tell you how proud I am to be bringing this passion project into living rooms all across America,” says Hall. “For too long, exotic dancers have been dismissed and shamed, while their culture has been appropriated by the mainstream. This project moves past the blue lights and haze of the main stage, where dancers take to the air like super-sheroes, to the locker room and beyond, where these women-inspired by the dozens of dancers I’ve interviewed-live their lives unapologetically.”

The series also features all-women directors, including award-winning music video director Karena Evans (Drake: Nice for What, SZA: Garden), who directed the premiere episode, as well as Kimberly Peirce (Boys Don’t Cry), Millicent Shelton (“30 Rock”), Tamra Davis (“Single Ladies”), Geeta V. Patel (“Superstore”), Tasha Smith (“Black Lightning”), Sydney Freeland (“Grey’s Anatomy”) and Barbara Brown (“Scream Queens”).

“P-Valley” stars Brandee Evans (“The Bobby Brown Story”) as Mercedes, Nicco Annan (“This is Us”) as Uncle Clifford, Shannon Thornton (“Power”) as Miss Mississippi, Elarica Johnson (Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince) as Autumn Night, Skyler Joy (Ma) as Gidget, J. Alphonse Nicholson (“Chicago P.D.”) as Lil’ Murda, Parker Sawyers (Southside With You) as Andre, Harriett D. Foy (“Elementary”) as Pastor Woodbine, Tyler Lepley (“The Haves and the Have Nots”) as Diamond, and Dan J. Johnson (“Underemployed”) as Tyler. Chernin Entertainment also serves as Executive Producer.

Lia Chang

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 collaborates with and produces multi-media content for artists, actors, designers, theatrical productions, composers,  musicians and corporations. Lia has appeared in the films Wolf, New Jack City, A Kiss Before Dying, King of New York, Big Trouble in Little China, The Last Dragon, Taxman. She stars in and served as Executive Producer for the short independent films Hide and Seek, Balancing Act, Rom-Com Gone Wrong, Belongingness and When the World was Young. She is also the Executive Producer for The Cactus, The Language Lesson, The Writer and Cream and 2 Shugahs.

All text, graphics, articles & photographs: © 2000-2020 Lia Chang Multimedia. All rights reserved. All materials contained on this site are protected by United States copyright law and may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, displayed, published or broadcast without the prior written permission of Lia Chang. You may not alter or remove any trademark, copyright or other notice from copies of the content. For permission, please contact Lia at liachangpr@gmail.com

‘Be Water’: How to watch and stream ESPN’s Bruce Lee documentary by Bao Nguyen

When it comes to martial arts and the movies, no star has shone quite as bright as Bruce Lee. Fans can get a glimpse into his journey this Sunday as ESPN’s 30 for 30 “Be Water,” a documentary by Bao Nguyen, will be broadcast at 9 p.m. ET on ESPN.

How to watch “Be Water”:
Watch on ESPN: Download the ESPN App | WatchESPN | TV

Don’t have ESPN? Get instant access.

Don’t have ESPN+? Get it here.

Before ESPN’s 30-for-30 premiere of “Be Water,” Director Bao Nguyen chatted with W. Kamau Bell and Steve Aoki about what Bruce Lee meant to each of them and how Bruce’s fight for inclusion mirrors much of what we’re seeing in the world today.

In 1971, before his superstardom, Bruce Lee returned to Hong Kong to get the opportunities to be a lead actor that eluded him in America. In the two years before his untimely death, Lee completed four films, which changed the history of film and made him a household name. Through rare archival footage, memories of family and friends, and his own words, the story of that time and Lee’s prior experiences are told with an intimacy and immediacy that have infrequently been used in earlier tellings of his legend.

Growing up and living between the West and the East, Lee was ahead of his time in thinking about the transnational audience. He experienced the racist reaction of an American film industry inundated by a subservient and menacing image of Asian people—and learned he’d have to tell his own stories to escape it. Director Bao Nguyen elegantly weaves Lee’s personal struggle for visibility with that of his times and reminds us that though it was for a short time, Lee’s star burned so brightly we still see it today.
Bao Nguyen is an award-winning filmmaker based in Los Angeles and Saigon. As the child of Vietnamese war refugees, he first pursued law to appease his parents but soon found his passion in film. His directorial debut, Live from New York!, opened the 2015 Tribeca Film Festival. He is an alumnus of Berlinale Talents and the Firelight Media Documentary Lab. He earned his BA at New York University and his MFA at the School of Visual Arts.

Website

arsTechnica: After ESPN’s Bruce Lee doc, you’ll see Enter the Dragon through a whole new lens

essentiallysports.com: WATCH: When Lakers Legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Fought Bruce Lee For a Movie

scmp.com: ESPN’s Bruce Lee 30 for 30 ‘Be Water’ documentary returns spotlight to the ‘Grandfather of MMA’

indie wire.com: ‘Be Water’: Bruce Lee Documentary Celebrates Career of Legendary Martial Artist and Actor

usatoday.com: ESPN’s new Bruce Lee documentary, ‘Be Water,’ is a ‘must-watch’ look at racism in Hollywood, critics say

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 collaborates with and produces multi-media content for artists, actors, designers, theatrical productions, composers,  musicians and corporations. Lia has appeared in the films Wolf, New Jack City, A Kiss Before Dying, King of New York, Big Trouble in Little China, The Last Dragon, Taxman. She stars in and served as Executive Producer for the short independent films Hide and Seek, Balancing Act, Rom-Com Gone Wrong, Belongingness and When the World was Young. She is also the Executive Producer for The Cactus, The Language Lesson, The Writer and Cream and 2 Shugahs.

All text, graphics, articles & photographs: © 2000-2020 Lia Chang Multimedia. All rights reserved. All materials contained on this site are protected by United States copyright law and may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, displayed, published or broadcast without the prior written permission of Lia Chang. You may not alter or remove any trademark, copyright or other notice from copies of the content. For permission, please contact Lia at liachangpr@gmail.com

Major Film Festivals Across the World Join with YouTube For We Are One: A Global Film Festival Starting May 29

NEW YORK, NY– April 27, 2020 – Tribeca Enterprises and YouTube jointly announced today We Are One: A Global Film Festival, an unprecedented 10-day digital film festival exclusively on YouTube, bringing together an international community of storytellers to present festival programming for free to audiences around the world. Set to begin on May 29 on YouTube.com/WeAreOne, the festival will feature programming curated by the Annecy International Animation Film Festival, Berlin International Film Festival, BFI London Film Festival, Cannes Film Festival, Guadalajara International Film Festival, International Film Festival & Awards Macao (IFFAM), Jerusalem Film Festival, Mumbai Film Festival, Karlovy Vary International Film Festival, Locarno Film Festival, Marrakech International Film Festival, New York Film Festival, San Sebastian International Film Festival, Sarajevo Film Festival, Sundance Film Festival, Sydney Film Festival, Tokyo International Film Festival, Toronto International Film Festival, Tribeca Film Festival, Venice Film Festival, and more, immersing audiences in stories from around the world and providing a voice for filmmakers on a global stage

Core to the DNA of film festivals is the belief that artists and creators have the power to bring people together and create meaningful connections during a time when the world needs it most. Through We Are One: A Global Film Festival , audiences will not only get a peek into different cultures through a new lens, they’ll be able to support local communities by directly donating to organizations helping the relief efforts for those affected by COVID-19. The festival will benefit the World Health Organization (WHO), as well as local relief partners in each region.

“We often talk about film’s uniquely powerful role in inspiring and uniting people across borders and differences to help heal the world. All of the world needs healing right now,” said Tribeca Enterprises and Tribeca Film Festival Co-Founder and CEO Jane Rosenthal. “We Are One: A Global Film Festival unites curators, artists and storytellers to entertain and provide relief to audiences worldwide. In working with our extraordinary festival partners and YouTube we hope that everyone gets a taste of what makes each festival so unique and appreciates the art and power of film.”

“One of the most unique and inspiring aspects of the world staying home is our ability to come together and experience an event as one, and We Are One: A Global Film Festival is just that,” said Robert Kyncl, Chief Business Officer, YouTube. “Along with Tribeca Enterprises and our incredible partners, we are bringing fans the opportunity to experience the curated programming each of these festivals provides as part of our ten-day long event. It’s an event that’s never been done before and we’re proud to be the home for this fantastic content that is free to fans around the world.”

“We are proud to join with our partner festivals to spotlight truly extraordinary films and talent, allowing audiences to experience both the nuances of storytelling from around the world and the artistic personalities of each festival,” said Pierre Lescure, President of the Cannes Film Festival, and Thierry Fr é maux, Cannes Film Festival General Delegate.

We Are One: A Global Film Festival will run from May 29 – June 7 on YouTube.com/WeAreOne. Programming will be available for free, and will include films, shorts, documentaries, music, comedy, and conversations. A full schedule will be available closer to the festival start date.

About Tribeca Enterprises
Tribeca Enterprises is a multi-platform storytelling company, established in 2003 by Robert De Niro and Jane Rosenthal. Tribeca provides artists with unique platforms to expand the audience for their work and broadens consumer access to experience storytelling, independent film, and media. The company operates a network of entertainment businesses including the Tribeca Film Festival; the Tribeca TV Festival; and its branded entertainment production arm, Tribeca Studios.

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 collaborates with and produces multi-media content for artists, actors, designers, theatrical productions, composers,  musicians and corporations. Lia has appeared in the films Wolf, New Jack City, A Kiss Before Dying, King of New York, Big Trouble in Little China, The Last Dragon, Taxman. She stars in and served as Executive Producer for the short independent films Hide and Seek, Balancing Act, Rom-Com Gone Wrong, Belongingness and When the World was Young.

All text, graphics, articles & photographs: © 2000-2020 Lia Chang Multimedia. All rights reserved. All materials contained on this site are protected by United States copyright law and may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, displayed, published or broadcast without the prior written permission of Lia Chang. You may not alter or remove any trademark, copyright or other notice from copies of the content. For permission, please contact Lia at liachangpr@gmail.com

The Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival (LAAPFF) Announces Debut SPRING VIRTUAL SHOWCASE Online Kicking Off Asian Pacific American Heritage Month – Begins May 1st

Los Angeles, CA – April 21, 2020 – Visual Communications (VC), presenters of the Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival (LAAPFF), announced today the LAAPFF VIRTUAL SHOWCASE, a free digital showcase of films and panels to unite with audiences during this unprecedented time. The online showcase will highlight artists whose stories are critical at this moment in dealing with the COVID-19 Pandemic. This first time event begins May 1st and will run through May 28 as part of the Asian Pacific American Heritage Month.

The LAAPFF was slated to launch its 36th edition on April 30th, 2020 in theaters in Los Angeles. However, when local and state health authorities advised on minimizing the number of social gatherings due to COVID-19, VC decided to postpone the physical, in-theater screening events and focus on developing an online virtual experience. With everyone at home, this will enable the landmark festival to reach a national audience, as well.

In addition, radical reaction to the virus has thrust the Asian Pacific American community directly into the spotlight with a rise in anti-Asian American sentiment and violence. Coupled with the month of May being Asian Pacific Heritage Month, the timing of this festival becomes even more important for the Asian Pacific Community and all communities across the nation.

“Visual Communications acknowledges that this virus has been racialized and has incited hateful acts towards Asian Americans,” stated Francis Cullado – Executive Director of Visual Communications. “While seeing anti-Asian sentiments that perpetuate perilous narratives, VC and the Festival will continue to be a space for expression, engagement, and empowerment. Our LAAPFF VIRTUAL SHOWCASE of these films underscores our determination to stay connected during this moment of isolation. And, we hope to bridge all communities through film and discourse and hopefully, instill understanding.”

Storefront of Chinatown meat and vegetable market in a scene from ASIAN AMERICANS. Photo courtesy PBS/CAAM/WETA.

The LAAPFF VIRTUAL SHOWCASE will launch May 1st with its Opening Day Film – the premiere sneak preview of Episodes 3 and 4 of the upcoming groundbreaking PBS Documentary Series ASIAN AMERICANS. Both episodes will be available from 8AM PST to 8PM PST in the LAAPFF VIRTUAL SHOWCASE for personal viewing. Then at 5PM PST/8PM EST, there will be a special online Q&A with the filmmakers and special guests will take place to discuss the film and current issues. View the trailer for ASIAN AMERICANS here.

Subjects from FIRST VOTE – directed by YI CHEN – TOP (L TO R) Jennifer Ho; Kaiser Kuo and BOTTOM (L TO R) Lance Chen; Sue Googe
Photo courtesy of First Vote

The LAAPFF VIRTUAL SHOWCASE will also feature the festival World Premiere of FIRST VOTE on May 5. Directed by Yi Chen, this insightful film focuses on the current Asian American experience at the election polls in the United States. Through in-depth honest and revealing conversations with four Asian American voters in battleground states, the filmmaker also contemplates exercising her own right to vote in America – a first time for her. An online post Q/A discussion with director Chen and subjects from the film will take place at 5PM PST on May 5.

Festival World Premiere – Sneak Preview – Episodes 3/4 at the LA ASIAN PACIFIC VIRTUAL FILM FESTIVAL OPENING DAY FILM Photo Courtesy of PBS/CAAM/WNET

The complete lineup for the LAAPFF VIRTUAL SHOWCASE will be announced on Monday, April 27th. For additional details, please visit festival.vcmedia.org.

Organizer Larry Itliong, an important figure with the United Farm Workers (UFW) in California in scene from the documentary
ASIAN AMERICANS premiering on May 11/12 on PBS – photo courtesy of CAAM/PBS/WNET

ABOUT VISUAL COMMUNICATIONS
Visual Communications’ mission is to develop and support the voices of Asian American and Pacific Islander filmmakers and media artists who empower communities and challenge perspectives. Founded in 1970 with the understanding that media and the arts are powerful forms of storytelling, Visual Communications creates cross cultural connections between peoples and generations. The organization turns 50 in 2020. Learn more at vcmedia.org.

ABOUT THE LOS ANGELES ASIAN PACIFIC FILM FESTIVAL
In keeping with directives from the local, state, and federal health agencies, Visual Communications (VC) has rescheduled the 36th Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival (LAAPFF) to a later date as they continue their commitment to the well being of our volunteers, artists, and audiences.

Presented by Visual Communications, the Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival is the premiere showcase for the best and brightest of Asian Pacific American and international cinema. The largest festival of its kind in Southern California, LAAPFF is also a proud Academy Award®-qualifying film festival for the Short Film Awards. For more information, please visit festival.vcmedia.org.

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 collaborates with and produces multi-media content for artists, actors, designers, theatrical productions, composers,  musicians and corporations. Lia has appeared in the films Wolf, New Jack City, A Kiss Before Dying, King of New York, Big Trouble in Little China, The Last Dragon, Taxman. She stars in and served as Executive Producer for the short independent films Hide and Seek, Balancing Act, Rom-Com Gone Wrong, Belongingness and When the World was Young.

All text, graphics, articles & photographs: © 2000-2020 Lia Chang Multimedia. All rights reserved. All materials contained on this site are protected by United States copyright law and may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, displayed, published or broadcast without the prior written permission of Lia Chang. You may not alter or remove any trademark, copyright or other notice from copies of the content. For permission, please contact Lia at liachangpr@gmail.com

Netflix Releases Official Trailer of Alan Yang’s TIGERTAIL Starring Tzi Ma, Hong-Chi Lee, Christine Ko, Joan Chen, Fiona Fu

Netflix is releasing Tigertail on April 10.  A poignant multi-generational drama written and directed by Emmy winner Alan Yang, the cast of Tigertail features Tzi Ma, Christine Ko, Fiona Fu, Joan Chen, Kunjue Li, James Saito, Hayden Szeto, Voda Wong, Cindera Che, Kuei-Mei Yang, Lee Hong-chi, Raymond Ma, Cindy Im, Yo-Hsing Fang.

Tzi Ma, Christine Ko and Alan Yang. Photo courtesy of Alan Yang/Twitter

Check out the official trailer below.

Tigertail tells the story of Pin-Jui (Lee Hong-chi), a free-spirited yet impoverished young Taiwanese factory worker who makes the difficult decision to leave his homeland — and the woman he loves — behind in order to seek better opportunities in America.

Lee Hong-chi and Yo-Hsing Fang in TIGERTAIL. Chen Hsiang Liu/ Netflix

But years of monotonous work and an arranged marriage devoid of love or compassion leave an older Pin-Jui (Tzi Ma) a shadow of his former self. Unable to sympathize with his daughter Angela (Christine Ko) and at risk of living out his retirement in solitude, Pin-Jui must reconnect with his past in order to finally build the life he once dreamed of having. The film spans continents and decades, from 1950s Taiwan to present-day New York City.

Kunjue Li and Hong-Chi Lee in TIGERTAIL. Photo courtesy of NETFLIX Sarah Shatz / Netflix

Tzi Ma in TIGERTAIL

Joan Chen in TIGERTAIL

Tzi Ma and Christine Ko in TIGERTAIL. Sarah Shatz / Netflix

Christine Ko and Tzi Ma in TIGERTAIL. Chen Hsiang Liu / Netflix

Tzi Ma and Fiona Fu in TIGERTAIL

Los Angeles Times: Tzi Ma is already everyone’s go-to Asian dad. Netflix’s #Tigertail makes him the star

deadline.com:‘Tigertail’s Tzi Ma Transcends Role As Hollywood’s Go-To Asian Father To Become Trailblazing Icon

film.avclub.com:Tigertail’s Alan Yang and Tzi Ma on life, love, and Wong Kar-Wai

Polygon: Netflix’s Tigertail struggles to balance the past with the present

Vox.com: Netflix’s Tigertail, from Master of None co-creator Alan Yang, is a wistful story about lost time

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 collaborates with and produces multi-media content for artists, actors, designers, theatrical productions, composers,  musicians and corporations. Lia has appeared in the films Wolf, New Jack City, A Kiss Before Dying, King of New York, Big Trouble in Little China, The Last Dragon, Taxman. She stars in and served as Executive Producer for the short independent films Hide and Seek, Balancing Act, Rom-Com Gone Wrong, Belongingness and When the World was Young.

All text, graphics, articles & photographs: © 2000-2020 Lia Chang Multimedia. All rights reserved. All materials contained on this site are protected by United States copyright law and may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, displayed, published or broadcast without the prior written permission of Lia Chang. You may not alter or remove any trademark, copyright or other notice from copies of the content. For permission, please contact Lia at liachangpr@gmail.com

PARASITE Receives The Actor for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture; Complete list of winners

Song Kang Ho, Park So-dam, Director Bong Joon Ho, Lee Jung-eun, Choi Woo-shik and Lee Sun-kyun holding their Actor backstage in the Media Room. Photo courtesy of Screen Actors Guild

January 19, 2020 (Press Release)

LOS ANGELES – The Screen Actors Guild Awards® presented its coveted Actor® statuettes for the outstanding motion picture and television performances of 2019 at the 26th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards®, held Sunday, Jan. 19 at the Los Angeles Shrine Auditorium & Expo Hall.

Honored with individual awards were Joaquin Phoenix, Renée Zellweger, Brad Pitt and Laura Dern for performances in motion pictures, and Sam Rockwell, Michelle Williams, Peter Dinklage, Jennifer Aniston, Tony Shalhoub and Phoebe Waller-Bridge for performances in television. The Screen Actors Guild Awards originated awards for the outstanding performances by a motion picture cast and by television drama and comedy ensembles. The Actor® for a motion picture cast performance went this year to “Parasite,” while the Actors® for television drama and comedy ensemble performances went this year to “The Crown” and “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.” This is the first time that the top prize has been awarded to a foreign-language film. Click below for the video of their acceptance speech.

26th SAG Awards Ambassador Logan Browning and SAG-AFTRA Foundation President Courtney B. Vance revealed the honorees for outstanding action performances during the official live pre-show PEOPLE, Entertainment Weekly & TNT Red Carpet Live: 26th Screen Actors Guild Awards. The stunt ensemble from “Avengers: End Game” was honored for film and the stunt ensemble from “Game of Thrones” was honored for television.

Leonardo DiCaprio presented Robert De Niro with the 56th Life Achievement Award. The SAG Awards continued its traditions of presenting a montage saluting the work of SAG-AFTRA members and a filmed “In Memoriam” tribute honoring the union’s members lost during 2019.

PEOPLE hosted the official Post-Awards Gala for the 24th year. This exclusive event, which was held immediately following the SAG Awards honors the charitable efforts of actors in their communities. In addition, Stand Up To Cancer (SU2C), a division of the Entertainment Industry Foundation (EIF), will make a $125,000 grant to the SAG-AFTRA Foundation’s Assistance Programs which support actors who suffer from catastrophic illness or injury, including cancer, as well as emergency financial assistance.

Prior to the telecast, SAG-AFTRA Foundation President Courtney B. Vance announced that industry leaders and philanthropists Jeffrey and Marilyn Katzenberg have pledged a $250,000 matching gift to the Foundation. Vance challenged the 250 attending nominees to donate $1,000 each to secure the match, adding $500,000 to the Foundation’s vital safety net for SAG-AFTRA artists.

Nominees chosen by their respective SAG Awards film and television nominating committees were announced on Dec. 11, 2019. Two nominating panels — one for television and one for film — each composed of 2,500 randomly selected union members from across the United States, chose this year’s nominees. Final voting information was open to 121,923 SAG-AFTRA members in good standing. Balloting closed at noon on Friday, Jan. 17. Integrity Voting Systems, the Awards’ official election firm, sealed the results until they were announced live during the 26th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards.

The complete list of recipients for the 26th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards®follows:

The 26th ANNUAL SCREEN ACTORS GUILD AWARDS® RECIPIENTS

The Motion Picture Recipients are:

Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role
JOAQUIN PHOENIX / Arthur Fleck – “JOKER”

Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Leading Role
RENÉE ZELLWEGER / Judy Garland – “JUDY”

Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role
BRAD PITT / Cliff Booth – “ONCE UPON A TIME…IN HOLLYWOOD”

Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role
LAURA DERN / Nora Fanshaw – “MARRIAGE STORY”

Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture
PARASITE
CHANG HYAE JIN / Chung Sook
CHO YEO JEONG / Yeon Kyo
CHOI WOO SHIK / Ki Woo
JUNG HYEON JUN / Da Song
JUNG ZISO / Da Hye
LEE JUNG EUN / Moon Gwang
LEE SUN KYUN / Dong Ik
PARK MYUNG HOON / Geun Se
PARK SO DAM / Ki Jung
SONG KANG HO / Ki Taek

Outstanding Action Performance by a Stunt Ensemble in a Motion Picture
AVENGERS: ENDGAME

The Television Recipients are:

Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Television Movie or Limited Series
SAM ROCKWELL / Bob Fosse – “FOSSE/VERDON”

Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Television Movie or Limited Series
MICHELLE WILLIAMS / Gwen Verdon – “FOSSE/VERDON”

Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Drama Series
PETER DINKLAGE / Tyrion Lannister – “GAME OF THRONES”

Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Drama Series
JENNIFER ANISTON / Alex Levy – “THE MORNING SHOW”

Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Comedy Series
TONY SHALHOUB / Abe Weissman – “THE MARVELOUS MRS. MAISEL”

Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Comedy Series
PHOEBE WALLER-BRIDGE / Fleabag – “FLEABAG”

Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series
THE CROWN
MARION BAILEY / Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother
HELENA BONHAM CARTER / Princess Margaret
OLIVIA COLMAN / Queen Elizabeth II
CHARLES DANCE / Lord Mountbatten
BEN DANIELS / Lord Snowdon
ERIN DOHERTY / Princess Anne
CHARLES EDWARDS / Martin Charteris
TOBIAS MENZIES / Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh
JOSH O’CONNOR / Prince Charles
SAM PHILLIPS / Equerry
DAVID RINTOUL / Michael Adeane
JASON WATKINS / Harold Wilson

Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series
THE MARVELOUS MRS. MAISEL
CAROLINE AARON / Shirley Maisel
ALEX BORSTEIN / Susie Myerson
RACHEL BROSNAHAN / Midge Maisel
MARIN HINKLE / Rose Weissman
STEPHANIE HSU / Mei
JOEL JOHNSTONE / Archie Cleary
JANE LYNCH / Sophie Lennon
LEROY McCLAIN / Shy Baldwin
KEVIN POLLAK / Moishe Maisel
TONY SHALHOUB / Abe Weissman
MATILDA SZYDAGIS / Zelda
BRIAN TARANTINA / Jackie
MICHAEL ZEGEN / Joel Maisel

Outstanding Action Performance by a Stunt Ensemble in a Comedy or Drama Series
GAME OF THRONES

The 56th Annual SAG Life Achievement Award
Robert De Niro

Diane Paragas’ YELLOW ROSE Starring Eva Noblezada, Lea Salonga, Princess Punzalan, Dale Watson, Gustavo Gomez, Libby Villari and Liam Booth, Sweeps Grand Jury and Audience Awards after Successful Film Festival Run; Final Screening Tonight at HIFF in Kauai at Waimea Theater

Award-winning feature film Yellow Rose, directed by Diane Paragas, captivated audiences during a successful North American film festival run this month. The last screening of year is at the Hawaii International Film Festival in Kauai  at the Waimea Theater tonight at 7pm. Producers Karen Elizaga and Rey Cuerdo will be in attendance for the screening.

BUY TICKETS

Eva Noblezada and Dale Watson in YELLOW ROSE

The immigration drama has been hailed for its compelling storytelling and moving original songs, receiving two Grand Jury Awards for Best Narrative Feature and four Audience Awards in the past two weeks:

● Best Feature, Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival

Producer Cecilia R. Mejia accepts the Best Narrative Feature Award at the Philadelphia Asian American Film Festival. Photo credit: PAAFF

● Best Narrative Feature, Philadelphia Asian American Film Festival

Producer Cecilia R. Mejia accepts the People’s Choice Award Best Overall Feature at the Vancouver Asian Film Festival. Photo credit: VAFF

● People’s Choice Award Best Overall Feature, Vancouver Asian Film Festival

● Best Narrative Feature – Audience Award, Hawaii International Film Festival

Diane Paragas with her daughter Sophie Zimny at the Hawaii International Film Festival (HIFF). Photo credit: Yellow Rose

● Audience Award, Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival

Princess Punzalan at the Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival. Photo credit: Connie Tsang

● Audience Award, San Diego Asian Film Festival

“We have had the great honor of sharing Yellow Rose with a variety of audiences and the responses have been very overwhelming,” says Paragas. “The outpouring of love and support from moviegoers and festival juries has been deeply moving and encouraging as we continue to garner support for our historic theatrical release.”

Yellow Rose is a timely story about a Filipino teen from a small Texas town who fights to pursue her dreams as a country music performer while facing the threat of deportation. The film was recently acquired by Sony Pictures Worldwide Acquisitions (SPWA) for worldwide distribution and will be distributed in the Philippines by ABS CBN.

“The fact that this film is by and about Filipino Americans, such a rarity in cinema, is yet more proof that there are audiences out there who want to see stories like this in Hollywood,” says Deanna Wong, Executive Director, Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival.

This marks a total of 14 festival awards for the film since it premiered in May at the Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival — including Best Breakout Performance presented to its leading actress, two-time Tony Award nominee Eva Noblezada.

“Yellow Rose was one of our most powerful films at PAAFF this year. It is groundbreaking and is a story that is not often depicted in mainstream American films. We are extremely excited to see this film get a wide theatrical release,” says Selena Yip, Festival Director, Philadelphia Asian American Film Festival.

About Yellow Rose
Directed by Diane Paragas, Yellow Rose tells the story of a headstrong Filipino teen, from a small Texas town, fighting to pursue her country music dreams while facing the threat of deportation. The film stars Tony Award Nominee Eva Noblezada (Hadestown, Miss Saigon), Tony Award Winner and Disney Legend Lea Salonga (Once on this Island, Miss Saigon), Princess Punzalan (Mula Sa Puso), Dale Watson (Friday Night Lights), Gustavo Gomez (“The Walking Dead”), Libby Villari (Boyhood), and Liam Booth (Ghosts Never Sleep).

The film is written by Diane Paragas, Annie Howell, and Celena Cipriaso. The film’s producers include Cecilia R. Mejia, Rey Cuerdo, Orian Williams, Diane Paragas, Executive Producers Cinematografo Originals and Karen Elizaga, and Co-Producers Jeremiah Abraham, Thea Kerman, and Courtney Jones.

Diane Paragas is managed by LBI Entertainment and is represented by Morris Yorn Barnes & Levine.

Diane Paragas’ Multiple Award-Winning Film YELLOW ROSE, Starring Eva Noblezada, Dale Watson, Princess Punzalan and Lea Salonga, to Screen in Boston, Austin, Philadelphia, San Diego, Vancouver, Toronto, Oahu and Kauai

Lea Salonga, Princess Punzalan, Jose Llana and More Celebrate at 42nd Asian American International Film Festival’s Opening Night screening of Diane Paragas’ YELLOW ROSE at Asia Society

Lia Chang. Photo by Garth Kravits. Photo by Lia Chang

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 collaborates with and produces multi-media content for artists, actors, designers, theatrical productions, composers,  musicians and corporations. Lia has appeared in the films Wolf, 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 Jade Magazine and Playbill.com.

All text, graphics, articles & photographs: © 2000-2019 Lia Chang Multimedia. All rights reserved. All materials contained on this site are protected by United States copyright law and may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, displayed, published or broadcast without the prior written permission of Lia Chang. You may not alter or remove any trademark, copyright or other notice from copies of the content. For permission, please contact Lia at liachangpr@gmail.com

Sony Pictures Worldwide Acquisitions Acquires Diane Paragas’ Award-Winning Independent Film YELLOW ROSE Starring Eva Noblezada, Lea Salonga, Princess Punzalan, Dale Watson, Gustavo Gomez, Libby Villari and Liam Booth

Eva Noblezada in YELLOW ROSE

Culver City, CA, October 24, 2019 – Sony Pictures Worldwide Acquisitions (SPWA) announced today that it has acquired all worldwide rights, excluding the Philippines, to the film Yellow Rose, directed by Diane Paragas in her narrative feature debut.

Eva Noblezada and Dale Watson in YELLOW ROSE

Yellow Rose is a timely story about a Filipino teen from a small Texas town who fights to pursue her dreams as a country music performer while facing the threat of deportation. The film stars two-time Tony Award Nominee Eva Noblezada (Hadestown, Miss Saigon) in her feature film debut, Tony Award Winner Lea Salonga (Once on this Island, Miss Saigon), Princess Punzalan (Mula Sa Puso), Dale Watson (Friday Night Lights), Gustavo Gomez (“The Walking Dead”), Libby Villari (Boyhood), and Liam Booth (Ghosts Never Sleep).

Eva Noblezada and Princess Punzalan in YELLOW ROSE

Eva Noblezada received her most recent Tony nomination for her portrayal of Eurydice in Hadestown, which won 8 Tony awards including Best Musical.  She  received her first nomination for portraying Kim in the revival of Miss Saigon.  Lea Salonga won the Tony Award for her portrayal of the same role in the original production of Miss Saigon.

“Yellow Rose has been a labor of passion for over 15 years and I’m thrilled that we can now share this very relevant story with the world,” says Paragas. “We have the added honor of representing the real experiences of Filipino Americans, Asian Americans, and all immigrants seeking a better life in America.”

Karen Elizaga, Diane Paragas, Annie Howell, Cecilia R. Mejia, Kat Evasco, Loida Nicolas Lewis and Jeremiah Abraham. Photo by Lia Chang

Yellow Rose features original songs developed for the film, written and composed by Watson, Paragas, Noblezada, and Thia Megia. The film is written by Diane Paragas, Annie Howell, and Celena Cipriaso, based on a story written by Paragas and Andy Bienen. The film’s producers include Lead Producer Cecilia R. Mejia, Rey Cuerdo, Orian Williams and Paragas. Executive Producers include Carlo Katigbak, Olivia De Jesus, John D. Lazatin, and Juan Miguel Sevilla from ABS-CBN Global and Cinematografo Originals, Karen Elizaga, Gail Alvarez, Victor Alvarez, and Dale Watson. Co-Producers include Jeremiah Abraham, Courtney Jones, and Thea Kerman.

The film premiered at this year’s Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival where it received the Grand Jury Award and the Breakout Performance Award for Noblezada’s outstanding performance.

Already having won a total of five Grand Jury Awards, the film is the closing night selection of the Boston Asian American Film Festival on Sunday, October 27 at 6:00PM; a marquee presentation of the Austin Film Festival on Monday, October 28 at 7:40PM; an official selection of the Philadelphia Asian American Film Festival on Friday, November 8 at 8:00PM; an official selection of the San Diego Asian Film Festival on Saturday, November 9 at 3:45PM; the closing night selection of the Vancouver Asian Film Festival on Sunday, November 10 at 7:30PM; the closing night selection of the Toronto Reel Asian Film Festival on November 15 at 7:00PM., an official selection of the Houston Cinema Arts Festival on November 15 at 7:30PM, and is an official selection of the Hawaii International Film Festival in Oahu on November 16 at  6:00PM and in Kauai on November 21 at 7:30 PM.

Leslie Lewis, Liam Booth, Producer Karen Elizaga, Co-producer Jeremiah Abraham, Director/Writer Diane Paragas, Lea Salonga, Princess Punzalan, Lead Producer Cecilia R. Mejia, Producer Orian Williams at 42nd Asian American International Film Festival’s Opening Night screening of YELLOW ROSE at Asia Society in New York on July 25, 2019. Photo by Lia Chang

Yellow Rose will be distributed in theaters in the Philippines by ABS-CBN.

Diane Paragas is managed by LBI Entertainment and is represented by Morris Yorn Barnes & Levine.

ABOUT SONY PICTURES WORLDWIDE ACQUISITIONS
Sony Pictures Worldwide Acquisitions (SPWA) is a Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) company. Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) is a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Sony Corporation. SPE’s global operations encompass motion picture production, acquisition and distribution; television production, acquisition and distribution; television networks; digital content creation and distribution; operation of studio facilities; and development of new entertainment products, services and technologies. www.sonypictures.com

Sony Pictures Worldwide Acquisitions

Diane Paragas’ Multiple Award-Winning Film YELLOW ROSE, Starring Eva Noblezada, Dale Watson, Princess Punzalan and Lea Salonga, to Screen in Boston, Austin, Philadelphia, San Diego, Vancouver, Toronto, Oahu and Kauai

Lea Salonga, Princess Punzalan, Jose Llana and More Celebrate at 42nd Asian American International Film Festival’s Opening Night screening of Diane Paragas’ YELLOW ROSE at Asia Society

Lia Chang. Photo by Garth Kravits. Photo by Lia Chang

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 collaborates with and produces multi-media content for artists, actors, designers, theatrical productions, composers,  musicians and corporations. Lia has appeared in the films Wolf, 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 Jade Magazine and Playbill.com.

All text, graphics, articles & photographs: © 2000-2019 Lia Chang Multimedia. All rights reserved. All materials contained on this site are protected by United States copyright law and may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, displayed, published or broadcast without the prior written permission of Lia Chang. You may not alter or remove any trademark, copyright or other notice from copies of the content. For permission, please contact Lia at liachangpr@gmail.com

Apollo Theater Presents an Advanced Free Screening of The HBO Documentary Film THE APOLLO on October 4

Harlem, NY – (September 16, 2019) – The Apollo Theater is presenting a free screening of the HBO Documentary Film The Apollo on Friday October 4^th at 7:00 p.m., in advance of its HBO premiere. The screening will be followed by a Q&A with members of the creative team.

Directed by Oscar® and Emmy® winner Roger Ross Williams. The Apollo chronicles the unique history and contemporary legacy of the Apollo Theater over the last 85 years from a refuge for marginalized artists to being a hallowed hall of black excellence and empowerment. The film weaves together archival clips of music, comedy and dance performances; behind-the-scenes verité footage of the team that makes the theater run; and interviews with such artists as Common, Jamie Foxx, Savion Glover, Patti LaBelle, Smokey Robinson and Pharrell Williams. In addition to the examination of its archives, the film offers an in-depth look at the present-day venue, spotlighting the 2018 multi-media stage adaptation of Ta-Nehisi Coates’ acclaimed book “Between the World and Me” as it comes together on the theater’s grand stage. In the film, Williams explores not only the struggle of black lives in America, but the role that art plays in that struggle, and the essential part the Apollo continues to play in the cultural conversation, lighting the path forward. Produced by Lisa Cortes, Jeanne Elfant Festa and Cassidy Hartmann. Executive produced by Nigel Sinclair, Dan Cogan, Nicholas Ferrall and Julie Goldman.

Last April, The Apollo made its debut on the opening night of the prestigious Tribeca Film Festival at the Theater. Notable attendees included Robert DeNiro, Smokey Robinson, Angela Bassett, BeBe Winans, Michael Keegan Key, Questlove, Dapper Dan, and Bevy Smith.

TICKET INFO
Tickets for The Apollo screening are free and open to the public. Advance tickets for this event are sold out. A limited number of standby tickets may be released on October 4. Standby tickets will be available on a first come, first-served basis in-person only at the Apollo Theater box office beginning at 6:30pm.

About the Apollo Theater
The legendary Apollo Theater—the soul of American culture—plays a vital role in cultivating emerging artists and launching legends. Since its founding, the Apollo has served as a center of innovation and a creative catalyst for Harlem, the city of New York, and the world.

With music at its core, the Apollo’s programming extends to dance, theater, spoken word, and more. This includes special programs such as the blockbuster concert Bruno Mars Live at the Apollo, 100: The Apollo Celebrates Ella, the annual Africa Now! Festival, the New York premiere of the opera We Shall Not Be Moved, and the world premiere of Between the World and Me. The Apollo is a performing arts presenting organization that also produces festivals and large-scale dance and music works organized around a set of core initiatives that celebrate and extend the Apollo’s legacy through a contemporary lens; global festivals including the Women of the World (WOW) Festival and Breakin’ Convention, international and U.S.-based artist presentations focused on a specific theme; and special projects, multidisciplinary collaborations with partner organizations.

Since introducing the first Amateur Night contests in 1934, the Apollo Theater has served as a testing ground for new artists working across a variety of art forms and has ushered in the emergence of many new musical genres—including jazz, swing, bebop, R&B, gospel, blues, soul, and hip-hop. Among the countless legendary performers who launched their careers at the Apollo are D’Angelo, Lauryn Hill, H.E.R., Machine Gun Kelly, Miri Ben Ari, Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan, Billie Holiday, James Brown, Gladys Knight, Luther Vandross, and Stevie Wonder; and the Apollo’s forward-looking artistic vision continues to build on this legacy.

Support
The Apollo’s 2019-2020 season is made possible by leadership support from Coca-Cola, Citi, Ford Foundation, Howard Gilman Foundation, and the Jerome L. Greene Arts Access Fund in the New York Community Trust.

Public support for the Apollo Theater is provided by the National Endowment for the Arts, the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo and the New York State Legislature, and from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council.