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.
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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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