H ERE’ S TO
IN NOVATI V E PER FOR M A NCES.
CADILLAC IS PROUD TO SUPPORT THE CENTER FOR ASIAN AMERICAN MEDIA.
TABLE OF CONTENTS WELCOME CALENDAR BOX OFFICE & TICKETING VENUES SPONSORS AWARDS GALA PRESENTATIONS SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS DIRECTIONS IN SOUND CAAMFEAST COMCAST NARRATIVE COMPETITION DOCUMENTARY COMPETITION CINEMASIA SHORTS BOARD & STAFF INDEX
2 4 6 8 10 14 16 20 29 32 34 36 38 42 47 58
WELCOM GREETINGS FROM THE MAYOR On behalf of the City and County of San Francisco, it is my pleasure to welcome you to CAAMFest 2015! Congratulations to the Center for Asian American Media (CAAM) on its 33rd film festival — the largest Asian American film festival in North America that celebrates the richness and diversity of Asian American storytelling in film, music and food. As the recognized leader in innovative Asian and Asian American media in the United States, CAAM has been presenting stories that convey the richness and diversity of the Asian American experience to audiences across the country and abroad through its funding, production, distribution and exhibiting of works for film, television and digital media for over three decades. CAAM continues to explore the intersections of food and storytelling with this year’s CAAMFeast Awards: Stories, Food and You, a very special event honoring Asian American culinary achievement. CAAM’s hard work and dedication significantly contribute to innovatively embracing multiculturalism in our city, and their efforts represent San Francisco values at their very best. I salute CAAM as it continues its extraordinary work in bringing communities together in celebration of our love for film, food, music and culture. With warmest regards,
Edwin M. Lee Mayor
ABOUT CAAM CAAM (Center for Asian American Media) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to presenting stories that convey the richness and diversity of Asian American experiences to the broadest audience possible. CAAM does this by funding, producing, distributing and exhibiting works in film, television and digital media. For more information on CAAM, please visit caamedia.org.
ME On behalf of the staff and board of the Center for Asian American Media, greetings and welcome to CAAMFest 2015! The festival’s core commitment is the discovery of new talent, new voices, new stories and new visions. At the same time, we honor the past, with rediscoveries that recognize the achievements of our master filmmakers. Then, there is the added element of food and music: truly a feast for the mind and the senses! We are extremely proud to be presenting seven films that have received CAAM Media Fund support. We give special thanks to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, whose support keeps our vital work in public media possible. Finally, I would like to extend our thanks to our wonderful members, whose support is key to our work, and recognize our Presenting and Grand Sponsors: Comcast, Asian Art Museum, AT&T, Cadillac and Singapore Airlines. These sponsors recognize the important role our festival plays in the cultural life of the San Francisco Bay Area, and we appreciate their thoughtful support.
Stephen Gong, Executive Director
Hello and welcome to this year’s CAAMFest! As storytelling and cultural expression continue to flourish and grow, it’s our mission — and honor — to push the festival into new and exciting directions. As you may have noticed, “travel” is our big theme this year. Over 200 guests will be flying into the San Francisco Bay Area — please help us extend a warm welcome to them! We’ve also carefully curated the festival to provide our audience the opportunity to travel to other cities, continents and even galaxies, through the lens. A shout-out to our dedicated CAAM Family: our staff; our marvelous volunteers; and the hundreds of community members who helped shape our program, identified funds and resources, and inspired us to create a community-driven festival that celebrates all of our achievements. I encourage you to visit our local theaters, watch the films, meet our special guests, learn a new recipe, enjoy some live music — in a nutshell, HAVE A BLAST!
Masashi Niwano, Festival & Exhibitions Director
calenda THURSDAY | MARCH 12
SATURDAY contd.
6:30PM CAS 9:30PM AAM
7:10PM 8:15PM 9:15PM 9:20PM 9:40PM 10:00PM
OPENING NIGHT: SEOUL SEARCHING OPENING NIGHT GALA
FRIDAY | MARCH 13 5:00PM KAB 5:10PM NP 5:10PM KAB 6:45PM GREAT 7:00PM KAB 7:00PM PFA 7:15PM KAB 7:40PM NP 8:50PM PFA 9:15PM GREAT 9:30PM MER 9:40PM KAB 9:40PM KAB 9:45PM NP
THE LAST SEASON CICADA FLOWING STORIES 9-MAN THE SISTERHOOD OF NIGHT TALES NUOC 2030 KUMU HINA HOLLOW ONE-ARMED SWORDSMAN DIRECTIONS IN SOUND PARTNERS IN CRIME TALES OF TOMORROW - SHORTS MAN-UP!
LOVE ARCADIA CICADA HOLLOW MISS INDIA AMERICA FALLING - SHORTS FESTIVAL SOCIAL CLUB
SUNDAY | MARCH 15
12:00PM CAS 12:10PM KAB 12:10PM NP 12:20PM KAB 2:20PM CAS 2:20PM KAB 2:20PM NP 2:40PM KAB 3:30PM PFA 4:10PM CAS 4:30PM NP 5:00PM KAB 5:10PM KAB 5:30PM PFA 6:00PM CAS YOUTH VOICES ON CHINA 6:45PM NP 7:00PM CAS FLIPSIDE - SHORTS JALANAN BHOPAL: A PRAYER FOR 7:10PM KAB RAIN 8:00PM PFA FAMILY TIES - SHORTS 8:50PM KAB IN HER PLACE FORBIDDEN CITY, U.S.A. 9:00PM NP WINNING GIRL 9:10PM KAB SHORT SHORTS THE SISTERHOOD OF 9:40PM CAS NIGHT CART CHINESE COUPLETS TOP SPIN
SATURDAY | MARCH 14 12:00PM NP 12:15PM KAB 12:30PM KAB 2:30PM NP 2:40PM KAB 3:30PM KAB 4:00PM GREAT 5:00PM NP 5:10PM KAB 5:45PM PFA 6:20PM KAB 7:00PM GREAT 7:00PM NP
KAB PFA KAB NP KAB OFF
OUT/HERE - SHORTS HOME PROMISED - SHORTS MAN-UP! TALES OFF THE MENU CART ALL EYES AND EARS TALES OF TOMORROW - SHORTS KUMU HINA THE KILLING FIELDS OF DR. HAING S. NGOR TOUGH LOVE PLAYTIME - SHORTS 0.5MM LA SALADA CENTERPIECE RECEPTION KOLLABORATION SF CENTERPIECE: MARGARITA, WITH A STRAW AS YOU WERE NUOC 2030 STORM CHILDREN, BOOK ONE SHE LIGHTS UP WELL RIVER OF EXPLODING DURIANS MY FAIR WEDDING
ar
VENUE KEY AAM CAS GREAT KAB MER NP
ASIAN ART MUSEUM CASTRO THEATRE GREAT STAR THEATER SUNDANCE KABUKI CINEMAS *21+ after 4:30pm MERCER NEW PEOPLE
OMCA OFF PARK PFA
OAKLAND MUSEUM OF CALIFORNIA THE OFFICE NEW PARKWAY THEATER PACIFIC FILM ARCHIVE gala presentations special presentations general screenings
MONDAY | MARCH 16
THURSDAY | MARCH 19
5:20PM KAB 6:30PM KAB 7:20PM KAB 7:20PM NP 9:10PM KAB 9:20PM NP 9:30PM KAB
5:10PM KAB 5:20PM NP 6:30PM KAB 7:00PM KAB 7:10PM NP 9:00PM KAB 9:10PM KAB 9:30PM NP
PLAYTIME - SHORTS IN HER PLACE DOT 2 DOT SHE LIGHTS UP WELL THE SISTERHOOD OF NIGHT PARTNERS IN CRIME FALLING - SHORTS
TUESDAY | MARCH 17 1:30PM GREAT 4:00PM GREAT 5:10PM KAB 5:30PM NP 5:45PM KAB 7:00PM GREAT 7:00PM NP 7:30PM KAB 8:00PM KAB 8:50PM NP 9:30PM KAB
ONE-ARMED SWORDSMAN A MOMENT IN TIME JALANAN WINNING GIRL HOME PROMISED - SHORTS MY VOICE, MY LIFE FRED HO’S LAST YEAR LA SALADA STORM CHILDREN, BOOK ONE TOUGH LOVE NUOC 2030
WEDNESDAY | MARCH 18 5:10PM KAB 6:30PM KAB 6:45PM NP 7:00PM PFA 7:10PM KAB 9:00PM KAB 9:10PM NP 9:25PM KAB
THE LAST SEASON CICADA MISS INDIA AMERICA DON’T THINK I’VE FORGOTTEN FAMILY TIES - SHORTS DOT 2 DOT KOLLABORATION SF FLIPSIDE - SHORTS
SHORT SHORTS TASHI’S TURBINE DON’T THINK I’VE FORGOTTEN FLOWING STORIES SUPPER CLUB RIVER OF EXPLODING DURIANS AS YOU WERE LOVE ARCADIA
FRIDAY | MARCH 20 5:00PM OMCA 7:00PM OMCA 7:10PM NP 9:20PM NP
CAAMFEST @ OMCA CHANGING SEASON: ON THE MASUMOTO FAMILY FARM ON STAGE CONVERSA- TION: ARTHUR DONG FALLING - SHORTS
SATURDAY | MARCH 21 12:45PM 1:20PM 2:45PM 3:30PM 5:00PM 5:30PM 7:00PM 8:00PM
PARK PARK PARK PARK PARK PARK PARK PARK
MUSLIM YOUTH VOICES MY VOICE, MY LIFE FRED HO’S LAST YEAR TASHI’S TURBINE CHINESE COUPLETS MAN-UP! LUCKY CHOW ALL EYES AND EARS
SUNDAY | MARCH 22 12:30PM PARK 1:00PM PARK 2:30PM PARK 4:30PM PARK 5:00PM PARK 7:00PM PARK 7:30PM PARK
TOP SPIN LOVE ARCADIA LA SALADA MEMORIES TO LIGHT MISS INDIA AMERICA CLOSING NIGHT: LUCKY CHOW 9-MAN
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box office & ticketing REGULAR SCREENINGS Student, Seniors (65+) and Disabled
general
member
$14 $13
$12
$125 $65 $35 $40
$100 $55 -
Screening & VIP Reception Screening Only
$45 $20
$35 $17
CLOSING NIGHT FILM CLOSING NIGHT PARTY
$25 TBD
$20 TBD
Presale At the Door
$20 $25
$15 $20
SOCIAL CLUB
$15
$12
CAAMFEST 6-PACK
$75
-
All online fees have been eliminated this year!
OPENING NIGHT Screening, Gala & VIP Room Screening & Gala Screening Only Gala Only
CENTERPIECE
DIRECTIONS IN SOUND
Save $9 on 6 festival tickets with the 6 pack! Purchase the 6-pack first, then sign in at your leisure to select 6 tickets in any permutation you choose (e.g., 2 tickets to 3 films, 3 tickets to 2 films). Valid for regularly priced screenings only.
CAAMFEST ALL-ACCESS PASS
$500
$450
Skip the lines! The All-Access Pass gives you VIP access to every moment of CAAMFest. This includes all Gala Presentations, regular screenings and any additional ticketed events. You will also receive priority seating for all screenings. Excludes CAAMFeast Awards and Opening Night VIP Room.
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HOW TO BUY TICKETS
Whether you like to plan ahead or seize the moment, there are several ways to buy tickets.
ONLINE
February 12 – 15 // Members Only February 16 - March 22 // General Public Go to: caamedia.org.
IN PERSON (sundance kabuki cinemas)
February 26 – March 12 // 4 – 9pm March 13 – 22 // Box office opens one hour before first screening of the day.
Day-of-show tickets may be purchased, for cash only, at all other theater box offices. Have questions about buying tickets? Email us at boxoffice@caamedia.org or call 415.552.5580. Tickets ordered on or before February 27 may be mailed to you for a $2 fee. No tickets will be mailed after March 2. Will call orders will be available for pick up on the day and at the venue of your first screening in the order. Tickets not picked up will be relocated to the Will Call desk at the next screening of the order. Will Call opens 45 minutes prior to all screenings. All lines for tickets form outside, so please dress comfortably. Please note that all screenings at the Sundance Kabuki Cinemas after 4:30pm are 21+. Valid photo ID is required for entrance.
RUSH SHOWS
Last-minute tickets — rush tickets — may be available just before show time when advance tickets have sold out. A rush line will form outside the venue usually one hour before show time. Approximately 10 minutes prior to screening, empty seats are counted and will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis to those in line. Rush tickets will only be sold to those actually waiting in line.
THE FINE PRINT:
All ticket sales are final. No refunds, exchanges or reprints on any purchases. Ticket holder must arrive at least 15 minutes before show time to guarantee entry. We are not responsible for lost, stolen or misplaced tickets. We will be unable to admit patrons without tickets. All seating is at management’s discretion.
venues SAN FRANCISCO JAPANTOWN
NEW PEOPLE CINEMA 1746 Post Street | 415.525.8630 newpeopleworld.com SUNDANCE KABUKI CINEMAS 1881 Post Street | 415.346.3243 sundancecinemas.com * 21+ screenings after 4:30PM
CHINATOWN
MONTGOMERY BART
GREAT STAR THEATER 636 Jackson Street
soma // CIVIC CENTER CIVIC CENTER BART
ASIAN ART MUSEUM 200 Larkin Street | 415.581.3500 asianart.org
CASTRO // duboce triangle CASTRO THEATRE 429 Castro Street | 415.621.6120 castrotheatre.com
THE OFFICE 194 Church Street | 415.754.0194 theoffice-sf.com
MERCER 255 Rhode Island Street | 415.691.4850 mercer-sf.com
BERKELEY
DOWNTOWN BERKELEY BART
PACIFIC FILM ARCHIVE THEATER 2575 Bancroft Way | 510.624.0808 bampfa.berkeley.edu * PFA ticketing information below
OAKLAND THE NEW PARKWAY THEATER 474 24th Street | 510.658.7900 thenewparkway.com 19TH STREET OAKLAND BART
OAKLAND MUSEUM OF CALIFORNIA 1000 Oak Street | 510.318.8400 museumca.org LAKE MERRITT BART
Take BART to CAAMFest! See the Festival website for directions and neighborhood guides. PACIFIC FILM ARCHIVE (PFA) Tickets for PFA screenings may also be purchased directly from the PFA. CHARGE BY PHONE (510.642.5249) or IN PERSON Berkeley Art Museum admission desk ONLINE (bampfa.berkeley.edu) up to one day before daily from 11:00AM – 5:00PM or the PFA Theater the program for pickup at the PFA Theater box office. box office starting one hour before the first show time of the day.
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AWARDS COMCAST NARRATIVE COMPETITION
The Comcast Narrative Competition Award highlights the diversity and ingenuity of modern cinema and recognizes excellence in narrative filmmaking.
DOCUMENTARY COMPETITION
The Documentary Competition showcases a dynamic selection of films that fearlessly capture the challenging reality and surprising beauty inherent in the human experience.
AT&T STUDENT FILM AWARD
Recognizing promising voices in Asian and Asian American media, the AT&T Student Film Award is presented to two college students who exemplify the voice of a new generation. Co-sponsored by Asian Pacific Islanders for Professional & Community Advancement (APCA) Northern California, a 510(c)(3) nonprofit organization focused on the representation of Asian Pacific Islanders employed by AT&T Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiaries.
AUDIENCE AWARD
The Audience Award lets you, our audience, honor your festival favorite. Vote for the narrative that touched your heart or the most eye-opening documentary, and give the directors much-deserved recognition. Check to see if your favorites won on the CAAM website after the end of the festival.
LONI DING AWARD
The Loni Ding Award for Social Justice Documentary recognizes the film and filmmaker that most reflect the passions of late TV producer Loni Ding. Ding devoted her life to advocacy and played a key role in the founding of several public media organizations including CAAM.
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comcast narrative jury wesley chan
One of the founders of Wong Fu Productions (WFP), Wesley Chan has directed, produced and written numerous films and shorts through WFP’s breakthrough YouTube channel. WFP has not only pioneered a path for today’s generation in media, but also for the Asian American community.
WEI YANG
Dr. Wei Yang is an assistant professor in the department of modern and classical languages at the University of San Francisco. She writes and lectures broadly on Chinese and Asian cinema in a global context, with special interests in film genre, spatiality, transnational film theory and the intersection between film and literature.
ABIGAIL LICAD
Abigail Licad is editor-in-chief at Hyphen, an Asian American culture and politics magazine. She grew up in the Philippines and immigrated to California with her family at age 13. She received her bachelor’s degree from the University of California, Berkeley, and her Master of Philosophy in literature from Oxford University.
documentary jury chris hastings
Chris Hastings is the executive producer and editorial manager of WORLD Channel and worldchannel.org. He is also the co-executive producer and co-curator of the award-winning documentary series AMERICA REFRAMED. He is a 13-year veteran of the WGBH LAB, where he has earned two regional Emmy wins.
irene faye duller
Irene Faye Duller is the founder and campaign director of a womenled boutique creative agency. She has over 10 years of experience as a community/internationalist activist, cultural worker and community arts activist, and five years as a political education organizer. She received her master’s in Asian American Studies/Ethnic Studies from San Francisco State University.
GERALDINE AH-SUE
Geraldine Ah-Sue works for StoryCorps and has recorded stories that have aired on National Public Radio and KALW. She also serves as associate producer for upcoming documentary BREATHIN’: THE EDDY ZHENG STORY and is currently working on the “In Plain Sight” podcast, featuring storytelling from Asian and Asian American women.
gala
opening night seoul searching
BENSON LEE / USA, KOREA 2015 / 105 MINS / ENGLISH, KOREAN W/ E.S. THU MAR 12 | 6:30PM | CASTRO
Fresh off its world premiere at the 2015 Sundance Film Festival and based on Korean American filmmaker Benson Lee’s own experience as a teenager, SEOUL SEARCHING is a stunning new feature chronicling the shenanigans and personal journeys of a group of Korean teens, from around the globe, who are enrolled in a government-sponsored summer program. Set in the 1980s, this John Hughes-inspired dramedy delivers a pitch-perfect tale of teenage angst, modernized with a stellar Asian and Asian American cast. It’s nostalgia at its best with a dazzling all-star ’80s soundtrack and painfully accurate costumes. Beyond the puffy pink prom dresses and oversized blazers, what shines is the journeys these characters go through: from an adopted daughter reconnecting with her biological mother to a professor haunted by past mistakes, Lee masterfully captures the many collective stories of the Asian diaspora. Director Benson Lee is no stranger to CAAMFest; his previous film, PLANET B-BOY, won two awards at CAAMFest 2008: Best Documentary and Audience Award. With many cast and crew in attendance, the Castro Theatre will be buzzing with this attitude-infused crowd-pleaser. Like totally.
OPENING NIGHT GALA
THU MAR 12 | 9:30PM | ASIAN ART MUSEUM
After SEOUL SEARCHING, attend the Opening Night Gala at the spectacular Asian Art Museum, located in the heart of San Francisco’s Civic Center district. Partake in savories and sweets created by some of the Bay Area’s finest and most generous restaurants and food purveyors such as Sol Food and Socola Chocolatier. Grab a signature Remy Martin cocktail and get down to beats by local DJs in Samsung Hall. Explore the intersection of art and desire in the museum’s newest exhibit, Seduction: Japan’s Floating World. Seduction reveals the urban pleasures of Edo-period Japan (1615 – 1868) through more than 60 works of art, including paintings, kimonos and an almost 58-foot-long handscroll of the Yoshiwara — Edo’s most celebrated pleasure district. Their concurrent exhibition, The Printer’s Eye: Ukiyo-e from the Grabhorn Collection, delves further into the floating world with a superb assemblage of Japanese woodblock prints. (Seduction: Japan’s Floating World, February 20–May 10)
girl friday events
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CENTERPIECE MARGARITA, WITH A STRAW
SHONALI BOSE / INDIA 2014 / 100 MINS / HINDI, ENGLISH W/ E.S. SUN MAR 15 | 7:00PM | CASTRO
“MARGARITA, WITH A STRAW is an unexpected delight of charm and substance.” — Variety Laila is an aspiring writer and NYU transplant, via Delhi University, whose cerebral palsy is a footnote to her other achievements. When she falls for a fiery female activist, her creative and personal boundaries are tested. Shonali Bose’s (AMU) deeply personal film dazzles with moments of quiet self-discovery and first love, unbound by ability and difference.
CENTERPIECE RECEPTION SUN MAR 15 | 6:00PM | CASTRO
Celebrate opening weekend in style at the historic Castro Theatre mezzanine. Grab a handcrafted Remy Martin cocktail and clink glasses with the nearest stranger — after all, you never know who you might rub elbows with. Director Shonali Bose in attendance.
CLOSING night LUCKY CHOW
BRUCE SEIDEL / USA 2015 / 90 MINS SAT MAR 21 | 7:00PM | NEW PARKWAY (Part 1) SUN MAR 22 | 7:00PM | NEW PARKWAY (Part 2)
CAAM co-produced PBS series LUCKY CHOW follows LUCKYRICE culinary festival founder Danielle Chang as she travels across America, exploring the Asian food landscape. LUCKY CHOW features many of the country’s most renowned chefs and culinary stars such as TOP CHEF winner Kristen Kish, YouTube sensation Maangchi and Bay Area favorite Ramen Shop. As CAAMFest’s Closing Night feature, LUCKY CHOW’s six episodes will be showcased over two days and feature an Asian-inspired menu from The New Parkway kitchen.
CLOSING NIGHT PARTY SUN MAR 22 | 9:00PM | TBD
After LUCKY CHOW, join CAAM and series host, Danielle Chang, for drinks and small bites as we reflect on the past 11 days of film, music and food. Check caamedia.org for more details.
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special
spotlight: arthur dong
Each year, CAAMFest recognizes an individual who has made an indelible contribution to Asian American experiences through cinema. This year, we are thrilled to honor renowned filmmaker Arthur Dong. With over four decades of championing equality through telling Asian American and LGBTQIA stories, CAAMFest is proud to celebrate Arthur’s inspirational career.
the killing fields of dr. haing s. ngor
USA 2015 / 87 MINS / ENGLISH, KHMER W/ E.S. SUN MAR 15 | 4:10PM | CASTRO
Making its world premiere at CAAMFest 2015, THE KILLING FIELDS OF DR. HAING S. NGOR chronicles the life, times and murder of actor and humanitarian Dr. Haing S. Ngor, a Cambodian genocide survivor who escaped to America and won an Oscar for his first acting role in THE KILLING FIELDS. Director Arthur Dong follows Dr. Ngor’s journey — from a privileged life in Phnom Penh up to his 1996 murder in Los Angeles. Told against a backdrop that reflects an interplay of history, religion, race relations, class struggle and deep-rooted cultural dimensions, this film uses Dr. Ngor’s dramatic story to engage a broad audience to better understand a still-evolving chapter of history.
FORBIDDEN CITY, U.S.A. USA 1989 / 56 MINS
SAT MAR 14 | 4:00PM | GREAT STAR
Swing back in time to Chinatown in the 1930s in a premiere of the new digitally remastered version of FORBIDDEN CITY, U.S.A. CAAM celebrates Arthur Dong’s documentary with live performances and a reading of excerpts from the book by Dong himself — Forbidden City, USA: Chinese American Night Clubs, 1936-1970. The film landmarks the untold history of San Francisco Chinatown’s entertainment scene and showcases original Chinese American nightclub performers who broke down stereotypes and cultural barriers with song and dance. Facing criticism from elders of the community, these folks weren’t afraid to show off their passion in a provocative way. Come enjoy the glamour at this special presentation.
IN CONVERSATION: ARTHUR DONG & B. RUBY RICH FRI MAR 20 | 7:10PM | NEW PEOPLE
Join noted film critic and author B. Ruby Rich as she speaks with Arthur Dong about his work and legacy. B. Ruby Rich edits the Film Quarterly and teaches for the University of California, Santa Cruz’s Social Documentation graduate program. She also authored New Queer Cinema: The Director’s Cut and Chick Flicks: Theories and Memories of the Feminist Film Movement.
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memories to light: fulbeck home movies SUN MAR 22 | 4:30PM | NEW PARKWAY | 90 MINS
For the third CAAMFest iteration of our innovative home movies initiative, we are thrilled to present a live home movie performance by pioneering artist, spoken word performer and filmmaker Kip Fulbeck. Fulbeck’s work, in films like BANANA SPLIT and books like Mixed: Portraits of Multiracial Kids, delves deeply and fearlessly into the implications of mixed-race identity. Drawing upon his family’s home movies, Fulbeck has fashioned a unique live performance that promises to be unforgettable. Selling out two years in a row, this festival favorite is sure to be a hit again this year. Memories to Light is a project that collects and digitizes home movies — and the stories they tell — to share with a broad public.
caamfest @ omca
FRI MAR 20 | 5:00PM | OAKLAND MUSEUM OF CALIFORNIA 7:00PM | CHANGING SEASON: ON THE MASUMOTO FAMILY FARM *Film ticket required and may be purchased at caamedia.org or OMCA
Join us for a festive evening celebrating California food and culture, and storytelling at its finest. Enjoy half-off museum admission, live music, gourmet Off the Grid Food trucks and explore OMCA’s current exhibit, Fertile Ground. End the evening with the world premiere of CAAM-produced documentary CHANGING SEASON: ON THE MASUMOTO FAMILY FARM. Meet Mas, Marcy, Nikiko and Korio Masumoto, celebrated food authors and fourth generation Japanese American organic peach farmers known for their sought-after heirloom Sun Crest peaches and commitment to sustainable farming.
CHINESE COUPLETS with conversation FELICIA LOWE / USA 2015 / 56 MINS SAT MAR 14 | 7:00PM | GREAT STAR SAT MAR 21 | 5:00PM | NEW PARKWAY
Felicia Lowe offers perhaps her most deeply personal film with CHINESE COUPLETS, making its world premiere at CAAMFest 2015. With this film about three generations of Chinese women, Lowe looks at her own mother, whom she calls “the hardest story for me to crack.” Following the screening, the prolific Lowe will join us on stage for a special extended conversation. Preceded by CHINA: LAND OF MY FATHER FELICIA LOWE / USA 1979 / 28 MINS Lowe meets her paternal grandmother for the first time, learns about the country her father left behind and looks at the impact of families separated by war and emigration.
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Pacific islanders in Communications presents: pACIFIc SHOWCASE KUMU HINA
DEAN HAMER & JOE WILSON / USA 2013 / 77 MINS FRI MAR 13 | 7:40PM | NEW PEOPLE SUN MAR 15 | 3:30PM | PFA
Amidst the growing influence of Westernization, a transgender hula teacher strives to keep Native Hawaiian culture prosperous. On a subject rarely spoken of in Hawai‘i, this documentary pushes the struggles of being “in the middle” to the surface.
WINNING GIRL
KIMBERLEE BASSFORD / USA 2014 / 69 MINS SAT MAR 14 | 5:00PM | NEW PEOPLE TUES MAR 17 | 5:30PM | NEW PEOPLE
Teenage wrestling and judo phenom Teshya Alo is a heavyweight on the mat at a paltry 125 pounds. The tenacious high-schooler has her eyes set on being the first to take home Olympic gold medals for judo and wrestling in the same year.
YOUTH WORKSHOPS MUSLIM YOUTH VOICES
SAT MAR 21 | 12:45PM | NEW PARKWAY | FREE
This selection of shorts from CAAM’s Muslim Youth Voices Project’s inaugural year offers refreshing insight into the lives and stories of a diverse American community. Acclaimed filmmaker Musa Syeed worked with young students to craft these shorts in seven days. From personal reflections to heroic interventions, struggles of faith to strength in activism, each film is original and leaves a lasting impression.
1990 institute: yOUTH VOICEs on china SAT MAR 14 | 12:00PM | NEW PEOPLE | FREE
The Youth Voices on China online video contest is the 1990 Institute’s signature education initiative to foster better global awareness among young Americans. Enjoy an exclusive premiere of the finalists’ videos on what China means to them and their futures. Meet the middle school, high school and college division winners.
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community screenings
Enjoy a special reduced ticket price for the folloWing screeNings:
a moment in time
RUBY YANG / USA 2009 / 57 MINS
TUES MAR 17 | 4:00PM | GREAT STAR | $8
With intimate multi-generational interviews and rare film clips, A MOMENT IN TIME by Oscar-winning director Ruby Yang explores the critical role of Chinatown movie theaters in San Francisco.
one-armed swordsman
CHANG CHEH / HONG KONG 1967 / 111 MINS / CANTONESE W/ E.S. FRI MAR 13 | 9:15PM | GREAT STAR | $8 TUES MAR 17 | 1:30PM | GREAT STAR | $8
ONE-ARMED SWORDSMAN, from the renowned Shaw Brothers Studio and acclaimed director Chang Cheh, was the first film in Hong Kong history to gross HK$1 million. SWORDSMAN is the classic kung fu story of honor and sacrifice featuring Jimmy Wang, whose rise to stardom was mostly due to this film’s success.
outtakes: queer asian cinema
TUES MAR 17 | 7:00PM | FREE CALIFORNIA COLLEGE OF THE ARTS, TIMKEN HALL Queer Conversations on Culture and the Arts presents a special screening and panel featuring festival filmmakers in conversation with director Pratibha Parmar (NINA’S HEAVENLY DELIGHTS) and moderated by CAAM Festival & Exhibitions Director Masashi Niwano. Sponsored by Queer Cultural Center, California College of the Arts and CAAM.
CAAM FELLOWS SHOWCASE
Come join the top professionals and newest stars of the film, TV and documentary worlds in an informal conversation over coffee. We’ll talk about success and sustainability, navigating your career as an Asian American and how to keep working in an ever-changing media environment. You’ll also learn about the CAAM Fellowship Program, a professional media mentorship program, and meet the 2015 CAAM Fellows! Check caamedia.org for more information.
27
awkwafina
directions in sound
DIRECTIONS IN SOUND FRI MAR 13 | 9:30PM | MERCER
Directions In Sound music showcase blasts into the stratosphere with artists making noise in the hip-hop and future bass scene. New York-based emcee Awkwafina has been creating quite a buzz with her satirical rhymes, while Vietnam’s “queen of hip-hop” Suboi is set to blow up the spot with her fierce lyrics. Los Angeles-based Kronika, representing the highly acclaimed Soulection crew, will provide her signature sounds of tomorrow. Future beats will be provided by San Jose’s finest DJproducer Cutso along with ConnectFlow party rocker DJ Bluz. Hosted by Asian American hip-hop pioneer, CHOPS of the Mountain Brothers! 21+ only
FEATURING: AWKWAFINA (NEW YORK), SUBOI (VIETNAM), KRONIKA (SOULECTION), CUTSO (THE BANGERZ), DJ BLUZ (CONNECTFLOW) HOSTED BY: CHOPS (MOUNTAIN BROTHERS)
festival social club
SAT MAR 14 | 10:00PM | THE OFFICE
After a full day of films, meet us at the CAAMFest Social Club, the official after-party of CAAMFest 2015! Mix and mingle with filmmakers and festival goers, enjoy a signature cocktail from the bar and get your groove on to the city’s best DJs, Jon Reyes and Druskee! 21+ only
DIRECTIONS IN SOUND FILMS DON’T THINK I’VE FORGOTTEN: CAMBODIA’S LOST ROCK AND ROLL
JOHN PIROZZI / USA, CAMBODIA 2014 / 105 MINS WED MAR 18 | 7:00PM | PFA THU MAR 19 | 6:30PM | KABUKI
April 17 marks the 40th anniversary of Cambodia’s fall to the Khmer Rouge. This brilliant film reveals the beauty and vibrancy of Cambodian music pre-1975, showcasing talented artists who perished in the genocide. Their music lives on, and their country is once again filled with song: mournful, resilient, hopeful. Exclusively at PFA screening: Enjoy a live musical performance by Cambodian American musician Bochan.
KOLLABORATION SF: MOVEMENT IN MOTION HOWARD LUI / USA 2014 / 80 MINS SUN MAR 15 | 6:45PM | NEW PEOPLE WED MAR 18 | 9:10PM | NEW PEOPLE
This energizing documentary explores the making of Kollaboration SF’s annual talent showcase. From exclusive interviews to behind-the-scenes sneak peeks, director Howard Lui delves into what it takes to bring Kollaboration’s motto of “Empowerment through Entertainment” to life. The screenings includes a musical performance from Kollaboration SF showcase veteran Tim Atlas.
FRED HO’S LAST YEAR
STEVEN DE CASTRO / USA 2014 / 58 MINS TUES MAR 17 | 7:00PM | NEW PEOPLE SAT MAR 21 | 2:45PM | NEW PARKWAY
Making its San Francisco debut just shy of the one-year anniversary of Fred Ho’s passing, the film is a tribute to the artist and his battle with cancer. LAST YEAR shows how the titular artist became even more driven to combat his disease and share his insights with the world. Exclusively at the New Parkway screening: Multi-wind instrumentalist Masaru Koga will join us for a special live performance.
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Come experience caamfeast FEATURES, a tantalizing new pairing of foodcentric films with the cooking that inspired them. OFF THE MENU: ASIAN AMERICA
a co-production of
GRACE LEE / USA 2015 / 60 MINS SUN MAR 15 | 2:20PM | CASTRO
CAAM is excited to welcome back CAAMFest favorite Grace Lee with OFF THE MENU: ASIAN AMERICA, a CAAM and KQED co-production. From the Gulf Coast of Texas to the freeways of Los Angeles to New York’s Lower East Side and beyond, OFF THE MENU: ASIAN AMERICA delves into a wealth of stories, traditions, and unexpected characters that explore what it means to be Asian American today.
SUPPER CLUB
EDMOND WONG / USA 2015 / 90 MINS THU MAR 19 | 7:10PM | NEW PEOPLE
Get ready to eat, drink and be inspired by all things gourmet and culinary! Follow “Demon Chef” Alvin Leung as he visits the Bay Area’s most exciting restaurants and speaks to renowned chefs, including Michael Mina and Corey Lee, about ingredients, craft and personal vision in the restaurant industry.
LUCKY CHOW
BRUCE SEIDEL / USA 2015 / 90 MINS
SAT MAR 21 | 7:00PM | NEW PARKWAY (Part 1) SUN MAR 22 | 7:00PM | NEW PARKWAY (Part 2)
CAAM co-produced PBS series LUCKY CHOW follows LUCKYRICE culinary festival founder Danielle Chang as she travels across America, exploring the Asian food landscape. Featuring many of the country’s most renowned chefs and culinary stars such as TOP CHEF winner Kristen Kish, YouTube sensation Maangchi and Bay Area favorite Ramen Shop. As CAAMFest’s Closing Night feature, LUCKY CHOW’s six episodes will be showcased over two days and feature an Asianinspired menu from The New Parkway kitchen.
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LOVE ARCADIA
CICADA
NUOC 2030
The Comcast Narrative Competition showcases this year’s eclectic compilation of films, featuring comingof-age stories, comedy, drama, science fiction, witchery and mystery.
LOVE ARCADIA
LAWRENCE GAN / USA 2015 / 99 MINS
When his family’s tea shop faces displacement by an alluring real estate mogul, Jake (Anthony Ma) must confront his fear of change. LOVE ARCADIA tells a coming-of-age story — by way of boba straw — that explores the lessons of holding on, letting go and loving with what you got. SAT MAR 14 | 7:10PM | KABUKI THU MAR 19 | 9:30PM | NEW PEOPLE SUN MAR 22 | 1:00PM | NEW PARKWAY
TECO-SF
Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in San Francisco
CICADA
MAN-UP!
Jumpei is surrounded by kids. He’s a schoolteacher as well as the uncle of a precious nine-year-old. Then, there are the adults in his life who haven’t quite grown up. When Jumpei finds out he’s infertile, he thinks he’ll be unmarried and downcast forever. But, he’s given an opportunity to deepen his relationships with the big and little kids that already surround him every day.
Two young deadbeats are forced to grow up quickly as their friendship is tested when unemployed and unschooled 19-year-old Martin (Kevin Wu) finds out his girlfriend is pregnant. This comedic and eccentric film marks the directorial feature film debut of co-star Justin Chon, who plays Martin’s overeager best friend, Randall.
DEAN YAMADA / USA 2014 / 100 MINS
comcast FRI MAR 13 | 5:10PM | NEW PEOPLE SAT MAR 14 | 8:15PM | PFA WED MAR 18 | 6:30PM | KABUKI
JUSTIN CHON / USA 2014 / 82 MINS
FRI MAR 13 | 9:45PM | NEW PEOPLE SUN MAR 15 | 12:10PM | NEW PEOPLE SAT MAR 21 | 5:30PM | NEW PARKWAY
MAN-UP!
NUOC 2030
SHE LIGHTS UP WELL
MISS INDIA AMERICA
THE SISTERHOOD OF NIGHT
MISS INDIA AMERICA
She lights up well
Lily Prasad is a valedictorian who wants to succeed at all costs — but she’s lost her boyfriend to the reigning Miss India National. She schemes to get him back by winning the beauty pageant herself. This female Frank Underwood rediscovers the importance of family and friends in a hilarious comedy.
“Can you scream a little more Asian?” is the defining question of Sophie’s acting career. With dwindling funds and no job prospects, Sophie reluctantly leaves New York for her family’s home in Detroit. There, she becomes embroiled in a plot to save the community theater’s production of The Mikado.
RAVI KAPOOR / USA 2015 / 98 MINS
JOYCE WU / USA 2014 / 80 MINS
SAT MAR 14 | 9:20PM | NEW PEOPLE WED MAR 18 | 6:45PM | NEW PEOPLE SUN MAR 22 | 5:00PM | NEW PARKWAY
SUN MAR 15 | 9:00PM | NEW PEOPLE MON MAR 16 | 7:20PM | NEW PEOPLE
NUOC 2030
the sisterhood of night
Love, death and global warming all play a role in the sci-fi mystery by acclaimed writer-director Nghiem-Minh Nguyen-Vo (BUFFALO BOY). The film paints a haunting, and cinematically gorgeous, dystopia as a woman fights to learn the truth behind her husband’s death.
The friendship between three high school girls leads to a series of increasingly dangerous events, throwing their community into a modern-day witch-hunt. SISTERHOOD pulls together a wide variety of cultural touchstones, from the Salem witch trials to cyberbullying, to show the power of silence and finding a voice.
FRI MAR 13 | 7:15PM | KABUKI SUN MAR 15 | 8:00PM | PFA TUE MAR 17 | 9:30PM | KABUKI
FRI MAR 13 | 7:00PM | KABUKI SAT MAR 14 | 5:45PM | PFA MON MAR 16 | 9:10PM | KABUKI
NGHIEM-MINH NGUYEN-VO / VIETNAM 2014 / 98 MINS / VIETNAMESE W/ E.S.
CARYN WAECHTER / USA 2014 / 103 MINS
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9-MAN
ALL EYES AND EARS
TASHI’S TURBINE
This year’s Documentary Competition brings together many CAAM-funded and -Produced films, with suBjects touching on passion, hope and success that build connections between family, food and sports.
all eyes and ears
9-MAN
CHANGING SEASON: ON THE MASUMOTO FAMILY FARM
URSULA LIANG / USA 2014 / 87 MINS
9-MAN explores the gritty Chinese-only streetball game born in the alleys and parking lots of local 1930s Chinatowns. Director Ursula Liang follows nine-man’s rising stars and chronicles the rich history and evolution of the sport as rival teams battle to cement their place in history. FRI MAR 13 | 6:45PM | GREAT STAR SUN MAR 22 | 7:30PM | NEW PARKWAY
VANESSA HOPE / USA 2015 / 86 MINS
A timely exploration into the complex links between the U.S. and China, ALL EYES AND EARS interweaves the stories of U.S. Ambassador to China Jon Huntsman, his adopted Chinese daughter, Gracie Mei, and blind activist Chen Guangcheng as they find purpose, identity and resolve amid the two nations’ evolving relationship. SUN MAR 15 | 2:20PM | NEW PEOPLE SAT MAR 21 | 8:00PM | NEW PARKWAY
JIM CHOI / USA 2015 / 60 MINS
“How many harvests do you have in you?” is the perennial echo heard across the Masumoto Family peach farm. CHANGING SEASON chronicles a transitional year for David “Mas” Masumoto and his daughter, Nikiko, as they lovingly act out the rituals of transitioning the farm into Nikiko’s hands. FRI MAR 20 | 7:00PM | OMCA
CHANGING SEASON
NUOC 2030
THE LAST SEASON
TOUGH LOVE
TOP SPIN
THE LAST SEASON
TOP SPIN
A Cambodian freedom fighter and refugee, an ailing Vietnam vet and his wife forge an unlikely friendship against the backdrop of Central Oregon’s mushroom season. Amidst their hunt for the elusive matsutake mushroom, the former soldiers’ friendship is cemented through their shared recollection of war in Southeast Asia.
Dreaming to represent the United States in the 2012 London Olympics, Ariel, Lily and Michael face a lot more than just training and competing in the intense sport of table tennis. They’re all on a journey to get the “top spin,” balancing their teenage lives while focusing on the sport.
SARA DOSA / USA 2014 / 78 MINS
SARA NEWENS & MINA T. SON / USA 2014 / 80 MINS
FRI MAR 13 | 5:00PM | KABUKI WED MAR 18 | 5:10PM | KABUKI
SAT MAR 14 | 7:00PM | NEW PEOPLE SUN MAR 22 | 12:30PM | NEW PARKWAY
TASHI’S TURBINE
tough love
Two young Nepali friends dream of bringing sustainable energy to Namdok, a remote village in Upper Mustang, Nepal, by harnessing the power of wind. Graceful and evocative, TASHI’S TURBINE gives pause to the benefits of industrialization while simultaneously advocating for cultural and geographic preservation.
Filmmaker Stephanie Wang-Breal’s documentary follows two parents as they navigate the American child welfare system to reunite their families. The parents work through their individual situations, which include a harrowing maze of conferences, advocates, attorneys and court hearings, all while trying to prove they should be reunited with their children.
AMITABH R. JOSHI / NEPAL 2014 / 52 MINS / NEPALI W/ E.S.
Preceded by VERSES IN EXILE EP. 1 & 2 MASAHIRO SUGANO / CAMBODIA 2015 / 14 MINS THU MAR 19 | 5:20PM | NEW PEOPLE SAT MAR 21 | 3:30PM | NEW PARKWAY
STEPHANIE WANG-BREAL / USA 2014 / 83 MINS
SUN MAR 15 | 4:30PM | NEW PEOPLE TUE MAR 17 | 8:50PM | NEW PEOPLE
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AS YOU WERE
0.5mm
DOT 2 DOT
FLOWING STORIES
0.5mm
BHOPAL: A PRAYER FOR RAIN
0.5MM follows the journey of Sawa (Ando Sakura) a caregiver for the elderly, as she survives by way of enigmatic relationships with old men who test her moral standards. Constantly being subjected to blatant sexism and patriarchy, her astute resiliency eventually leads her full circle.
Narrating the days leading up to the 1984 Bhopal gas leak, director Ravi Kumar brings together heavyweights from Hollywood and Indian cinema to tell the heart-wrenching story of the “world’s worst industrial disaster.” The much-awaited docudrama-meets-cautionary tale stars Kal Penn, Martin Sheen and Mischa Barton.
ANDO MOMOKO / JAPAN 2014 / 198 MINS / JAPANESE W/ E.S.
SUN MAR 15 | 5:10PM | KABUKI
AS YOU WERE
LIAO JIEKAI / SINGAPORE 2014 / 92 MINS / ENGLISH, MANDARIN, MALAY W/ E.S.
Childhood friends Guohui and Peiling reunite as lovers, seeking refuge from Singapore on a quiet island. Bound by water, they face the transformation of their city and their love. With beautiful stillness and vibrancy, Liao Jiekai’s AS YOU WERE tests the inescapability of erosion and the velocity of change. SUN MAR 15 | 7:10PM | KABUKI THU MAR 19 | 9:10PM | KABUKI
RAVI KUMAR / USA 2014 / 96 MINS / ENGLISH, HINDI W/ E.S.
SAT MAR 14 | 2:30PM | NEW PEOPLE
CART
BOO JI-YOUNG / S. KOREA 2014 / 110 MINS / KOREAN W/ E.S.
When the corporate honchos at a retail superstore lay off their temporary employees without cause, an unassuming cashier discovers her will to fight, joining forces with co-workers to protest their wrongful dismissals. Inspired by a real-life incident, CART raises a defiant fist in support of female solidarity and worker justice. SAT MAR 14 | 6:20PM | KABUKI SUN MAR 15 | 2:20PM | KABUKI
BHOPAL: A PRAYER FOR RAIN
CART
HOLLOW
DOT 2 DOT
AMOS WHY / HONG KONG 2014 / 89 MINS / CANTONESE, MANDARIN W/ E.S.
Returning to a Hong Kong much changed from that of his childhood, Chung deliberately engages in what he calls “slow living.” When his cryptic dot graffiti is deciphered by a lovely teacher, they risk arrest in a series of public declarations of love for their city, and ultimately, each other. MON MAR 16 | 7:20PM | KABUKI WED MAR 18 | 9:00PM | KABUKI
IN HER PLACE
HOLLOW
HAM TRAN / VIETNAM 2014 / 95 MINS / VIETNAMESE W/ E.S.
Keep your morals in check, because they may come back to haunt you. HOLLOW director and CAAM veteran Ham Tran (HOW TO FIGHT IN SIX INCH HEELS) depicts a family terrorized by their dead daughter, who comes back to life possessed by a vengeful spirit. Preceded by EMPLOYED IDENTITY BAO NGUYEN / VIETNAM 2014 / 6 MINS FRI MAR 13 | 8:50PM | PFA SAT MAR 14 | 9:15PM | KABUKI
FLOWING STORIES
IN HER PLACE
What connects us to a piece of earth time and time again? From Hong Kong Film Awards’ Best New Director comes a revelatory tale of one family’s ties to place through the 400-year-old Ho-Chung Village Festival held every 10 years.
As the motives of the affluent Seoul woman who arrives at the home of a rural family come into focus, so do the family secrets and the internal conflicts of the pregnant teen who will be giving up her baby. Second-time director Albert Shin unfolds the mysteries with beautiful restraint and subtlety.
JESSEY TSANG TSUI-SHAN / HONG KONG 2014 / 97 MINS / CANTONESE W/ E.S.
FRI MAR 13 | 5:10PM | KABUKI THU MAR 19 | 7:00PM | KABUKI
ALBERT SHIN / CANADA, S. KOREA 2014 / 115 MINS / KOREAN W/ E.S.
SAT MAR 14 | 3:30PM | KABUKI MON MAR 16 | 6:30PM | KABUKI
39
jalanaN
la salada
partners in crime
river of exploding durians
jalanan
MY FAIR WEDDING
A rare look at the vibrant subculture of Jakarta’s street buskers, JALANAN offers fascinating and occasionally heartbreaking insight into Indonesian urban life. The camera captures the beauty and risks of street life as Titi, Ho and Boni struggle to make a living with their music through personal tragedies and prison.
In this intimate and candid documentary, filmmakers Gwang-Soo and Dave plan their landmark wedding, the first same-sex marriage performed in South Korea. However, gay marriage opponents make their displeasure heard before and during the grooms’ special day. A light-hearted love story with strong undertones about marriage equality.
DANIEL ZIV / INDONESIA 2013 / 108 MINS / INDONESIAN W/ E.S.
SAT MAR 14 | 12:30PM | KABUKI TUE MAR 17 | 5:10PM | KABUKI
JANG HEE-SUN / S. KOREA 2014 / 94 MINS / KOREAN W/ E.S.
SUN MAR 15 | 9:40PM | CASTRO
LA SALADA
JUAN MARTIN HSU / ARGENTINA 2014 88 MINS / SPANISH, KOREAN, MANDARIN, QUECHAN W/ E.S.
Argentina’s bustling La Salada, an enormous discount market just outside of Buenos Aires, provides the nucleus for Juan Martín Hsu’s directorial debut. The daily lives of three sets of new immigrants — Korean, Taiwanese and Bolivian — converge and dance parallel to one another with equal parts poignancy, humor and drama. TECO-SF
Taipei Economic SUN MAR 15 | 5:30PM | PFA and Cultural Office TUE MAR 17 | 7:30PM | KABUKI in San Francisco SUN MAR 22 | 2:30PM | NEW PARKWAY
my voice, my life
RUBY YANG / HONG KONG 2014 / 91 MINS / CANTONESE W/ E.S.
Oscar-winning director Ruby Yang’s MY VOICE, MY LIFE follows the production of a musical by at-risk students from Hong Kong’s “lower-tier” high schools and school for the blind. Mirroring an episode of GLEE, MY VOICE explores youth education and empowerment through the arts. TUE MAR 17 | 7:00PM | GREAT STAR SAT MAR 21 | 1:20PM | NEW PARKWAY
my fair wedding
s
my voice, my life
storm children, book one
tales
partners in crime
STORM CHILDREN, BOOK ONE
The inadvertent discovery of a schoolmate’s body entwines the otherwise disparate lives of three teenagers as they search for clues of the alleged suicide. A dark tale of adolescent friendship, personal secrets and public tragedies in TOUCH OF THE LIGHT’s Chang Jung-chi’s second feature.
Renowned for his insightful films on social and political issues in the Philippines, Lav Diaz returns with STORM CHILDREN, BOOK ONE, an unwavering observational documentary immersing us in the lives of those forgotten or ignored in the aftermath of Typhoon Yolanda.
CHANG JUNG-CHI / TAIWAN 2014 / 89 MINS / MANDARIN W/ E.S.
FRI MAR 13 | 9:40PM | KABUKI MON MAR 16 | 9:20PM | NEW PEOPLE
LAV DIAZ / PHILIPINES 2014 / 142 MINS / TAGALOG W/ E.S.
SUN MAR 15 | 8:50PM | KABUKI TUE MAR 17 | 8:00PM | KABUKI
TECO-SF
Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in San Francisco
RIVER OF EXPLODING DURIANS EDMUND YEO / MALAYSIA 2014 / 128 MINS / ENGLISH, MALAY, CANTONESE W/ E.S.
In a small Malaysian town, two disparate stories threaten to converge — a tale of young love begins to unwind while a radioactive construction site rises on the city’s edge. In a disquieting coming-of-age, three young women must grapple with the repercussions of love and political activism. SUN MAR 15 | 9:10PM | KABUKI THU MAR 19 | 9:00PM | KABUKI
TALES
RAKHSHAN BANIETEMAD / IRAN 2014 / 88 MINS / PERSIAN W/ E.S. TALES is a strategically pieced puzzle of workingclass protagonists all trying to get their voices heard. This thoughtful film captures a series of intimate portraits in the lives of interweaving characters. Rakhshan Banietemad’s latest is a treasure box of stories filled with compassionate screenwriting. FRI MAR 13 | 7:00PM | PFA SUN MAR 15 | 12:20PM | KABUKI
41
FALLING // NEXT LIKE
FAMILY TIES // cold spring
FALLing
FALLING is heartbreak and hilarity, a kiss in the dark, a riot of sound and color. From the glance across a room to the end of the line, these tales touch on what it really means to trip and fall into love. 90 MINS SAT MAR 14 | 9:40PM | KABUKI MON MAR 16 | 9:30PM | KABUKI FRI MAR 20 | 9:20PM | NEW PEOPLE AFTER US Philip Wang / USA 2014 / 10 mins COMFORT GIRLS Eugene Lee Yang / USA 2014 / 5 mins IF YOU LIVED HERE, YOU’D BE HOME ALREADY Soo Hyun Chung / USA 2014 / 6 mins MISS GUIDANCE – EP 4: PERSEVERING Matthew Breault / USA 2014 / 5 mins
NEXT LIKE Milton Ng / Canada 2014 / 12 mins NO NO, HOMO Jerell Rosales / USA 2014 / 2 mins SEED OF NEED Manuel Roman / China, France, USA 2014 / 19 mins TOUCH OF ESSENCE Darren Kwan / USA 2014 / 21 mins TRAMP Wooseok Shin / South Korea 2014 / 5 mins
FAMILY TIES
In a whirlwind of doubt, rejection, trust and love, these shorts express the struggle and joy that come out of reconnecting with family. With a few autobiographical stories like GIAP’S LAST DAY and narratives like MAMA TANG, histories emerge between generations of disconnect and silence. 96 MINS SAT MAR 14 | 2:40PM | KABUKI WED MAR 18 | 7:10PM | KABUKI COLD SPRING Shiyan Feng / China 2014 / 25 mins GIAP’S LAST DAY AT THE IRONING BOARD FACTORY Tony Nguyen / USA 2014 / 25 mins JAYA Puja Maewal / India 2014 / 18 mins
MAMA TANG Cathy Tang / USA 2014 / 10 mins MY FATHER, FRANCIS Casey Mecija / Canada 2013 / 12 mins TO SIT WITH HER Nicole Miyahara / USA 2014 / 5 mins
flipside // n. king
the home promised // tadAima
flipside
Bold and eye-opening, this mosaic of films takes you to the FLIPSIDE. These films powerfully illustrate unconventional perspectives, illuminating life’s complexities with all its joy and grief. Created with surprising empathy, these directors assure you that many things, and people, are more than what they seem. 93 MINS HYPEBEASTS Jessica dela Merced / USA 2013 / 20 mins SAT MAR 14 | 12:15PM | KABUKI MY HOT MOM GANDHI WED MAR 18 | 9:25PM | KABUKI Reena Karia / USA 2014 / 5 mins D.ASIAN N. KING Sarah Smith / USA 2014 / 9 mins Kali Kasashima / USA 2014 / 10 mins DANDEKAR MAKES A SANDWICH THE OTHER SIDE Leena Pendharkar / USA 2015 / 8 mins Akiko Izumitani / USA 2014 / 15 mins GIVE IT UP WOMAN IN FRAGMENTS Justin Tan / USA 2014 / 5 mins Quan Zhou / Japan, USA 2014 / 20 mins
the home promised
Full of fierce truths and nostalgia, THE HOME PROMISED is elusive. Displaced Japanese American internees, undocumented immigrants, children on Treasure Island, homeless people in Marin — all embody the search for home in these poignant shorts. Searching, finding and returning to the home promised. 94 MINS SUN MAR 15 | 12:10PM | KABUKI TUE MAR 17 | 5:45PM | KABUKI THE HOME PROMISED Betty Xie / Taiwan 2014 / 19 mins HOTEL 22 Elizabeth Lo / USA 2014 / 8 mins LEFTOVER Eui Yong Zong / Canada 2014 / 18 mins
REFLECTIONS OF UNION SQUARE Samati Boonchitsitsak / USA 2014 / 4 mins TADAIMA Robin Takao D’Oench / USA 2014 / 15 mins TNT (ALWAYS ON THE RUN) Roberto Reyes Ang / Philippines, USA 2014 / 23 mins TREASURE ISLAND Elizabeth Lo / USA 2014 / 7 mins
43
out/here // operation marriAge
playtime // odd rumblings
out/HERE
From a Filipino immigrant struggling with her undocumented status in the United States in order to live as an out lesbian to a child’s point of view on the much debated subject of marriage equality, these narratives and documentaries collectively broaden the scope of what it means to be queer. 78 MINS SUN MAR 15 | 12:00PM | CASTRO
100 CRUSHES CHAPTER 6: THEY Elisha Lim / Canada 2014 / 2 mins DECONSTRUCTING MY DEPRESSION Sally Tran / USA 2013 / 9 mins DISTANCE BETWEEN R.J. Lozada / USA 2014 / 9 mins
FINGER RUNNING Diana Li / USA 2014 / 9 mins MY BEAUTIFUL RESISTANCE Penelope Baldado / USA 2014 / 8 mins OPERATION MARRIAGE Quentin Lee / USA 2014 / 9 mins ORDINARY FAMILY Hyunju Lee / Korea 2014 / 24 mins SEX, POLITICS AND STICKY RICE Tina Takemoto / USA 2014 / 8 mins
PLAYTIME
In this collection of exuberant and wildly imaginative short works, global politics, mythologies and simple sensual encounters are the laboratories for playful visual and aural experimentation. Puns, image-rhymes, fabulous logic and transcendent moments of stillness are the ways through which these artists explore everything from the “cloud” to financial meltdowns to filmmaking itself. Curated by Chi-hui Yang 75 MINS SUN MAR 15 | 5:00PM | KABUKI MON MAR 16 | 5:20PM | KABUKI CURTAINS Jenyu Wang / USA 2014 / 3 mins HAM OVER RICE Ying Liu / USA 2014 / 4 mins LIQUIDITY, INC. Hito Steyerl / Germany, USA 2014 / 28 mins MOVING TO THE CLOUD Laura Hyunjhee Kim / USA 2014 / 2 mins
ODD RUMBLINGS – “ICE FLOE” Jun Cen / USA 2014 / 6 mins RAYMOND Nina Yuen / USA 2014 / 11 mins SNIPERS IN THE TREES Curtis Choy / USA 1985 / 16 mins TRAILS Cyrus Tabar / USA 2014 / 4 mins
SHORT SHORTS // two juliets of verona
tales of tomorrow // cafÉ glass
SHORT SHORTS
CAAM is proud to partner with one of Japan’s premier film showcases: SHORT SHORTS FILM FESTIVAL. Started in 1999, SSFF’s mission is to shine a light on the art of short filmmaking. With prestigious screenings all around the globe, from Malaysia to Mexico, we are thrilled to present these new Japanese storytellers. 90 MINS SAT MAR 14 | 5:10PM | KABUKI THU MAR 19 | 5:10PM | KABUKI IN THE TREE HOUSE Tsuyoshi Nakakuki / Japan 2014 / 20 mins AN INNOCENT BEAT Kazuhisa Kotera / Japan 2014 / 19 mins A SOCCER STORY Liliana Suizbach / Japan 2014 / 12 mins
STROBOSCOPE A.T. / Japan 2014 / 24 mins TWO JULIETS OF VERONA Ken Ochiai / Japan 2014 / 15 mins
tales of tomorrow
In a lifetime, technology can marvel us and then become obsolete; our intervening moments produce desolation or beauty, sometimes both at once. These films offer echoes of an ever-closer future filled with wearable tech, distant planets, mechanized bureaucracy and all-too-fallible humans just trying to find their way. 87 MINS FRI MAR 13 | 9:40PM | KABUKI SUN MAR 15 | 2:40PM | KABUKI 2050: A ROOM OF HIS OWN Juhee So / USA 2014 / 8 mins CAFÉ GLASS Wen Ren / USA 2014 / 9 mins CAMBODIA 2099 Davy Chou / Cambodia 2014 / 21 mins
DEAD MEADOWS Jaime Lastimosa / Philippines 2013 / 3 mins HAPPY FUN ROOM Greg Pak / USA 2014 / 14 mins LAHAINA NOON Christopher Kahunahana / USA 2014 / 15 mins VIMANA Faroukh Virani / USA 2014 / 17 mins
45
BOARD&STAFF INTERNS ALLEN TANG ANDY SITU CHAIR FESTIVAL & EXHIBITIONS BRIAN IGNACIO DIPTI GHOSH DIRECTOR DANIELLE IGNACIO MASASHI NIWANO VICE CHAIR DAVID LAWRENCE DAVID LEI FESTIVAL ASSISTANT DERRICK LEUNG DIRECTOR DIANA LI SECRETARY LIN KUNG HARDEEP JANDU JOHNNIE D. GILES JASMINE LEE EHRHARDT MARKETING MANAGER TREASURER KATIE QUAN ASHLYN PERRI MYONG LEIGH KELLEY OGAMI PUBLIC RELATIONS LAUREN LOLA MEMBERS COORDINATOR LEAH LEE BILL IMADA KEVIN LEE MELANIE CHOI CHRISTINE CHEN HANSON LI OPERATIONS MANAGER MICHELLE FAJARDO NANCY NGUYEN JAMES BAO RICHARD CICCARONE PAWARA SOH KATHY IM ASSISTANT OPERATIONS TERIMA KASIH LLOYD LACUESTA MANAGER TIFFANY CLARK MATT MUI ANTHONY NOCEDA TIAN HE PHILOMENA KING VIRGINA NG RANA CHO PRINT TRAFFIC TESSIE GUILLERMO COORDINATOR DATABASE DEVELOPMENT VINCENT PAN MARIAMA NANCE NICELY DONE STUDIOS
BOARD OF DIRECTORS FESTIVAL STAFF
CAAM STAFF
GUEST SERVICES & TRAVEL COORDINATOR THUY TRAN
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An accomplished educator and four-term former National President of OCA, Ginny Gong has spent decades serving her community, empowering women and leading social change. A lifetime AARP member, Ginny is experiencing what’s next, from spending time with her grandchildren, caring for her 92-year old mother, to starting her own business. Join Ginny today and enjoy the support and resources for life at 50+ by becoming an AARP member. Visit us at aarp.org/aapi
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I N D E X 0.5MM 38 100 CRUSHES CHAPTER 6: THEY 44 1990 INSTITUTE: YOUTH VOICES ON CHINA 25 2050: A ROOM OF HIS OWN 45 9-MAN 36 AFTER US 43 ALL EYES AND EARS 36 AS YOU WERE 38 BHOPAL: A PRAYER FOR RAIN 38 CAAM FELLOWS SHOWCASE 27 CAAMFest @ OMCA 23 cafÉ GLASS 45 CAMBODIA 2099 45 CART 38 CENTERPIECE RECEPTION 19 CHANGING SEASON: ON THE MASUMOTO FAMILY FARM 23, 36 CHINESE COUPLETS 23 CICADA 34 CLOSING NIGHT PARTY 19 COLD SPRING 42 COMFORT GIRLS 43 CURTAINS 44 D.ASIAN 42 DANDEKAR MAKES A SANDWICH 42 DEAD MEADOWS 45 DECONSTRUCTING MY DEPRESSION 44 DIRECTIONS IN SOUND 29 DISTANCE BETWEEN 44 DON’T THINK I‘VE FORGOTTEN 31 DOT 2 DOT 39 FESTIVAL SOCIAL CLUB 29 FINGER RUNNING 44 FLOWING STORIES 39 FORBIDDEN CITY, U.S.A. 21 FRED HO’S LAST YEAR 31 GIAP’S LAST DAY AT THE IRONING BOARD FACTORY 42 GIVE IT UP 42 HAM OVER RICE 44 HAPPY FUN ROOM 45 HOLLOW 39 HOME PROMISED, THE 43 HOTEL 22 43 HYPEBEASTS 42 IF YOU LIVED HERE, YOU’D BE HOME ALREADY 43 IN CONVERSATION: ARTHUR DONG & B. RUBY RICH 21 IN HER PLACE 39 IN THE TREE HOUSE 45 AN INNOCENT BEAT 45 JALANAN 40 JAYA 42 KILLING FIELDS OF DR. HAING S. NGOR, THE 21 KOLLABORATION SF: MOVEMENT IN MOTION 31 KUMU HINA 25 LA SALADA 40
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JAPAN’S FLOATING WORLD THE JOHN C. WEBER COLLECTION
ASIAN ART MUSEUM FEB 20–MAY 10, 2015 Seduction reveals the urban pleasures of Edo-period Japan (16151868) through more than 60 works of art, including paintings, kimonos and an almost 58-foot-long handscroll vividly portraying a visit to the Yoshiwara-Edo’s most celebrated pleasure district. Our concurrent exhibition, The Printer’s Eye: Ukiyo-e from the Grabhorn Collection, delves further into the floating world with a superb assemblage of 88 Japanese woodblock prints.
Asian Art Museum Chong Moon-Lee Center for Asian Art and Culture
200 Larkin Street San Francisco, CA 94102 415.581.3500
www.asianart.org #TheFloatingWorld
Seduction: Japan’s Floating World was organized by the Asian Art Museum. Presentation is made possible with the generous support of Hiro Ogawa, The Henri and Tomoye Takahashi Charitable Foundation, The Akiko Yamazaki and Jerry Yang Fund for Excellence in Exhibitions and Presentations, Anne and Timothy Kahn, and Rhoda and Richard Mesker. Image: Peony, from the handscroll Secret Games in the Spring Palace (Shungu higi) (detail), late 1770s, by Katsukawa Shunsho (Japanese, d. 1792). Handscroll section mounted as hanging scroll; ink, colors, and gold on silk. John C. Weber Collection. Image © John Bigelow Taylor.