2017
BOSTON ASIAN AMERICAN
FILM FESTIVAL OCTOBER 19 – 22 4 DAYS | OVER 25 FILMS MEET FILMMAKERS & ENGAGE IN DISCUSSIONS
PARAMOUNT CENTER | BOSTON, MA
BRATTLE THEATRE | CAMBRIDGE, MA
BAAFF.ORG BAAFF IS A PRODUCTION OF ASIAN AMERICAN RESOURCE WORKSHOP
Tufts Medical Center is proud to support the Boston Asian American Film Festival. Thanks for all you do to showcase the Asian American experience through film.
Located in the heart of Chinatown, Tufts Medical Center has a long history of working closely with and meeting the needs of Chinatown and greater Boston Asian communities.
www.tuftsmedicalcenter.org
www.floatinghospital.org
NARRATIVE FILM DOCUMENTARY FILM SHORTS PROGRAM COMMUNITY PANEL
TABLE OF CONTENTS 01 Welcome 03 Thanks To Our Supporters 06 About BAAFF & Venues 07 Line Up At-A-Glance 09 The Jade Pendant 11 Shorts: Family Matters 13 AKA Seoul 15 Panel: Beyond Orientalism 16 Finding Kukan 17 Shorts: Life & Liberty 19 Resistance at Tule Lake 21 Blasian Narratives 23 Shorts: Chinatown Speaks 25 I Can I Will I Did 27 Gook 28 Acknowledgements
WELCOME Dear Friends,
Welcome to the 9th annual Boston Asian American Film Festival! This year, BAAFF's theme is Liberty & Justice, which presents a showcase of inspiring stories about the challenges and victories of self-empowerment and civic responsibility as individuals and community leaders; especially relevant in our changing world—locally, nationally, and globally. The anchor films for the festival commemorates the 135th anniversary of the passing of The Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882—THE JADE PENDANT; 75th anniversary of the signing of Executive Order 9066, that led to the mass incarceration of Americans of Japanese descent in 1942—RESISTANCE AT TULE LAKE; and the 25th anniversary of the L.A. Uprising following the Rodney King verdict in 1992—GOOK. BAAFF's vision is to reflect, learn from, and move towards a more free and just society for all individuals, regardless of race, background, citizenship status, gender, class, and/or other intersecting identities. Together as a community, we are calling to protect and preserve liberty and justice for all. We thank our wonderful sponsors, supporters, filmmakers and guests in making this year possible. Also, a special shout out to all of our volunteer staff who dedicate their time and effort throughout the year to help build this amazing event that honors and promotes the diversity of our community!
Susan Chinsen Festival Director
Connie Y. Chan Associate Festival Director
- 1 B o s t o n A s i a n A m e r i c a n F i l m F e s t i v a l 2 0 1 7 | B A A F F. O R G
S outh C ove Community Health Center The Premier Asian Community Health Center of Massachusetts 麻州首屈一指亞裔社區醫療中心
Malden 摩頓
Quincy 昆士
Boston 波士頓
Proud Sponsor of the 9th Boston Asian American Film Festival Washington St. Clinic 華盛頓街診所 885 Washington St. 617-482-7555
成人科、小兒科、足科及社會服務部 Adult Medicine, Pediatrics, Podiatry and Social Services
South St. Clinic 南街診所 145 South St. 617-521-6730
婦科、牙科、 眼科、X 光乳房攝影篩檢、骨質篩檢、家庭計劃、心理 科、營養科/奶卷、幼兒培育組 及課餘活動中心 OB/GYN, Dentistry, Optometry, Mammography, Bone Density, Family Planning, Behavioral Health, WIC, Early Intervention and BASE
Hancock St. Clinic 漢考克街診所 435 Hancock St. 617-318-3300
成人科、340B 藥房及社會服務部 Adult Medicine, 340B Pharmacy and SOCIAL SERVICES
Holmes St. Clinic 霍姆斯街診所 88 Holmes St. 617-318-3200
婦科、小兒科、牙科、眼科、心理科、家庭計劃 及社會服務部 OB/GYN, Pediatrics, Dentistry, Optometry, Behavioral Health, Family Planning and Social Services
Commercial St. Clinic 商業街診所 277 Commercial St.
OPENING FEBRUARY 2018! 成人科、婦科 、小兒科、眼科及社會服務部 Adult Medicine, OB/GYN, Pediatrics, Optometry, and Social Services
我們要來摩頓了！華人醫務中心摩頓診所將於 2018 年 2 月開放，為大摩頓社區服務！ WE ARE COMING TO MALDEN!! SOUTH COVE MALDEN CLINIC TO OPEN FEBRUARY 2018 TO SERVE THE GREATER MALDEN COMMUNITY! 華人醫務中心悉心協助有需要人士申請醫療福利及聯邦 (可負擔健保法案) 或麻州全民保險計劃。 WE PROVIDE ASSISTANCE WITH MASSHEALTH, AFFORDABLE CARE ACT PLAN & HEALTH SAFETY NET APPLICATIONS. HTTP:WWW.SCCHC.ORG
THANKS TO OUR SUPPORTERS
CITY OF BOSTON • MASSACHUSETTS OFFICE OF THE MAYOR MARTIN J. WALSH
October 2017
Dear Friends, On behalf of the City of Boston, I am honored to welcome back the Boston Asian American Film Festival. This exciting yearly gathering adds distinct cultural value to our community. Film-making has always been at the forefront of arts appreciation in Boston. We have demonstrated this by our numerous cinematic outlets, theatre district,' and university programming. Bostonians take pride in their city's world-famous architecture, historic neighborhoods and rich diversity, which have all been featured in films ranging from independent screenings to Hollywood blockbusters. Boston is fortunate to have rich, cultural diversity across all of our neighborhoods and communities. It is a major point of pride for our city. Our Asian American community has long been at the forefront of celebrating culture, tradition, and identity. As a City, we will continue to promote and advance our diversity in any way we can. It is part of our collective strength of character, and it helps showcase Boston to the entire world. Best wishes for a rewarding and memorable festival. Sincerely,
�l,,_':)·--· -
Martin J. Walsh Mayor of Boston
@
BOSTON CITY HALL• ONE CITY HALL SQUARE• BOSTON• MASSACHUSETTS• 02201 617-635-4500 • www.boston.gov PIUNTED ON RECYCLED PAPER
- 3 B o s t o n A s i a n A m e r i c a n F i l m F e s t i v a l 2 0 1 7 | B A A F F. O R G
THANKS TO OUR SUPPORTERS
FESTIVAL SPONSORS
MEDIA PARTNER
COMMUNITY PARTNERS
BAAFF IS A PRODUCTION OF ASIAN AMERICAN RESOURCE WORKSHOP This program is supported in part by a grant from the Boston Cultural Council, a local agency which is funded by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, administrated by the Mayor's Office of Arts + Culture.
- 4 B o s t o n A s i a n A m e r i c a n F i l m F e s t i v a l 2 0 1 7 | B A A F F. O R G
THANKS TO OUR SUPPORTERS
- 5 B o s t o n A s i a n A m e r i c a n F i l m F e s t i v a l 2 0 1 7 | B A A F F. O R G
ABOUT BAAFF & VENUES
ABOUT BAAFF (BAAFF.ORG) Boston Asian American Film Festival (BAAFF) empowers Asian Americans through film by showcasing Asian American experiences and serving as a resource to filmmakers and the Greater Boston Community. BAAFF is a production of the Asian American Resource Workshop. The BAAFF committee plans and supports an annual festival, the spring Short Waves program and other year-round activities related to media. To get involved as volunteers, sponsors, donors, and/or supporters, please contact us. CONTACT US
Email us: baaff@aarw.org
Follow us: twitter.com/bostonaafilm
Like us: facebook.com/baaff
Youtube: BostonAAFF
VENUES
BRATTLE THEATRE 40 Brattle Street, Cambridge
PARAMOUNT CENTER 559 Washington Street, Boston
Take the MBTA Red Line to Harvard Square. Use the Brattle Street exit through the bus way. When you reach the top of the stairs, you will see Brattle Street ahead to the right.
Take the MBTA Red Line to Downtown Crossing, Orange Line to Chinatown, Green Line to Boylston, or Silver Line to Boylston. Paramount Center is near The Opera House.
- 6 B o s t o n A s i a n A m e r i c a n F i l m F e s t i v a l 2 0 1 7 | B A A F F. O R G
LINE UP AT-A-GLANCE
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 19
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 21
7:30PM THE JADE PENDANT [Opening Night Film] WORLD PREMIERE @ Brattle Theater / Q&A with author/producer L.P. Leung & actor Brian Yang
6:30PM RESISTANCE AT TULE LAKE [Centerpiece Film] NEW ENGLAND PREMIERE @ Paramount Center / Q&A with director Konrad Aderer
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 20 7:00PM FAMILY MATTERS SHORTS @ Paramount Center / According to My Mother / Distance / Sameer and the Giant Samosa / It Is What It Is / I'm Here Too / For the Love of Mangos / NGUYENing - The Lee Nguyen Story Q&A with various filmmakers 9:30PM AKA SEOUL EAST COAST PREMIERE @ Paramount Center SATURDAY, OCTOBER 21 10:00AM BEYOND ORIENTALISM @ Paramount Free Community Event / Moderated Panel / Performance by Flying Orb
9:00PM BLASIAN NARRATIVES NEW ENGLAND PREMIERE @ Paramount Center / Q&A with cast members Marlon Booker & Alani Fujii SUNDAY, OCTOBER 22 12:30PM CHINATOWN SPEAKS SHORTS CSTO Teen Shorts and Boston Chinatown Atlas Shorts @ Paramount Center / Q&A with various filmmakers 2:30PM I CAN I WILL I DID NEW ENGLAND PREMIERE @ Paramount Center / Q&A with director Nadine Truong, producer Brian Yang & actress Ellie Lee
1:00PM FINDING KUKAN @ Paramount Center / Q&A with director Robin Lung 3:15PM LIFE & LIBERTY: RESILIENCE & RIGHTEOUSNESS SHORTS @ Paramount Center / Dancing Through Life - The Dorothy Toy Story / The FBI Blew Up My Ice Skates / The Second Province / Other / Welcome to the World / The Orange Story / Q&A with various filmmakers
5:30PM GOOK [Closing Night Film] @ Paramount Center / Q&A with producer Alex Chi
Special guest appearances and more info will be announced on the website. All events are subject to change without notice. - 7 B o s t o n A s i a n A m e r i c a n F i l m F e s t i v a l 2 0 1 7 | B A A F F. O R G
NARRATIVE FILM
OPENING NIGHT FILM WORLD PREMIERE
THE JADE PENDANT
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 19, 7:30PM Brattle Theatre, 40 Brattle St., Cambridge, MA (Harvard Square) DIRECTED BY PO-CHIH LEUNG | 106 MINS | DRAMA Fleeing an arranged marriage in China, the independent Peony (Clara) signs a contract to work as a "flower girl" in America, where she meets Tom (Godfrey Gao), an American Born Chinese cook whose father works on the Transcontinental Railroad. Thwarted by a Hong Kong Triad boss (Tzi Ma) seeking to extend his power into America, theirs is the tale of the first great Chinese immigration to the United States—a story of romance, bigotry, passion, food and a search for everlasting love —set against the largest mass lynching in American history, in Los Angeles' Chinatown, in 1871. Starring: Godfrey Gao, Clara Lee, Russell Wong, Tsai Chin, Brian Yang, Nina Wu, Chen Tang, Jamie Harris, with Mark Boone Junior and Tzi Ma Screenplay by David Assael and Scott Rosenfelt Based on the novel by L.P. Leung SCREENING FOLLOWED BY: Q&A WITH AUTHOR/PRODUCER L.P. LEUNG & ACTOR BRIAN YANG
CO-PRESENTED BY:
- 9 B o s t o n A s i a n A m e r i c a n F i l m F e s t i v a l 2 0 1 7 | B A A F F. O R G
SHORTS PROGRAM
DOCUMENTARY
FAMILY MATTERS
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 20 7:00PM Paramount Center, 559 Washington St., Downtown Boston Family Matters. And matters of the family are often the most complicated. These short films invite us to look to our past to help paint our future. They examine the ups and downs and trials and tribulations of being authentic to traditional roots while navigating modern day love and relationships. Photographs and memories illuminate our stories. The unexpected turns in our stories define our journey, our awakening and our impact.
ACCORDING TO MY MOTHER | DIRECTED BY CATHY YAN | 18 MINS After the death of his beloved aunt, Daniel, a gay, struggling actor, visits Esther, his devout Christian, Korean mother. Despite their differences, they try to heal together. But old habits die hard. DISTANCE | DIRECTED BY CRAIG NISPEROS | 12 MINS A modern day immigration story that focuses on a man's struggle with being away from his family, his home. Q&A WITH DIRECTOR CRAIG NISPEROS SAMEER AND THE GIANT SAMOSA | DIRECTED BY FAROUKH VIRANI | 5 MINS A dark comedy about a newlywed Indian couple and their diverging views on marriage and tradition. A surreal turn of events reveals the groom's true, hidden appetites. IT IS WHAT IT IS | DIRECTED BY CYRUS YOSHI TABAR | 2 MINS Filmmaker Cyrus Yoshi Tabar, a first-generation Iranian-Japanese-American, has a photo of his grandparents holding him as an infant. Seeking to understand the fracture in his family, Cyrus embarks on a journey into the dark and nebulous corners of family history.
I'M HERE TOO | DIRECTED BY EUNSOO JEONG | 5 MINS Short stop-motion animation reflecting personal story of growing up with an abusive household where mental condition was remained as secret. FOR THE LOVE OF MANGOS | DIRECTED BY KAYLA WONG | 14 MINS Know-it-all Rita tries to chip at her Indian immigrant father's traditionalism by setting him up with her feminist-studies professor. Her plan backfires when he arranges a date of her own with a childhood friend. Q&A WITH DIRECTOR KAYLA WONG & WRITER/PRODUCER SHEFALI LOHIA NGUYENING - THE LEE NGUYEN STORY | DIRECTED BY ALFONSO BUI | 22 MINS A teenage soccer phenom skyrockets to stardom like no one before him, becoming the first ethnic Vietnamese player to represent the United States. Then, in an unprecedented move, he leaves for Asia, his star fading into obscurity. Q&A WITH DIRECTOR ALFONSO BUI & LEE NGUYEN CO-PRESENTED BY:
QAPA Queer Asian Pacific-Islander Alliance
- 11 B o s t o n A s i a n A m e r i c a n F i l m F e s t i v a l 2 0 1 7 | B A A F F. O R G
DOCUMENTARY FILM
DOCUMENTARY
EAST COAST PREMIERE
AKA SEOUL
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 20, 9:3OPM Paramount Center, 559 Washington St., Downtown Boston DIRECTED BY JON MAXWELL | 70 MINS | DOCUMENTARY AKA SEOUL is a follow up to the documentary series AKA DAN, which chronicled the 2013 journey of alternative rapper and Korean adoptee Dan Matthews as he reconnected with his biological family, including a twin brother he never knew about. Three years later, audiences will follow Matthews and four other Korean adoptees from diverse backgrounds as they visit Korea during the summer of 2016 and shed light on other aspects of the adoptee identity. DIRECTOR'S BIO | Filmmaker Jon Maxwell is a Korean adoptee who grew up in upstate New York and Maine, typically directs music videos for acts like the Fung Brothers. One day, he followed hip-hop artist Dan Matthews, Dan AKA Dan, on a trip to Korea during which Matthews reunited with his biological parents, including a twin brother he didn't know he had, which sparked inspiration for AKA SEOUL to follow others who may have similar stories. SCREENING FOLLOWED BY: Q&A WITH DIRECTOR JON MAXWELL CO-PRESENTED BY:
QAPA Queer Asian Pacific-Islander Alliance
- 13 B o s t o n A s i a n A m e r i c a n F i l m F e s t i v a l 2 0 1 7 | B A A F F. O R G
COMMUNITY PANEL
FREE COMMUNITY PANEL
BEYOND ORIENTALISM: THE BOSTON FORUM
PRESENTED BY:
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 21, 10:00AM Paramount Center, 559 Washington St., Downtown Boston
10AM Breakfast & Networking 10:30AM Program featuring Introduction, Flying Orb Performance, Moderated Panel, Audience Q&A Beyond Orientalism: The Forum is a national initiative designed to explore the topics of misrepresentation onstage and in the media, diversity and inclusivity in the performing arts as it relates specifically to API (Asian Pacific Islander) issues, and practical action steps to advance racial equity. This event will be a launch for the first network of API artists and arts organizations in the Greater Boston area and will feature a performance by Flying Orb Productions from Lowell and guest speakers. The event will be livestreamed on the HowlRound TV network at howlround.tv.
CO-PRESENTED BY:
- 15 B o s t o n A s i a n A m e r i c a n F i l m F e s t i v a l 2 0 1 7 | B A A F F. O R G
DOCUMENTARY FILM
FINDING KUKAN
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 21, 1:00PM Paramount Center, 559 Washington St., Downtown Boston DIRECTED BY ROBIN LUNG | 76 MINS | DOCUMENTARY Filmmaker Robin Lung investigates the case of Li Ling-Ai, the uncredited female producer of KUKAN, a landmark color film that revealed the atrocities of World War II China to American audiences. KUKAN has the rare honor of being the first ever American feature documentary to receive an Academy Award in 1942. DIRECTOR'S BIO | Producer/Director Robin Lung has a 15-year history of bringing untold stories to film. She made her directorial debut with Washington Place: Hawai'i's First Home, a 30-minute documentary for PBS Hawai'i about Hawai'i's last queen, Liliuokalani (aired 2008). She was the associate producer for the national PBS documentary Patsy Mink: Ahead of the Majority; unit producer for acclaimed documentary Vivan Las Antipodas by Victor Kossakovsky; unit producer for NOVA's Killer Typhoon; and producer/director of numerous short documentaries for the Historic Hawai'i Foundation. SCREENING FOLLOWED BY: Q&A WITH DIRECTOR ROBIN LUNG CO-PRESENTED BY:
- 16 B o s t o n A s i a n A m e r i c a n F i l m F e s t i v a l 2 0 1 7 | B A A F F. O R G
SHORTS PROGRAM
DOCUMENTARY
LIFE & LIBERTY: RESILIENCE & RIGHTEOUSNESS SATURDAY, OCTOBER 21, 3:15PM
Paramount Center, 559 Washington St., Downtown Boston Rising above expectations. Hurdling over stereotypes. Breaking through bamboo ceilings. Life & Liberty: Resilience & Righteousness is an inspirational collection of shorts honoring triumphs over social injustice—racism, xenophobia, misnomers and judgement. Following one's dreams against life challenges.
DANCING THROUGH LIFE - THE DOROTHY TOY STORY | DIRECTED BY RICK QUAN | 26 MINS Swinging and twirling Dorothy Toy Fong the legendary tap dancer is still exciting at 99 years old. Award-winning reporter Rick Quan traces Fong's journey as a famous duo with Paul Wing and exciting run with her Oriental Showgirl group. Fong's wondrous spirit dances off the screen and into your heart. They were also the first Asian Americans to dance at the London Palladium. THE FBI BLEW UP MY ICE SKATES | DIRECTED BY SARAH ZIA EBRAHIMI AND LINDSEY MARTIN | 12 MINS Based on a true story, the film tells a story from the Iran Hostage Crisis in 1980 from the perspective of Haleh, an eight year old who just wants to enjoy her ice skates. The film raises questions about the human cost of surveillance and the criminalization of immigrant communities, linking past policy decisions with current national discussions around security and xenophobia. Q&A WITH DIRECTOR SARAH ZIA EBRAHAMI
OTHER | DIRECTED BY PETER TRINH | 13 MINS It has always been a challenge for Asians and Asian-Americans to be at the forefront of race and social issues. Whether it's the model minority myth, perpetual foreigner stereotype, or the lack of presence in media and politics, Asians have been made to feel othered. Q&A WITH DIRECTOR PETER TRINH WELCOME TO THE WORLD | DIRECTED BY ALBERT CHAN | 7 MINS Short stop-motion animation reflecting personal story of growing up with abusive household where mental condition was remained as secret. Q&A WITH DIRECTOR ALBERT CHAN THE ORANGE STORY | DIRECTED BY ERIKA STREET | 14 MINS Koji Oshima is the proud owner of a small corner grocery store, but he must now abandon everything and report to an assembly center. His belongings, his business — everything must be sold or left behind, except what he can carry in one large duffel bag. CO-PRESENTED BY:
THE SECOND PROVINCE | DIRECTED BY ZORINAH JUAN | 19 MINS Two estranged FilipinoAmerican siblings are forced to reunite when their offbeat mother elects death with dignity. Q&A WITH DIRECTOR ZORINAH JUAN - 17 B o s t o n A s i a n A m e r i c a n F i l m F e s t i v a l 2 0 1 7 | B A A F F. O R G
BY
DIRECTED BY
BENNY SATO AMBUSH
THE TRUE STORY OF DEFIANCE & PATRIOTISM
PORTRAIT BY DOLPH ZUBICK
HOLD THESE TRUTHS JEANNE SAKATA
FEATURING
MICHAEL HISAMOTO AS GORDON HIRABAYASHI
Save S20 with code BAAFF
DOCUMENTARY FILM
DOCUMENTARY
CENTERPIECE FILM NEW ENGLAND PREMIERE
PRESENTED BY:
RESISTANCE AT TULE LAKE
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 21, 6:30PM Paramount Center, 559 Washington St., Downtown Boston DIRECTED BY KONRAD ADERER | 80 MINS | DOCUMENTARY Resistance At Tule Lake tells the long-suppressed story of 12,000 Japanese Americans who dared to resist the U.S. government's program of mass incarceration during World War II. Branded as 'disloyals' and re-imprisoned at Tule Lake Segregation Center, they continued to protest in the face of militarized violence, and thousands renounced their U.S. citizenship. Giving voice to experiences that have been marginalized for over 70 years, this documentary challenges the nationalist, one-sided ideal of wartime loyalty. DIRECTOR'S BIO | Konrad Aderer (Director/Producer) is a Japanese American filmmaker whose documentaries have focused on immigrants affected by detention and deportation. His feature documentary Enemy Alien received a Courage in Media Award from CAIR and Pacific Asian Community Alliance Courage Award. His short Rising Up: The Alams screened internationally and in the U.S. at venues including BAM and MoMA's Documentary Fortnight. Under his nonprofit multimedia project Life or Liberty (lifeorliberty.org), founded in 2002, his work has been supported by Center for Asian American Media, Open Society Institute, and NYSCA grants. SCREENING FOLLOWED BY:
CO-PRESENTED BY:
Q&A WITH DIRECTOR/PRODUCER KONRAD ADERER
- 19 B o s t o n A s i a n A m e r i c a n F i l m F e s t i v a l 2 0 1 7 | B A A F F. O R G
D O C U M E N T A R Y F I L M / L I V E P E R F DOCUMENTARY ORMANCE
NEW ENGLAND PREMIERE
BLASIAN NARRATIVES
AFTER-PARTY | 11PM
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 21, 9:00PM
+ ONLY $10 COVER CHARGE 21 EVENT
Paramount Center, 559 Washington St., Downtown Boston
204 TREMONT ST, BOSTON, MA 02116
DIRECTED BY JIVAN ATMAN | 82 MINS | DOCUMENTARY/LIVE PERFORMANCE Blasian Narratives is a multi-media "docu-theatre" project that intimately explores the intersection and identities of mixed race Black & Asian individuals through live performances and film. DIRECTOR'S BIO | Jivan Atman is an emerging media-maker and performative director. Jivan strives for innovative new ways of mixing media that accompany transformative experiences. His focus is in emotional literacy and restorative justice through media and live performances as channels. His works prioritize elevating consciousness through introspecting identity, race, gender, class, sexuality and spirituality. He has studied at Smith College, San Francisco Art Institute, Stanford University, and is a graduate of Morehouse College. SCREENING PRECEDED BY BAAFF'S SHORT WAVES WINNER'S SHORT FILM: LAW & ORDER: WHITE FRAGILITY UNIT | 14 MINS DIRECTED BY NICOLE TAY With racism at an all time high in the US, members of an elite squad known as the White Fragility Special Victims Unit set out to help people of color in the fight against social injustice. SCREENING FOLLOWED BY: Q&A WITH CAST MEMBERS MARLON BOOKER & ALANI FUJII CO-PRESENTED BY:
.
- 21 B o s t o n A s i a n A m e r i c a n F i l m F e s t i v a l 2 0 1 7 | B A A F F. O R G
Seeking to document, promote and preserve the history of Chinese in New England. For more information or to become a member: info@chsne.org | chsne.org
SHORTS PROGRAM
DOCUMENTARY
CHINATOWN SPEAKS: BOSTON CHINATOWN HERITAGE PROJECT SUNDAY, OCTOBER 22, 1:00PM
Paramount Center, 559 Washington St., Downtown Boston
CSTO TEEN SHORTS
CHINATOWN ATLAS SHORTS
In the summer of 2017, CHSNE and CSTO joined forces to preserve the changing landscape of Chinatown. Working with local filmmakers, historians and mentors, Teen Interns from CSTO's Teen Program created six short films that tell the story of the people, places, and moments that have made Chinatown the thriving community center that it is.
The Boston Chinatown Atlas is a collaborative project led by MIT Professor Emeritus Tunney Lee with the input of many community members, organizations, and individuals. The project documents and explores Chinatown's growth and change through time as told by personal stories, photos, maps, and interactive features. These short videos by filmmaker Kenneth Eng further illustrate Chinatown's eras, and provide another way for the public to access its unique history.
OLD QUINCY SCHOOL | DIRECTED BY KELLY CHEN, JORDAN WONG, WENDY ZHU, KELLY FONG ART IN THE EYE OF THE COMMUNITY | DIRECTED BY WENDY HAN, MEI JUAN RUAN, JAILENE GUZMAN LIBRARY | DIRECTED BY BY YUQING LIN, FAVIAN LIU, JIAN HAN WANG RECREATION | DIRECTED BY BY RICHARD ZHAO, ARMANI FAUSTIN, JASON LIU RESTAURANTS | DIRECTED BY BY GRACE TSOI, ALEX CHEUNG, SUSAN HAN SENIOR CARE | DIRECTED BY ELIZABETH FIGUEROA, CHRISTINA ZHENG, ERIC CHAN SCREENING FOLLOWED BY: Q&A WITH FILMMAKER KENNETH ENG, AMANDA HUANG & CSTO TEEN REPRESENTATIVES
ALL CHINATOWN ATLAS SHORTS BY FILMMAKER KENNETH ENG 1870 - BEGINNING OF EXCLUSION ERA SHOE FACTORY EXCLUSION ERA - BACHELOR SOCIETY LAUNDRIES - RESTAURANTS 1903 RAIDS - TONGS EMERGENCE OF FAMILIES - EDUCATION WW2 - END OF EXCLUSION - TO THE FUTURE
CO-PRESENTED BY:
- 23 B o s t o n A s i a n A m e r i c a n F i l m F e s t i v a l 2 0 1 7 | B A A F F. O R G
New England Chapter Japanese American Citizens League proudly supports the 2017 Boston Asian American Film Festival Visit our website: www.nejacl.org P.O. Box 592 | Lincoln, MA 01773
�\"1Cr
0,__
SJ,�!:! I
.5Z ti �il � 1' .�
wor�lnt3 tot3itv\ir With to bvUd ()., stront3ir ASl().,n Amirlt().,n commvnlt11
For more information visit ow-website or email events@quincyasianresow-ces.org
NARRATIVE FILM
DOCUMENTARY
NEW ENGLAND PREMIERE
I CAN I WILL I DID
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2:30PM Paramount Center, 559 Washington St., Downtown Boston DIRECTED BY NADINE TRUONG | 110 MINS | DRAMA Depressed foster youth Ben is bullied and as a result gets into a car accident. His recovery process is slow, until he meets Adrienne, a wheelchair bound fellow patient at the hospital, who breathes hope into his life and introduces to him her grandfather, Taekwondo Grand Master Kang. Kang not only teaches him how to walk and get back up on his feet, but also how to take charge of his own life and ultimately face his inner demons. DIRECTOR'S BIO | Nadine Truong is a German-born Vietnamese filmmaker, director, writer and photographer. She received her MFA in Directing from the American Film Institute Conservatory. Her directorial short film credits include CHOPSTICKS, IN THE DARK and INITIATION. In 2006, she became a proud fellow with Los Angeles Asian American Pacific Film Festival's "Armed With A Camera Fellowship", which funded her short film THE MUSE. Additionally, she received the San Diego International Asian Film Festival's prestigious George C. Lin Emerging Filmmaker Award in 2010. Nadine premiered her first feature film called SOMEONE I USED TO KNOW (written by West Liang) in 2013, which screend at BAAFF. This film, I CAN I WILL I DID, starring Tony Award nominee Mike Faist as the main protagonist, marks the first time she is in both the writer and director seat for a feature length film. SCREENING FOLLOWED BY: Q&A WITH DIRECTOR NADINE TRUONG, PRODUCER BRIAN YANG & ACTRESS ELLIE LEE
CO-PRESENTED BY:
.
- 25 B o s t o n A s i a n A m e r i c a n F i l m F e s t i v a l 2 0 1 7 | B A A F F. O R G
USE CODE :
BAAFF17
TO ACCE TICKETS B SS EFOR PUBLIC* E
BANGSOKOL:
A REQUIEM FOR CAMBODIA RITHY PANH AND HIM SOPHY DEC 1 - 3 BAAFF Film Series Details coming soon
DEC 19 - 20
EMERSON PARAMOUNT CENTER ROBERT J. ORCHARD STAGE
ARTSEMERSON.ORG / PRESALE
Funded in part by the Theodore Edson Parker Foundation. * Pre-sale access expires at 11:59pm on Saturday 11/4/17 and subject to ticket availability.
NARRATIVE FILM
DOCUMENTARY
CLOSING NIGHT FILM
GOOK
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 22, 5:30PM Paramount Center, 559 Washington St., Downtown Boston DIRECTED BY JUSTIN CHON | 2017 | 93 MINS | DRAMA Eli and Daniel are two Korean American brothers who own a struggling shoe store and have n unique and unlikely friendship with an 11-year-old African American girl, Kamilla. The film is set during the first day of the 1992 LA riots forcing them to defend their store while contemplating the future of their own personal dreams and the meaning of family. DIRECTOR'S BIO | Justin Chon, a Korean American born in Orange County, California, has worked as an actor for over 15 years (TWILIGHT SEQUEL NEW MOON, 21 & OVER, JUST JORDAN, JACK & BOBBY, TAKI & LUCI, REVENGE OF THE GREEN DRAGONS, SEOUL SEARCHING). In 2015, he co-wrote his first feature film, MAN UP with Kevin Wu also known as youtube sensation, KevJumba, later distributed by Lakeshore Entertainment. In 2017, director Justin Chon wrote, directed, produced and starred in his film GOOK, which premiered at the 2017 Sundance Film Festival, where it won the NEXT Audience Award and was picked up by Samuel Goldwyn Distribution. SCREENING FOLLOWED BY:
CO-PRESENTED BY:
Q&A WITH PRODUCER ALEX CHI
. Northeastern University Asian American Center - 27 B o s t o n A s i a n A m e r i c a n F i l m F e s t i v a l 2 0 1 7 | B A A F F. O R G
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
BAAFF STAFF BIG THANKS TO ALL OF OUR VOLUNTEERS. BAAFF is primarily a volunteer-run program, that depends on its dedicated committee members. Festival Director - Susan Chinsen Associate Festival Director - Connie Chan Festival Manager - Ellen Kaye Director of Production - Alan Kwan Programming Manager - Tiffany Lam Programming (Shorts) Manager - Anna Zeng Talent Relations Manager - Alan Wong Social Media Manager - Eugenia Beh Website Manager - Sarah O'Neill Government Outreach Coordinator - Jeff Lee Student Outreach Coordinator - Melody Takeuchi Volunteer & Media Coordinator - Minh Nguyen Graphic Designer - Connie Chan Production Assistant - Kenny Leibe Abe Holland Adam Wong Ahmad Raza Alina Ishizaki Ally Yee Angela Han Annie Tuan Annie Zhang Benny Kim Christine Nguyen Clara Yoon Elaine Chan Dorothy Tang Irene Kanthan Jess Camhi Jonathan Ly Jong Wai Tommee
Justina Tran Karen Yu Li Fan Lindsey Lo Madeline Le Matt Viscuse Michelle Zeng Nikita Sampath Nancy Wong Xiaojing (Nita) Wang Polly Yang Phuong Luong Sophia Mei Stephanie Nguyen Taylor Thompson Yolanda Zhang Yvonne Ng
ASIAN AMERICAN RESOURCE WORKSHOP Asian American Resource Workshop (AARW), founded in 1979 as one of the Boston area's first pan-Asian organizations, is an intergenerational social justice nonprofit that promotes Asian-American identity while addressing contemporary issues affecting our communities. AARW is a member-based organization that uses arts, education, and activism to build the skills and political analysis of our pan-Asian membership. BAAFF is a production of AARW. FOR MORE INFO: AARW.ORG
AARW STAFF Executive Director - Carolyn Chou Administrative Manager - Janet Gee Organizing Director - Kevin Lam Education & Outreach Coordinator Janhavi Madabushi AARW BOARD OF DIRECTORS President - Nam Le Treasurer - Aaron Tanaka Secretary - Lorrayne Shen Laura Knuttunen Brandon Lee Celina Lee Richie Leng Laurence Louie Kimberly Situ
Tara Venkatraman Angelo Vo Ngoc-Tran Vu Shiliu Wang Wayne Yeh
TELL US HOW WE ARE DOING BAAFF.ORG/SURVEY
- 28 B o s t o n A s i a n A m e r i c a n F i l m F e s t i v a l 2 0 1 7 | B A A F F. O R G
2018
BOSTON ASIAN AMERICAN
FILM FESTIVAL See you next year at our 10th anniversary film festival!
Social Justice with A Pan-Asian Lens • Dorchester Organizing & Training Initiative • Sticky Rice Project • Activist Training Institute • AARW Writers’ Group • AARW Caring for Our Parents & Grandparents Series • Boston Asian American Film Festival • Lotux 42 Charles St., Suite D, Dorchester, MA 02122-1441 (617) 942-8178 || info@aarw.org || www.aarw.org
2017
BOSTON ASIAN AMERICAN
FILM FESTIVAL
OCTOBER 19 – 22
BRATTLE THEATRE & PARAMOUNT CENTER
4 DAYS | OVER 25 FILMS SPECIAL GUESTS, FILMMAKERS & ACTORS!
FOR TICKETS AND MORE INFO:
BAAFF.ORG
SHORTS PROGRAM
FAMILY MATTERS
THE JADE PENDANT
THURS. 10/19 | 7:30PM | BRATTLE OPENING NIGHT FILM
FRI. 10/20 | 7PM | PARAMOUNT
AKA SEOUL
FINDING KUKAN
FRI. 10/20 | 9:30PM | PARAMOUNT
FREE PANEL
SAT. 10/21 | 10AM | PARAMOUNT
SHORTS PROGRAM
LIFE & LIBERTY
SAT. 10/21 | 3:15PM | PARAMOUNT
SHORTS PROGRAM
CHINATOWN SPEAKS
SUN. 10/22 | 12:30PM | PARAMOUNT
SAT. 10/21 | 1PM | PARAMOUNT
CENTERPIECE FILM
BLASIAN NARRATIVES
I CAN I WILL I DID
GOOK
SAT. 10/21 | 6:30PM | PARAMOUNT
SUN. 10/22 | 2:30PM | PARAMOUNT
SAT. 10/21 | 9PM | PARAMOUNT
CLOSING NIGHT FILM
SUN. 10/22 | 5:30PM | PARAMOUNT
Special guest appearances and more info will be announced on the website. All events are subject to change without notice.