My Bev’s Girl Films partner Garth Kravits and I are delighted to have our short film, Hide and Seek as an official selection of the 11th Annual DisOrient Asian American Film Festival in Eugene, OR., which screens in the Sunday Shorts Program: Conflict, on May 1, 2016 at Bijou Art Cinemas, 492 E 13th Ave, Eugene, OR 97401.
11:00 AM – 1:00 PM Click To Get Your FREE Pass
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?
In addition to Hide and Seek, the Sunday Shorts Program: Conflict Lineup includes Distance Between, Christmas in America, Fishbone, Frank and Kass, I Hate the Color Red, Too Fast, Carnal Orient, Spaceship and The Waltz.
DisOrient, a social justice film festival committed to the honest portrayals of the diversity of Asian and Pacific Islander American experiences, will screen a curated collection of 14 feature films, 17 short films, and 2 music videos at Bijou Art Cinemas and Bijou Metro, Eugene, OR, from April 29-May 1, 2016. Over 25 filmmakers and actors will be in attendance for post-screening Q&A’s.
Check out the complete schedule below.
FRIDAY, April 29, 2016
BIJOU ART CINEMAS
Welcome and Opening Remarks
Bijou Art Cinemas
6:00 – 6:15 PM
Closing Night Reception – FREE
10:00 PM – 11:30 PM
Check www.disorientfilm.org for updates and schedule TBA. Purchase All Access VIP Passes for $75 in advance on www.brownpapertickets.com, or $80 at the door. The Opening Night Reception is at the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art with a live musical performance by Portland band- The Slants, that is included with tickets to “TYRUS” or VIP Passes. Front man Simon Tam will also speak on “How Being Asian Got Me Into Trouble.” General tickets ($15) to the Opening Night show will be sold at the door at 8:45 pm. Admission to the Sunday Night Awards Gala at LZ Chinese Dish will be included with VIP Passes or ticket stub for “Comfort. Individual film tickets will be sold on-line starting in April or at the door until sold out. There is a Free Sunday Shorts program.
My Bev’s Girl Films partner Garth Kravits and I are delighted to have our short film, Hide and Seek as an official selection of the 11th Annual DisOrient Asian American Film Festival in Eugene, OR.
DisOrient, a social justice film festival committed to the honest portrayals of the diversity of Asian and Pacific Islander American experiences, will screen a curated collection of 14 feature films, 17 short films, and 2 music videos at Bijou Art Cinemas and Bijou Metro, Eugene, OR, from April 29-May 1, 2016. Over 25 filmmakers and actors will be in attendance for post-screening Q&A’s.
Tyrus Wong
The festival starts on Friday, April 29th at 6:00 pm with the Opening Night Film, Pamela Tom’s TYRUS, which presents the life and career of 105+ year old Chinese American artist, Tyrus Wong, from his immigration to the U.S. as a child to his artistic contributions to animation and classic American cinema, preceded by Ed Moy’s award-winning animated short, Up in the Clouds.
DisOrient’s Centerpiece Film, the epic and spectacular feature narrative Persona Non Grata – The Chiune Sugihara Story, produced by Cine Bazar will screen on Saturday, April 30th. Director Cellin Gluck is planning to attend for a highly anticipated Q&A after the film, which is based on the true historical accounts about a Japanese diplomat who, during World War II, faced a moral dilemma that affected the lives of thousands of European Jews in Lithuania.
Harvey leads his team in the haka, a traditional warrior dance.
A must see is the documentary In Football We Trust, which made its world premiere at Sundance and permits a rare and intimate access to the families of 4 Pacific Islander football players who have hopes of making it into the NFL.
DisOrient closes with Comfort, accompanied by Director William Lu and lead actor, Julie Zahn. Lu’s feature film debut brings Cameron (Chris Dinh) and Jasmine (Julie Zahn) together as they explore the after-hours food scene in LA while Cameron hides his dreams away in the darkness of the night.
Below is the complete lineup of films:
Up In The Clouds
TYRUS
Sakura Sakura
An American Hero:Shiro Kashino
Drone
Resilient
Moment
Meet Me At A Funeral
Goodbye
Right Footed
Someone Else
In Football We Trust
Persona Non Grata –The Chiune Sugihara Story
Cantonese Rice
To Climb A Gold Mountain
Painted Nails
Pali Road
Live From UB
Distance Between
Christmas In America
Frank and Kass
Too Fast
Fishbone
The Waltz
I Hate the Color Red
Carnal Orient
Hide and Seek
Spaceship
It Runs In the Family
Pamanhikan
9-Man
Breathin’: The Eddy Zheng Story
Comfort
Check www.disorientfilm.org for updates and schedule TBA. Purchase All Access VIP Passes for $75 in advance on www.brownpapertickets.com, or $80 at the door. The Opening Night Reception is at the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art with a live musical performance by Portland band- The Slants, that is included with tickets to “TYRUS” or VIP Passes. Front man Simon Tam will also speak on “How Being Asian Got Me Into Trouble.” General tickets ($15) to the Opening Night show will be sold at the door at 8:45 pm. Admission to the Sunday Night Awards Gala at LZ Chinese Dish will be included with VIP Passes or ticket stub for “Comfort. Individual film tickets will be sold on-line starting in April or at the door until sold out. There is a Free Sunday Shorts program.
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.
The Center for Asian American Media (CAAM) is presenting CAAMFest, March 10‐20, 2016 in the San Francisco Bay Area. Formerly the San Francisco International Asian American Film Festival (SFIAAFF), CAAMFest is an 11‐day celebration of film, music, food and digital media from the world’s most innovative Asian and Asian American artists.
This year the Festival welcomes the biggest change since its rebrand with fresh scenery in the Mission district. Joining Castro Theatre, New People Cinema and New Parkway Theater (Oakland), CAAM adds the venerable 106 year‐old Roxie Theater and the newly minted Alamo Drafthouse to its expansive slate of venues and neighborhoods. “Cultural preservation and innovation are core to CAAM’s mission. With both the Roxie and Alamo, we continue to elevate and explore this intersection of old and new, ” says Stephen Gong, CAAM’s Executive Director. “We’re excited to expand to the culturally‐rich Mission district and to continue our dynamic programs in film, music and food.”
CAAMFest showcases the work of new Asian and Asian American artists and pays tribute to the pioneers who have paved the way for Asian Americans in media and entertainment. From the rich cultural legacy of the opening film TYRUS, to the multi‐platform portfolio of local artist H.P. Mendoza, CAAMFest 2016 truly demonstrates the growing breadth of Asian American voices today.
OPENING AND CLOSING NIGHTS: TYRUS AND RIGHT FOOTED
Tyrus Wong
TYRUS: CAAMFest 2016 opens with an unforgettable cinematic experience, the Bay Area premiere of TYRUS. Directed by Pamela Tom, TYRUS is an inspirational documentary about the art, life, and enduring impact of 105 yearold pioneering Chinese American artist Tyrus Wong, best known for the conceptual artwork that gave Walt Disney’s Bambi its distinctive and unforgettable look. TYRUS will be shown at the majestic Castro Theatre, and is part of a special spotlight series, in partnership with Pixar Animation Studios and the Walt Disney Family Museum, ASIAN AMERICANS IN ANIMATION.
Immediately after the screening, let inspiration lead you to the incomparable Asian Art Museum for the Opening Night Gala. 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.
Jessica Cox in RIGHT FOOTED.
RIGHT FOOTED: CAAMFEST 2016 concludes in Oakland and with the Bay Area premiere of RIGHT FOOTED, an inspiring documentary about expert martial artist, disability rights activist and the world’s only armless airplane pilot, Filipina American Jessica Cox. Director Nick Spark explores Cox’s incredible journey as she overcomes adversity, finds romance and awakens hope in others around the world.
The closing night party is at SomaR Bar, just a few blocks from The New Parkway.
CENTERPIECE PRESENTATIONS: A TALE OF THREE CITIES AND DAZE OF JUSTICE
A TALE OF THREE CITIES by Mabel Cheung
NARRATIVE:A TALE OF THREE CITIES:This year’s Centerpiece Narrative presentation comes from CAAMFest Spotlight filmmaker Mabel Cheung. Cheung’s A TALE OF THREE CITIES transports us to Hong Kong during the turbulent times of war in the 1930s and 1940s, focusing on an epic story of romance and tragedy between the real‐life parents of Jackie Chan. Starring Lau Ching‐wan (MAD DETECTIVE) and Tang Wei (LUST, CAUTION).
DAZE OF JUSTICE by Michael Siv
DOCUMENTARY: DAZE OF JUSTICE:The Centerpiece Documentary presentation brings a premiere from San Francisco’s own Michael Siv, DAZE OF JUSTICE. Siv, once a documentary subject himself (REFUGEE, SFIAAFF ‘03), follows Khmer Rouge survivors on a journey from the US to tribunals in Cambodia. The unraveling of unspeakable wounds breaks a decades‐long silence in this messy, and ultimately moving, process.
SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS
BAMBI
ASIAN AMERICANS IN ANIMATION: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 subject of Opening Night film TYRUS, Tyrus Wong. The legacy of Wong has helped inspire new generations of media makers and continues to this day. The ASIANS IN ANIMATION showcase kicks off with TYRUS and continues with BAMBI, which owes its visual DNA to Wong, 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.
Michelle Yeoh, Maggie Cheung and Vivian Wu in THE SOONG SISTERS by Mabel Cheung
SPOTLIGHT: MABEL CHEUNG: Mabel Cheung is one of Hong Kong’s most prominent directors. Her international acclaim reflects over 30 years of award‐winning works, beginning with her “Migration Trilogy.” CAAMFest presents two of Cheung’s influential films: her newest feature and CAAMFest’s Centerpiece Narrative A TALE OF THREE CITIES, chronicling the epic love story of Jackie Chan’s parents and THE SOONG SISTERS, originally released in 1997 and considered one of the highlights of Cheung’s career. The true story, starring Maggie Cheung (HERO), Michelle Yeoh (CROUCHING TIGER, HIDDEN DRAGON) and Vivian Wu (THE LAST EMPEROR), explores the three fascinating sisters whose high‐profile marriages, celebrity status and family ties elevated them to positions of wealth and power, profoundly shaping Chinese history in the early 20th century.
COLMA: THE MUSICAL
SPOTLIGHT: H.P. MENDOZA:Director, writer, actor, producer, musician and CAAMFest alum H.P. Mendoza is a local treasure. Born and raised in San Francisco and currently living in the Mission District, Mendoza’s diverse portfolio includes the FRUIT FLY (SFIAAFF ‘09) and I AM A GHOST (SFIAAFF ‘12), as well as a highlight, COLMA: THE MUSICAL. To celebrate the 10‐year anniversary of COLMA: THE MUSICAL, CAAMFest will be reuniting many of the cast for an unforgettable, profanity‐laced sing‐along. Mendoza will also kick off the Asian Art Museum’s new series, TAKEOVER, where he will host a one‐night event and party at the museum, mashing up his preoccupations with musicals, horror films, 8‐bit games and virtual reality.
PACIFIC ISLANDERS IN COMMUNICATIONS PRESENTS: PACIFIC SHOWCASE
MELE MURALS by Tadashi Nakamura
MELE MURALS:Tadashi Nakamura’s world premiere of MELE MURALS looks beyond the obvious beauty of the Hawaiian Islands to the deep connections among the local community. Local artist Estria Miyashiro and with fellow artist John Hina travel to the rural town of Waimea, HI, where they attempt to connect ancient Hawaiian traditions and graffiti with the youth of tomorrow. MELE MURALS will be part of CAAMFest’s return to the great Oakland Museum of California, which will capture the intersection of Pacific Island and Bay Area culture.
FAMILY INGREDIENTS by Ty Sanga
FAMILY INGREDIENTS:Continuing the theme of Hawaiian culture is a celebration of food and family with Ty Sanga’s FAMILY INGREDIENTS. Chef Ed Kenney takes us on a culinary adventure, exploring traditional Hawaiian foods poi (a paste‐like dish made from taro) and pipikaula (salted dried beef) and how they have influenced culture in the Aloha State.
SONS OF HALAWA by Matt Yamashita
SONS OF HALAWA:Filmmaker Matt Yamashita’s new film, SONS OF HALAWA, follows subject Pilipo Solatorio, the last native Hawaiian from Halawa, on a search for someone to learn and pass ancient traditions to future generations before they vanish with him. (Preceded by short, ROOTS OF ‘ULU)
MACHINE WITH WISHBONE by Randall Lloyd Okita
IN CONVERSATION WITH RANDALL OKITA
Canadian artist Randall Okita’s diverse portfolio blends sculpture, cinematography, technology and even stunt work. CAAM welcomes Okita to present many of his short films and to share his experiences and influences with attendees. Shorts in the program include: MACHINE WITH WISHBONE, FISH IN BARREL, NO CONTRACT, PORTRAIT AS A RANDOM ACT OF VIOLENCE and THE WEATHERMAN AND THE SHADOWBOXER.
ADDITIONAL SPECIAL EVENTS
THE FAST AND THE FURIOUS: TOKYO DRIFT by Justin Lin
THE FAST AND THE FURIOUS: TOKYO DRIFT (10Year Anniversary):Justin Lin’s entry to THE FAST AND THE FURIOUS franchise has been considered the biggest thematic departure in the series. In partnership with Wild 94.9 and You Offend Me, You Offend My Family (YOMYOMF), CAAMFest welcomes back THE FAST AND THE FURIOUS: TOKYO DRIFT to the big screen for its 10‐year anniversary. Revisit the high‐octane ride set in the underground world of Tokyo’s street racing scene. With special guests in attendance!
BE ABOUT IT by Christopher C.C. Wong
COMMUNITY SCREENINGS, YOUTH WORKSHOPS, AND A SNEAK PEEK:Two Community Screenings capture and address impactful subjects and ideas this year. The world premiere of Christopher C.C. Wong’s poignant documentary, BE ABOUT IT, examines life‐altering and day‐to‐day moments of two Bay Area men, reporter Alan Wang and athlete AJ Jabonero, both living with hepatitis B, and the reach and cost of the infection in the Asian American community.
EVERYTHING WILL BE by Julia Kwan
EVERYTHING WILL BE, directed by award‐winning Julia Kwan, follows the fading light of Vancouver’s Chinatown, exploring the loss of history at the expense of modern trends. Youth Workshops continue at CAAMFest with familiar ideas in existing and fresh settings.
MUSLIM YOUTH VOICES by Musa Syeed
In its 2nd year as a signature CAAM program, MUSLIM YOUTH VOICES follows acclaimed filmmaker Musa Syeed as he helps young people craft their unique stories disintegrating the borders built on stereotypes.
1990 INSTITUTE: YOUTH VOICES ON CHINA is the culmination of an ongoing online video contest that cultivates global awareness within young American communities.
Frank Wong’s Chinatown (working title) by James Q. Chan
Catch a sneak peek of local artist and CAAM alum James Q. Chan’s work‐in‐progress, CAAM‐funded documentary, FRANK WONG’S CHINATOWN (Working Title), which highlights the fascinating story of 81‐year‐old Frank Wong, a self‐taught artist who has created extraordinarily detailed miniature models of San Francisco’s Chinatown from his fading memories.
MEMORIES TO LIGHT: CHINESE AMERICAN HOME MOVIES: For the fourth CAAMFest iteration of our innovative home movie initiative, we are excited to present a compilation of Chinese American home movies from the 1930s through the 1970s, with live musical accompaniment by acclaimed jazz musician Francis Wong. Memories to Light is a project that collects and digitizes home movies — and the stories they tell — to share with the broad public.
PANELS
An interactive highlight of each CAAMFest is our series of Panels, and 2016 is no exception with discussions on the ever‐changing world of media and how Asian Americans are increasing visibility and opportunity in the broadcast and streaming universe.
MASTER OF NONE:Golden Globe‐nominated Netflix series MASTER OF NONE has had critics and viewers binge‐watching every episode and thirsting for more. Series co‐creator Alan Yang and cast member Kelvin Yu will be stopping by CAAMFest for a panel on the award‐winning show. Yang and Yu will divulge juicy details on the show’s inspiration and production as well as their own experiences in an industry full of both opportunity and obstacle.
CHANGING THE CHANNEL ON GENDER ROLES:CAAMFest will explore the bane of existence for many Asian American actors: typecasting. For Asian American women and men looking for work, roles can be severely limited and stereotyped, especially when it comes to appearing as a character intended (or specifically not intended) for romance. Featuring actress Vella Lovell and Bay Area native, Filipino‐American actor Vincent Rodriguez III from the hit series CRAZY EX‐GIRLFRIEND. Rodriguez and Lovell join other actors and filmmakers (TBA) to discuss the gradually changing landscape for gender roles and what they hope the future holds.
A BRAVE NEW DIGITAL WORLD:As online platforms like Netflix and Amazon continue to grow mainstream media, 2016 will see a record number of new digital services looking to fund and distribute content from and for diverse communities. Pradeepa Jeeva and Philip W. Chung of You Offend Me, You Offend My Family (YOMYOMF) will speak with key industry players to explore the shift to digital for many artists seeking opportunity.
DIRECTIONS IN SOUND: MUSIC AND FILM
For over 11 years, Directions in Sound has been the Festival’s premier Asian and Asian American music gathering of emerging and cutting‐edge artists. Highlighting leading Asian American musicians, Directions in Sound exposes the Bay Area to innovative artists from the underground music scene. This year’s program brings back Directions in Sound: Korean Showcase, featuring international groups dripping with rhythmic and vocal talents: Big Phony, HEO, WYM and Love X Stereo.
Once again, CAAMFest follows the live beats to the silver screen to find music‐centric films that add a visual layer to the sounds that accompany them. Making its West Coast premiere, Jonathan Yi’s & Michael Haertlein’s MAD TIGER chronicles the relationship between two Japanese bandmates, Peelander‐Yellow and Peelander‐Red, as their friendship is tested and both seek greater meaning in their lives through their art and relationship with each other. In NO LAND’S SONG, Iranian director Ayat Najafi chronicles his sister Sara’s grim outlook on the fading presence of women in music, and her journey in reviving the female voice in music and culture.
San Francisco’s very own Kollaboration joins forces with CAAMFest for the yearly Social Club event at Slate Bar in the heart of the Mission District. Join filmmakers, artists and fellow attendees to hang out, celebrate and unwind in good company. Featuring R&B soul group The Delivery, vocal soloist Jayne Rio, Korean‐American R&B singer Lawrence Park and ambient soul duo AstraLogik.
NARRATIVE AND DOCUMENTARY COMPETITION
JASMINE by Dax Phelan
A visual feast of themes and stories await in this year’s Narrative Competition, including GOOD OL’ BOY (dir. Frank Lotito), a charming, nostalgia‐filled story of a young Indian boy’s cultural journey in small town America; CRUSH THE SKULL (dir. Viet Nguyen) the campy horror story of a robbery‐gone‐wrong when the thieves make the worst choice in houses to steal from; and GRASS (dir. Tanuj Chopra), a smoke‐filled stoner comedy following a dynamic duo of friends on their adventures in the park over one day. Other competition films include PALI ROAD (dir. Jonathan Lim), equal parts drama, thriller and mystery, a woman tries to uncover the truth when she awakens from an accident with memories of a life that no one else believes to be real; JASMINE (dir. Dax Phelan) the psychological thriller exploring one man’s obsession with a stranger whom he believes murdered his late wife; and TWO LUNES (dir. Hui‐Eun Park), two tales of experiences that immigrant women encounter during their new lives in Los Angeles and Vietnam.
Unique perspectives communicate through six films in this year’s Documentary Competition. Films include BREATHIN’: THE EDDY ZHENG STORY (dir. Ben Wang), the local story of prisoner, immigrant, son and activist Eddy Zheng, and his journey to redemption; PAINTED NAILS (dir. Dianne Griffin & Erica Jordan) a film about a San Francisco‐based nail salon owner whose work‐related health issues helped fuel a movement for safer salons in general; and MELE MURALS (dir. Tadashi Nakamura), a Hawaiian story following artists’ attempts to combine graffiti and ancient traditions in an effort to carry them to future generations. Also included: DRAWING THE TIGER (dir. Amy Benson, Scott Squire & Ramyata Limbu) an observation of a Nepalese family’s actions and hopes to send their daughter away for a better education turning into their own tragedy; NINTH FLOOR (dir. Mina Shum), the story of the 1969 Sir George Williams riot in Canada that put racial tensions in the spotlight (preceded by short, RACIAL FACIAL); and OPERATION POPCORN (dir. David Grabias), a film following a Hmong man’s rise in his community and the results of his efforts to help other Hmong people fight off attacks from the communist Lao government.
BREATHIN’: THE EDDY ZHENG STORY by Ben Wang
CINEMASIA
A collection of some of the best international Asian films, CinemAsia explores a vibrant scope of themes and ideas that cross all borders. This year showcases films from Singapore, Iran, Vietnam, India and many more destinations. Highlights include: YELLOW FLOWERS ON GREEN GRASS (dir. Victor Vu) a box office hit exploring the tests on bonds between two Vietnamese brothers against a beautifully pastoral backdrop; 3688 (dir. Royston Tan) a Singaporean musical dramedy following a woman honoring her dementia‐ridden father by competing in a singing competition; KAMPAI: FOR THE LOVE OF SAKE (dir. Mirai Konishi) a documentary following sake connoisseurs on their quest to learn more about the industry behind the rich and complex cultural staple in Japan and across the world; and UMRIKA (dir. Prashant Nair) a mix of drama, warmth, and bittersweetness as a small town in India lives vicariously through postcards written to them from one of their own, and then shifts focus as the postcards stop and the traveller’s brother leaves to find him. Also in the program: FRANCE IS OUR MOTHER COUNTRY (dir. Rithy Panh) a piece that examines the French occupation of Cambodia, touching on the tragedy brought on by brute force during colonialism; ATOMIC HEART (dir. Ali Ahmadzadeh) an surreal Iranian film that follows two friends on a night of drinking, political commentary and mystery when the friends are visited by an otherworldly figure; IN THE ROOM (dir. Eric Khoo) Singapore’s first erotic film visits the same dilapidated hotel room through several decades of encounters; KID KULAFU (dir. Paul Soriano) the story behind real‐life champion boxer Manny Pacquiao as he overcame obstacles as a child in the Philippines and found his fighting spirit; THE KIDS (dir. Sunny Yu) a Taiwanese tale of one man’s undoing that follows how love and sacrifice are intertwined; THE NAME OF THE WHALE (dir. Fumito Fujikawa) an angst‐filled story about a Japanese boy who grows into himself while dealing with family, friends and school‐assigned whale fossil‐hunting; PLEASE REMEMBER ME (dir. Zhao Qing) a poignant documentary about a Chinese man tending his Alzheimer’s‐stricken wife with compassionate loyalty; THE ROYAL TAILOR (dir. Lee‐Won Suk) a South Korean period piece where rivals battle in the realm of fashion and skill to be the king’s tailor; THANATOS, DRUNK (dir. Tso‐Chi Chang) an exploration of love and loss in Taiwan, set around a dysfunctional family; and YEU(LOVE) (dir. Viet Max) the first mainstream LGBTQ Vietnamese film, witnessing the change from friendship to love between two women.
CAAMFEST IN OAKLAND
CAAM is thrilled to continue a third year of programs in Oakland, kicking off with the Festival’s return to the great Oakland Museum of California with a program capturing the intersection of Pacific Island and Bay Area culture including the world premiere of Tad Nakamura’s documentary, MELE MURALS. The CAAMFest concludes with a full weekend of programming at the New Parkway Theater.
WORLD PREMIERES
BE ABOUT IT, Christopher C.C. Wong, USA, 2015
THE BOARDWALK, Ougie Park, USA 2015
BREATHIN’: THE EDDY ZHENG STORY, Ben Wang, USA, 2015 CHRISTMAS IN AMERICA, King Lu, USA, 2015
DAZE OF JUSTICE, Michael Siv, USA, 2015
DONUT SHOP, Robert Riutta, USA, 2015
GOOD Ol’ BOY, Frank Lotito, USA, 2015
GRASS, Tanuj Chopra, USA, 2015
PARACHUTE GIRLS, Alex Rubens, USA, 2015
RACIAL FACIAL, Jeff Adachi, USA, 2016
SPONSORS
CAAMFest is supported in part by the following: Xfinity, Asian Art Museum, AT&T DIRECTV, Western Union, AARP, Cooper White & Cooper LLP, Fitness SF, Pacific Islanders in Communications, Pacific Standard Print, Remy Martin, San Francisco Symphony, Umpqua Bank, 1990 Institute, Girl Friday Events, SAG‐AFTRA, University of San Francisco, Consulate General of Canada, Consulate General of Japan in San Francisco, Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), Doris Duke Foundation for Islamic Art, Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in San Francisco, Japan Foundation, Los Angeles, National Endowment for the Arts, San Francisco Grants for the Arts, Hotel Tax Fund, and the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation.
GENERAL FESTIVAL INFORMATION
CAAMFest is a presentation of the Center for Asian American Media. CAAMFest, formerly the San Francisco International Asian American Film Festival (SFIAAFF), is a celebration of film, music, food and digital media from the world’s most innovative Asian and Asian American artists. CAAMFest takes place March 10‐20, 2016 in the Bay Area. San Francisco venues include: Castro Theatre, 429 Castro Street; New People Cinema, 1746 Post Street; Alamo Drafthouse, 2550 Mission Street; Roxie Theater, 3117 16th Street; Gray Area Foundation for the Arts, 2665 Mission Street; Asian Art Museum, 200 Larkin Street; Slate Bar, 2925 16Street; City College of San Francisco ‐ Chinatown/North Beach Campus, 808 Kearny Street; Chinese Historical Society of America, 965 Clay Street. Oakland venues include: The New Parkway Theater, 474 24th Street; Oakland Museum of California, 1000 Oak Street; SomaR Bar, 1727 Telegraph Avenue.
FESTIVAL TICKET INFORMATION
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 can be purchased online now and 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.
FRIDAY, April 29, 2016
TYRUS and Up in the Clouds
Bev's Girl Films 