CAAMFest37 Program Guide

CELEBRATING ASIAN AMERICAN FILM, MUSIC, AND FOOD

FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT CAAMEDIA.ORG

AARP proudly supports

2019 CAAMFest.

Celebrating the dedication of family caregivers during Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month.

The question wasn’t whether or not I would do this—it’s whether I was prepared enough or not. You have always been there for me—and now I will be there for you. The values you taught me inspired me for this important moment. And with the right guidance, support, and preparation, I know that I am not in this alone. Though our roles may have changed, one thing remains the same—we are stronger, together. And whatever it takes, I will be ready.

AARP recognizes family caregivers and all that you do for your loved ones. Being ready to care for a loved one takes time, planning, and support. With AARP’s variety of Caregiving resources, including the documentary Caregiving: The Circle of Love and the Prepare to Care planning guide, you don’t have to go through this alone.

Visit aarp.org/aapi or call 1-888-388-0303 today.

Wall to Wall Creativity From street art to fine art and so much more.

More OURHONGKONG stories at www.brandhk.gov.hk Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, San Francisco www.hketosf.gov.hk

SanFrancisco_WallToWall_7.375x4.8175inch.indd 1

15/3/18 3:55 pm

TABLE OF CONTENTS MAYOR'S WELCOME 4 HISTORY OF ASIAN PACIFIC AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH 5 WELCOME FROM CAAM 6 ABOUT CAAM 7 SPONSORS 8 GALA 12 SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS 14 COMCAST NARRATIVES 16 DOCUMENTARIES 18 CAAM FILMMAKER SUMMIT 20 CALENDAR 22 NEW DIRECTIONS 24 SHORTS 26 AWARDS 28 BOX OFFICE & TICKETING 30 STAFF LIST 34 INDEX 35

CAAMEDIA.ORG 3

O F FI CE OF T HE M A Y OR S A N F RA NCI S C O

L ON D ON N. B RE E D M A Y OR

GREETINGS FROM THE MAYOR OF SAN FRANCISCO On behalf of the City and County of San Francisco, it is my great pleasure to welcome you to the 37th Annual CAAMFest, hosted by the Center for Asian American Media (CAAM).

For nearly four decades, CAAM has remained steadfast in their commitment to presenting diverse Asian American experiences in order to engage the Asian American community and the public.

CAAM provides vital training, grants, distribution, and networking opportunities that empower Asian American artists to share their stories and inspire others.

CAAMFest provides the world’s largest platform for Asian American filmmakers and artists in the Bay Area to share powerful stories that showcase the incredible diversity of talent among the Asian American filmmaking community. CAAM’s tremendous work has been reflected in the array of powerful stories that are told each year through the eyes of these incredible filmmakers and documentarians. CAAMFest also provides the public a unique opportunity to experience Asian food, music, and culture, truly celebrating the diversity that makes the Bay Area an incredible place.

I would like to extend my gratitude to CAAM and its supporters for making this celebration of Asian American film, music, and food possible.

With warmest regards,

London N. Breed Mayor

4 CAAMFEST 37

History of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month We kick-off APA Heritage Month by remembering the leaders and advocates who helped bring this designation to life. APAHM began with Jeanie Jew, a staffer on Capitol Hill and board member of the Organization of Chinese Americans. Jew was frustrated that Asian Pacific Americans were not included in the celebration of the United States bicentennial, and she started a nationwide advocacy campaign to designate one week in May as Asian Pacific American Heritage Week. In addition, she also wanted to commemorate her great grandfather, who helped build the Transcontinental Railroad.

Jew enlisted the support of Ruby Moy, an administrative assistant to U.S. Rep. Frank Horton of New York. In June 1977, bill was introduced by Horton and co-sponsored by U.S. Rep. Norman Mineta of California, urging the president to proclaim the seven day period beginning May 4, 1979, as “Pacific/Asian American Heritage Week.” A similar bill was also introduced in the Senate by Hawaii Senators Daniel Inouye and Spark Matsunaga.

Eventually, both bills were revised to conform to the Census Bureau’s designation of the community as “Asian/ Pacific.”

The week of May 4 was selected for Asian/Pacific American Heritage Week as memoriam to two historical events that took place during that period: the arrival of the first Japanese immigrants to the United States, recorded as May 7, 1843; and the completion of the Transcontinental Railroad on May 10, 1869.

The persistent efforts of Jew, Moy, and a coalition of national advocacy organizations secured 231 Congressional representatives to co-sponsor the bill, which passed by an overwhelming majority in the House and the Senate.

On Oct. 5, 1978, President Jimmy Carter signed the joint resolution into law that proclaimed the week beginning May 4, 1979 as Asian/Pacific American Heritage Week. Carter issued Presidential Proclamation 4650, which spoke to the significant role of Asian/Pacific Americans in American history, with contributions to the sciences, arts, industry, government, and commerce.

As the adopted joint resolution did not contain provisions for following years, Presidents Carter, Reagan, and Bush continued to annually issue proclamations designating a week in May as Asian/Pacific American Heritage Week upon re-application by community organizations.

It took more than 10 years of advocacy before the celebration was extended to include the entire month of May. Bush issued Presidential Proclamation 6130 on May 7, 1990, designating that month as the first “Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month.” Then in 1992, Horton introduced legislation that permanently designed May as “Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month.” *Adapted from the Asian Pacific American Heritage Month San Francisco website. Learn more at apasf.org

APA He r i t a ge Awa r d s Ce r e m o ny a n d Rece p t i o n M ay 1 | 5:3 0 PM | He rbs t T h ea t e r | APA SF.O RG

CAAMEDIA.ORG 5

HELLO! On behalf of the CAAM staff and board, we warmly welcome you to CAAMFest37, the nation’s largest showcase of Asian American film, music, food, and performance arts. As you go through our program guide, we hope you discover programs and events that pique your interest. We also recommend going to our website — caamedia.org — for more film details, guests in attendance, and added programs.

CAAM’s mission has never been more clear and vital as we approach our 40th anniversary next year. We support and showcase the richness and diversity of Asian American communities through compelling media and in-person experiences. During the heart of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, we are thrilled to showcase so many stories from our communities and amplify the vital voices of our filmmakers and artists. Our 11-day festival encompasses more than 120 film screenings and events in over 15 venues throughout San Francisco and Oakland.

At a time when civic engagement is at its most necessary and crucial, we are ecstatic to open our festival with the world premiere of Harry and Josh Chuck’s CHINATOWN RISING. It’s a film 40 years in the making with never-before-seen photos and archival footage that capture the birth of Asian American social activism and its progression to where the community is now.

This beautiful and empowering film sets the perfect tone for CAAMFest, along with our Opening Night Gala at the marvelous Asian Art Museum. And that’s just the start!

As we all know, representation matters, and Asian Americans seem to be enjoying a moment in the spotlight. This is due to the efforts and hard work of scores of filmmakers, writers and actors, and through the interest and support you’ve brought to our festival over these many years. CAAMFest37 promises to be as rich, unique, vital and inspiring as ever. And if you’re a CAAM fan already, then this is the time to introduce our work to your family, friends and colleagues, and urge them to come out and join the fun.

Lastly, we want to extend a thank you to our wonderful members, whose support keeps our gears turning throughout the year, and to our Presenting and Grand Sponsors — Comcast Xfinity, AARP, the Asian Art Museum, and the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office.

See you at the festival!

Stephen Gong, executive director

6 CAAMFEST37

Masashi Niwano, festival & exhibitions director

ABOUT THE CENTER FOR ASIAN AMERICAN MEDIA M I S S I O N S TAT E M E N T The Center for Asian American Media (CAAM) is a nonprofit organization

CAAMFest

dedicated to presenting stories that convey the richness and diversity of

CAAM presents CAAMFest (formerly the San Francisco International Asian

Asian American experiences to the broadest audience possible. We do this

American Film Festival) in May, the world’s largest showcase for new Asian

by funding, producing, distributing, and exhibiting works in film, television,

American and Asian film, food, and music programs, annually presenting

and digital media. For 39 years, CAAM has exposed audiences to new voices

over 100 works in San Francisco and Oakland. Since 1982, our film festival

and communities, advancing our collective understanding of the American

has been an important launching point for Asian American independent

experience through programs specifically designed to engage the Asian

filmmakers as well as a vital source for new Asian cinema.

American community and the public at large.

I M PAC T

Media Fund CAAM provides funding and support for provocative and timely Asian

For nearly four decades, CAAM has created opportunities for Americans and

American film and media projects from independent producers. CAAM

people around the globe to understand the diverse stories and experiences

awards production and completion funds for projects intended for

of Asian Americans through:

public television broadcast. Since 1990, more than $5 million has been

• Careers. CAAM empowers filmmakers to achieve their full potential

granted to over 150 projects. Funding is made possible with support

by providing training, funding, distribution, and access to professional

from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.

networks.

• Community. Connecting filmmakers and their stories to people and

Educational Distribution and Community Outreach

communities in schools, community centers, theaters, and neighborhoods,

CAAM’s catalog of more than 250 titles—award-winning documentaries,

bridging conversations about inclusiveness and social equity.

personal stories, dramas, and experimental works—constitutes the coun-

• Perspective. CAAM-supported work changes the way audiences see

try’s largest collection of Asian American films and videos for educational

the world, changing hearts and minds, inspiring empathy and meaningful

distribution. Through educational and community outreach, including free

social action.

educational resources and community screenings to thousands of students, teachers, and community members, we foster greater public understanding

Public Media

and dialogue about the rich history and diversity of Asian people in the U.S.

CAAM presents innovative, engaging Asian American works on public

and global diaspora.

television through our dynamic documentary programs. CAAM’s award-winning public TV programs are seen by over 10 million Americans,

CAAM Fellowship

including 47 documentary shows in the last four years and more than 200

Furthering CAAM’s work to nurture Asian American media professionals and

films since 1982. Since launching the groundbreaking Asian American

advance the field of Asian American media, the CAAM Fellowship Program

anthology series Silk Screen (1982-1987) on PBS, CAAM has continued to

connects emerging makers with leading professionals in the field. The CAAM

bring timely and relevant works to viewers nationwide. CAAM is a member

Fellowship Program is unique in its field-wide approach seeking to develop

of the National Minority Consortia, designated by the Corporation for

the talents and skills of a range of media professions including producers,

Public Broadcasting (CPB) to provide diverse programming to the Public

directors, and executives.

Broadcast Service (PBS).

CAAMEDIA.ORG CA AMEDIA .ORG 77

SPONSORS

PRESENTING

GRAND

PREMIER

MAJOR

SUPPORTING

FOUNDATIONS, GOVERNMENT, & PUBLIC SUPPORT

8 CAAMFEST37

TRAVEL & HOSPITALITY

OFFICIAL CANADIAN AIRLINE OF CAAMFEST

VENUE

MEDIA

IN-KIND

CAAMEDIA.ORG 9

Join Us in Celebrating

Asian Paci c American Heritage Month MAY 2019 apasf.org SAN FRANCISCO CELEBRATION PARTNERS APA Heritage Foundation Asian Art Museum CAAMFest San Francisco Public Library

Pacific Islanders in Communications is a proud sponsor of

PACIFIC SHOWCASE at 2019 CAAMFest

GALAS OPENING NIGHT

CHINATOWN RISING HARRY & JOSH CHUCK / USA 2019 / 110 MINS THUR MAY 9 | 6:30PM | CASTRO Come join us for the World Premiere of Harry and Josh Chuck’s CHINATOWN RISING, a love letter to San Francisco’s vibrant Chinatown. This marvelous and inspirational film weaves together never-beforeseen photographs and archival footage to chronicle key Chinatown community leaders who started an activist movement during 1960s, and today’s battles for social justice and equality.

OPENING NIGHT GALA THUR MAY 9 | 9:30PM | AAM

12 CAAMFEST37

Celebrate the kickoff of CAAMFest37 with fellow revelers after watching CHINATOWN RISING at our Opening Night Gala at the Asian Art Museum! Dine, drink, dance, and discuss as you indulge in what CAAM does best — art, music, and food. Experience delectable culinary creations from Bay Area favorites, including Boba Guys, Dumpling Time, Magnolia Ice Cream, and Socola Chocolatier.

Sway to sweet, upbeat sounds from local DJs and soak in the visual riches of the museum’s exhibitions on view.

GALA

CENTERPIECES DIANE PARAGAS / USA, PHILLIPINES 2019 / 90 MINS SAT MAY 11 | 6:00PM | KABUKI

THUR MAY 16 | 9:00PM | PIEDMONT Rose Garcia was born to be a star. She’s an aspiring country singer in the heart of Texas when a life-changing event forces her on an unexpected journey flush with love, loss, and music. Deftly directed by Diane Paragas, in her feature film debut, starring Broadway icon Lea Salonga and rising Broadway star Eva Noblezada in a breakout role, YELLOW ROSE is a Filipino American musical like no other.

YELLOW ROSE JASON DASILVA / USA 2018 / 78 MINS SUN MAY 12 | 6:45 PM | KABUKI SAT MAY 18 | 12:10 PM | ROXIE

Emmy Award-winning director Jason DaSilva continues the documentation of his diagnosis with multiple sclerosis and its aftermath. WHEN WE WALK, the follow-up to DaSilva’s 2013 film WHEN I WALK and part of a documentary trilogy, is bracingly forthright and political in this film about inequalities that parents with disabilities face. His previous film documented the first seven years after his diagnosis and launched a platform for his AXS lab and map, which provide information about accessible locations worldwide.

The new film tracks DaSilva's daily struggles as the father of a young child

WHEN WE WALK

in an environment where the healthcare system is stacked against him. As his health continues to deteriorate, DaSilva exposes the many inaccessible spaces and systems that able-bodied people take for granted.

CLOSING NIGHT DEANN BORSHAY LIEM / USA 2019 / 80 MINS SUN MAY 19 | 7:20 PM | ROXIE

GEOGRAPHIES OF KINSHIP reveals the history of international adoption through the powerful stories of Korean adoptees. The powerful documentary traces the legacy of war and political upheaval on vulnerable members of a traditionally patriarchal society. The film reveals the repercussions of transnational adoption, exploring issues around identity, family, and nationality, all through the lens of intimate, emotional personal journeys. Emmy Award-nominated filmmaker Deann Borshay Liem is one of CAAMFest 2019's Spotlight Honorees.

GEOGRAPHIES OF KINSHIP

CAAMEDIA.ORG 13

SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS

SPOTLIGHTS

DEANN BORSHAY LIEM

VALERIE SOE

GEOGRAPHIES OF KINSHIP

FIRST PERSON PLURAL

LOVE BOAT: TAIWAN

AAM: VALERIE SOE & KRISTINA WONG

USA 2019 / 80 MINS

USA 1999 / 60 MINS

USA 2019 / 65 MINS

AAM EVENT / 60 MINS

SUN MAY 19 | 7:20PM | ROXIE

SAT MAY 18 | 2:00PM | SFPL | FREE

CAAMFest is thrilled to honor auteur Deann Borshay Liem as one of our 2019 Spotlight Honorees. Equally respected as an award-winning filmmaker as well as a pioneer storyteller for Korean adoptees worldwide, Liem has made an indelible mark in the documentary landscape.

CAAMFest37 is delighted to present the World Premiere of her newest film, GEOGRAPHIES OF KINSHIP as our Closing Night Presentation.

Also included in Liem’s spotlight is a 20th anniversary look back at her Emmy Award-nominated documentary, FIRST PERSON PLURAL.

RETROSPECTIVES

FRI MAY 17 | 8:30PM | ROXIE

THUR MAY 16 | 7:00PM | AAM

Fearless, inventive and outspoken are a few words to describe CAAMFest37 Spotlight Honoree Valerie Soe. From the 80’s to now, Soe’s films and video installations have been a benchmark for Asian American feminist activism and experimental storytelling. CAAM will proudly showcase Soe's newest documentary, LOVE BOAT: TAIWAN and present a special event in partnership with the Asian Art Museum with special guest, Comedian and Performance Artist, Kristina Wong.

The AAM Event includes DETOURING ASIA/AMERICA WITH VALERIE SOE (MILA ZUO / USA 2018 / 14 MINS).

THE JOY LUCK CLUB

THE DRAGON PAINTER

WAYNE WANG / USA 1993 / 139 MINS

WILLIAM WORTHINGTON / USA 1919 / 54 MINS

Come join us as we celebrate the 25th anniversary of THE JOY LUCK CLUB,

One of the very first Asian American films in cinematic history, THE

one of the most decorated Asian American films in cinematic history.

DRAGON PAINTER is a dreamy and surreal romance that broke new ground

Written by Amy Tan and directed by Wayne Wang, THE JOY LUCK CLUB

in Hollywood. Starring legendary actor Sessue Hayakawa, the film contin-

paved the way for decades of Asian American films including last year’s

ues to woo audiences with its stunning visuals and masterful storytelling.

summer hit, CRAZY RICH ASIANS. This free, outdoor screening in the heart

Join us for this special screening with a live score by Japanese American

of Chinatown will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience with many special

singer-songwriter Goh Nakamura.

SAT MAY 18 | 8:00PM | WAVERLY | FREE

guests in attendance.

14 CAAMFEST37

SAT MAY 11 | 2:30PM | NEW PEOPLE

SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS

PACIFIC SHOWCASE CAAMFest celebrates our 7th Pacific Islander Showcase with our National Minority Consortia partner, Pacific Islanders in Communications. Through these vibrant films, journey through the Pacific Islanders and explore topics from LGBTQ rights to the detrimental impact of tourism.

LEITIS IN WAITING

EATING UP EASTER

DEAN HAMER, JOE WILSON, HINALEIMOANA WONG-KALU / USA

SERGIO M. RAPU / USA 2018 / 76 MINS

2017 / 60 MINS

FRI MAY 17 | 7:00PM | OMCA

FRI MAY 10 | 5:20PM | NEW PEOPLE

Rapa Nui, or Easter Island, is under economic and ecological threat. Sergio

Join us as we celebrate the Oakland premiere of LEITIS IN WAITING,

Rapu follows stalwart, outspoken indigenous defenders of the island’s

an award winning documentary that tells the story of Tonga's evolving

environment and culture in their quest to turn the 21st century tide in this

approach to gender fluidity through a character-driven portrait of the most

deeply personal and hopeful documentary, a message in a bottle for Rapu’s

prominent leiti in the Kingdom, Joey Joleen Mataele, a devout Catholic of

children, and the world.

royal descent.

HONG KONG CINEMA: WOMEN ON THE RISE

CAAMFest37 is proud to celebrate the achievements by visionary women in front and behind the camera. From our two spotlight honorees to every section in our festival, women storytellers and artists are breaking new grounds and redefining the media landscape. Thanks to the support from the Hong Kong Economic Trade Office (HKETO), we shine a global lens to this current movement and celebrate Hong Kong women directors, producers and actors.

STILL HUMAN

THE LAST STITCH

OLIVER SIU KUEN CHAN / HONG KONG 2018 / 111 MINS

ALFRED SUNG / CANADA 2019 / 80 MINS

Offering a glimpse of the challenges facing overseas domestic workers in

Director Alfred Sung spotlights his own family in THE LAST STITCH, an

Hong Kong’s projects, Oliver Siu Kuen Chan’s directorial debut dramedy

affectionate look at Hong Kong immigrants who move their tailoring busi-

weaves together a tale of social constructs and physical disabilities, as two

ness to Toronto. We get to know them as they ply their craft on a new conti-

people from seemingly opposite backgrounds find humanity in each other

nent and learn how their work has evolved with the political changes of the

and themselves as they chase their dreams.

last century.

WED MAY 15 | 6:50PM | KABUKI

TUES MAY 14 | 6:20PM | KABUKI

Preceded by I AM YOUR...A JOURNEY THROUGH A FADING PAST (BRYAN FONG / USA 2018 / 9 MINS) FILM PRESENTATION BY CHIHIRO WIMBUSH, COREY TONG / USA 2019 / 60 MINS SUN MAY 12 | 2:40PM | KABUKI | FREE

Please join CAAMFest as we honor and celebrate the life of San Francisco Public Defender Jeff Adachi, with a tribute to his work as a filmmaker, community activist, and advocate for social justice through his films. The program will include clips from his films (THE SLANTED SCREEN, YOU DON'T KNOW JACK SOO, THE RIDE, DEFENDER), and a preview of a film Jeff was working on at the time of his tragic

A TRIBUTE TO JEFF ADACHI: (1959-2019)

death. The program will also include appreciations by CAAM, friends and former colleagues, and members from the Asian American and independent film communities.

CAAMEDIA.ORG 15

NARRATIVES

COMCAST

BABYSPLITTERS

DEMOLITION GIRL

SAM FRIEDLANDER / USA 2019 / 119 MINS

GENTA MATSUGAMI / JAPAN 2018 / 88 MINS

BABYSPLITTERS takes the sharing economy to its conceptual extreme - literally. Danny Pudi

A high school girl supports her unemployed

and Emily Chang undergo hilarious modern

family in an unusual way — as a performer in

family tribulations with their best friends in an

fetish videos featuring her crushing objects with

attempt to spread the misery and share the

her feet. She looks towards the future as a col-

love. Can you crowdsource and blockchain

lege student, but a series of bad moves by the

babies? Watch this great date movie prospectus

men in her life leads her to display a destructive

before you invest.

side off-camera.

SAT MAY 11 | 9:00PM | KABUKI

FRI MAY 10 | 10:00PM | NEW PEOPLE

EMPTY BY DESIGN

GO BACK TO CHINA

HAPPY CLEANERS

ANDREA A. WALTER / PHILLIPINES 2019 /

EMILY TING / USA 2019 / 96 MINS

JULIAN KIM, PETER S. LEE / USA 2019 /

86 MINS

WED MAY 15 | 9:00PM | PIEDMONT

SAT MAY 18 | 9:20PM | ROXIE

96 MINS

Trust fund princess Sasha lives on daddy’s Two strangers rediscover the Philippines after

bankroll, so any disturbance to the filial order

Grab a seat at the Choi's dinner table for an

life abroad, finding both familiarity and detach-

means goodbye credit cards and luxuriating in

intergenerational, international culture clash.

ment in their journeys. As they struggle to fit in

L.A. She finds herself at the end of her financial

A Korean American family works to achieve

and cross cultural barriers, they connect with

rope, and finally acquiesces to dad’s incessant

success and happiness while struggling to

one another, finding conversation and friend-

beckoning to work at the stuffed animal factory

overcome unattainable ideals and expectations

ship while falling back in love with their home

in China that made her family’s fortune.

for one another. As tensions rise, will they burn

country.

SUN MAY 12 | 6:40PM | NEW PEOPLE TUES MAY 14 | 9:00PM | KABUKI

16 CAAMFEST37

bridges, or find mutual understanding and SAT MAY 11 | 5:05PM | KABUKI

MON MAY 13 | 6:20PM | KABUKI

acceptance?

SAT MAY 11 | 2:40PM | KABUKI

MON MAY 13 | 9:10PM | KABUKI

NARRATIVES

IN THE LIFE OF MUSIC

LAST SUNRISE

MS. PURPLE

CAYLEE SOL, SOK VISAL / CAMBODIA 2018

WEN REN / CHINA 2019 / 103 MINS

JUSTIN CHON / USA 2018 / 87 MINS

/ 92 MINS

In the future, the world becomes reliant on solar

On the heels of the Sundance 2019 premiere,

IN THE LIFE OF MUSIC is an alluring musical

energy. But what happens when the sun goes

writer/director Justin Chon (GOOK, CAAMFest

that tells the story of how one song, “Champa

dark? How does a technologically dependent

2017) brings his visionary storytelling to the

Battambang,” made famous by Sinn Sisamuth

world survive then? A reclusive astronomer,

next level with this emotional love letter to Los

(considered the King of Khmer Music), plays

unwillingly paired with his cheery neighbor, set

Angeles - and the people who fight everyday to

a role in the lives of three different genera-

out on a journey to figure it out.

survive. In a breakout performance by actress

tions. It is a powerful intergenerational tale that explores love and war.

SUN MAY 12 | 2:00PM | NEW PEOPLE

Tiffany Chu, Kasie struggles to make a living FRI MAY 10 | 9:45PM | KABUKI

SAT MAY 11 | 12:00PM | KABUKI

SUN MAY 19 | 3:00PM | ROXIE

and be the primary caretaker for her father.

FRI MAY 10 | 7:30PM | KABUKI

TEN YEAR THAILAND

TIGER

THE WIDOWED WITCH

ADITYA ASSARAT, APICHATPONG

ALISTER GRIERSON / USA, CANADA 2018 /

CAI CHENGJIE / CHINA 2017 / 120 MINS

WEERASETHAKUL, CHULAYARNON

SIRIPHOL, WISIT SASANATIENG / THAILAND 2018 / 95 MINS

100 MINS

Winner of the top prize at the Rotterdam Film TIGER is a powerful film about a Sikh American

Festival, director Cai Chengjie’s debut feature—

boxer who is banned from the boxing commis-

which was shot in 11 days on borrowed equip-

Based on the 2015 Hong Kong film TEN YEARS,

sion for practicing his religious beliefs. Based on

ment—is, like its titular protagonist, unexpect-

this Cannes Film Festival-selected film show-

a true story, this inspirational story explores a

edly powerful and fiercely unpredictable. After

cases four master Thai filmmakers visions on

boxer’s real fight outside of the ring for religious

losing her house and husband, a rural woman

a dystopian Thailand in 2028. Visually stun-

freedom and against racial profiling.

learns how to survive on her own, using shaman

ning and ultra artistic, this is one film not to be missed.

SAT MAY 11 | 9:45PM | KABUKI

powers to influence people around her.

FRI MAY 10 | 7:20PM | KABUKI

TUES MAY 14 | 6:30PM | KABUKI

WED MAY 15 | 9:10PM | KABUKI

CAAMEDIA.ORG 17

DOCUMENTARIES

A WOMAN'S WORK

A LT E R N AT I V E FA C T S : T H E L I E S OF EXECUTIVE ORDER 9066

YU GU / USA 2018 / 88MINS

JON OSAKI / USA 2018 / 65 MINS

A WOMAN’S WORK follows two former

ALTERNATIVE FACTS highlights the racism and

cheerleaders who challenge the multi-billion

political maneuvering behind Executive Order

dollar National Football League by suing for

9066 that led to the World War II incarceration

fair wages. Filmmaker Yu Gu (WHO IS ARTHUR

of Japanese Americans, and it traces the tenac-

CHU?, CAAMFest 2017 Centerpiece Film) shines

ity of the decades-long redress movement.

a light on the NFL’s lesser-known performers.

Through interviews both measured and defiant, Osaki untangles the intergenerational trauma of

Preceded by WINNER OF PEACE (MARISA

the forced internment in this award-winning and

KELLY / USA 2018 / 12 MINS)

deeply personal film.

SAT MAY 11 | 6:30PM | NEW PEOPLE

Preceded by MINIDOKA (MEGUMI NISHIKURA

SUN MAY 12 | 12:10PM | KABUKI

/ USA 2018 / 14 MINS) SAT MAY 18 | 4:40PM | ROXIE

BEI BEI

THE FEELING OF BEING WATCHED

FINDING THE VIRGO

ROSE ROSENBLATT, MARION LIPSCHUTZ /

ASSIA BOUNDAOUI / USA 2018 / 87 MINS

BARRE FONG / USA 2018 / 49 MINS

USA 2018 / 77 MINS

What does it feel like to be watched —

Nearly 40 years ago, Lauren Vuong and her fam-

Inside the criminal defense of Bei Bei Shuai,

surveilled by the state? Director Assia

ily were rescued from the South China Sea by a

an Indiana resident charged with murder after

Boundaoui bravely takes on this personal

fuel tanker LNG Virgo. Vuong seeks to reunite

attempting suicide while pregnant — she sur-

and communal question as she discovers the

her family with the ship’s crew, who rescued

vived, but her baby died soon after birth. The

frightening extent to which the FBI casts a net

many other so called “boat people” during

surrounding legal and political twists, along

of suspicion and intimidation on her own Muslim

the second wave of South Vietnamese refugee

with the humanizing portrait of Shuai, provide

American community beginning in the 1990s.

migration.

SUN MAY 12 | 7:40PM | KABUKI

Preceded by FLO'S BUS (DEAN ISHIDA / USA

important context to the national debate over reproductive rights.

Preceded by PERIOD GIRL (JALENA KEANE-

2018 / 20 MINS), COMING HOME: THE 990

PACIFIC RELOCATION STORY (EMMA MARIE

LEE / USA 2018 / 13 MINS)

CHIANG / USA / 2018 / 22 MINS)

FRI MAY 10 | 7:40PM | NEW PEOPLE

SAT MAY 18 | 7:00PM | ROXIE

TUES MAY 14 | 9:10PM | KABUKI

18 CAAMFEST37

DOCUMENTARIES

JADDOLAND

LAST NIGHT I SAW YOU SMILING

M F O R M A L AYS I A

NADIA SHIHAB / USA 2018 / 88 MINS

KAVICH NEANG / CAMBODIA, FRANCE

INEZA ROUSILLE, DIAN LEE /

Texas, filmmaker Nadia Shihab paints an

Nearly 500 families living in Cambodia's iconic

On the eve of the 2018 Malaysian elections,

intimate portrait of place, family history, culture

White Building, a 54-year-old remnant of New

a racially divided country places its hopes

and identity. During a time when immigrant

Khmer Architecture, reflect on their many mem-

of overcoming a corrupt government on an

stories are portrayed in the context of crises,

ories and the Phnom Penh building's vivid his-

unexpected candidate: A 92-year-old former

JADDOLAND meditates on the search for

tory as they pack up their lives on the eve of its

prime minister seeking to undo his political

generational belonging and the question of

planned demolition and redevelopment.

wrongs, which helped create the many

2019 / 78 MINS

MALAYSIA 2019 / 93 MINS

On a trip to visit her Iraqi mother in West

home.

FRI MAY 17 | 6:00PM | ROXIE

problems the Malaysia faces.

SUN MAY 12 | 4:15PM | NEW PEOPLE MON MAY 13 | 9:00PM | KABUKI

WED MAY 15 | 9:40PM | KABUKI

OUR TIME MACHINE

M AYO r E D L E E

SEADRIFT

YANG SUN, S. LEO CHIANG / CHINA 2019 /

RICK QUAN / USA 2019 / 60 MINS

TIM TSAI / USA 2019 / 68 MINS

86 MINS

MAYOR ED LEE honors and celebrates the

SEADRIFT examines the tensions in a small Gulf

Artist Ma Liang is producing an autobiographi-

legacy of San Francisco’s late mayor, Edwin Lee.

Coast fishing town when Vietnamese refugees

cal play to honor his father, who’s losing his

Director Rick Quan chronicles the life of the

move there in 1979. After one of the refugees

memories to Alzheimer’s. OUR TIME MACHINE

first Asian American mayor of a major city, from

kills a white crabber, what begins as a dispute

depicts their relationship with life-size pup-

his Seattle childhood and his early days as an

over fishing territory explodes into racial strife

pets that travel through time to revisit their

activist in San Francisco to his mayoral election,

that includes firebombings and KKK rallies.

memories. His father’s condition worsens each

offering an inspirational look at the impact he

day, and Liang’s determination to save their

had on the Asian American community.

moments in time.

SAT MAY 11 | 7:30PM | KABUKI

WED MAY 15 | 6:30PM | PIEDMONT

Preceded by JANE (ABRAHAM FELIX / USA 2018 / 12 MINS)

THUR MAY 16 | 6:30PM | PIEDMONT SUN MAY 19 | 5:25PM | ROXIE

FRI MAY 10 | 5:10PM | KABUKI

SUN MAY 12 | 12:30PM | KABUKI

CAAMEDIA.ORG 19

CAAM S U M M I T FILMMAKER

We invite you to join us at CAAMFest 2019’s Filmmaker Summit to connect with Asian American documentary filmmakers, media organizations and community leaders to discuss trends and issues, and be inspired to make positive change in the world.

Since our inaugural Filmmaker Summit at CAAMFest 2018, we have launched a new Fellowship Program, created a development fund for social issue documentary and published a report on Asian American storytellers in the South.

The Fellowship Program — created in partnership with A-Doc, the Asian American Documentary Network — has an incredible initial group of fellows and mentors.

We are excited to showcase their expertise and talent at this year’s Filmmaker Summit. Mentors will be leading sessions on critical areas of filmmaking including fundraising, producing, editing and relationship building. Fellows will have an exciting opportunity to pitch their projects at the Ready, Set, Pitch! Forum that’s making a return at CAAMFest 2019.

CAAM has been able to nurture Asian American makers, provide resources and cultivate new partnerships to build infrastructure that can accommodate growth because of the support of the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, and the Ford Foundation.

MEET OUR CAAM

FELLOWS AND MENTORS

The CAAM Fellowship Program is a year-long career and project development opportunity with a focus on nurturing mentor-fellow relationships within the Asian American documentary community, cultivated in partnership with the A-Doc Network.

Please don’t miss the opportunity to come to this year’s Ready, Set, Pitch! to watch our fellows pitching their projects to a panel of jurors that will award a $10,000 toward a film project.

Jean Tsien has been working in documentary for 35 years as an editor, producer and consultant. Her credits include Academy Award nominee SCOTTSBORO: AN AMERICAN TRAGEDy and three Peabody Award-winning films, MALCOLM X: MAKE IT PLAIN TRAVIS AND SOLAR MAMAS; SOMETHING WITHIN ME; DIXIE CHICKS: SHUT UP & SING and MISS SHARON JONES! Tsien was executive producer and editor for THE ROAD TO FAME, PLEASE REMEMBER ME, and PLASTIC CHINA, winner of the 54th Golden Horse Award for Best Editing.

She was also executive producer for PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF DESIRE, Grand Jury Award winner at the 2018 SXSW Film Festival; DAZE OF JUSTICE; THE STORM MAKERS for POV/ PBS; THE OSLO DIARIES (2018 Sundance Film Festival); and co-executive producer on CALL HER GANDA and BLOWIN’ UP, which both premiered at the 2018 Tribeca Film Festival.

20 CAAMFEST37

CAAM FILMMAKER SUMMIT

MEET OUR CAAM FELLOWS AND MENTORS Anuradha Rana is an independent filmmaker who has produced and directed award-winning films in India, Ecuador, Japan, South Africa and the US that focus on themes of cultural identity and representation in a global environment. She is currently in production on LANGUAGE OF OPPORTUNITY, which explores cultural identity and immigrant aspirations amongst Indian families, and SNOWDOGS (wt), that follows women mushers in the UpperMidwest. She is an Assistant Professor at DePaul University’s School of Cinematic Arts.

FELLOWS MENTORS

Continued...

Mridu Chandra is a NY based producer of award-winning documentaries and independent feature films.

Credits include producing ASK THE SEXPERT (Hot Docs/ Doc World) and OUT IN THE NIGHT (LAFF/ POV); and co-producing BROTHER OUTSIDER (Sundance/ POV), THIS CHANGES EVERYTHING (TIFF), and ELECTORAL DYSFUNCTION (WTTW / PBS). She currently directs IF/ Then Shorts, an initiative developed by Tribeca Film Institute to stimulate the production and multi-platform distribution of short form documentary storytelling.

Emily Hong is a Seoul-born and New Yorkraised visual anthropologist, filmmaker and social change strategist who has worked in Thailand and Myanmar for a decade.

Hong’s non-fiction films combine feminist, decolonial and ethnographic approaches with impact-oriented storytelling. Her current project features indigenous women and punk rock pastors leading an environmental movement in Myanmar’s North. Hong is the co-founder of Ethnocine and Rhiza Collectives, host of Bad Feminists Making Films, and a member of A-DOC.

S. Leo Chiang is a documentarian based in Taipei & LA. His Emmy-nominated film, A VILLAGE CALLED VERSAILLES, picked up multiple awards and aired on PBS’ Independent Lens, co-presented by CAAM. He has received support from ITVS, Sundance, Tribeca, Catapult Film Fund, and Creative Capital. He is a Co-Founder of A-Doc, the Asian American Documentary Network, and a documentary branch member of the Academy. His new film OUR TIME MACHINE is screening at CAAMFest 2019.

Pulkit Datta is a producer, director, and writer based in New York City, and working on projects across the US and around the world.

He has worked on wide range of international projects, including scripted features, documentaries, commercials, short films, music videos, and multimedia campaigns.

He is currently a producer on INVISIBLE, a feature documentary about fibromyalgia, and most recently produced the award-winning short documentary DO WE BELONG?, which was released by The Atlantic.

Karin Chien is an award-winning independent film producer and distributor. Recipient of the Independent Spirit Producer’s Award and the Cinereach Producing Fellowship, she has produced films including CIRCUMSTANCE (2011), THE EXPLODING GIRL (2009), THE MOTEL (2005) and ROBOT STORIES (2002). Chien is the founder/president of dGenerate Films, the leading distributor of 70+ independent Chinese cinema, and runs a global production company.

Chien is the creator/director of the Nevada City Film Festival Residency supporting Native and Asian American filmmakers.

Vicky Du is a Taiwanese-American filmmaker based in New York. Her short film GAYSIANS (Frameline, 2016) screened at 35+ film festivals around the world, had a public TV broadcast on KQED, and was distributed to 1000+ LGBTQ student groups. She is a worker-owner of Meerkat Media and has a BA in Biological Anthropology from Columbia University. Du is currently working on her first feature documentary with support from Points North Institute, CAAM, BAVC and ITVS.

Monika Navarro is the Senior Director of Programs at Tribeca Film Institute, where she oversees documentary, scripted, education and interactive programs. Monika comes to TFI from ITVS, where she managed content and funding initiatives. Monika has more than a decade of experience producing for public media, from directing her debut film LOST SOULS (ANIMAS PERDIDA) which premiered on Independent Lens, to producing for World Channel, American Documentary and the Peabody-award winning PBS series LATINO AMERICANS.

CAAMEDIA.ORG 21

CALEN TH U R SD AY MAY 9

SUNDAY M AY 12

6:30 PM

OPENING NIGHT: CHINATOWN RISING

12:10 PM

KABUKI

A WOMAN'S WORK

OPENING NIGHT GALA

12:10 PM

NP

140 LBS: HOW BEAUTY KILLED MY

12:30 PM

KABUKI

SEADRIFT

2:00 PM

NP

IN THE LIFE OF MUSIC

2:40 PM

KABUKI

LOOK BACK: JEFF ADACHI

3:30 PM

KABUKI

THE MAGPIES OF SEOUL

9:30 PM

CASTRO AAM

MOTHER

FR I D AY M AY 10 5:00 PM

KABUKI

IT RUNS IN THE FAMILY SHORTS

4:15 PM

NP

LAST NIGHT I SAW YOU SMILING

5:10 PM

KABUKI

SEADRIFT

5:10 PM

KABUKI

OUT/THERE SHORTS

5:20 PM

NP

EATING UP EASTER

6:40 PM

NP

EMPTY BY DESIGN

TIGER

6:45 PM

KABUKI

WHEN WE WALK

MS. PURPLE

7:40 PM

KABUKI

THE FEELING OF BEING WATCHED

9:00 PM

KABUKI

FOLLOW ME SHORTS

9:10 PM

NP

WE GON'BE ALRIGHT

7:20 PM 7:30 PM

KABUKI KABUKI

7:40 PM

NP

BEI BEI

9:45 PM

KABUKI

LAST SUNRISE

9:50 PM

KABUKI

ALTERED STATE SHORTS

10:00 PM

NP

DEMOLITION GIRL

S AT U R D AY MAY 11

M ONDAY M AY 13 6:20 PM

KABUKI

GO BACK TO CHINA

6:30 PM

KABUKI

OUT/HERE SHORTS

9:00 PM

KABUKI

LAST NIGHT I SAW YOU SMILING

9:10 PM

KABUKI

HAPPY CLEANERS

12:00 PM

KABUKI

LAST SUNRISE

12:10 PM

NP

GOLD THREAD

12:30 PM

KABUKI

FLIP THE SCRIPT SHORTS

2:30 PM

NP

THE DRAGON PAINTER

2:40 PM

KABUKI

HAPPY CLEANERS

TUESDAY M AY 14

3:00 PM

KABUKI

TFCU TALKS: OWN YOUR NARRATIVE

6:20 PM

KABUKI

THE LAST STITCH

4:30 PM

NP

HBO VISIONARIES SHORTS

6:30 PM

KABUKI

TIGER

5:05 PM

KABUKI

GO BACK TO CHINA

9:00 PM

KABUKI

EMPTY BY DESIGN

6:00 PM

KABUKI

YELLOW ROSE

9:10 PM

KABUKI

BEI BEI

6:30 PM

NP

A WOMAN'S WORK

7:30 PM

KABUKI

OUR TIME MACHINE

9:00 PM

KABUKI

BABYSPLITTER

9:10 PM

NP

140 LBS: HOW BEAUTY KILLED MY

KABUKI

MOTHER TEN YEAR THAILAND

9:45 PM

22 CAAMFEST37

W EDNESDAY M AY 15 6:20 PM

KABUKI

THE SUN IS ALSO A STAR

6:30 PM

PIEDMONT

OUR TIME MACHINE

6:50 PM

KABUKI

STILL HUMAN

9:00 PM

PIEDMONT

BABYSPLITTERS

9:10 PM

KABUKI

THE WIDOWED WITCH

9:40 PM

KABUKI

M FOR MALAYSIA

NDAR T H U R SD AY MAY 1 6 6:30 PM

PIEDMONT

MAYOR ED LEE

7:00 PM

AAM

VALERIE SOE AND KRISTINA WONG

9:00 PM

PIEDMONT

YELLOW ROSE

GALA PRESENTATIONS

9:00 PM

7WEST

DIRECTIONS IN SOUND

SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS

EVENT

GENERAL SCREENINGS

F R I D AY M AY 1 7 5:00 PM

OMCA

FRIDAY NIGHTS @ OMCA

5:30 PM

OMCA

OUT/HERE PANEL

6:00 PM

ROXIE

JADDOLAND

7:00 PM

OMCA ROXIE

LEITIS IN WAITING LOVE BOAT: TAIWAN

8:30 PM

S AT U R D AY MAY 1 8 12:10 PM

ROXIE

WHEN WE WALK

2:00 PM

SFPL

FIRST PERSON PLURAL

2:20 PM 4:40 PM

ROXIE ROXIE

STILL HUMAN ALTERNATIVE FACTS: THE LIES OF

7:00 PM

OACC

7:00 PM

ROXIE

FINDING THE VIRGO

8:00 PM

WAVERLY

THE JOY LUCK CLUB

9:20 PM

ROXIE

DEMOLITION GIRL

VENUE KEY 7WEST

7TH WEST

AAM

ASIAN ART MUSEUM

CASTRO

CASTRO THEATRE

KABUKI

AMC KABUKI 8

NP

NEW PEOPLE CINEMA

OACC

OAKLAND ASIAN CULTURAL CENTER

OMCA

OAKLAND MUSEUM OF CALIFORNIA

PIEDMONT

PIEDMONT THEATRE

ROXIE

ROXIE THEATER

SFPL

SAN FRANCISCO PUBLIC LIBRARY: MAIN BRANCH

WAVERLY

WAVERLY PLACE

EXECUTIVE ORDER 9066 SELF EVIDENT: ASIAN AMERICA'S STORIES

S U N D AY M AY 1 9 12:30 PM

ROXIE

MOVING MOUNTAINS SHORTS

3:00 PM

ROXIE

IN THE LIFE OF MUSIC

5:25 PM

ROXIE

THE PEOPLE'S MAYOR: ED LEE

7:20 PM

ROXIE

GEOGRAPHIES OF KINSHIP

CAAMEDIA.ORG 23

NEW DIRECTIONS MUSIC FOOD LIVE PERFORMANCES DIREC T IONS IN S OUND

From hip-hop to future beats, indie rock and global rhythms, CAAMFest’s premier music showcase hits the East Bay. ARUMI & LIL WAIFU — a collective for female artists focusing in on world music — as a means to reclaim female sex positivity.

TRKRNR (Track Runner) Music is a Richmond-based DJ/producerduo that blends modern funk and up-tempo electronic beats.

GIRL SWALLOWS NIGHTINGALE is an Oakland-based band inspired by fantasy, anime, science fiction and saga.

AZURE, born Justin Park, features poetic, conscious lyrics over laid-back jazzy samples.

AUX CORD, founder of Another Party Fam, is blowing up with his signature sound of rap, slaps and party classics.

CLUB CHAI features eclectic sounds that bridge the gap between South Asian beats and electronic dance music.

THUR MAY 16 | 9:00PM | 7TH WEST

Self Evident is a new podcast taking on what it means to be American by telling Asian America’s stories. With host Cathy Erway, the show will tackle today’s tough questions about identity, cultural change and nationhood by presenting reported narratives, community conversations, and personal stories. To kick off Season 1, the Self Evident team is bringing these stories to the stage! Join us for an evening of live storytelling, engaging discussion and celebration presented in partnership with CAAM.

SELF EVIDENT: ASIAN AMERICA'S STORIES

SAT MAY 18 | 7:00PM | OACC

T HE M AGP IE S OF SEOUL

THE MAGPIES OF SEOUL DAN LEE / USA 2019 Dan Lee (from the rock band Scrabbel) premieres a dynamic, new live music performance based on the Korean fairytale, Chilseok. The Magpies of Seoul is about two childhood friends who get separated by the Korean War, Lee's interpretation of the traditional story. The live performance will feature a mix of indie rock and traditional Korean drumming.

Supported by the San Francisco Arts Commission.

SUN MAY 12 | 3:30PM | KABUKI

24 CAAMFEST37

NEW DIRECTIONS

140 LBS: HOW BEAUTY KILLED MY MOTHER SUSAN LIEU / USA 2018 Award-winning playwright and activist Susan Lieu brings to light the tragic story of her mother’s unexpected death. Sifting through thousands of deposition pages and reaching out to the killer’s family, Susan uncovers the painful truth about her mother, herself, and the impossible ideal of Vietnamese feminine beauty.

SAT MAY 11 | 9:10PM | NEW PEOPLE SUN MAY 12 | 12:10PM | NEW PEOPLE

Curated by KATHY ZARUR

LAHIB JADDO: EVERY WOMAN KNOWS HER OWN TREE

This is an exhibition of paintings best understood as a counterpart to the film JADDOLAND, directed by artist's daughter, Nadia Shihab. The exhibition continues the examination of themes highlighted in the film, including diasporic longing, landscapes of belonging, familial ties and intergenerational artistic collaboration. The works on display reveal recurring tendencies in Jaddo's practice, particularly the blurring of boundaries between landscapes and the female bodies that occupy them.

FRI MAY 17 - SUN MAY 19 | 518 VALENCIA ST.

TFCU TALKS: OWN YOUR NARRATIVE The Filipino Channel University (TFCU) and CAAMFest bring together a panel of Filipino American artists working in the film and entertainment world. The panelists will share how they are paving the way in representing Filipino Americans through their storytelling in an ever-changing industry where demand for visibility is growing.

SAT MAY 11 | 3:00PM | KABUKI

GOLD THREAD CAAMFest and Gold Thread are pleased to bring you a selection of videos celebrating Chinese food and the people who make it.

This line up is aimed at inspiring deeper thought about the food we eat, what we consider foreign, and how our lives are shaped by mom’s cooking. Gold Thread is a team of video makers and journalists based in Hong Kong. They are on a mission to cover China through stories of people, culture, and cuisine.

SAT MAY 11 | 12:10PM | NEW PEOPLE

CAAMEDIA.ORG 25

SHORTS FRI MAY 10 | 9:50PM | KABUKI All seems well and good then you realize a creepy man-sized bunny is staring at you. What do you do?

Join us for this genre-bending program that dares to explore the fantastical realm between truth and the surreal. This rollercoaster of stories and characters will take you to the limits. 94 MINS

A LT E R E D S TAT E S

ANIMAL Bahram Ark, Bahman Ark / Iran 2018 / 15 mins BUNNY MAN Athena Han / Canada 2018 / 8 mins DOWN ON THE SIDEWALK IN WAIKIKI Justyn Ah Chong / USA 2019, / 20 mins IN FULL BLOOM Maegan Houang / USA 2018 / 11 mins

THE PIT WHERE WE WERE BORN Alexander Bocchieri / USA 2018 / 12 mins SPORTS DAY Lin Tu / China 2018 / 11 mins THE VISIT Roxy Shih / USA 2018 / 15 mins

SAT MAY 11 | 12:30PM | KABUKI From Daly City to the Philippines, this vibrant collection of films celebrates the fearless creativity and distinct voice of the Filipino and Filipino American communities. Whimsey and imagination connect these diverse stories that delve into topics from 90’s hip-hop to fusion lumpias to families disrupted by culture and distance. 74 MINS

FLIP THE SCRIPT

CHERRY Eugene Kim / USA 2018 / 18 mins IN THIS FAMILY Drama del Rosario / USA, Philippines 2018 / 12 mins LUMPIA CAMPESINA Robert Karimi / USA 2017 / 9 mins

MAN OF PA-ALING E Del Mundo / Philippines 2017 / 15 mins MANILA IS FULL OF MEN NAMED BOY Andrew Stephen Lee / Philippines 2018 / 21 mins

SUN MAY 12 | 9:00PM | KABUKI If a tree falls in a forest, but no one Instagrams it, does it matter? Social media has changed our world and the characters in this visionary program are feeling the effects. Whether they’re searching for their online community or struggling with overwhelming FOMO, this collection of films tackles modern technology head on. 80 MINS

FOLLOW ME

BUFFALO NICKEL Youthana Yuos / USA 2018 / 15 mins CONTOURS Javian Ashton Le / USA 2019 / 12 mins GAMERS Searit Huluf / USA 2018 / 10 mins REACH Mina Park, Mike Wierzenski / USA 2018 / 20 mins

SELF PORTRAIT Sharon Choi / USA 2019 / 5 mins SHARE Barna Szász, Ellie Wen / USA 2018 / 13 mins SWORDED LOVE Tina Takemoto / USA 2018 / 5 mins

FRI MAY 10 | 5:00PM | KABUKI Whoever said “you can’t choose your family” clearly never met the characters in this powerful and emotionally sweeping program. This selection of films weaves diverse genres and storytelling together as they explore the complexities of life and how our families can be a source of inspiration and support. 86 MINS

I T R U N S I N T H E F A M I LY 26 CAAMFEST37

BARAHA Gretchen Carvajal, Violet Wang / USA 2017 / 20 mins

BY YOUR SIDE Marisa Na Nakhorn-Brown, Chris Tomkins / Australia 2018 / 15 mins CONTINUUM Justin Chien, Ryan Alexander Huang / USA 2018 / 20 mins

DAUGHTER Amanda Lee / Canada 2017 / 5 mins THE DISTANCE BETWEEN US Jeffrey Wu / China 2018 / 5 mins MY GRANDPA Mike Paili / USA 2018 / 7 mins OKAASAN (MOM) Kana Hatakeyama / Japan 2018 / 18 mins

SHORTS

SUN MAY 19 | 12:30PM | ROXIE CAAMFest is thrilled to bring you a selection of shorts from the Himalayas in partnership with the Kathmandu International Mountain Film Festival (KIMFF) and the Bay Area Himalayan Film Festival. These shorts spotlight the burgeoning documentary and narrative film scene in the region and is sure to move viewers in many ways. 87 MINS ABOUT A GIRL Manish Niraula / Nepal 2018 / 7 mins DOLPA DIARY Prasuna Dongol / Nepal 2018 / 24 mins SILVER BANGLES Roshan Thakuri / Nepal 2017 / 15 mins

MOVING MOUNTAINS

SUPERMONK Shenang Gyamjo Tamang / Nepal, Taiwan 2018 / 19 mins TATTINI (THE MOON IS BRIGHT TONIGHT) Abinash Bikram Shah / Nepal, Myanmar 2018 / 17 mins TIRKHA (THE THIRST) Bhabasagar Ghimire / Nepal 2018 / 5 mins

MON MAY 13 | 6:30PM | KABUKI It should be no suprise that our annual LGBTQ shorts program is overflowing with awe-inspring and bold stories. As diverse and vibrant as the communities themselves, this latest crop of filmmakers dare to push queer stories into the future with tender films ranging from identity and love, to super meta comedies, to experiemental. 78 MINS

OUT/HERE

ABOUT A SHORT FILM Kevin Yee / USA 2018 / 6 mins BED & BREAKFAST Anna Mikami / USA 2018 / 8 mins ENGAGED David Scala / USA 2019 / 17 mins SPEAK EASY, B Becca Park, Jun Shimizu / USA 2018 / 14 mins

U Lala Openi / USA 2017 / 4 mins WAYWARD EMULSIONS Tina Takemoto / USA 2018 / 4 mins ZERO ONE Nick Neon / USA 2018 / 24 mins

SUN MAY 12 | 5:10PM | KABUKI This year, we are thrilled to have two LGBTQ shorts programs! There was just too many amazing films for just one. This added program showcases queer stories from outside of the US. These tender and heartwarming stories explores the complexities of family dynamics and cultural conflicts when traditional views clash with modern love. 63 MINS ALL IN MY FAMILY Hao Wu / USA, China 2019 / 40 mins KADO (A GIFT) Aditya Ahamd / Indonesia 2018 / 15 mins MY MOTHER, MYSELF & I King Yaw Soon / USA 2018 / 8 mins

OUT/THERE SAT MAY 11 | 4:30PM | NEW PEOPLE CAAM is thrilled to partner with HBO and their annual Asian Pacific American Visionaries Competition.

This short film competition adds to Hollywood’s changing landscape of inclusion and representation of marginalized voices by showcasing cinematic storytellers of Asian and Pacific Islander descent. Please join us as we celebrate the three finalists for their 2019 competition and find out who wins. This special program will include a on-stage conversation with finalists and other special guests. 46 MINS HALWA Nirav Bhakta, Gayatri Bajpai / USA 2018 / 17 mins MOONWALK WITH ME So Young Shelly Yo / USA 2019 / 14 mins ZOETIC Julie Zhan, Wesley Chan / USA 2019 / 15 mins

CAAMEDIA.ORG 27

CAAMFEST37

AWARDS

COMCAST NARRATIVE COMPETITION

DOCUMENTARY COMPETITION

SF FILM CRITICS AWARD

The Comcast Narrative Competition Award

The Documentary Competition showcases

In partnership with the San Francisco Film

highlights the diversity and ingenuity of modern

a dynamic selection of films that fearlessly

Critics Circle, CAAMFest proudly celebrates

cinema and recognizes excellence in narrative

capture the challenging reality and surprising

cinematic achievements in global cinema.

filmmaking.

beauty inherent to the human experience.

Award winners are selected by members of the San Francisco Film Critics Circle, a nonprofit service organization of Bay Area film critics,

LONI DING AWARD FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE DOCUMENTARY The Loni Ding Award for Social Justice

INSPIRASIAN STUDENT FILM AWARD

reviewers, writers, authors, and editors.

Recognizing promising voices in Asian and

AUDIENCE AWARD

Asian American media, the InspirASIAN Student

The Audience Award lets you, our audience,

Film Award is presented to college students

honor your festival favorite. Vote for the

who exemplify the voice of a new generation.

narrative that touched your heart or the most

Documentary recognizes the film and film-

eye-opening documentary, and give their

maker that most reflect the passions of late TV

Co-sponsored by InspirAsian, a nonprofit

producer Loni Ding. She devoted her life to

directors much-deserved recognition. Check to

organization focused on the representation of

advocacy and played a key role in the founding

see if your favorites won on the CAAM website

Asian Pacific Islanders employed by AT&T Inc.

of several public media organizations, includ-

after the festival.

and its wholly owned subsidiaries.

ing CAAM.

28 CAAMFEST37

VENUES CHINATOWN WAVERLY PLACE Waverly Place

SOMA/CIVIC CENTER CIVIC CENTER BART STATION

PIEDMONT PIEDMONT THEATRE 4186 Piedmont Avenue | 510.985.1252 landmarktheatres.com

Between Clay St. & Sacramento St.

ASIAN ART MUSEUM 200 Larkin Street | 415.581.3500 www.asianart.org

JAPANTOWN

SAN FRANCISCO PUBLIC LIBRARY MAIN BRANCH 100 Larkin Street | 415.557.4400 sfpl.org

OAKLAND

MISSION

16th ST BART STATION

OAKLAND ASIAN CULTURAL CENTER 388 9th Street | 510.637.0455 oacc.cc

CASTRO

518 VALENCIA 518 Valencia | 415.863.9977 518valencia.org

OAKLAND MUSEUM OF CALIFORNIA 1000 Oak Street | 510.318.8400 museumca.org

CASTRO THEATRE 429 Castro Street | 415.621.6120 castrotheatre.com

ROXIE THEATER 3117 16th Street | 415.863.1087 roxie.com

AMC KABUKI 8 1881 Post Street | 415.346.3243 amctheatres.com NEW PEOPLE CINEMA 1746 Post Street | 415.525.8630 newpeopleworld.com

BART. Proud supporter of the Center for Asian American Media and CAAMFEST 2019.

19TH ST & LAKE MERRITT BART STATIONS 7TH WEST 1255 7th Street | 415.290.6501 7thwest.com

BOX OFFICE & TICKETING GENERAL

MEMBER

REGULAR SCREENINGS & PANELS

$14

$12

STUDENT, SENIORS (65+) AND DISABLED

$13

-

All online fees have been eliminated!

TICKET DELIVERY

There are three ticket delivery options for online or phone orders: E-Delivery. Tickets are attached to the

OPENING NIGHT

confirmation email sent after completion of the

SCREENING W/ RESERVED SEATING & GALA*

$90

-

SCREENING & GALA

$65

$55

SCREENING ONLY

$35

-

GALA ONLY

$40

-

CENTERPIECE FILMS

$20

$17

CLOSING NIGHT PRESENTATION

$20

$17

*limited quantity

order. Tickets may be either printed in advance or presented on a mobile device for entry.

Will Call. Tickets available for pick up at the box office at the first screening in the order. Please note: tickets purchased in separate transactions will not automatically be packaged together.

Standard Mail. Mail orders will be sent within 5 to 7 days of purchase. An additional fee is charged for mail orders. The option to have tickets mailed ends on Wednesday, May 1st.

DIRECTIONS IN SOUND PRESALE AT THE DOOR

$20

$15

$25

$20

CAAMFEST 6-PACK

$75

-

RUSH SHOWS Last-minute tickets ­— rush tickets — may be available just before show time when advance

Save $9 on 6 tickets with the 6-pack! Purchase the 6-pack first, then sign in and select

tickets have sold out. A rush line will form

tickets for the films you want to see. 6-Packs can be used in any permutation you choose (e.g., 2 tickets to 3 films, 3 tickets to 2 films). Valid for regularly-priced ($14) screenings only.

outside the venue usually one hour before show time. Approximately 10 minutes prior to the screening, empty seats are counted and will be

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 CAAMunity Screenings.

sold on a first-come, first-served basis to those in line. Rush tickets will only be sold to those actually waiting in line. One rush ticket per person in the rush line, and there are no guarantees.

SEATING AND QUEUES Unless otherwise noted, all seating for CAAMFest screenings and events is general admission, i.e. first-come, first-served, non-reserved seating.

Ticket-holder and Rush lines (queues) will be held outside of the venues, please plan accordingly.

HOW TO BUY TICKETS ONLINE

IN PERSON (AMC DINE-IN KABUKI 8)

April 9 – 12 // Member Sales

May 9th – May 19th 8 // Box office opens at venue

April 13 – May 19 // General Public

one hour before first screening of the day.

Go to: caamedia.org.

Day-of-show tickets may be purchased at all other theater box offices. Have questions?

Email us at boxoffice@caamedia.org or call 415.552.5580.

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.

CAAMFest is not responsible for lost, stolen or misplaced tickets. We will be unable to admit patrons without tickets. All seating is at management’s discretion.

30 CAAMFEST37

EXPLORE MORE OF ASIA ABOARD NORTH AMERICA’S BEST AIRLINE

Air Canada is proud to offer convenient daily service to Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Tokyo (Narita and Haneda), Seoul and Taipei, with seamless connections via Toronto and Vancouver. Count on our award-winning, three-cabin service and the superior comfort of our Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft on select routes to Asia.

With an appreciation for the richness and diversity of Asian American culture, Air Canada is proud to support the 37th CAAMFest.

Book at aircanada.com

BOARD OF DIRECTORS CO-CHAIRS DIPTI GHOSH VINCENT PAN

VICE CHAIR MYONG LEIGH TREASURER STEPHANIE M. WEI SECRETARY JOHNNIE D. GILES MEMBERS BILL IMADA BRENT QUAN HALL CHRISTINE CHEN CHRISTOPHER AU DAVID LEI HANSON LI JAMES BAO MATT MUI NAJA PHAM LOCKWOOD PAULA MADISON STEPHEN GONG TESSIE GUILLERMO

CAAM STAFF

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR STEPHEN GONG DEVELOPMENT AND COMMUNICATIONS FRANCES POMPERADA Director of Development JENNIFER CHU Membership & Development Manager LANLIAN SZETO Sponsorship Manager DIGITAL AND INTERACTIVE MOMO CHANG Content Manager EDUCATIONAL DISTRIBUTION LAUREN LOLA Educational Distribution Sales Coordinator

34 CAAMFEST37

STAFF LIST FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION JAMES OTT Director of Finance & Adminstration MARISA MARISCOTTI Business Manager

PUBLICATION EDITOR HARRY MOK

PROGRAMS DONALD YOUNG Director of Programs CZARINA GARCIA Media Fund Manager SAPANA SAKYA Talent Development & Special Projects Manager

PUBLICIST LARSEN AND ASSOCIATES

FESTIVAL STAFF

FESTIVAL AND EXHIBITIONS DIRECTOR MASASHI NIWANO EVENTS PRODUCTION MANAGER KRYSTAL FERNANDES GUEST SERVICE & TRAVEL COORDINATOR JENNIFER LUI MARKETING MANAGER MARKY ENRIQUEZ MARKETING ASSISTANT CAT JIMENEZ OPERATIONS MANAGER JOANNA CHIN OPERATIONS ASSISTANT ANNA XIAN PRINT TRAFFIC COORDINATOR JESSE DUBUS PUBLIC RELATIONS COORDINATOR DOMINIQUE ONEIL VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR CZARINA LIVELO GRAPHIC DESIGNERS DARLENE PORTADES LANSIA WANN

BOX OFFICE BOX CUBED

SPECIAL EVENTS PRODUCTION GIRL FRIDAY PRODUCTIONS CAAM IDENTITY, DESIGN AND FESTIVAL TRAILER SALEEM RESHAMWALA FESTIVAL WEBSITE GALA FESTIVAL ENGINE EVENT MANAGER PHILIP WALKER TECHNICIANS CAT LAM JACOB HEULE JON BASTIAN THEATER OPERATION STAFF CANDACE ROBERTS DAVID MAC JACOB RODRIGUEZ JONATHAN WOO KIMBER HIGHTOWER NADINE JOHNSON SHAWN YEE TIM ISOM INTERNS ALAN SHIA ALINA HUI CHRISTINA CHAN CORY MASUDA DAVID OH KAYLYN ARIMA LAURA UYEKI MAHEK SANDHU MAREE ILIGAN OLIVER GOODMAN SEUNGSOO SHINMEOW - LIN

INDEX

140 LBS: HOW BEAUTY KILLED MY MOTHER 25

FOLLOW ME SHORTS 26

OKAASAN (MOM) 26

AAM EVENT: VALERIE SOE & KRISTINA WONG 14

GAMERS 26

OPENING NIGHT GALA 12

ABOUT A GIRL 27

GEOGRAPHIES OF KINSHIP 13, 14

OUR TIME MACHINE 19

ABOUT A SHORT FILM 27

GO BACK TO CHINA 16

OUT/HERE SHORTS 27

ALL IN MY FAMILY 27

GOLD THREAD 25

OUT/THERE SHORTS 27

ALTERED STATES SHORTS 26

HALWA 27

PERIOD GIRL 18

ALTERNATIVE FACTS: THE LIES OF EXECUTIVE ORDER 9066 18

HAPPY CLEANERS 16

PIT WHERE WE WERE BORN, THE 26

HBO VISIONARIES SHORTS 27

REACH 26

I AM YOUR... A JOURNEY THROUGH A FADING PAST 15

SEADRIFT 19

IN FULL BLOOM 26

SELF EVIDENT: ASIAN AMERICA'S STORIES 24

IN THE LIFE OF MUSIC 17

SELF PORTRAIT 26

IN THIS FAMILY 26

SHARE 26

IT RUNS IN THE FAMILY SHORTS 26

SILVER BANGLES 27

JADDOLAND 19, 25

SPEAK EASY, B 27

JANE 19

SPORTS DAY 26

THE JOY LUCK CLUB 14

STILL HUMAN 15

KADO (A GIFT) 27

SUPERMONK 27

LAHIB JADDO: EVERY WOMAN KNOWS HER OWN TREE 25

SWORDED LOVE 26

LAST NIGHT I SAW YOU SMILING 19

TATTINI (THE MOON IS BRIGHT TONIGHT) 27

LAST STITCH, THE 15

TFCU TALKS: OWN YOUR NARRATIVE 25

LAST SUNRISE 17

TEN YEAR THAILAND 17

LEITIS IN WAITING 15

TIGER 17

LOVE BOAT: TAIWAN 14

TIRKHA (THE THIRST) 27

LUMPIA CAMPESINA 26

TRIBUTE TO JEFF ADACHI: A 15

M FOR MALAYSIA 19

U 27

MAGPIES OF SEOUL, THE 24

VISIT, THE 26

MAN OF PA-ALING 26

WAYWARD EMULSIONS 27

MANILA IS FULL OF MEN NAMED BOY 26

WHEN WE WALK 13

MAYOR ED LEE 19

WIDOWED WITCH, THE 17

MINIDOKA 18

WINNER OF PEACE 18

MOONWALK WITH ME 27

WOMAN'S WORK, A 18

MOVING MOUNTAINS SHORTS 27

YELLOW ROSE 13

MS. PURPLE 17

ZERO ONE 27

MY GRANDPA 26

ZOETIC 27

ANIMAL 26 BABYSPLITTERS 16 BARAHA 26 BED & BREAKFAST 27 BEI BEI 18 BUFFALO NICKEL 26 BUNNY MAN 26

BY YOUR SIDE 26 CHERRY 26 CHINATOWN RISING 12 CONTINUUM 26 CONTOURS 26 DAUGHTER 26 DEMOLITION GIRL 16 DETOURNING ASIA / AMERICA WITH VALERIE SOE 14 DIRECTIONS IN SOUND 24 DISTANCE BETWEEN US, THE 26 DRAGON PAINTER, THE 14 DOLPA DIARY 27 DOWN ON THE SIDEWALK IN WAIKIKI 26 EATING UP EASTER 15 EMPTY BY DESIGN 16 ENGAGED 27 FEELING OF BEING WATCHED, THE 18 FINDING THE VIRGO 18 FIRST PERSON PLURAL 14 FLIP THE SCRIPT SHORTS 26

MY MOTHER, MYSELF AND I 27

FLO'S BUS 18 CAAMEDIA.ORG 35

三十年來，與灣區共同成長

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