PAAFF'14 Program Guide

2014 PAAFF

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September 25, 2014

LETTER FROM THE WHITE HOUSE

he White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (WHIAAPI), I mest welcome to the attendees of the Philadelphia Asian American Film Festival pplaud PAAFF’s commitment to celebrating and elevating the Asian American GREETINGS: rough culturally relevant films.

On behalf of the White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders

(WHIAAPI), my warmest welcome ama reauthorized WHIAAPI to improve the quality of lifeI send and opportunities for theto the attendees of the Philadelphia Asian American Film Festival (PAAFF). I applaud PAAFF’s commitment to celebrating and unity through increased access to and participation in federal programs, in which elevating the Asian American experience through culturally relevant films. nderserved. With your involvement, the Initiative seeks to highlight both the President Obama reauthorized WHIAAPI to improve the quality of life and nmet needs in AAPI communities as well as the dynamic assets that can be opportunities for the AAPI community through increased access to and participating meet those needs. in federal programs, in which they remain underserved. With your involvement, the

WHITE HOUSE INITIATIVE ON Initiative seeks to highlight both the tremendous unmet needs in AAPI communities as AN AMERICANS AND and PACIFIC ISLANDERS well asthe the dynamic assets that can be leveraged to meet those needs.

AAFF for its dedication to educating exposing Philadelphia region to films

Asian Americans.

I commend PAAFF for its dedicating to educating and exposing the Philadelphia region to films by and about Asian Americans.

warm congratulations and continued success inSeptember the years to25, come.

2014

I wish you a warm congratulations and continuted success in the years to come.

Sincerely, Sincerely,

reauthorized WHIAAPI to improve the quality of life and opportunities for the

2014 PAAFF

White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (WHIAAPI), I welcome to the attendees of the Philadelphia Asian American Film Festival Kiran Ahuja aud PAAFF’s commitment to celebrating and elevating the Asian American Kiran Ahuja WHIAAPI Executive Director gh culturally relevant films.

2014 WHIAAPI Executive Director 3

CONTENTS

Documentary Double Feature: Horn Please / Jeepney / 26

Letters From The Governor & Mayor / 06

Approved for Adoption / 27

Staff Listing / 07

Closing Night: Brahmin Bulls / 28

Welcome Letter From The Festival Director / 08

PAAFF+ Program / 30

Festival Schedules / 10–11

PAAFF EATS

Opening Night: A Leading Man / 13

APA in Hip Hop Panel / 32

Family Ingredients / 14

LOCALS ONLY Shorts / 35

Cicada / 15

9-Man / 36

Awesome Asian Bad Guys / 14

Plastic Paradise / 37

Uzumasa Limelight / 17

Documentary Shorts / 39

Sci-Fi & Horror Genre Shorts / 18

The American Rimpoche / 40

International Shorts / 20

Ricki’s Promise / 41

Eat With Me / 21

Festival Finale: Kumu Hina / 42

Centerpiece: Farah Goes Bang / 22

Film Juries / 44

Faraway / 23

Thank Yous / 46

LOVE Shorts / 25 4

/ 31 DESIGNED BY MARUGRAPHIS | WWW.MARUGRAPHIS.COM

2014 PAAFF

PAAFF‘14 Sponsors / 05

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2014 PAAFF 5

LETTERS FROM THE GOVERNOR & MAYOR GREETINGS:

GREETINGS:

COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR

It is my pleasure to join with the Philadelphia Asian American Film Festival (PAAFF) to welcome everyone gathered here for the 2014 festival.

Pennsylvania thrives on its vibrant cultural heritage and Asian Americans represent a vital component to our Commonwealth’s diverse ethnic and social community. join with the Philadelphia Asian in American Festival Since its inception 2008, Film the Philadelphia Asian American e gathered here forFestival the 2014 festival.

Film has remained dedicated to educating others about Asian American culture through film production. This on its vibrant cultural heritage and Asian Americans represent year’s PAAFF provides an opportunity for Pennsylvanians to mmonwealth’s diverse ethnic and social community. Since its theFestival Asian has American and highlight the elphia Asian celebrate American Film remainedcommunity dedicated contributions madeThis to our society. I extend my sian American culture throughthey film have production. year’s sincere gratitude to the and its supporters, and unity for Pennsylvanians to celebrate theorganization Asian American GREETINGS: e contributions they made to our extend my it is myhave hope that thissociety. festivalI will continue to grow and reach It is my pleasure to join with the Philadelphia Asian American Film Festival nization and its supporters, and it is my that this festival a diverse audience forhope to come.

(PAAFF) to years welcome everyone gathered here for the 2014 festival.

COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR

ch a diverse audience for years to come.

Pennsylvania thrives on its vibrant cultural heritage and Asian Americans represent Since its

to our Commonwealth’s diverse ethnic and social community.

As Governor, anda vital oncomponent behalf of all Pennsylvanians, I am

2008, the Philadelphia Asian American Film Festival has remained dedicated n behalf of all Pennsylvanians, inception I am inpleased to welcome to educating others about Asian American culture through film production. This year’s pleased to welcome everyone gathered at tothe 2014 PAAFFFestival. provides an opportunity for Pennsylvanians celebrate the Asian American 14 Philadelphia Asian American Film Please accept community and highlight the contributions they have made to our society. I extend my Philadelphia Asian American Film Festival. Please accept my ble and memorable event. sincere gratitude to the organization and its supporters, and it is my hope that this festival

It is a pleasure to welcome the patrons and guests of the 7th Annual Philadelphia Asian American Film Festival (PAAFF) taking place November 12–22, 2014.

The PAAFF occupies a unique niche in the Philadelphia cultural community; presenting films written, produced, directed, and about Asian Americans. Founded in 2008, the nonprofit PAAFF has built a reputation as a singular event to showcase culturally relevant films and first quality examples of film artistry to the increasing and diverse audiences of Philadelphia.

During the numerous film screenings and related events, audiences are invited to participate in post film discussions with filmmakers and actors, take part in special live events, featured receptions, and celebratory parties. PAAFF is the recipient of the 2010 Share the Heritage Award presented by the Philadelphia Multicultural Affairs Congress and the 2012 International Vision Award presented by International House Philadelphia.

On behalf of the City of Philadelphia, I commend PAAFF Festival Director Rob Buscher and the dedicated PAAFF staff for presenting the Philadelphia Asian American Film Festival for the education, enlightenment, and entertainment of Philadelphia’s regional audiences.

will continue to grow and reach a diverse audience for years toevent. come. best wishes for an enjoyable and memorable

As Governor, and on behalf of all Pennsylvanians, I am pleased to welcome everyone gathered at the 2014 Philadelphia Asian American Film Festival. Please accept my best wishes for an enjoyable and memorable event.

TOM CORBETT Tom Corbett Governor Governor 2014 2014 PAAFF

2014

TOM CORBETT Governor 2014

I wish you every present and future success in offering this artistic series of films and events and in increasing the knowledge of and exposure to Asian American filmmakers for Philadelphia’s discriminating filmgoers.

Sincerely,

Michael A. Nutter Mayor 6

PAAFF 14’ STAFF

ROB BUSCHER Festival Director/Programmer

SARAH MUELLER Guest Services Coordinator

BEN SILVERIO Festival Staff

JAMES J. NEWHARD, CPA Accounting Services

MICHAEL WINGATE JONES Managing Director

JAY MOHAN Print Traffic/ Music Events Coordinator

LISA JIANG Festival Staff

BALLARD SPAHR LLP Legal Counsel

BRAD BALDIA Corporate Relations/ Community Affairs Director

QUYNH-MAI Website Designer

PHUONG NGUYEN Development Director

HERB WHITE Festival Staff

DO YOUNG AHN Brand Communication Director

SHIELLA CERVANTES Festival Staff

SUAN TAN Volunteers Coordinator

REEMA KANZARIA Festival Staff

MIKE DONNELLY Events Coordinator

PAMELA YAU Festival Staff

TAM LE Festival Staff THANH LAM Festival Staff JEFFREY HSU Festival Trailer RON LU Creative Professional

FILM REVIEW COMMITTEE MEMBERS Rob Buscher Shiella Cervantes Daniel Chen Michael Wingate Jones Phuong Nguyen Suan Tan

BILL YAU Development Advisor 2014 PAAFF 7

WELCOME!

Thursday evening 11/13 Queen of Sushi Madame Saito will be joining us for a live sushi demonstration after the screening of Family Ingredients.

Friday evening 11/14 PAAFF will host a live Martial Arts demonstration between the screenings of Awesome Asian Bad Guys and Uzumasa Limelight.

Saturday afternoon 11/15 Chef Poon will join us again for a live cooking demonstration after the screening of Eat with Me, followed by our Centerpiece Film Farah Goes Bang with Director Meera Menon in attendance.

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Greetings friends! It is with great excitement that I welcome you to the 7th Annual Philadelphia Asian American Film Festival. In this guide you will find details about all 16 Features, 5 Shorts Programs, and a host of other peripheral programming at this year’s festival. PAAFF’14 is our biggest, and in my opinion, best festival to date—and would not have been possible without the tireless efforts of our volunteer staff, community partners, and sponsors.

Sunday evening 11/16 our Closing Night Film Brahmin Bulls has Director Mahesh Pailoor in attendance and a FREE catered reception for all ticket holders.

2014 has been a landmark year for PAAFF, marking our first year-round pre-festival program and introducing our new PAAFF+ peripheral program, including three new sections: PAAFF Eats, PAAFF Pulse, and PAAFF Pride—which refer to our food, music, and LGBTQ programming respectively. There are too many great events in this year’s program to mention them all, but here are a few highlights.

Saturday evening 11/22 our Festival Finale Film Kumu Hina will be followed by a FREE catered reception for all ticket holders.

Wednesday evening 11/12 our Opening Night Film A Leading Man has Writer/Director Steven J. Kung in attendance and a FREE reception for all ticket holders including food, drinks, music, and a live vegetable carving demonstration by Master Chef Joseph Poon.

Rob Buscher Festival Director

Tuesday afternoon 11/18 Free Library of Philadelphia will host our FREE panel about APAs in Hip Hop featuring Jeff Chang, author of Can’t Stop Won’t Stop.

Thank you all for attending, and I look forward to welcoming you to our festival.

2014 PAAFF 9

FILM PROGRAM SCHEDULE ㅅFRIDAY, NOV. 14

WEDNESDAY, NOV. 12

SATURDAY, NOV. 15 INTERNATIONAL SHORTS 12–2pm | I-House

EAT WITH ME 2:15–4:15pm | I-House

OPENING NIGHT: A LEADING MAN

OPENING NIGHT RECEPTION 9–11PM

CENTERPIECE: FARAH GOES BANG 6:30–8:15pm | I-House

AWESOME ASIAN BAD GUYS 6–7:15pm | I-House

7­­–9pm | I-House

THURSDAY, NOV. 13 FAMILY INGREDIENTS 6:30–8pm | I-House

CICADA 8:30–10:15pm | I-House

UZUMASA LIMELIGHT 7:30–9:15pm | I-House 2014 PAAFF

SCI FI HORROR GENRE SHORTS 9:30–11pm | I-House 10

FARAWAY 8:30–10:15pm | I-House

CENTERPIECE SCREENING 6:30–8:15PM

SUNDAY, NOV. 16

FRIDAY, NOV. 21

LOVE SHORTS PROGRAM

LOCALS ONLY SHORTS

12–1:45pm | I-House

5:45–7pm | Asian Arts Initiative

DOCUMENTARY DOUBLE FEATURE: HORN PLEASE / JEEPNEY

9-MAN

2–3:45pm | I-House

7:15–9pm | Asian Arts Initiative

PLASTIC PARADISE

APPROVED FOR ADOPTION

9:15–10:30pm | Asian Arts Initiative

4–5:45pm | I-House

TICKET INFORMATION $8 General Admission $6 Students & Seniors (Requires ID) For Both Asian Arts Initiative (AAI) & International House (IHouse) ALL ACCESS FESTIVAL BADGE $100 General Admission $80 Students & Seniors FESTIVAL VENUES IHouse (International House) 3701 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia AAI (Asian Arts Initiative) 1219 Vine Street, Chinatown

SATURDAY, NOV. 22

THREE WAYS TO ORDER TICKETS 1/ www.paaff.org 2/ 215.387.5125 (IHP Screening Only) 3/ International House box office Tuesday–Saturday, 1–8pm

DOCUMENTARY SHORTS

Receptions take place at same venue as the movie.

12–1:30pm | Asian Arts Initiative

THE AMERICAN RIMPOCHE

6–8pm | I-House

2–3:15pm | Asian Arts Initiative

RICKI’S PROMISE 3:45–5:30pm | Asian Arts Initiative

2014 PAAFF

CLOSING NIGHT: BRAHMIN BULLS

CLOSING NIGHT RECEPTION 8–10PM

FESTIVAL FINALE RECEPTION 7:30–9:30PM

FESTIVAL FINALE: KUMU HINA 6–7:30pm | Asian Arts Initiative 11

2014 PAAFF

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Opening Night Film

Wednesday, Nov. 12 | 7–9pm | I-House 100 mins | Drama | USA Director: Steven J. Kung Writer: Steven J. Kung Cast: Jack Yang, Heather Mazur, Raymond Lee, Tsai Chin

When a young and talented Chinese American actor is fired from his starring role on a television show, he attempts to salvage his career by sleeping with a successful casting director.

Exposing the toxic culture of show business, this film offers broad criticism of the roles of Asian Americans in contemporary Hollywood.

PHILADELPHIA PREMIERE

A LEADING MAN

Writer/Director Steven J. Kung will conduct a post-film Q&A followed by a FREE catered reception for all ticketholders.

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OPENING NIGHT RECEPTION 9–11PM

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Documentary Program

E A S T COA S T P R E M I E R E

FAMILY INGREDIENTS

Thursday, Nov. 13 | 6:30–8pm | I-House 57 mins | TV Documentary | Hawaii, Japan Director: Ty Sanga

Join host Chef Ed Kenney as he travels the path of ancestors, from Hawaii to the homeland in this TV pilot of an Emmy® Award-winning food genealogy travel show that explores the links between ethnic heritage and culinary cuisine. This episode features a Hawaiian Chef­­­—Alan Wong, of mixed Chinese/Japanese descent—and takes us from his island kitchen to the rice paddies and fish markets of Japan in search of the origins of his favorite childhood dish.

Accompanied by the short film “Samnang” Director: Asaph Polonsky | 22 mins | USA A recent Cambodian immigrant, working as a donut baker at night, lives a life of solitude.

Ordered to train a new worker­, the owner’s sister, he fears the loss of his job. Will Samnang discover that life could be a bit sweeter with another baker in the kitchen?

2014 PAAFF

After the screening, PAAFF will host a live sushi demonstration by Madame Saito, Queen of Sushi and inventor of the Philly roll. Bento boxes will be available for purchase.

COMMUNITY PARTNERS 14

PAAFF EATS

Narrative Program

Thursday, Nov. 13 | 8:30–10:15pm | I-House 100 mins | Drama | Japan Director: Dean Yamada Writer: Yu Shibuya Cast: Yugo Saso, Masayuki Yui, Sakae Kimura

When elementary school administrator, Jumpei Taneda finds out he is sterile, he is thrust into an existential crisis that turns his life upside down. He begins having clairvoyant flashes that mysteriously lead him to cicada shells. Meanwhile he becomes a father-figure to his sister Nanaka’s young son, Ryota, who is being bullied in school.

Cicada is the first feature film from the team that created the award-winning short films Jitensha and Persimmon, directed by Japanese American Dean Yamada and shot by an American crew entirely on location in Japan in Japanese language with English subtitles.

PHILADELPHIA PREMIERE

CICADA

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Narrative Program

PHILADELPHIA PREMIERE

AWESOME ASIAN BAD GUYS Friday, Nov. 14 | 6–7:15pm | I-House 50 mins | Action, Comedy | USA Co-Directors: Patrick Epino, Stephen Dypiangco Writer: Milton Liu | Cast: Tamilyn Tomita, Dante Basco, Randall Park, Al Leong, Yuji Okumoto, and Aaron Takahashi

Bad guys are awesome, especially Asian ones!

American movies in the 80s and 90s always had hard-hitting Asian bad guys in flicks like Die Hard, Bloodsport, and Karate Kid 2. These badasses were often cooler than the heroes they fought, but they usually had a 2-minute lifespan before they were mortally wounded or beaten to a pulp.

In a celebration of Asian bad guys (and girls) this one-of-a-kind web series tells the story of two struggling screenwriters who bring together all of our favorite Asian Action stars and save them from obscurity.

2014 PAAFF

Accompanied by the short comedy “A Day of Havoc” Director: Clarence Ma | 16 mins A wannabe villain named Havoc gets the chance to follow his dreams and prove himself a worthy legacy to his supervillain father, Doom.

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A live Martial Arts demonstration will be held between screenings.

Narrative Program

Friday, Nov. 14 | 7:30–9:15pm | I-House 103 mins | Action, Drama | Japan Director: Ken Ochiai Writer: Hiroyuki Ono Cast: Seizo Fukumoto, Chihiro Yamamoto, Masashi Goda

The Uzumasa studio complex in Kyoto is widely regarded as the Hollywood of Japan, having produced many of the best jidaigeki films (period dramas with sword fighting) beloved by Japanese and the rest of the world. These films would not be what they were if it were not for the kirareyaku, actors whose sole job is to be killed by the lead star in elaborate death scenes. Inspired by Charlie Chaplin’s Limelight, this film tells the story of one aging kirareyaku who takes on a female apprentice in the twilight of his career. Directed by PAAFF Alumni Ken Ochiai (Tiger Mask, Memory Sculptor, Frog in the Well), a Japanese born filmmaker residing in Los Angeles who tells this intriguing story through a uniquely transcultural lens. Japanese language with English subtitles.

PHILADELPHIA PREMIERE

UZUMASA LIMELIGHT

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SHORTS PROGRAM

FREE SCREENING

SCI-FI & HORROR GENRE SHORTS Friday, Nov. 14 | 9:30–11pm I-House | 88 mins Back by popular demand, this year’s FREE program of Sci-Fi and Horror Genre shorts are sure to keep your spine-tingling long after you leave the theater! Subjects include Indian space colonization, a South Korean taxi thriller, and haunting memories of an adopted Chinese American.

VIMANA Director: Faroukh Virani | 17 mins Set in the near future, three Indian astronauts are sent on a one-way trip to a distant planet.

After the ship’s captain experiences an adverse reaction to hyper-sleep, his two companions are confronted with a difficult decision that might impact the future of human existence.

OH! MY PRINCESS Director: Heewook Sa | 16 mins A taxi driver named He is raising his high schoolaged daughter as a single-father after a bad divorce. Worried about his daughter’s increasingly negative attitude towards him, he realizes the cause of his concern might be sitting in the back seat of his cab.

TALL EVIL Director: Wally Chung | 3 mins

PREDETERMINED

PREDETERMINED Director: Rommel Andaya | 13 mins 2014 PAAFF

Martin is a man who travels through time to change his biggest regret in life. Can he help a younger version of himself to change his destiny, or will fate step in the way?

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This hand-drawn animation shows a dark future of people obsessed with sameness. Lining up like animals at a slaughterhouse, all they know is that when it’s over they will become something else. In this fast paced world, no one has time for diversity.

SWEET SIXTEEN Director: Yung-Jen Yang | 9 mins An adopted Chinese American girl named Haley always dreamed of meeting her biological family in China. After making a wish at her sixteenth birthday party, her dream quickly becomes a nightmare.

ROOM 731

HANAKO-SAN Director: Dan Tabor | 3 mins Based on a Japanese urban legend about the ghost of a WWII-era girl who haunts school bathrooms, this mixed-media horror short animation tells the story of a troubled young girl who summons the demon Hanako-san in hopes that she can help her.

WHAT REMAINS Director: Sarita Khurana & Chitra Ganesh | 14mins A young woman returns to her childhood home and unwittingly discovers repressed memories from her unsettling past and the little girl who lives within. A psychologically driven short that offers an Indian American twist on the East Asian ghost story.

ROOM 731 Director: Youngmin Kim | 16 mins Waking up in a locked room, a 15 year-old Chinese girl has no memory of where or who she is. Encountering medical staff who claim they want to help her, she soon realizes she is a prisoner in the infamous Imperial Japanese torture camp of WWII.

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SHORTS PROGRAM

FREE SCREENING

INTERNATIONAL SHORTS PROGRAM Saturday, Nov. 15 | 12–2pm I-House | 101 mins This FREE program showcases a unique collection of foreign-produced films that explore the shared experiences of Asian Americans, and others, among the worldwide Asian diaspora abroad. Subjects include a Korean German boxer, a Chinese Australian multiracial couple, and a Chinese father and daughter living, undocumented, in France.

ON THE ROAD Director: Phoenix Liu | Australia | 13 mins Join Maggie and Ben on a musical journey through the breathtaking scenery of Hunter Valley Australia as they encounter and rediscover love on an unforgettable road trip, set to the soundtrack of some of Hong Kong pop star, Jay Chou’s, most classic songs.

CANDIED HAW Director: Layla Zhuqing Ji | China | 10 mins A bittersweet romance about an elderly Chinese couple coming to terms with a twilight-years health crisis, this heartwarming short explores the difficulties faced by Chinese families with a single child.

HSU JI BEHIND THE SCREEN Director: Thomas Rio | France | 24 mins 6 year-old Hsu Ji and her father lead difficult lives as undocumented immigrants living in France, but their one solace is the 35mm film projector in the attic of the squalid home they occupy. When their immigration status is exposed, and future becomes uncertain, could the answer to their troubles lie in the silent films they love?

STEH AUF (GET UP) Director: Seung-Hyun Chong | Germany | 25 mins Born to Korean immigrants living in Germany, 26 year-old Taeshik is trapped between cultures.

Failing to live up to the expectations of his Korean parents, and not fitting the mold of a ‘typical’ German, he takes up boxing. ‘Get Up’ is a story about perpetual identity crisis, comingof-age, and the biggest fight of Taeshik’s life.

INTERNATIONAL PREMIERE DEATH OF A LEGEND Director: Poj Pitakjamnong | Thailand | 10 mins A young man from a family of contract killers accepts his first job to kill a renowned hitman.

Late and nervous, he finds another assassin already waiting for him. Once he steps into the room, his life is changed forever.

GRAND CANAL Director: Johnny Ma | Canada, China | 19 mins Based on a true story this impressive short tells the tragic events of a boat captain trying to collect a debt to save his fleet of boats, as remembered by his 10 year-old son. In the director’s words, “A Greek tragedy told in Chinese pop music.”

DEATH OF A LEGEND

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STEH AUF (GET UP)

HSU JI BEHIND THE SCREEN

Narrative Program | PAAFF Pride

Saturday, Nov. 15 | 2:15–4:15pm | I-House 95 mins | Romantic Comedy | USA Director: Hieu Tran | Writer: David Au Cast: Sharon Omi, Teddy Chen Culver, Nicole Sullivan, George Takei

Tired of being invisible in a bland marriage, Emma moves in with her son Elliot in his loft in downtown LA. Elliot is a chef at a lackluster Chinese restaurant facing foreclosure. Also, he’s gay­—and Emma’s distaste and denial over this has made strangers of mother and son. But the two need each other now more than ever. As Emma indulges herself with the encouragement of a saucy new friend, Elliot confronts his fears of intimacy. The pair finds ways to communicate with food where words fail. This auspicious directorial debut from David Au offers a fresh take on life, love, and food in the heart of Los Angeles through a deliciously emotional and redemptive story supported by an earnest cast led by Sharon Omi, Teddy Chen Culver, Nicole Sullivan (MADtv), and a surprise moment with George Takei.

Lead Actor Teddy Chen Culver expected in attendance to conduct post-film Q&A.

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PAAFF EATS Accompanied by the short comedy “Squared” Director: Hieu Tran | 15 mins A one night stand gets competitive when two guys find out they are both tops.

2014 PAAFF

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After the screening Master Chef Joseph Poon will treat us to a live cooking demonstration featuring several of his world-renowned Asian fusion dishes.

PHILADELPHIA PREMIERE

EAT WITH ME

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Centerpiece Film

PHILADELPHIA PREMIERE

FARAH GOES BANG

Saturday, Nov. 15 | 6:30–8:15pm | I-House 93 mins | Dramedy | USA Director: Meera Menon | Writer: Laura Goode, Meera Menon | Cast: Nikohl Boosheri, Kandis Erickson, Kiran Deol

During a cross-country road-trip campaigning for John Kerry in the 2004 Election, a Persian American woman in her twenties tries to lose her virginity. An interesting revisionist perspective on American life just one decade ago, this buddy-flick coming-of-age comedy confronts stereotypes of gender, and what it means to be a woman of Middle Eastern descent in post-9/11 America.

Director Meera Menon will be in attendance to conduct a post-film Q&A.

CENTERPIECE SCREENING 6:30–8:15PM 2014 PAAFF

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Narrative Program

Saturday, Nov. 15 | 8:30–10:15pm | I-House 108 mins | Action, Adventure | Philippines, USA Director: Randal Kamradt Writer: Randal Kamradt | Cast: Dana Jamison, Nick Medina, Genelyka Castin, Leonard Olaer

WO R L D P R E M I E R E

FARAWAY

A determined young American woman named Audrey arrives in the Philippines with a mysterious mission, little money, and no chance of success.

After enlisting the help of two friendly locals and a reluctant American expatriate named Nick, the possibility of success suddenly appears. All that stands between them is 1000 miles of roads, jungles, and ocean, not to mention a motorcycle gang hell-bent on beating them to the treasure.

It’s going to be a bumpy ride. Shot on location in the Philippines, this will be the World Premiere of Randal Kamradt’s indie action adventure featurelength debut.

Director Randal Kamradt and members of the cast expected in attendance to conduct a post-film Q&A. 2014 PAAFF

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SHORTS PROGRAM

LOVE EXPRESS Director: Patrick Chen | 18 mins

FREE SCREENING

LOVE SHORTS PROGRAM NEXT LIKE

Sunday, Nov. 16 | 12–1:45pm I-House | 85 mins This FREE shorts program offers a diverse selection of heartwarming shorts that revolve around the concept of love in some way. Topics include love lost, looking for love, missed connections, love amongst friends, and the love between a parent and their child.

WEDLOCKED Director: Samia Zaidi | 5 mins

GAYSIAN Director: Austin Wong | 10 mins

A comedy short about friendship, deception, identity, and green card marriages.

When a gay Asian man notices that many of the men he’s attracted to won’t date Asians, he tries his luck with a rice queen­—men ONLY attracted to Asians. This poignant comedy explores the prejudices we bring into the bedroom, and elsewhere.

NEXT LIKE Director: Milton Ng | 11 mins After the worst breakup of his life, one friend consoles another by categorizing personality types of women based on their social media of choice.

SWEET CORN Director: Mimi Lee | 19 mins

GAYSIAN

One night commuting home from the city, Ryan finds himself sitting across from a mysterious and heartbroken young woman. Set entirely on a NY subway car, this film sparks the question... could you ever fall in love on a train?

A stubborn old farmer only cares about his corn and shuns the modern culture of South Korea, including his son who works at a slick new hotel next to the farm. When a parasite attacks his crops he secretly embraces a new method of farming, with surprising results.

WOMAN IN FRAGMENTS Director: Quan Zhou | 22 mins A promising contemporary dancer is faced with the difficult task of juggling her family’s dry cleaning business and dance career. But as her mother’s health continues to decline she must choose between familial obligation and the pursuit of her dreams.

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SWEET CORN

WOMAN IN FRAGMENTS

Wilmington’s Foreign & Independent Film Cinema

theatren.org 2014 PAAFF 25

PHILADELPHIA PREMIERE 2014 PAAFF 26

DOCUMENTARY DOUBLE FEATURE: HORN PLEASE / JEEPNEY

This double feature documentary program examines the colonial legacy of mass transportation in the unlikely pairing of India and the Philippines.

HORN PLEASE

JEEPNEY

Sunday, Nov. 16 | 2–3:45pm | I-House

Sunday, Nov. 16 | 2–3:45pm | I-House

31 mins | Documentary | India

60 mins | Documentary | Philippines

Directorr: Shantanu Suman

Directorr: Esy Casey

Horn Please encapsulates various aspects of Indian Truck Art. With a kaleidoscope of bright paints, motifs, typography and unique phrasing, these Indian trucks take you on a colorful journey as diverse as the many cultures and beliefs of the country.

Similarly, Jeepney visualizes the richly diverse cultural and social climate of the Philippines through its most popular form of mass transportation: vividly decorated ex-WWII military jeeps.

Unlike mass transportation in many parts of the world, jeepneys are not a government service but are individually operated by the drivers, who manifest their identity, values, and dreams in their painting and decoration. Watch as stories of jeepney drivers, artists, and passengers unfold amidst nationwide protests against oil price hikes that threaten to end their way of life. Lavishly shot and cut to the rhythm of the streets, Jeepney provides an enticing vehicle through which the rippling effects of globalization can be felt.

Documentary Program

Sunday, Nov. 16 | 4–5:45pm | I-House 74 mins | Documentary | Belgium Director + Writer: Laurent Boileau, Jung Henin

This remarkable animated doc tells the personal story of Korean Belgian filmmaker Jung Henin, one of thousands of Korean children adopted by Western families after the end of the Korean War. Stranded between two cultures from the day he first meets his new blond siblings, Jung’s story is told through sepia-toned animated vignettes­— some humorous and some poetic. The film follows him well into his teenage years when his emerging sense of identity begins to create fissures at home and ignite the latent biases of his adoptive parents. Largely using his own animation, Jung masterfully intercuts with snippets of super-8 family footage and archival film. The result is an animated memoir like no other: clear-eyed and unflinching, humorous and wry, and above all, inspiring in the capacity of the human heart.

PHILADELPHIA PREMIERE

APPROVED FOR ADOPTION

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Accompanied by the short animation “Decorations” Director: Mari Miyazawa | 7 mins In a quaint kitchen in a house tucked away in the outskirts of the city, the birth of a new life brings turmoil and change amidst preparations for a banquet.

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Closing Night Screening

PHILADELPHIA PREMIERE

BRAHMIN BULLS

Sunday, Nov. 16 | 6–8pm | I-House

CLOSING NIGHT RECEPTION 8–10PM

90 mins | Drama | USA Director: Mahesh Pailoor | Co-Writers: Mahesh Pailoor and Anu Pradhan | Cast: Sendhil Ramamurthy, Roshan Seth, Mary Steenburgen

An Indian American university professor plans a surprise visit to Los Angeles in search of an old flame, under the guise of mending the relationship with his estranged son played by Sendhil Ramamurthy (Mohinder from NBC’s “Heroes”). This film offers a heartfelt and humorous exploration of the ever-evolving relationship between father and son, the women in their lives, and the powerful secrets they keep.

Director/Co-Writer Mahesh Pailoor and Co-Writer/ Co-Producer Anu Pradhan expected in attendance to conduct post-film Q&A.

2014 PAAFF

PREMIER SPONSOR 28

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2014 PAAFF

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EVENT

PAAFF PULSE

PAAFF KARAOKE NIGHT Join PAAFF Staff and friends of the festival for a night of Karaoke at Bar Ly Asian American Sports Bar in Chinatown.

Monday, Nov. 17th 9PM–Midnight | Bar Ly 101 N 11th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107 No Cover—Pay As You Go Food/Drinks

PAAFF OPEN MIC NIGHT Join PAAFF for a night of music, poetry, and other APA talents that go beyond the screen hosted by Festival Director Rob Buscher at Tokio HeadHouse Izakaya. All talents and skill levels welcome to participate. Featured artists are APA, but everyone is welcome to participate. Email rob@phillyasianfilmfest.org to sign up, additional walk-on slots may be available day of.

2014 PAAFF

Thursday, Nov. 19th 9PM–Midnight | Tokio HeadHouse Izakaya 122 Lombard Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147 No Cover—Pay As You Go Food/Drinks

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F R E E E V E N TS

EVENT

PAAFF EATS

Whether a first-generation South Asian immigrant or a fourth-generation multiracial Japanese American like our Festival Director­—we are all lumped together under the moniker of Asian Pacific American. A mere census term to describe a multitude of cultures and countries whose only commonality is having rice as their staple grain, but in fact food does play a central role in each of our diverse communities. PAAFF EATS explores the commonalities amongst APA communities through food-based programming both on and off the screen.

COOKING DEMO MASTER CHEF JOSEPH POON Saturday, Nov. 15 | 4:30pm | I-House

Madame Saito has been an ambassador of Japanese culture and fusion cuisine in the Philadelphia community for the past 25 years. As owner and chef of Tokio HeadHouse Izakaya located in historic Society Hill, she has pioneered the delicate integration of French and Thai cuisine with traditional Japanese themes. In addition to her Japanese roots, Madame Saito also has formal education at Le Cordon Bleu and the Ritz Escoffier in Paris. As an educator, Madame Saito has taught at Temple University for the past 18 years and performed sushi demonstrations at Philadelphia Museum of Art, University of Pennsylvania, and many other public and private events. Recognized by the All Nippon Sushi Association for her work in teaching the art of sushi abroad, Madame Saito was also the creator of the Philly Roll.

Known for his Asian Fusion Cuisine, Master Chef Joseph Poon has appeared on “The Tonight Show” with Jay Leno and “The Ellen DeGeneres Show”, in addition to his popular Wok ‘N Walk Tour of Philadelphia Chinatown being featured as one of the best culinary tours in the country

by TV Food Network’s “The Best Of…” Chef Poon prepares fresh meals with simple elegance from his contemporary and quirky venue in Philadelphia Chinatown, which is open for appointment-only private events, and cooking classes. As National Culinary Spokesperson for the National Watermelon Promotion Board Chef Poon travels the country performing live watermelon-carving demonstrations, and guest lectures at several prestigious universities including MIT, Princeton, and Culinary Institute of America. Awarded 2014 Chef of the Year by a group of his peers in the American Culinary Federation, Chef Poon donates his time to dozens of charitable causes each year.

2014 PAAFF

SUSHI DEMO QUEEN OF SUSHI MADAME SAITO Thursday, Nov. 13 | 8–8:30pm | I-House

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F R E E E V E N TS

EVENT

APA IN HIP HOP Tuesday, Nov. 18th 1:30pm | Free Library of Philadelphia Central Branch 1901 Vine St, Philadelphia, PA 19103 | Montgomery Auditorium

“Hip-hop, like any black American form as long as it stays true to “assassin’s heart making for the killer’s art,” will be innovative and profound but hip-hop like “jazz” has become very assimilated. Its expressions, visual, cultural style, musical have been appropriated. They are used to see McDonalds hamburgers, Coca Cola and Pepsi. So that has deradicalized, denatured, deracinated, depoliticized what had the potential to be a revolutionary expression. It had the potential.” —Fred Ho in an interview with Nora Ritchie

CHOPS

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DJ REKHA 32

On Tuesday, November 18th, PAAFF Presents: Reflections on the Evolution of Asian Cultural Influences in the Hip Hop Community. The discussion will cover the influence of Asian cinema, culture and ethos on hip hop, the roots of hip hop from Black culture, it’s cross over to other groups of color and it’s existing racial divide between those communities, the exoticization of (Asian) women, and transcending the notions of a ‘model minority’. The individuals brought together will illuminate that hip hop is a culture that continues to articulate the joy in existence but also a desire for a different world. The panel will be streamed LIVE through PhillyCAM and can be viewed at phillycam.org/ livestream.

SKEME RICHARDS

JEFF CHANG

CHOPS: CHOPS spent much of his youth glued to the family stereo. When a friend brought a drum machine to school, it was love at first button press —he borrowed it for months. CHOPS picked up other instruments, taking music classes whenever possible. Making songs and recordings became a lifelong obsession. Over time, he got his own equipment, and soaked up the grooves from classic rap and soul records. “Other kids got video games and sneakers, I’d save up for microphones and speakers.” CHOPS remembers. Family never stayed in one place very long, but CHOPS landed in Philadelphia and connected with local artists—including two emcees who made him get on the mic, as well as behind the boards. Their group Mountain Brothers earned a global reputation, releasing their work independently to critical acclaim.

DJ Rekha: “Mixing hip-hop beats with the sounds of her heritage, [DJ Rekha made] a uniquely American sound that may not have been heard in the White House before.” says US President Barrack Obama. DJ Rekha’s genre-defying music makes people dance anywhere and everywhere, whether it’s at the White House, in front of thousands at IIT Madras, or at a music festival in a remote forest. This British-born, New York-based DJ established iconic club nights in the Big Apple, including Basement Bhangra, Bollywood Disco and Beat Bazaar, which are hailed by Newsweek as “exhilarating blowouts.” From retro classics to current dancefloor bangers, her ability to mix—bhangra, hip-hop, dancehall, Bollywood, global and electronic beats—is unparalleled.

Skeme Richards: When you think of Philadelphia’s rich history of musical contributions, you automatically notice that it is also a city known for birthing some of the greatest internationally known DJ’s who are masters of their art. One such person who has deep roots and connections to the City of Brotherly Love is Skeme Richards. No matter the genre, Skeme Richards fits the bill with his delivery, vast musical knowledge and understanding of what it takes to rock a party by reading the crowd properly and reacting accordingly. From Philly to Los Angeles, Seoul Korea to Tokyo, London to Switzerland, Skeme Richards is known for blessing the people with his eclectic mix of musical goodness, where no ear or dance floor goes unsatisfied.

PAAFF PRESENTS: THE JUMP OFF Wednesday, Nov. 19th Silk City Bar & Lounge | 435 Spring Garden St, Philadelphia, PA 19123 9PM–1AM $8 | before 10PM | $10 after Celebrate 7 years of the Philadelphia Asian American Film Festival as we head into our final weekend of screenings! Live DJ sets from several of our APA in Hip Hop panelists and special guests TBA. Featuring DJ Rekha x Skeme Richards x Lushlife (DJ Set) 2014 PAAFF

Jeff Chang: Jeff Chang has written extensively on culture, politics, the arts, and music. His first book, Can’t Stop Won’t Stop, garnered many honors, including the American Book Award and the Asian American Literary Award. His new book, Who We Be: The Colorization of America, will be released on St. Martin’s Press in October 2014. He is currently at work on two other book projects: Youth (Picador

Big Ideas/Small Books series), and a biography of Bruce Lee (Little, Brown). Born of Chinese and Native Hawaiian ancestry, Jeff was raised in Hawai’i where he attended ‘Iolani School. He lives in California. He is a big fan of Japanese curry and poi, but not at the same time

F R E E E V E N TS

This panel is in dedication to the late Fred Ho (1957–2014).

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2014 PAAFF

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SHORTS PROGRAM

LAOS IN THE HOUSE Director: Jon Kaufman | 4 mins

THE SWAP

Saturday, Nov. 21 | 5:45–7pm Asian Arts Initiative | 45 mins This FREE program of locally produced shorts covers a broad range of topics including Chinese folklore, arts based activism in the Laotian community, coming of age at the margin of society, and challenges facing undocumented peoples.

THE SWAP Director: Eric Lu | 7 mins When two friends take a road trip to their 15year high school reunion, they make good on their old promise to one day uncover hidden secrets. The result is a hard dose of reality, and ultimately, the depth of their friendship.

MARKED Director: Maya Zhang | 7 mins Inspired by the painful childhood memory of having her beauty mark removed, Maya embarks on an exploration to unveil the myths and obsessions that surround beauty marks in Chinese culture, expertly navigating conflicting cultural definitions of beauty.

MARKED

I DON’T SPEAK ENGLISH Director: Qiuchen Cao | 7 mins Set in Philadelphia, this short tells the story of one Chinese study-abroad student’s first day experience in the U.S. STEVEN Director: Eiko Fan | 4 mins Steven, a student at HMS School for Children with Cerebral Palsy is learning to paint with an adapted paintbrush attached to a baseball hat.

Step by step he swings the paintbrush with his head to communicate through the canvas what he cannot in words.

ESCAPE Director: Zia Islam | 16 mins

STEVEN

2014 PAAFF

As a police raid is about to go underway—involving the break-in and arrest of an undocumented immigrant family for deportation, two paramedics—Jake and Ramira—are requested to remain on stand-by at the target location.

MARKED

This short doc about a local non-profit promotes storytelling within the Lao American refugee community through writing, performing and filmmaking as a healing medium for war refugees whose upbringings did not prioritize art education.

FREE SCREENING

LOCALS ONLY SHORTS

COMMUNITY PARTNERS 35

Documentary Program

PHILADELPHIA PREMIERE

9-MAN

Friday, Nov. 21 | 7:15–9pm | Asian Arts Initiative 87 mins | Documentary Director: Ursula Liang

Heralded by many as this year’s Linsanity, this gripping sports doc introduces an isolated and exceptionally athletic Chinese American adaptation of volleyball that few outside of the Chinatown community have ever heard of. Capturing the spirit of nine-man through the battle for the 2013 championship, this film also documents the fight to preserve a sport that symbolizes the strength and perseverance that unites thousands of Chinese Americans across North America.

Director Ursula Liang and Film Scorer Scott “CHOPS” Jung will conduct a post-film Q&A.

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Documentary Program

Friday, Nov. 21 | 9:15–10:30pm

Asian Arts Initiative 57 mins | Documentary | Midway Islands, USA Director: Angela Sun

An environmentalist film focusing on the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, a mass of plastic and non-degradable waste roughly twice the size of Texas that floats in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. Shot on location in the Midway Islands, this documentary concisely relates the consumption culture of post-industrial global society with the rise in environmental degradation.

PHILADELPHIA PREMIERE

PLASTIC PARADISE

Accompanied by the short film “Mother’s Gift” Director: Girard Tecson | 7 mins | Indonesia In a remote village in Indonesia a young girl gathers recyclables to buy her mother a birthday gift.

Director Angela Sun expected in attendance to conduct post-film Q&A. 2014 PAAFF

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SHORTS PROGRAM

THE NEW GENERATION Director: Syazana Amirulmokminin | 5 mins

THE NEW GENERATION

Saturday, Nov. 22 | 12–1:30pm Asian Arts Initiative | 70 mins This FREE program of short documentary films spans diverse topics including, biculturalism amongst Pacific Islanders, Filipino contributions to the American Farm Workers Strike, and Asian American Hollywood Pioneer Anna May Wong.

STRIKE: THE GREATEST BOWLING STORY EVER TOLD Director: Joey Daoud | 13 mins

CAREGIVING DAHIL MAHAL KITA (BECAUSE I LOVE YOU) Director: Stephen Menick | 10 mins

Plano, Texas—home to J.C. Penney’s, Frito-Lay, and Bill Fong—the greatest bowler no one has ever heard of. A perfect series could be just the thing to launch Bill into the pros, but will he be able to make it, or buckle under the pressure?

This beautiful short, produced by AARP presents the traditions and challenges of family caregiving in the Filipino American community through the eyes of three unique stories including that of General Tony Taguba.

WHERE EAST MEETS WEST Director: Peilin Kuo | 4 mins This short reel for a biopic in development tells the story of the first Chinese American film star Anna May Wong (1905-1961), who acted during Hollywood’s Golden Era.

WHERE EAST MEETS WEST

A short about biculturalism focusing on the lives of two young women and the unique challenges they face living between cultures, recounting stereotypes encountered and experiences growing up in the Korean community on the island of Guam and a Chinese American in the mainland US.

LEADWAY Director: Robbie Fisher, Dudley Percy Olsson | 10 mins

FREE SCREENING

DOCUMENTARY SHORTS PROGRAM

DELANO MANONGS Director: Marissa Aroy | 28 mins Often remembered for Cesar Chavez’s leadership, the Delano Grape Strike of 1965 led to the creation of the United Farm Workers Union. This film tells the story of the pivotal role that farm labor organizer Larry Itliong and a group of Filipino farm workers played.

LEADWAY

2014 PAAFF

Set in a small town in the rural Mississippi Delta, this short traces the emotional journey of Cindi Quong Lofton as she deals with the violent death of her father, an iconic figure in the community known simply by the name of his store—Leadway.

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Documentary Program

PHILADELPHIA PREMIERE

THE AMERICAN RIMPOCHE

Saturday, Nov. 22 | 2–3:15pm

Asian Arts Initiative 50 mins | Documentary Director: Nikki Appino

Directed by Philly native Nikki Appino, this fascinating biopic doc traces the life of Tibetan monk Gelek Rimpoche, who is widely credited with introducing Buddhism to the American beat generation of the 1950s. Featuring many prominent American Buddhists such as Allen Ginsberg, Richard Gere, and Philip Glass—Appino masterfully interweaves stock footage with new material.

Director Nikki Appino will conduct a post-film Q&A.

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COMMUNITY PARTNERS 40

Documentary Program

Saturday, Nov. 22 | 3:45–5:30pm

Asian Arts Initiative 84 mins | Documentary | China, USA Director: Changfu Chang

After establishing contact with her Chinese birth-family, 18-year-old adopted American Ricki Mudd promises to spend one summer in China.

Directed by Lancaster native Dr. Changfu Chang, this moving documentary tells the story of one Chinese American getting in touch with her roots, and the family she never knew.

E A S T COA S T P R E M I E R E

RICKI’S PROMISE

Ricki, members of her family, and Director Changfu Chang will conduct a post-film Q&A.

2014 PAAFF

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COMMUNITY PARTNERS 41

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Festival Finale | PAAFF Pride

PHILADELPHIA PREMIERE

KUMU HINA

Saturday, Nov. 22 | 6–7:30pm

Asian Arts Initiative 74 mins | Documentary Co-Director: Dean Hamer, Joe Wilson

This touching film documents one year in the life of Hina Wong-Kalu, a native Hawaiian mahu (transgender) hula teacher who inspires a female student to claim her place as leader of the school’s all-male hula troupe. Meanwhile Hina’s longing for love and a committed relationship leads her to marry a headstrong Tongan man.

An incredible docu-drama that unfolds like a narrative film, KUMU HINA reveals a side of Hawai’i rarely seen on screen.

This screening will be followed by a FREE catered reception for all ticketholders.

2014 PAAFF

FESTIVAL FINALE RECEPTION 7:30–9:30PM COMMUNITY PARTNERS 42

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AARP_2014_Tony_EN_PAAFF_Final.indd 1

9/29/14 12:38 PM

FEATURE FILM JURY ALLEN CHOU President of Sales and Acquisitions at Passion River Films, a NYC based company that distributes documentaries and arthouse films for the US home video and international sales market since 1998. (DOCS)

SUSAN JIN DAVIS Senior VP of Product and Operational Compliance, Finance at Comcast Cable and a big supporter of Asian American film. (NARRATIVE)

NICOLE ROSS GILES Director of Marketing & Multicultural Affairs, Greater Philadelphia Film Office and a longtime PAAFF supporter.

(DOCS) 2014 PAAFF 44

SHORT FILM JURY PHILIP LAM Independent film producer (Undoing, Santa Mesa) based in the New York City metropolitan area. (DOCS)

JASON LOFTUS Casting Director at Heery Casting, 2013 ARTIOS winner “Silver Linings Playbook,” 2013 Primetime Emmy nominee “Political Animals,” member of prestigious Casting Society of America. (NARRATIVE)

MICHAEL WINGATE JONES Managing Director and founding member of PAAFF since 2008.

Independent filmmaker and actor, recently co-starred in an episode of Netflix’s “House of Cards.”

(NARRATIVE)

KUAN-LUNG DANIEL CHEN Daniel is a community organizer and advocate for the Asian American community currently pursuing his PhD in Public Health and Health Policy at George Washington University.

ROB BUSCHER A multi-racial Japanese American, Rob’s expertise is Japanese and East Asian Cinema. Career highlights include co-founding Zipangu Fest and creating the Japanese Cinema Studies curriculum at Arcadia University.

MAORI HOLMES Originally from Los Angeles, Maori Holmes is a producer, curator, and the Founding Artistic Director of the BlackStar Film Festival (blackstarfest. org). Maori received her MFA in Film & Media Arts from Temple University and has screened her own film work internationally.

ART DIRECTION BRANDING + IDENTITY DIGITAL PUBLISHING ENVIRONMENTAL GRAPHICS PACKAGING PRINT WEBSITE 2014 PAAFF

WWW.MARUGRAPHIS.COM 45

THANK YOUS!

2014 PAAFF

HBO Comcast | NBC10 PHL Diversity Wilkie Lexus Greater Philadelphia Film Office International House Asian Arts Initiative Hep B United Philadelphia Cinema Asian America Health Partners Price Waterhouse Cooper Philadelphia Corp. for the Aging Fresh Grocer Sheraton University City City Fest, Wilmington Japan America Society of Greater Philadelphia Clear Channel Radio Porsche of the Main Line CBL Wine Co. Yards Brewing Co. Ballard Spahr Andrews & Ingersoll, LLP Boat People SOS Young Asian American Professionals Project Twenty1 Philadelphia Film Society NAAAP PAACH Scribe Video Center WHIAAPI

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Governor’s Advisory Comm’n on Asian American Affairs Mayor’s Comm’n on Asian American Affairs Mayor Michael Nutter Governor Tom Corbett Kiran Ahuja Sharon Pinkenson Joan Bressler Loraine Ballard Morrill Franklin Odo Sheltered Turtle Dion Trinidad Justin Jain Bi Jean Ngo Nina Ahmad Rahat Babar Thom Cardwell Tiffany Chang-Lawson Judy Dalton Greg DeShields Rina Hayashi Gayle Isa Drake Nakaishi Scott Nakamura Nancy Nguyen Councilman David Oh Dr. Aida Rivera Nicole Ross Giles Andy Toy Dr. Walter Tsou Fernando Trevino

Richard Lui Emil Lin Denise Nakano William Parker Jesse Pires Robert E. Cargni Monique Lau Andrea Agnew Susan Jin Davis Johnnie Giles Kristina Chang Allen Chou Philip Lam Dennis Williams Marvin Scott April Torres Mary Johnson Andy Williams Dan Polett Tanya Hall Richard Perelman, Esq. Christopher Jones, Esq. Cliff Song Alison Scott Daniel Chen Chi Dang Tom Kehoe, Jr. Tony Jones Nathan Lerner LaTrina Ferguson Jennifer Barton Yakitori Boy

Matt Conant Stephanie Yuhas 1812 Productions Act II Productions Balance Health Center & Yoga Spa Bar Ly Restaurant Bartram’s Garden Chef Joseph Poon Dance Affiliates Delaware Park Casino Earthly Delights Fine Shaves & Cuts Franklin Square Fringe Festival Garden State Discovery Museum Grand Opera House Greg Pak Grim Philly Twilight Tours Harmony for Peace Foundation InerAct Theatre Company Japan American Soc’y of Greater Phila.

Joy Tsin Lau Restaurant Kimmel Center Joe Kim Longwood Garden Phillip Lu Madame Saito McKittrick Hotel Ron Mori Nat’l Constitution Center

Village or Arts and Humanities S. Asian Amer. Digital Archive Temple Institute on Disability Alzheimer’s Association Leeway Foundation Drexel University Univ. of Pennsylvania Arcadia University Philadelphia Museum of Art The Kimmel Center Chinese Christian Church and Center Phila. Chinatown Dev. Corp.

Japanese Am. Citizens League Organization of Chinese Americans SE Asian Mut. Assistance Assocs.

Coalition Pan Asian Assoc. of Greater Phila.

Asian Am. Chamber of Commerce Mayor’s Ofc. of Immigr./ Multicultural Affairs Penna. Immigr. and Citizenship Coalition Asian Americans United Asian Americans Advancing Justice

THEATER | RESTAURANT | BAR | BEER GARDEN

Home of the annual Philadelphia Fringe Festival, FringeArts is food, fun & great performances, year-round, in a historic space on the Delaware River waterfront. Less than one mile from the Liberty Bell!

2014 PAAFF

Nat’l Museum of Am. Jewish History Old City Aikido Philadelphia Flyers People’s Light & Theater Co. Platoon Fitness POW! Entertainment Ray’s Café & Teahouse Windsor Suites Wintethur Garden Woodmere Art Museum Cinedelphia Film Festival Maori Holmes Free Library of Philadelphia Japanese American Citizens League Lunchbox Communications Wyncote Foundation Blackstar Film Festival Filadelphia Latin American Film Festival Reelblack Presents PIFVA qFlix Philadelphia Black Film Advisory Commission Philadelphia Film Society Scribe Video Center PhillyCAM African American Museum in Phila.

Wat Lao Buddhist Temple Cambodian Assoc. of Greater Phila.

140 N Columbus Blvd (at Race St) / FringeArts.com / 215.413.1318 47

DESIGN // WEBSITES // MOBILE APPS // PROGRAMMING SOFTWARE // ONLINE REPUTATION MANAGEMENT // PRINTING

Congratulations to PAAFF & all of the filmmakers for this year’s exciting cinematic programming.

We are a cutting edge creative design, web and online reputation management company and we support PAAFF. Purchase any of our design and development services using this code: SupportAsianFims and we will donate 10% of your purchase to PAAFF between now and the end of November 2014.

View our work online at www.jaysocial.com or call us (215) 792-4084 for more information. /likejaysocial

2014 PAAFF 48

/JaySocialTweets

UNIVERSITY CITY HOTEL

Proud Partner

of the Philadelphia Asian American Film Festival

Experience the culturally rich and diverse neighborhood of University City with us!

• Located on the campus of the University of Pennsylvania and adjacent to Drexel University • Beautifully-appointed guest rooms • Complimentary wireless Internet access • 37" HD flat-screen TVs • 24-hour state-of-the-art fitness center • Sang Kee Noodle House Restaurant • Private, flexible meeting and banquet rooms perfect for hosting memorable events • A leader in sustainability intiatives including: Green Key Certified, Make a Green Choice Program and Clean the World

Sheraton Philadelphia University City Hotel 2014 PAAFF

3549 Chestnut Street • Philadelphia, PA 19104 • 215.387.8000

www.PhiladelphiaSheraton.com 49

Congratulations, PAAFF, for 7 years of great films!

30 years of building stronger communities!

1711 S. Broad Street 215‐467‐0690 www.seamaac.org

Over 60?

PCA is here for you.

We know how important it is to maintain a dignified and fulfilling life.

For information about resources and services to help you remain independent, call the PCA Helpline: 215-765-9040.

2014 PAAFF

www.pcaCares.org

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B Sure! B Tested!

Hepbunitedphiladelphia.org 2014 PAAFF 51

PAAFF Badges & ticket stubs 10% off Nov 12-22 Open urs-Sun: 5pm-12am | Sushi classes by appointment 2014 PAAFF

122 Lombard St, Phila PA 19147 215.922.1223 | queenofsushi.com 52

Visit us online or call for info about Tokio Bed & Breakfast

2014 PAAFF 53

As Philly’s premiere Asian American owned sports bar, Bar Ly is proud to support PAAFF as the official Aer Party venue of the 2014 Festival.

PAAFF Badge holders and ticket stubs get 10% off through Nov 22

Daily Happy Hour 3:30-6:30 Sun-urs: 10-Midnight $3 Drinks & Appetizers 2014 PAAFF

101 N 11th St, Phila PA 19107 215.922.2688 | bar-ly.com 54

60 Draft Beers | 20 HD TVs

MeMberships begin at just $35 get free + DiscounteD aDMission to ihp filMs + events all year rounD! FIlm, art, languages, musIc, anD more!

For more information visit us online at www.ihousephilly.org

2014 PAAFF

INTERNATIONAL HOUSE PHIL ADELPHIA • 3701 CHESTNUT STREET • 215.387.5125 • w w w.IHOUSEPHILLy.ORg 55

H B O P R O U D LY S U P P O R T S T H E 2 0 1 4 P H I L A D E L P H I A A S I A N A M E R I C A N F I L M F E S T I VA L

EVERY STORY

NEEDS A FINAL WORD. THE FINAL EPISODES

SUNDAYS AT 9PM