NWAAFF blog

Northwest Asian American Film Festival 2009 Call for Entries!! (Deadline: December 5, 2008)

2008-11-19T22:03:00.000-08:00

Mark your calendars!
The next Northwest Asian American Film Festival takes place February 26-March 1, 2009

Call for Entries

Northwest Asian American Film Festival is now accepting entries for films on subjects related to the Asian Pacific American experience. Along with screenings of curated and selected works from the Pacific Northwest and North America, the four-day film festival will offer a variety of social events and programs relating to Asian American media.

Submission Format: DVD or URL link (to YouTube, Google Video etc.)
Genres: Short; Experimental; Documentary; Narrative
Screening Format: 35mm; 16mm; mini DV; DVD
Deadline: December 5, 2008

INSTRUCTIONS FOR SUBMISSION:

1) Complete and send the entry form to NWAAFF 2009 (form is available on our web site www.nwaaff.org)
• By email to info@nwaaff.org
• By mail to 1463 E. Republican St. #106, Seattle, WA 98112

2) Send your film to NWAAFF 2009:
• DVD sent by mail to NWAAFF, 1463 E. Republican St. #106, Seattle, WA 98112. Please indicate the film's title and contact information on the tape/disc.
OR
• As a URL where your film can be viewed online (e.g. YouTube, Google Video, etc.).

Please do not include additional promotional materials.

DEADLINES: Mailed entries must be postmarked and electronic entries must be sent no later than December 5, 2008. Receipt of entries will be confirmed via email. Final selections will be announced in late December/early January.

ENTRY FEE: There is no entry fee for this year's festival.

Questions? Email info@nwaaff.org

--
Northwest Asian American Film Festival 2009
1463 E. Republican St. #106
Seattle, WA 98112
Email: info@nwaaff.org
Web Site: http://www.nwaaff.org
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/nwaaff
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Seattle-WA/Northwest-Asian-American-Film-Festival-Seattle-WA/8338821821
Join mailing list: subscribe@nwaaff.org

Akira's Hip Hop Shop Screens Thursday 11/20

2008-11-19T21:56:00.000-08:00

FYI...

Underground Railroad Film Series

CINEMA AND CONVERSATION

Honoring Hip Hop History Month, the Underground Railroad Film Series makes a stop at Hidmo Eritrean Cuisine, located at 20th and Jackson Sts. (map). Filmmaker Joe Doughrity will be on hand to screen the director's cut of his DGA award winning film Akira's Hip Hop Shop. Read on.

Along with Akira's we will screen the poignant short, Eli's Liquor Store. With each film, the director lovingly investigates issues that transcend and yet, are rooted in cultural identity and social influence within Black and Asian communities.

NOVEMBER HIP HOP HISTORY MONTH SAFE HOUSE SCREENING
AKIRA'S HIP HOP SHOP (Director's Cut)

Drama - USA 2008;           Director- Joe Doughrity

Date: Thursday, November 20
Time: 7PM
Location: Hidmo Eritrean Cuisine
              20000 S. Jackson St
              MAP

Akira's Hip Hop Shop" is an interracial love story about a Japanese guy (James Kyson Lee from NBC's "Heroes") infatuated with rap music who falls for an African-American culinary student (Emayatzy Corinealdi). They wrestle with prejudice and stereotypes from family and friends in an effort to sustain their relationship. Writer and Director Joe Doughrity, recipient of the Directors Guild of America's "Best African-American Director Award" in November of 2007, will appear at a Q&A session following the screening

Joseph Doughrity ("Joe D.") is a writer, producer, and director. The son of an educator, Joe grew up an avid reader and developed hobbies ranging from sports to comics, videogames, and a fascination with Japanese culture.

Joe's "Seven Days in Japan", a documentary he wrote, produced and directed, won Best Documentary at the 2005 San Diego Comic-con Film Festival beating out films which cost ten times its modest budget. "Seven Days in Japan" went on to screen at the Pacific Media Expo and premiered on cable's BET-Jazz channel in February of 2007.

As a screenwriter, Joe has written for studios and production companies such as HBO ("Wheels of Steel: The KRS One/Scott La Rock Story"), Mandalay Films ("Grandmaster Flash") and New Line Cinema. His recent scripts include "Motown Miracle: Soul on Ice", the true story of a Black hockey team from his native Detroit, "Cornerstore", a day in the life look at a liquor store, and "Akira's Hip hop Shop", an interracial romantic dramedy about an Asian man and a Black woman.

Joseph received his BFA from Columbia College-Hollywood where he majored in Cinema Studies. He is a member of the Writers Guild of America.

Read more about Joe

ELI'S LIQUOR STORE
2008 USA 16 MIN
Written and directed by Arnold Chun
and Alonzo Jones

Set in Los Angeles' Koreatown circa 1999. It's the story of Elijah Gooden, a 43-year-old African-American man from Atlanta, Georgia. He graduated from Georgia Tech University and worked in corporate America before moving his family to Los Angeles to start his own business. He and his family experience culture shock and adversity as they struggle to build their livelihood in an area dominated by Asian-American business owners.

COMING
DECEMBER 18th

TROUBLE THE WATER

Directed and produced by Fahrenheit 9/11 producers Tia Lessin and Carl Deal and executive produced by Danny Glover, Trouble the Water won the 2008 Sundance Grand Jury Prize.

The New York Times' Manohla Dargis called it "...one of the best American documentaries in recent memory."

OUR SPONSORS

LUCKY SEVEN FOUNDATION

FILM FESTIVAL INFO LINE - 206.326.1088
..
WWW.LANGSTONBLACKFILMFEST.ORG
http://lhaaffbside.blogspot.com/

This weekend at Seattle theaters...

2008-04-24T21:42:00.000-07:00

Support Asian Americans in film! Check out these films opening this weekend:

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PLANET B-BOY
Best Documentary - San Francisco International Asian American Film Festival
One week only!

LANDMARK VARSITY THEATRE
4329 University Way N.E.
Seattle, WA 98105

Fri, Apr 25: (12:40 2:50 5:00) 7:10 9:30
Sat, Apr 26 - Sun, Apr 27: (12:40) 2:50 5:00 7:10 9:30
Mon, Apr 28: 7:10 9:30
Tue, Apr 29: (7:10 9:30)
Wed, Apr 30 - Thu, May 1: 7:10 9:30

Official site: www.planetbboy.com

"Planet B-Boy" documents breakdancing revival
Reuters - Apr 3, 2008
Combining performance footage, first-person interviews and archival materials, "Planet B-Boy" pays fitting homage to both breakers' impressive dance skills ...

ASIAN POP - To B or Not to B
Jeff Yang, SF Gate, 03/26/08
With Asian American hip-hop dancers Kaba Modern and Jabbawockeez recently grabbing the limelight on MTV's hit reality show "America's Best Dance Crew," Jeff Yang talks with Benson Lee, director of the newly released feature documentary "Planet B-Boy" on...

angry asian man

All right, everyone go watch Benson Lee's Planet B-Boy, opening in theaters starting today from Elephant Eye Films. It's a fantastic documentary set in the international world of B-boying, following crews from all over the world competing and colliding at the "Battle of the Year," where the winner will walk away with title of World Champion. It's an engaging, hugely entertaining documentary with a lot of heart, and deserves to be seen by as many people as possible. I can't recommend it enough.

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HAROLD & KUMAR ESCAPE FROM GUANTANAMO BAY
[Editor's note: Having seen this in sneak preview on Wednesday, I'll say this--if you liked the first one, you'll enjoy this one too.]

Wide release - check local listings

'Harold and Kumar' push the limits of multiculturalism
Los Angeles Times, CA - 21 hours ago
By Mark Olsen, Special to The Times It was hardly an auspicious start. In 2004's "Harold and Kumar Go to White Castle," two friends, one Korean American, ...

'Escape From Guantanamo Bay': What's it about?
Newsday, NY - Apr 20, 2008
BY LEWIS BEALE | Special to Newsday April 20, 2008 Here's the thing about the "Harold and Kumar" films: They're raunchy and profane, filled with almost ...

'Harold and Kumar': dopey, smart, timely satire
MSNBC - 7 hours ago
By Alonso Duralde The powers that be, it would appear, get the satirists they deserve. Boss Tweed got Thomas Nast. The cold warriors of the US and the USSR ...

Justin Lin's FINISHING THE GAME opens tonight in Seattle at the Varsity!

2007-11-16T02:04:00.000-08:00

A letter from Justin Lin, director of FINISHING THE GAME:

==================================

Dear Friends, Colleagues and Supporters:

FINISHING THE GAME, our new independent film, has been an opportunity to revisit our indie roots and reunite with many in the BETTER LUCK TOMMOROW family. The challenges of making a no-budget film are harsh and demanding, but at the same time, it is filmmaking in its purest form. Clearly, passion on the part of the cast and crew made this film possible. Now we are hoping to share FINISHING THE GAME with you as it comes out in theaters and into your homes.

When BETTER LUCK TOMORROW was released, we showed Hollywood that we are a viable audience. In an industry governed by box office receipts, there is strength in numbers. The turnout for the film sent a clear message that we demand to see ourselves on screen as multi-dimensional characters. Five years later, we are asking for your support again. At this point, we need to demonstrate that BETTER LUCK TOMORROW was not a fluke; we are a vital consumer community that will no longer be ignored. However, out of respect for your time, energy and taste, we don’t want you to come see the film simply because it’s an “Asian American” project. Rather, we want you to connect to the work itself and let the film stand on its own. We welcome you to take a look at the FINISHING THE GAME trailer on our website:

http://www.youoffendmeyouoffendmyfamily.com

Among other things, it features a behind-the-scenes look at our journey from BLT to FTG that was made by film student Anson Ho.

We are happy to announce that IFC Films, our supportive partner, is distributing FINISHING THE GAME. However, this “platform release” is merely an opportunity and, in certain ways, an uphill battle. The lifespan of a truly independent film is determined on a week-by-week basis. Every weekend could be its last.

Through making studio films, I have learned that “word of mouth” is the most important aspect of any film’s release. A big budget movie could buy up every billboard and flood TV with commercials in order to generate audiences. An indie film does not have the budget or the platform to do that. But, the great equalizer is the viewer. Good or bad, every film is ultimately subject to “word of mouth.” It’s simple: if you like the film, tell your friends. And if they like it, they should do the same.

We are also excited the film has also been made available ON DEMAND in 42 million homes in the United States through every cable and satellite TV distributor. This is something we are extremely excited about because it could potentially bring more of us together and build a distribution model for future Asian American films.

By supporting projects with representation and elements that you want to see, you are sending a clear message to the decision makers in Hollywood. If we can get enough people to do the same, then we will truly have a voice. So please share this with your friends and family. Thank you for your time.

Sincerely,

JUSTIN LIN

********

Note – If this is something that inspires you and you wish to support, please copy and paste this letter and email to your friends and family and ask them to consider doing the same. Thank you.

FINAL REMINDER: JOURNEY FROM THE FALL & THE CATS OF MIRIKITANI opening Friday 4/20!

2007-04-19T23:11:00.000-07:00

Don't forget to catch JOURNEY FROM THE FALL and THE CATS OF MIRIKITANI on the big screen in Seattle this weekend!

JOURNEY FROM THE FALL
Official website: www.journeyfromthefall.com
SEATTLE (DOWNTOWN), WA: Regal Meridian 16
SEATTLE (COLUMBIA CITY), WA: Columbia City Cinema

APRIL 20-26 Fri-Thurs at 7, 9pm
NORTHWEST FILM FORUM, 1515 12th Ave, Seattle WA 98122
Official website: www.thecatsofmirikitani.com
Buy tickets: www.brownpapertickets.com/event/11048

NWAAFF update, April 13, 2007

2007-04-13T08:10:00.000-07:00

Lots going on in the next couple weeks (see below for details):

Tomorrow, April 14: A free screening of the powerful documentary SENTENCED HOME at Northwest Film Forum
Friday, April 20: Seattle theatrical premieres for our two most popular films from NWAAFF 2007, JOURNEY FROM THE FALL and THE CATS OF MIRIKITANI

If you were unable to watch JOURNEY or CATS at our festival, here's your chance to see what you missed!

Other news of note:

MIGHTY WARRIORS OF COMEDY available on DVD - see below
April 24 - WA State Screenplay Competition deadline - www.nwfilmforum.org/screenplay/index.php
April 26-29 - DisOrient Asian American Film Festival, Eugene, OR - www.disorientfilm.org
April 30 - KOFIC Filmmakers Lab deadline - http://fdl.kofic.or.kr
May 3-10 - Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival - www.vconline.org
May 11-20 - Silk Screen Asian American Film Festival, Pittsburgh, PA - www.silkscreenfestival.org
May 18-24 - Seattle theatrical premiere of AIR GUITAR NATION (featuring David "C-Diddy" Jung) at Northwest Film Forum - www.airguitarnation.com
May 19-20 - Slant Film Festival, Houston, TX - www.aurorapictureshow.org
May 25 - CAPE Foundation New Writers Award deadline - www.capeusa.org/NewWritersAward.html

Also, lots of great pictures from NWAAFF 2007 on flickr.com. (Follow the link or search for the tag "nwaaff2007.")

P.S. Save the date: NWAAFF 2008 takes place January 24-27, 2008. Call for entries coming soon!

---------------------------------------------

APRIL 14 Sat at 4pm
NORTHWEST FILM FORUM, 1515 12th Ave, Seattle WA 98122
ITVS COMMUNITY CINEMA AND NORTHWEST FILM FORUM PRESENT:
SENTENCED HOME
(Nicole Newnham & David Grabias, USA, 2006, DVD, 73 min.)

Filmed in Seattle and Cambodia, SENTENCED HOME tells the stories of three young Cambodian refugees who each made a rash decision as a teenager that irrevocably shaped their destiny. Now facing deportation back to Cambodia years later, they find themselves caught between a tragic past and an uncertain future by a system that doesn’t offer any second chances. Local participants will attend. Admission free with RSVP to rsvp@communitycinemaseattle.org or (800) 930-6060.

Outreach website: www.itvs.org/outreach/sentencedhome

---------------------------------------------

JOURNEY FROM THE FALL

Inspired by actual events, JOURNEY FROM THE FALL follows one family's fight for freedom in the wake of war-torn Vietnam, communist political prison camps, and the mass exodus of boat people.

On April 30th, 1975, Long Nguyen chooses to stay in Vietnam against his wife's wishes and fight for his beloved country. Knowing that his decision may separate him from his family forever, he asks his wife, Mai, to leave their homeland for safer shores. Together with her son and mother-in-law, Mai reluctantly boards a tiny fishing boat bound for America and they begin a perilous journey across the sea, with nothing but hope to keep them alive.

Meanwhile, as the city of Saigon falls under communist rule, Long is captured and imprisoned in a series of re-education camps. There, he endures solitary confinement and witnesses the death of his friends, spiraling him downwards into a deep despair. Believing his family is dead, Long's faith is revived when a mysterious visitor brings news of their survival in the new world. In one moment his fate becomes clear, and he sets in motion a dangerous plan to escape and join his family in freedom.

Special Jury Prize, Newport Beach Film Festival • Audience Award, San Francisco International Asian American Film Festival • Grand Jury Award, San Diego International Film Festival

Official website: www.journeyfromthefall.com

STARTING 4/20/2007

SEATTLE (DOWNTOWN), WA: Regal Meridian 16
SEATTLE (COLUMBIA CITY), WA: Columbia City Cinema

---------------------------------------------

APRIL 20-26 Fri-Thurs at 7, 9pm
NORTHWEST FILM FORUM, 1515 12th Ave, Seattle WA 98122
SEATTLE THEATRICAL PREMIERE
CATS OF MIRIKITANI
(Linda Hattendorf, USA, 2006, 35mm, 74 min)

Unsentimental and frequently funny, CATS OF MIRIKITANI shows how individual goodness can mitigate against greater evils. “Make art not war” is Jimmy Mirikitani's motto. He’s a fiercely independent octogenarian artist. By 2001, however, he was living on the streets of New York City. Filmmaker Linda Hattendorf first noticed him bundled against the weather, concentrating on his colorful drawings. She began documenting their meetings. On 9/11/01, she found Jimmy still outdoors, coughing in the toxic dust. Bringing him to her apartment, they become impromptu roommates. The unassuming filmmaker and elderly artist explore Mirikitani’s painful past and seek out his long-lost relatives-aided and abetted by Hattendorf's pet cat. Mirikitani even travels back to the camp where he was interned, to make peace with the past. But most importantly, he shares his story with someone who listens.

After the Friday 7pm screening, special guests Linda Ando (2006 Tule Lake Pilgrimage Participant and Seattle CATS rep) and Cassie Chinn (Wing Luke Asian Museum Deputy Director of Programs and organizer of Jimmy Mirikitani's Seattle art exhibit in July 2006) will be available for Q&A.

After the Saturday 7pm screening, special guests Stan Shikuma (Tule Lake Pilgrimage Committee Member and Northwest CATS rep) and Linda Ando, (2006 Tule Lake Pilgrimage Participant and Seattle CATS rep) will be available for Q&A.

Official website: www.thecatsofmirikitani.com

Buy tickets: www.brownpapertickets.com/event/11048

---------------------------------------------

New DVD from the 18 Mighty Mountain Warriors!

"… biting, incisive, devastating comedy …"

—Ossie Davis, activist/actor, Do the Right Thing, Get on the Bus

Female Circumcision. Dancing Testicles. Bruce Lee Cooking. Chinese Geishas. These subjects are the basis for an average day of side-splitting sketch comedy from the 18 Mighty Mountain Warriors, an audacious pan-Asian comedy troupe from California. Hailed as one of the most devastatingly funny acts of the past decade, most of America has never heard of them. Mighty Warriors of Comedy provides a rousing introduction to the members and a thoughtful exploration of whether or not after twelve years of performing, the group will break out. The film traces the struggle that fringe artists face, and how that battle is complicated further by cultural identification.

To purchase:
http://catalog.asianamericanmedia.org/film/249

Official website: www.mightywarriorsofcomedy.com

---------------------------------------------

KOFIC Filmmakers Development Lab

2007-04-08T21:48:00.000-07:00

For filmmakers from the Korean diaspora...

Wanted: Overseas Korean Filmmakers

KOFIC(Korean Film Council) continues 2 ^nd Filmmakers Development Lab in Association With the Academy for Creative Media at the University of Hawaii.

March 26, 2007 (Los Angeles) - In a major initiative to nurture and encourage emerging Overseas Korean filmmakers to bring their stories to the screen, the Korean Film Council (KOFIC) announced today KOFIC Filmmakers Development Lab 2007.

After the sensational success of the first Filmmakers Development Lab in 2006, the KOFIC Filmmakers Development Lab will this year broaden its reach to include not only North American but to all international Korean filmmakers around the world. The Lab will be held in Hawaii from August 26 th to September 2nd, in partnership with the ACM(the Academy for Creative Media) at the University of Hawaii in Honolulu; CAAM(Center for Asian American Media) in San Francisco, and the IFP in New York. Following in September and October, the Lab Fellows will attend the IFP in New York and PPP (Pusan Promotion Plan) in Pusan International Film Festival in Korea to meet with relevant film industry representatives and organizations whom could potentially produce their projects.

"Through this incubator type of project, we will be able to promote a sharing and a merging of ideas between Korean and filmmakers of Korean descent around the world," states Ms. An Cheong Sook, KOFIC's Chairperson. "It is important to us that through this cross cultural experience, these filmmakers will be able to bring their talents and stories to markets and audiences around the world."

"Following the tremendous success of last year's inaugural KOFIC Filmmaker's Development Lab in partnership with the Academy for Creative Media (ACM) at the University of Hawaii, all of us at the ACM are thrilled and honored to continue our association with the Korean National Film Council's 2007 Filmmaker's Development Lab. We look forward to hosting old friends and new ones this year in Hawaii and the opportunity to discover and nurture emerging Korean filmmakers from around the world." said Chris Lee, Director of the Academy for Creative Media at the University of Hawaii.

Stephen Gong, Executive Director of CAAM adds "The Center for Asian American Media is absolutely thrilled to be part of KOFIC's 2007 Filmmaker Development Lab. This is one of KOFIC's many groundbreaking activities that illustrates their visionary leadership in the development of artists in international cinema."

Selected participants will be paired with industry mentors from both Korea and the United States, in an intensive week-long retreat. The goal of the Filmmakers Development Lab is to enable participants to develop a high quality script that could be presented to financiers and production companies. In addition, KOFIC is announcing that one of five Filmmaker Development Lab projects this year will be awarded USD 40,000 from KOFIC's Production Subsidy fund.

"These are exciting times for filmmakers and films from non-traditional sources," expresses KOFIC Filmmakers Development Lab director, Roger Garcia, a well-regarded international film consultant and producer. "(The Lab) not only looks to identify the talent but also to present real-world scenarios to participants in developing and presenting their projects."

"While this project is an ambitious one, we believe the talent is there throughout the Korean diaspora," adds Garcia. "And through this incubator program, we hope to develop the next generation of great new filmmakers."

"IFP applauds KOFIC in its smart approach to developing Korean talent worldwide, irrespective of national borders," says Michelle Byrd, Executive Director of IFP. "We are pleased to welcome the Lab participants to this year's IFP Market Emerging Narrative program, a talent showcase which provides forty diverse screenwriters and writer/directors a forum to present new feature projects, meet with producers, and network with industry professionals who can help accelerated the development of their work, as well as their filmmaking careers."

The Korean Film Council is based in Seoul , Korea with a satellite office in Los Angeles. Its mission is to raise the standard of Korean films, and to promote the Korean film industry at home and abroad. KOFIC provides and supports programs to develop creative filmmakers, improve the production of low-budget films, raise the profile of Korean cinema, and create a network between filmmakers in the Korean, overseas Korean and international communities.

The Academy for Creative Media at the University of Hawaii, founded just three years ago, emphasizes digital cinema, computer animation and videogame design, and critical studies. Its student films have been screened at major national and international festivals. It is developing a Center for Indigenous Filmmaking, which will embrace story-tellers from Hawaii, the Pacific and Asia.

The Center for Asian American Media (CAAM) 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 do es this by funding, producing, distributing and exhibiting works in film, television and digital media.

IFP is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to building the community for a full range of independent film. Headquartered in New York City, its year-round and annual programs offer education, mentorship and worldwide industry access to members and the independent film community at large. The IFP Market is a five-day national program connecting close to 200 projects with financiers, producers and programmers before they're completed and on the festival circuit.

Information on the KOFIC Filmmakers Development Lab, and how to apply is available online at http://fdl.kofic.or.kr

The deadline for submissions is April 30, 2007.

Info on series coming up in January on KCTS

2007-01-08T04:40:00.000-08:00

Info from KCTS on a series coming later this month. It will air on two consecutive Wednesdays, 1/10 and 1/17 from 9:00-11:00 PM each night (two episodes per night).

CHINA FROM THE INSIDE is a series of documentaries, shot in high-definition, that explore China through Chinese eyes to see how their history has shaped them — and where their present is taking them. Few programs have gone beyond China's economic miracle to deal with the issues that this series takes on: governance, women, nature and freedom. Filmmaker Jonathan Lewis was granted access to regions deep inside China where few, if any, Western journalists have been permitted.

Episode descriptions:

101 "Power and the People"--How do you run China? Do it successfully, and you have a hugely prosperous, innovative and powerful empire to rival any the world has seen. Mess it up, and the chaos is vast and terrible. Today, the Communist Party faces a range of challenges. How is it dealing with corruption and rural unrest as well as the ideological by-products of burgeoning capitalism?

102 "Women of the Country"--"Women hold up half the sky," Mao said. Yet for centuries their feet were bound and their horizons were narrow. Deprived of opportunities, China's women suffered terribly. Today, Chinese women are starting to witness changes. The young in the cities have opportunities unimaginable to their grandmothers, who survived the Great Leap Forward, and their mothers, who denounced parents and teachers in the Cultural Revolution. Yet for millions of women in rural China, change remains painfully slow.

103 "Shifting Nature"--Episode three of CHINA FROM THE INSIDE deals with nature and the environment. The challenges of health, pollution and nutrition are mind-boggling. The Chinese are nearly a quarter of the world's population, yet they only have 7 percent of the world's arable land. Two hundred years before Christ, the Qin emperor built a one thousand-mile-long canal. Now the Chinese have proposed re-routing the Yellow River. At what price can China control nature?

104 "Freedom and Justice"--Can China have freedom without chaos? Capitalism without democracy? Education without independence of mind? What price do people pay for acting and thinking as individuals? China has a history of sometimes brutal repression. Religious belief affords a refuge from official dogma, but some faiths are seen as dangerous. The series closes with an exploration of this interlocking conflict between personal freedom and governance.

2007 festival schedule is live! Tickets on sale now!

2007-01-08T04:22:00.000-08:00

Dear NWAAFF friends,

The 2007 festival schedule is finally online! Go to www.nwaaff.org for complete information about the entire festival line-up. Advance tickets and festival passes now available for purchase as well!

See below for the press release, or just go to www.nwaaff.org for the most up-to-date information. See you at the theater!

Best,

NWAAFF

-----Original Message-----

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NORTHWEST ASIAN AMERICAN FILM FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES PROGRAMMING FOR 2007 FESTIVAL

Seattle, WA -- January 8, 2007 -- Northwest Asian American Film Festival announces its official selections for the 2007 edition of the festival taking place January 25-28, 2007. The largest showcase for Asian American films and videos in Washington, this year's lineup includes eight feature films and over three dozen films from the United States and Canada. Screenings will be at the Theatre Off Jackson in Seattle's International District except for the opening night features which will take place at Northwest Film Forum on Capitol Hill.

The festival will open with two films that were featured at the Sundance Film Festival in 2006 and have since received numerous awards and critical raves: EVE AND THE FIRE HORSE by Vancouver, BC director Julia Kwan, and JOURNEY FROM THE FALL by Vietnamese American filmmaker Ham Tran. These films will be presented in glorious 35mm film at Northwest Film Forum, a first for NWAAFF.

Other features include the family drama RED DOORS (dir. Georgia Lee), the underground film SCUMROCK (dir. Jon Moritsugu), and the Asian American musical COLMA: THE MUSICAL (dir. Richard Wong). Feature documentaries include MIGHTY WARRIORS OF COMEDY (dir. Sung H. Kim), THE CATS OF MIRIKITANI (dir. Linda Hattendorf), and THE SLANTED SCREEN (dir. Jeff Adachi).

Other programming highlights include the following:

A program of short films exclusively showcasing works by Pacific Northwest filmmakers
A program of award-winning short films curated by the Media That Matters Film Festival
A special animation showcase curated by the San Diego Asian Film Festival
A mid-festival party featuring CINEOKE (karaoke set to movies) hosted by Three Dollar Bill Cinema, producers of the Seattle Lesbian & Gay Film Festival

Other special events include a pre-festival kickoff party which will feature a preview of the entire festival program and a closing night party.

SCHEDULE: Complete film listings are available at the festival's online schedule at www.nwaaff.org/schedule.

TICKETING: Advance tickets are now available for purchase online at www.nwaaff.org or by phone at 1-800-838-3006. Ticket prices are $10 for evening programs and $7 for afternoon shows with discounts available for students and seniors. Full festival passes good for all festival screenings and events are also available for purchase.

SPONSORS: Sponsors of NWAAFF 2007 include the Mayor's Office of Arts and Cultural Affairs, Northwest Film Forum, Screaming Flea Productions, Theatre Off Jackson, Arts Engine, San Diego Asian Film Festival, Three Dollar Bill Cinema, Colors NW Magazine, Georgetown Brewing Company, Scarecrow Video, and Theresa Pan Hosley and Associate Travel.

The festival is a co-production of Theatre Off Jackson.

30th AAIFF accepting films now

2007-01-08T03:16:00.000-08:00

In other Asian American film festival news...

---------- Forwarded message ----------

AAIFF now accepting entries
Deadline (postmarked): Feb 9, 2007

Calling all filmmakers of Asian descent! The AAIFF is turning 30! Come celebrate with us July 19-28, 2007 this momentous occasion. We are now accepting film and video works for both features and shorts. Narrative, documentary, new media, animation, experimental, music video -- we consider all. We accept works produced, written and/or directed by media makers of Asian descent from any nationality. Deadline is Feb 9, 2007 (postmarked).

Submit your film online here, http://www.withoutabox.com/login/5751

Or you can also download the entry form here, http://www.asiancinevision.org/pdf/07AAIFF_CFE.pdf

Founded in 1978, the AAIFF is proudly known as the "First Home to Asian American Cinema." It was the nation's first festival dedicated to screening works by media artists of Asian descent and, 30 years later, the festival continues to be a leading showcase for Asian and Asian American film and video. The festival has many showcase categories, including Features, Shorts, Screenplay, Music Video, Works-in-Progress and For Youth By Youth.

For more about the festival and call for entries, go to http://www.asiancinevision.org/festival.html#cfe

See COWBOY VERSUS SAMURAI and support NWAAFF!

2006-10-27T10:18:00.000-07:00

SiS Productions has made a great offer to friends of Northwest Asian American Film Festival -- come see their production of Michael Golamco's play "Cowboy Versus Samurai" and mention NWAAFF when you purchase/reserve your tickets, and SiS will donate part of the sale to NWAAFF! Support two great Asian American arts orgs at the same time!

For more information about the show, visit http://www.sis-productions.org/cowboy.html.

[NWAAFF director's note: Saw the show myself -- definitely worth the ticket price! Go see it!]

Entries, sponsors, other news

2006-10-24T15:09:00.000-07:00

LATEST NEWS

We're busy reviewing entries for this year's festival and will be posting our program lineup in November. Stay tuned!

SPONSORS WANTED!

Help support our mission to bring the best Asian American films to Seattle -- be a festival sponsor! Read our sponsorship information guide (pdf | doc) or email sponsorship@nwaaff.org for more information.

OTHER NEWS

JOB OPENING: MAYOR'S OFFICE OF FILM AND MUSIC

Looking for a job in the city's film department? Check out this job listing:

MAYOR'S OFFICE OF FILM AND MUSIC
RECRUITING For
ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT ASSISTANT

Salary: $17.99/hour - $20.12/hour DOE, plus full benefits

Location: Seattle Municipal Tower

Primary Duties: Provide the full range of administrative support for
the Director of the Mayor's Office of Film and Music.

Complete job listing at http://www.seattle.gov/jobs/view.asp?j=OED-701920

SEE A SHOW: COWBOY VERSUS SAMURAI AND GO EAST, YOUNG HAM!

The SiS Productions run of Michael Golamco's Cowboy Versus Samurai continues at the Richard Hugo House through November 18. Full show details at http://www.sis-productions.org/cowboy.html.

Also, Pork Filled Players opens their new comedy show Go East, Young Ham! on October 27 also at the Richard Hugo House (right after the Cowboy Versus Samurai shows). More information at www.porkfilled.com.

Updates from NWAAFF: Cowboy Versus Samurai, World on a String, and more

2006-10-20T12:08:00.000-07:00

The festival is just over three months away, and we're busy reviewing entries right now! In the meantime, lots of news to pass on including a play opening tonight and an event at Wing Luke Asian Museum tomorrow -- read on for more information.

Also, we're looking for donors/sponsors for the festival. If you're looking for a way to support non-profit arts as the giving season approaches, Northwest Asian American Film Festival is a great way to go! Email sponsorship@nwaaff.org for more information about the benefits of supporting NWAAFF.

Cowboy Versus Samurai By Michael Golamco October 20 - November 18, 2006
Fridays at 8pm
Saturdays at 3pm & 8pm

The creators of the popular series Sex in Seattle present the Northwest premiere of Cowboy Versus Samurai by Michael Golamco. Cowboy Versus Samurai is an exquisitely written, laugh-out-loud, romantic comedy that explores the sexual dynamics that surface around race when an attractive Korean American woman moves to town. A politically edgy exploration of inter-racial dating and identity through irony, humor, and social commentary. A hit around the country, Cowboy Versus Samurai will be published in New Playwrights: Best Plays of 2006. Rated "PG-13" - Contains some mature language. Starring Jose Abaoag, Khanh Doan, Travis Myers, Ray Tagavilla (evening performances), and David Hsieh (matinee performances).

"Cowboy Versus Samurai has a smart script, with lots of laughs and plenty of poignancy. Besides the light romantic comedy, it also delves into questions of identity, prejudice and the complexity of love that will resonate with audiences of all backgrounds." -St. Paul Pioneer Press

"With exquisite moments of truth, hilarity, and despair, the play is a thoughtful, thoroughly compelling piece of theater." - Offoffonline.com (Pick of the Week)

"Golamco's script is a decided success. . . . a gentle, genial, and frequently rather wise comedy of character and race." - Village Voice

". . . this promises to be the kind of topical social commentary with a sharp tang of humor . . ." - City Pages (A-List Pick)

Where?:
Richard Hugo House is located at 1634 11th Avenue on Seattle's Capitol Hill just North of Pine Street on 11th Avenue, in a 2-story Victorian house with a front porch, across from Cal Anderson Park.

Opening Night Gala:
Join the cast for a reception and opening night party after the 8:00pm performance on Friday, October 20! Admission to the gala is free with an opening night ticket to the show.

Provocative Post-Play:
Join us Saturday, October 21 after the 8:00pm performance for a provocative post-play discussion on the dynamics of race when it comes to dating! Ask the questions you've always wanted to ask! Win fabulous prizes! Don't miss out on this lively opportunity to chat with the cast and meet the playwright!

Seattle P-I preview: http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/theater/289325_theater20.html

WORLD ON A STRING yo-yo presentation, part of WIng Luke Asian Museum Family Saturdays

Location: Theatre off Jackson (Wing Luke Asian Museum)
409 7th Avenue South, Seattle, WA View Map When: Saturday, October 21, 10:00am Phone: 206-623-5124

FREE & OPEN TO THE PUBLIC (Donations are accepted)
Sponsored by WING LUKE ASIAN MUSEUM Family Saturdays
Snacks provided at the end of the event
Free yo-yo giveaways!

When you think of yo-yos, you probably think of Duncan. But did you know the first man to start and own a yo-yo factory was a Filipino immigrant named Pedro Flores? He actually had a Seattle branch of Flores Yo-Yo Corporation in 1930!

Come to a kid-friendly event and hear more about his unusual life, his struggles to launch the American version of the toy he played with in the Philippines, and his special connection to Washington state in a multimedia presentation by independent filmmaker Cynthia Liu.

Cynthia is writing, directing, and producing a feature documentary (WORLD ON A STRING) on the lives of Flores and his lifelong friend and fellow Filipino immigrant, Joe Radovan. Flores started the craze, and Radovan sustained a yo-yo business that lasted for 40 years.

Also present: talented yo-yo demonstrators & nationally-ranked champs Nathan Crissey, Jason Mendoza, and Sterling Quinn. Maybe you saw them at the Seattle Center's 2006 Pacific Northwest Yo-Yo Championships back in February. Sterling's only 13 but a rising yo-yo champ! See how yo-yo is played today.

Two SANDRA OH films on iTunes

Check out two short films starring Sandra Oh on iTunes: 8 MINUTES TO LOVE, a locally produced film that screened at NWAAFF 2004, and BARRIER DEVICE by Grace Lee (THE GRACE LEE PROJECT which opened NWAAFF 2006, BEST OF THE WURST from NWAAFF 2004, etc.). Each film is a bargain at just $1.99. If you like the films, be sure to leave comments!

TRIBECA ALL ACCESS CALL FOR ENTRIES

WHAT: Tribeca All Access (TAA) brings underrepresented filmmakers and writers together with film industry insiders during the Tribeca Film Festival. Thirty directors and screenwriters will be selected to participate in one-on-one meetings with key industry players. Filmmakers and screenwriters who identify as African American, Asian American, Latino/a, Pacific Islander or Native American are welcome to submit scripts and documentary proposals for consideration.

WHEN: Apply Now! Deadline is December 15, 2006

HOW: ACV members enjoy Affiliate Discount entry fee of $35. For more information and to apply, please visit http://www.tribecafilminstitute.org/tribeca-all-access-2007-home.html

ISAFF ticket giveaway!

2006-09-29T14:18:00.001-07:00

The Independent South Asian Film Festival (ISAFF) is in full swing this weekend, and our friends at Tasveer have made NWAAFF fans a special offer: Be one of the first five people to email info@tasveer.org with the subject line "NWAAFF," and you can get a free ticket to Saturday night's screening of Tanuj Chopra's PUNCHING AT THE SUN!

The film was an official selection at both the Sundance and Tribeca film festivals, and the San Francisco International Asian American Film Festival gave the film the award for Best Narrative Feature Film. What's more, writer/director Tanuj Chopra will attend the screening and be available for a Q&A afterwards. Don't miss the chance to catch this film and its filmmaker!

Punching at the Sun
Saturday Sept 30th - 7:30pm
Broadway Performance Hall
(Tanuj Chopra, USA, 2006, 83min)

ISAFF website: http://isaff.tasveer.org/schedule_punchingatthesun.php
Official film website: http://www.punchingatthesun.com/

Send those emails to info@tasveer.org right away!

Festivals, screenings, calls for entries, and more...

2006-09-27T12:39:00.000-07:00

NWAAFF 2007 CALL FOR ENTRIES STILL OPEN!

Entries are still being accepted for NWAAFF 2007, but the deadline is this Saturday, September 30! Email us your entry forms and get your films in the mail! Full details at www.nwaaff.org.

================================================================

FESTIVALS FESTIVALS FESTIVALS!

Lots of festivals opening in the next couple months. Here's a quick rundown:

INDEPENDENT SOUTH ASIAN FILM FESTIVAL - STARTS TODAY!

Our friends at Tasveer bring us another year of the Independent South Asian Film Festival starting TODAY at Broadway Performance Hall! Full details at www.tasveer.org.

DC APA FILM FESTIVAL - STARTS TOMORROW!

Tell your friends in DC to check out this great festival. Opening night film is Eric Byler's AMERICANESE based on local author Shawn Wong's novel, and closing night film is Julia Kwan's EVE AND THE FIRE HORSE from Vancouver. Full details at www.apafilm.org.

LOCAL SIGHTINGS - STARTS OCTOBER 6!

Northwest Film Forum's celebration of regional filmmaking. Featuring an archival screening of the locally made indie feature BEACON HILL BOYS (Dean Hayasaka, Ken Mochizuki & William Satake Blauvelt), the new feature THE FRENCH GUY by Vancouver's Ann Marie Fleming (THE MAGICAL LIFE OF LONG TACK SAM), and shorts including AIR by Patti Sakurai (NWAAFF 2006) and AQUARIUM KIDS by festival director Wes Kim. Full details at www.nwfilmforum.org/cinemas/local_sightings.php.

SAN DIEGO ASIAN FILM FESTIVAL - STARTS OCTOBER 12!

The stars come out for this fabulous film festival -- special guests include Justin Lin (BETTER LUCK TOMORROW), Grace Park (BATTLESTAR GALACTICA), Daniel Dae Kim (LOST), and many more! Full details at www.sdaff.org.

SEATTLE LESBIAN AND GAY FILM FESTIVAL - STARTS OCTOBER 13!

Our friends at Three Dollar Bill Cinema pull out all the stops for this year's festival which opens with John Cameron Mitchell's SHORTBUS. Full details at www.seattlequeerfilm.com.

HAWAII INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL - STARTS OCTOBER 19!

There are few better reasons to go to Hawaii than to attend this world-renowned film event. Full details at www.hiff.org.

================================================================

OTHER SCREENINGS AND EVENTS

On October 14, Oscar-winning director Jessica Yu will be in Seattle at the Frye Museum to present her documentary IN THE REALMS OF THE UNREAL in conjunction with the Frye's current exhibit of works by outsider artist Henry Darger. More information at www.fryeart.org.

================================================================

OTHER CALLS FOR ENTRIES

As long as you're already submitting to NWAAFF...

Al Gore's CURRENT TV is looking for films to promote their SEEDS OF TOLERANCE campaign to explore the theme of tolerance including topics such as racism, sexism, homophobia, and issues related to class, disability, age or religion. A cash prize of $100,000 for the top film plus $15,000 to a charity of the filmmaker's choice! Submission deadline is October 2 -- full details at www.current.tv/make/vc2/sot.
The Center for Asian American Media (fka NAATA) is still accepting submissions for the 25th annual San Francisco International Asian American Film Festival. Final deadline is October 6 -- full details at www.asianamericanfilmfestival.org.

================================================================

NWAAFF IS CONSUMED BY GIANT ROBOT!!!
Check out the current issue (#43) of Giant Robot magazine for a sprawling survey of Asian American film festivals including our very own NWAAFF!

================================================================

PLUGS FOR OUR FRIENDS

ReAct Theatre is presenting Jean Davies Okimoto's play UNCLE HIDEKI & THE EMPTY NEST at the Theatre Off Jackson in a production benefiting Northwest Asian American Theatre. Show ends October 8 -- full details at www.reacttheatre.org/box.html#Unclehidekiandtheemptynest.

================================================================

Until next time...

September 2006 update: Call for entries, etc.

2006-09-01T00:01:00.000-07:00

Friends of NWAAFF:

Lots of news to report -- details for all these tantalizing announcements are included below:

CALL FOR ENTRIES OPEN FOR NWAAFF 2007: Calling all filmmakers — the deadline for NWAAFF 2007 entries is approaching! Submit your films and videos ASAP. You can even submit your video via YouTube! Read below for more -- entry forms and complete information at www.nwaaff.org.

JESSICA YU'S "IN THE REALMS OF THE UNREAL": In conjunction with an exhibit of the works of outsider artist Henry Darger, the Frye Museum will be screening the documentary IN THE REALMS OF THE UNREAL by Oscar-winning director Jessica Yu on October 14. Ms. Yu will be attending the screening, so be sure to check it out -- details below.

JOIN THE NWAAFF 2007 CREW: Volunteer staff members wanted to help produce NWAAFF 2007! Email volunteer@nwaaff.org if you'd like to join the crew.

Best,
NWAAFF

NWAAFF 2007 CALL FOR ENTRIES DEADLINE APPROACHING!

Northwest Asian American Film Festival currently seeks entries for our 2007 festival. NOTE: For this year's festival, we are only accepting Asian American short film and videos (60 min. or less) in the following categories:

Films produced by artists working or living in the Northwest (including but not limited to Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, Washington, and British Columbia).
Films intended for children and produced by artists working or living anywhere in North America.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR SUBMISSION:

Complete and send the entry form to NWAAFF 2007:
- By email to info@nwaaff.org.
- By fax to 309-424-9731.
- By mail to Theatre Off Jackson, Attn: NWAAFF 2007, 409 7th Avenue South, Seattle, WA 98104.
Send your film to NWAAFF 2007:
- By mail on 1/2" VHS NTSC or DVD NTSC to Theatre Off Jackson, Attn: NWAAFF 2007, 409 7th Avenue South, Seattle, WA 98104. Please indicate the film's title and contact information on the tape/disc.
- As a URL where your film may be viewed online (e.g. YouTube, Google Video, etc.).

Please do not include additional promotional materials.

EXHIBITION FORMATS: Betacam SP NTSC, DVCAM/MiniDV NTSC, and VHS NTSC.

DEADLINES: Mailed entries must be postmarked and electronic entries must be sent no later than SEPTEMBER 30, 2006. Receipt of entries will be confirmed via email. Final selections will be announced in November 2007.

ENTRY FEE: There is no entry fee for this year's festival.

Entry forms can be downloaded at www.nwaaff.org. Email questions to info@nwaaff.org.

From www.fryeart.org:

Henry Darger:
Highlights from the American Folk Art Museum

August 19 – October 29, 2006

Henry Darger (1892–1973) was a self-taught reclusive artist who created and inhabited an imaginary world through extensive writings, paintings, and drawings. After Darger’s death, his Chicago neighbor and landlord discovered and made public Darger’s previously unknown volume of work.

This solitary artist left behind several diaries and manuscripts including a six-part weather journal, an autobiography in eight volumes, and his 15,000-page illustrated epic, The Story of the Vivian Girls, in What Is Known as the Realms of the Unreal. Accompanied by watercolor paintings and collages, the novel focuses on a band of girls’ heroic efforts to free enslaved children held captive by an army of adults. The novel and its illustrations are whimsical and sinister in their depiction of war and peace and good versus evil.

Drawn from the American Folk Art Museum’s Henry Darger Collection, this traveling exhibition includes twenty paintings, drawings, and tracings by the artist, source materials—including newspaper clippings, magazines, comic books, cartoons, and coloring books—and Darger’s personal documents and other ephemera. One bound volume of the original typewritten manuscript for In the Realms of the Unreal will also be exhibited.

RELATED EVENTS

Film

In The Realms of the Unreal: The Mystery of Henry Darger

Screening with Filmmaker Jessica Yu

Saturday, October 14, 7 pm

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Reminder! Less than 2 weeks left to submit your film to San Diego Asian Film Festival

2006-05-25T15:40:00.000-07:00

[You guessed it -- another call for work.]

---------- Forwarded message ----------

Dear Filmmakers,

It's not too late to enter your film into the festival for consideration... we are accepting film entries through June 7, 2006. That's less than 2 weeks away!!

Our festival this year takes place from Oct. 12-19, 2006. We have grown considerably over the years... Last year, we attracted over 12000 attendees and screened over 120 films last year. Please visit our website for more details. www.SDAFF.org.

So, I encourage you to submit your new film(s) this year. The entry process can be completed online at: http://www.sdaff.org/filmmakers.php. Also, please pass this message to others who might be interested. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me anytime. Thanks again!!

George Lin
Associate Festival Director
San Diego Asian Film Foundation

Asian American Film Lab: Regular Deadline Approaching (June 2)

2006-05-25T14:31:00.000-07:00

[Another call for work...]

---------- Forwarded message ----------

In case you don't already know, the 72 Hour* Film Shootout is happening again... With a vengeance... Oh and with cash money on the line. If you're still just thinking about it, we want you to know that we've been listening and we've worked hard to bring you the kind of competition you've been looking for. So get your crew together and let's make the peoples know exactly what's on our minds, exactly what we want to see in film!

The 3rd Annual 72 Hour* Film Shootout! is a National Competition where teams will have 72 hours to write, edit, shoot, and produce a 6 minute short film. This year's competition is happening June 9-12, 2006!

Le Grand Prize:
A chance to create an MTV World (Desi and Chi) Promo!
Cash money in the form of $1000

Second Prize
$750

Third Prize
$500

Top 3 winners:
1 on 1 pitch sessions with MTV industry executives!

The Top 15 teams will be screened at the Asian American International
Film Festival in New York on July 16th, 2006

Other awards:
Selected Films may be broadcast nationally on the MTV World Channels.
As well as other titillating awards to be announced!

UPCOMING DEADLINES

GENERAL REGISTRATION - $150
POSTMARKED BY: June 2, 2006

LATE REGISTRATION - $200
MUST ARRIVE BY: June 8, 2006

Complete all forms and mail to:

Asian CineVision, Inc.
133 West 19th Street, Suite 300
New York, NY 10011

Make Check Payable to: Asian CineVision, Inc.

*Competition length will vary based on team time zone.

-- Go to the WEBSITE:
www.aafilmlab.com

June 3-4: Slant: Bold Asian American Images in Houston

2006-05-25T10:43:00.000-07:00

6TH ANNUAL SLANT:
Bold Asian American Images
Houston, Texas

Join Melissa Hung, editor in chief of Hyphen magazine at Aurora Picture Show on a journey through the heartfelt and the wild at the sixth annual Slant: Bold Asian American Images. Featuring two days of eclectic programs, Slant presents the best short films and videos from emerging Asian American directors.

More at:
http://www.hyphenmagazine.com/events/slant06.php

5/31: Late deadline for DC APA Film Festival

2006-05-25T10:41:00.000-07:00

[May 31st is the final entry deadline for the DC Asian Pacific American Film Festival.]

THE 7th ANNUAL DC APA FILM FESTIVAL - CALL FOR FILMS

The 7th Annual DC Asian Pacific American Film Festival will host the best of Asian American cinema on September 28-October 7, 2006. Last year, APA Film presented over 80 films, including several outstanding feature films, documentaries, short programs, and music programs. Film programs will be shown across the greater Washington, DC area at venues such as the Smithsonian Institute, AFI Silver, and Landmark Theaters.

We are currently accepting submissions for feature films, documentaries, and short films. Please click here to submit information about your film online or download an application here. Contact Wyman Lee (WymanLee@apafilm.org) if you have any questions or concerns.

More at:
http://www.apafilm.org

REMINDER: Seattle Public Library screening this Saturday, May 27

2006-05-25T10:39:00.001-07:00

“Community Stories Episodes in Celebration of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month”

SEATTLE – The Seattle Channel, Seattle Public Library and the Northwest Asian American Film Festival presents episodes of the Seattle Channel series Community Stories in honor of APA Heritage Month.

All four films, which showcase Seattle’s diverse APA community, are from Seattle Channel's Community Stories series. The films will screen at 3 p.m., Saturday, May 27 at the Seattle Public Library, Central Library, 1000 Fourth Avenue, Seattle, WA 98104-1109.

The featured episodes are as follows:

"Blue Scholars"
Emcee George "Geologic" Quibuyen and DJ Alexei "Sabzi" Saba Mohajerjasbi as the hip hop duo, Blue Scholars, whose body of work is deeply influenced by their heritages and is also about local, national, and global issues.

"Uncle Jimmy"
Ninety-one year old James Mar carries on the tradition of his family’s store in the International District, which has acted as an unofficial social service agency to new Chinese immigrants.

"From Yoomee to Deborah"
Deborah Jean Yoomee Ko Miller Warren's mix of heritages and histories has inspired her to help other international adoptees on their own journeys.

"Aquarium Kids"
The unique personalities and life histories of interns Sam, Shun and Savy illustrate a diversity that enriches the lives of the Seattle Aquarium’s staff and visitors.

More at:
http://www.seattlechannel.org/news/detail.asp?ID=6144&Dept=43

Asian American programming on KCTS this Sunday, May 28

2006-05-25T10:39:00.000-07:00

Some programs on KCTS Channel 9 this Sunday for Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month.

Ki Ho'alu (Loosen the Key): Keola Beamer (Sun 5/28 4:00-5:00 PM )

Ki Ho 'alu (Loosen the Key) features the performances of Keola Beamer. Its multiple awards include; 'Best Documentary' - New York International Film Festival, 'Best Cinematography' - Los Angeles Independent Film Festival, and the 'Gold Remi' Award at the Houston International Film Festival. The film was produced and directed by Kenneth M. Burgmaier. Critics have called this, 'An Uplifting Spiritual Journey' and 'The Best Slack Key Documentary Ever Made.' It includes appearances by Willie Nelson, George Winston, Ozzie Kotani, Ledward Ka 'apana, Willie K, Cindy Combs, Moanalani and Nona Beamer.

The Spirit of Taiko (Sun 5/28 5:00-6:00 PM)

The magic beat of drums has captivated people in every culture throughout time. In Japan , they call it taiko, or 'big drum.' A new genre of taiko drumming took hold in the United States in the 1960s which is now evolving into a dynamic "new" performance art. THE SPIRIT OF TAIKO traces this movement through the eyes of three generations of artists, bringing this bold and dramatic music alive. The documentary includes interviews with Seiichi Tanaka, Kenny Endo, Masato Baba, PJ Hirabayashi, members of Kinnara Taiko, Tiffany Tamaribuchi, Russel Baba and Jeanne Aiko Mercer, Mark Miyoshi and many others.

UPDATE: SIFF starts today!

2006-05-25T10:30:00.000-07:00

[5/12 UPDATE: Added the film Apart from That, another local production that features actors Toan Le and Wanda Chinn-Hanson.
5/25 UPDATE: Added the film Wrestling With Angels: Playwright Tony Kushner by Freida Lee Mock.]

The massive film orgy otherwise known as Seattle International Film Festival is upon us. Here's a selection of picks of particular interest to Asian American cinephiles:

May 26
Boy Culture - New feature from Filipino American filmmaker Q. Allan Brocka (EATING OUT). Based on the novel by Matthew Rettenmund and produced in Seattle. A "Gay"-la presentation with a big party afterwards.
a/k/a Tommy Chong - Documentary about the half-Chinese half of the famous comedy duo Cheech & Chong and his hounding by the federal government.

May 27
Boy Culture - Encore screening.
Asian Pacific American Community Stories - Okay, just kidding -- this isn't a SIFF presentation, but come see it anyways!

May 29
Fly Filmmaking Challenge - SIFF's annual filmmaking shoot-'em-up. Keep an eye out for J. Brad Wilke's entry featuring a bumper crop of local Asian American talent.

May 30
a/k/a Tommy Chong - Encore screening.

May 31
Apart from That - A locally produced ensemble drama featuring Northwest actors Toan Le and Wanda Chinn-Hanson.

June 1
Apart from That - Encore screening.

June 2
3 Needles - Canadian drama with Lucy Liu and Sandra Oh in featured roles.
Bickford Shmeckler’s Cool Ideas - Offbeat comedy with John Cho in a supporting role.

June 3
Bickford Shmeckler's Cool Ideas - Encore screening.
Wresting With Angels: Playwright Tony Kushner - From filmmaker Freida Lee Mock (Maya Lin: A Strong Clear Vision).

June 5
Wresting With Angels: Playwright Tony Kushner - Encore screening.

June 6
3 Needles - Encore screening.

June 10
Eve and the Fire Horse - Acclaimed coming-of-age tale from Canadian filmmaker Julia Kwan. Official selection at Toronto and prize-winner at Sundance and Vancouver. Good buzz.

June 11
Man Push Cart - First feature from Iranian-American director Ramin Bahrani. Big festival buzz -- Venice, London, Sundance, New Directors/New Films.
On a Wire and a Prayer - Dying to make your own wire-fu epic? Then you cannot miss this master class brought to you by instructors from the International Stunt School and the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office.

June 12
Sentenced Home - Heart-wrenching doc about Cambodian Americans forcibly deported to Cambodia thanks to ever-tightening US immigration law. Features Seattle-area subjects; producer Nicole Newnham expected to attend the screening.

June 13
Eve and the Fire Horse - Encore screening.

June 14
Fly Filmmaking Challenge - Encore screening.
Man Push Cart - Encore screening.
Americanese - One of the most eagerly anticipated Asian American feature films of the year. Based on the novel AMERICAN KNEES by UW professor Shawn Wong. Lots of good festival buzz from Sundance, SXSW, and every other Asian American film festival in the country. Director Eric Byler and Wong are expected to attend the screening. (NOTE: I need to confirm if they'll be at the June 14 and/or June 17 screening.)

June 17
Americanese - Encore screening.

June 18
I Wake Up Screening - Laura Kim of Warner Independent and journalist/critic John Anderson (Variety, Newsday, New York Times) come to Seattle to discuss their new book I WAKE UP SCREENING, an indispensable guide for filmmakers trying to navigate the treacherous path from film festivals to theatrical distribution. (NOTE: Just read the book myself -- excellent stuff.)

And I haven't even had a chance to go through the list of 141 short films to tease out the Asian American entries. Feel free to comment here if anything catches your eye.

[Originally posted May 11, 2006.]

6/30: ISAFF Submission Call; Festival Volunteers needed

2006-05-12T00:01:00.000-07:00

[Good heavens, yet another call for entries. This time from right here in Seattle. Film festival staff wanted as well.]

---------- Forwarded message ----------

Seattle's 3rd Independent South Asian Film Festival (ISAFF)

September 27th- October 1st, 2006

Planning is underway for Seattle's 3rd Independent South Asian Film Festival. We are looking for motivated individuals who are committed to the mission of bringing independent South Asian film to the Northwest. As part of the Tasveer volunteer staff, you have the opportunity to become part of a tight-knit community of organizers dedicated to promoting a better understanding of South Asia. We hope that you will join us.

Please forward the Submission Call for ISAFF to your wide networks.

Call For ISAFF 2006 Entries

Seattle's 3rd Independent South Asian film festival (ISAFF) is now accepting entries for films on subjects related to South Asia and/or its Diaspora. Along with the best selected south asian films, the five-day film festival will foster an atmosphere of lively discussions, forums, and other collaborative interactive formats.

Genres: Short; Experimental; Documentary; Narrative Format: 35mm; 16mm; mini DV; DVD Deadline: June 30, 2006 Festival Dates: September 27- Oct 1, 2006 To download our form please visit our website http://www.tasveer.org The mailing address is on the form.

Eligibility
* All works must be related to South Asia and/or its Diaspora.
* All works must be released after January 2004

For general questions regarding ISAFF 2006 contact: info@tasveer.org or call 206-349-4478

Tasveer is a non-profit South Asian film organization based in Seattle, founded in March 2002. We are committed to bringing films from South Asia and its Diaspora to the Pacific Northwest. Our intention is to increase awareness of all South Asian countries and cultures -- Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. We have screened over 100 independent films in the last three years. www.tasveer.org

ISAFF Positions

Send your contact information and availability to info@tasveer.org or call us at 206-779-9561. Monetary and trade compensations may be negotiable for these positions.

Graphic Designers are needed for numerous design tasks for the festival.

Sponsorship Coorodinator will seek sponsorship and support from businesses, organizations, and individuals for financial and in-kind requirements for the festival. With the help from Festival directors, the coordinator will also develop the current sponsorship documents to meet the needs for the new festival year and will work closely with festival sponsors to ensure their needs are taken care of.

Community Outreach Coordinator's responsibilities include ensuring community organizations have information about ISAFF and that they disseminate it throughout their communities.

Coordinator for Youth Forum will design a forum or a workshop that will be tied with the film festival to talk about film, youth, and community involvement. The coordinator will outreach at schools and youth organizations and events to ensure the presence South Asian youth at the festival.

Program Coordinator for Bangladesh will research programming specifically related to Bangladesh. Program Coordinator will find speakers and sponsors for the Bangladeshi program(s). The coordinator will also promote this program.

Program Coordinator for Sri Lanka will research programming specifically related to Sri Lanka. Program Coordinator will find speakers and sponsors for the Sri Lankan program(s). The coordinator will also promote this program.

General Volunteers. If you still like to be involved but these positions, email us and we'll figure out a way for you to be involved.

REEL ASIAN NOW SEEKING SUBMISSIONS

2006-05-11T23:59:00.000-07:00

[Another call for entries, this time from Toronto.]

---------- Forwarded message ----------

PLEASE PRINT AND POST, and DISTRIBUTE WIDELY!

EEL ASIAN NOW SEEKING SUBMISSIONS
to our special 10th-anniversary edition November 15-19, 2006!

Download an entry form and guidelines at www.reelasian.com
Entry fee waived if postmarked before June 1st, 2006

DEADLINE JULY 3, 2006

Heather Keung
Programmer

REEL ASIAN

401 Richmond Street West, Suite 309
Toronto, ON M5V 3A8
T. 416-703-9333 F.416-703-9986
programmer@reelasian.com

www.reelasian.com

Also check out www.rafilms.ca, your source for Asian-Canadian film and video.
The Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival gratefully acknowledges the financial support of the Canada Council, the Ontario Trillium Foundation, Ontario Arts Council, Toronto Arts Council, Telefilm and the Department of Canadian Heritage.

NWAAFF blog

Northwest Asian American Film Festival 2009 Call for Entries!! (Deadline: December 5, 2008)

Akira's Hip Hop Shop Screens Thursday 11/20

This weekend at Seattle theaters...

angry asian man

Justin Lin's FINISHING THE GAME opens tonight in Seattle at the Varsity!

FINAL REMINDER: JOURNEY FROM THE FALL & THE CATS OF MIRIKITANI opening Friday 4/20!

NWAAFF update, April 13, 2007

KOFIC Filmmakers Development Lab

Info on series coming up in January on KCTS

2007 festival schedule is live! Tickets on sale now!

30th AAIFF accepting films now

See COWBOY VERSUS SAMURAI and support NWAAFF!

Entries, sponsors, other news

Updates from NWAAFF: Cowboy Versus Samurai, World on a String, and more

ISAFF ticket giveaway!

Festivals, screenings, calls for entries, and more...

September 2006 update: Call for entries, etc.

Reminder! Less than 2 weeks left to submit your film to San Diego Asian Film Festival

Asian American Film Lab: Regular Deadline Approaching (June 2)

June 3-4: Slant: Bold Asian American Images in Houston

5/31: Late deadline for DC APA Film Festival

THE 7th ANNUAL DC APA FILM FESTIVAL - CALL FOR FILMS

REMINDER: Seattle Public Library screening this Saturday, May 27

Asian American programming on KCTS this Sunday, May 28

UPDATE: SIFF starts today!

6/30: ISAFF Submission Call; Festival Volunteers needed

REEL ASIAN NOW SEEKING SUBMISSIONS

PLEASE PRINT AND POST, and DISTRIBUTE WIDELY!

EEL ASIAN NOW SEEKING SUBMISSIONSto our special 10th-anniversary edition November 15-19, 2006!

DEADLINE JULY 3, 2006

REEL ASIAN

www.reelasian.com

EEL ASIAN NOW SEEKING SUBMISSIONS
to our special 10th-anniversary edition November 15-19, 2006!