VAFF 2018 Festival Guide [as of 2018/10/07]

FESTIVAL & TICKETING INFORMATION ABOUT THE 22ND ANNUAL VANCOUVER ASIAN FILM FESTIVAL (VAFF 2018) In 2018, VAFF shines a spotlight upon the diverse artists, agitators, thinkers, and innovators who shape the living experience of contemporary Canadians and the array of influences that inform their work. This year’s theme of INFUSIAN explores the acts of creation that help form an endlessly complex rich, and vigorous society: it tells the stories of individuals and communities blending together old and new, East and West, classic and cutting-edge, myriad ways of living and thinking that draw out the strengths and unique flavours from many different ingredients. It also reflects the undeniable hybridity of modern Canada, with multiple heritages, histories, and cultures both within and outside of the Asian diaspora coming together in countless combinations.

SPOTLIGHT FILMS This year’s Spotlight Films series are comprised of Opening Night Film, Canadian Spotlight, Centrepiece Spotlight, and Closing Night Film programs.

Dead Pigs

Stand Up Man

OPENING NIGHT FILM

CANADIAN SPOTLIGHT

The Vancouver Asian Film Festival (VAFF) is the longest-running Canadian film festival of its kind.

Now in its 22nd year, VAFF celebrates diversity in film, screening both English and subtitled Asian language films by independent Asian and Asian diaspora filmmakers from North America and around the world.

TICKETS & PASSES

SINGLE TICKETS

VIP PASSES

Online program schedule and advance tickets will be available online at VAFF.ORG starting October 3, 2018.

Theatre box office: In the foyer of Cineplex Odeon International Village Cinemas starting from 6 pm, November 1.

Spotlight Films: Opening Night Film - $20 Canadian Spotlight, Centrepiece Spotlight Film, Closing Night Film | $15

Before festival $100 During festival $150 Includes all regular screenings, special screenings, special events and membership fee.

VAFF ON-SITE BOX OFFICE HOURS: Thu, Nov 1 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm Fri, Nov 2 4:00 pm – 10:00 pm Sat, Nov 3 11:00 am – 10:00 pm Sun, Nov 4 1:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Regular screenings: Documentary Features, Shorts Programs, Late Night Features | $12 Student*/Senior Tickets | $10 VAFF Industry Insight Panels: Single panel | $15 | All panels | $25

GROUP RATES Group rates are only available before the festival from October 1 to October 31.

Please email marketing@vaff.org to inquire about group rate details.

*

Students 18+ unless indicated otherwise

THU 1 NOV 2018 7PM–9:30 PM Aud 9 | Cineplex Odeon International Village

Program 1

A bumbling pig farmer, a feisty salon owner, a sensitive busboy, an ambitious expat architect, and a disenchanted rich girl converge and collide as thousands of dead pigs float down the river towards a rapidly modernizing Shanghai, China. Based on true events. 2018 Sundance Special Jury Prize winner. Director Cathy Yan will be the first Asian woman to direct a DC Comics Franchise movie with the upcoming Birds of Prey.

FRI 2 NOV 2018, 7PM-9PM Aud 9 | Cineplex Odeon International Village

Program 3

Forced to move back to his hometown, wannabe comedian Moses Kim finds his dreams derailed in the family restaurant. Life gets more complicated when his orange-haired teenage cousin from Korea unexpectedly shows up.

Dir: Aram Collier Writ: Aram Collier and Nathalie Younglai Prod: Tony Lau, Betty Xie, Aram Collier

VAFF 2018 PROGRAM SERIES

Dir/Writ: Cathy Yan Prod: Clarissa Zhang, Jane Zheng

This year, VAFF’s screening programs will be organized into various series in order to better highlight the content of our festival:

85 min |2017 | Canada | English, Korean w/ Some Korean with English Subtitles | Family Drama, Comedy

130 min | 2018 | China | English w/ Chinese/English Subtitles | Comedy, Drama, Family

Vancouver Premiere

Canadian Premiere

2017 Atlantic International Film Festival, 2017 Hawaii International Film Festival, 2017 Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival Closing Film, 2017 San Diego Asian Film Festival, 2018 CAAMFest

Spotlight Films (primetime),

Documentary Features,

Late Night Features, and

Shorts.

Within each series in the pages that follow, our Features and Shorts Programs will be listed in loosely chronological order.

VAFF MEMBERSHIP Membership fee: $2 As many of the films have not been previously classed by Consumer Protection BC, under BC law, only members of the Vancouver Asian Film Festival Society (VAFF) can attend the Film Festival and members must be 18 years or older.

2018 Sundance Winner Of Special Jury Prize Best Ensemble Performance & Nominee for Grand Jury Prize; Seattle International Film Festival 2018 Winner New Directors Competition; 2018 Dallas International Film Festival Winner Grand Jury Prize Narrative Feature Competition

In attendance: Aram Collier (Dir)

Live Skype Q&A with Dir, Cathy Yan (Dir/Writ)

Membership is non-transferable and the fee must be paid before admittance to any program. Membership cards must be shown along with program tickets to enter any screening.

CELEBRATION PACKAGES OPENING NIGHT FILM + GALA TICKETS

VAFF INDUSTRY PARTY TICKETS

Thursday, November 1 Film screening at 7 pm Gala from 9:00 pm to midnight Gala Location: D6 at Parq Vancouver, 39 Smithe St, Vancouver, BC $75 | Limited tickets for sale.

Complimentary hors d’oeuvres and single cocktail and Cash bar.

Friday, November 2 Party from 10:00 pm to midnight Location: St. Regis, 608 Dunsmuir Street, Vancouver BC $10 | Limited tickets for sale.

Complimentary hors d’oeuvres and Cash bar.

OPENING NIGHT FILM + GALA TICKET PACKAGE

VAFF INDUSTRY PARTY

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 1

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 2

OPENING NIGHT FILM DEAD PIGS SCREENING AT 7PM

10PM TO MIDNIGHT

CENTREPIECE SPOTLIGHT FILM + A MASARAP PARTY TICKETS

CLOSING NIGHT FILM + AWARDS + AFTER PARTY TICKETS

Saturday, November 3 Film screening at 7:00 pm Party from 10:00 pm to midnight Bao Down, 115 W 2nd Ave, Vancouver, BC $25 | Complimentary hors d’oeuvres and Cash bar.

Sunday, November 4 Film screening at 7:30 pm Party from 9:30 pm to midnight Location: TBA , Vancouver, BC $25 | Complimentary hors d’oeuvres and Cash bar.

AUD 9 | CINEPLEX ODEON INTERNATIONAL VILLAGE

CHECK VAFF.ORG OR PICK UP OUR FULL FESTIVAL PROGRAM NOV 1-4 FOR VENUE ANNOUNCEMENT.

D6 AT PARQ VANCOUVER, 39 SMITHE ST, VANCOUVER, BC

TICKETS AND INFORMATION ONLINE AT VAFF.ORG

OPENING NIGHT GALA 9PM TO MIDNIGHT

$75* | Limited tickets for sale. Complimentary hors d’oeuvres and single cocktail and Cash bar.

ST. REGIS, 608 DUNSMUIR ST, VANCOUVER, BC $10 | Complimentary hors d’oeuvres and Cash bar.

All details subject to change without notice. Please check our website at VAFF.ORG for the latest details.

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Tickets Online At VAFF.ORG | Vancouver Asian Film Festival

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DOCUMENTARY FEATURES

SPOTLIGHT FILMS

VAFF 2018 introduces its Documentary Features Series, which includes exciting true stories that explore the Asian and Pan-Asian experiences worldwide from young to old and East to West.

Ulam: Main Dish

For Izzy

CENTREPIECE SPOTLIGHT FILM

SAT 3 NOV 2018, 7PM-9:30PM Aud 9 | Cineplex Odeon International Village

Program 8

Havana Divas

CLOSING NIGHT FILM

SUN 4 NOV 2018, 7:30PM-9:30PM Aud 9 | Cineplex Odeon International Village

Program 13

Late Life - The Chien-Ming Wang Story

FRI 2 NOV 2018, 5PM-7PM Aud 9 | Cineplex Odeon International Village

Program 2

In this delicious new documentary, Filipino-American filmmaker Alexandra Cuerdo follows the rise of Filipino food via the award-winning chefs crossing over to the center of the American table. ULAM: Main Dish stages this new culinary movement as not only a remarkable achievement for American restaurateurs, but also as a validation of Filipino culture. The film confronts issues inherent in representing both Filipino and American identities, and challenges from both the Filipino community and the world at large. Ultimately, ULAM is a celebration - and confirmation that Filipino food, and Filipinos, are here to stay.

Using documentary-style footage, still photography, poetry, and animation, For Izzy is a story about a queer photojournalist recovering from opioid addiction who befriends an autistic woman seeking to break out of her insular life. All while their respective single parents find renewed hope in an unexpected romance.

Caridad Amaran and Georgina Wong learned the art of Cantonese opera in Havana during WWII and toured Cuba to perform. Set in the eighties, the two sisters are trying to perform Cantonese opera in Hong Kong and Mainland China. Will they find a stage?

Dir/Writ: Alex Chu Prod: Michelle Ang, Jennifer Soo, Michael G Gray

84 min | 2018| Canada/ USA | English and Cantonese w/ English Subtitles | Drama

90 min | 2018 | Hong Kong SAR | Chinese, Spanish, English w/ English and Chinese Subtitles | Documentary

Canadian Premiere

Canadian Premiere

Dir: Alexandra Cuerdo Writ: Alexandra Cuerdo Prod: Reynaldo Cuerdo Jr, Alexandra Cuerdo, John Floresca

San Francisco International LGBTQ Film Festival Winner Audience Award, Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival Winner Grand Jury Prize, Asian American International Film Festival Winner Audience Award

2018 Washington DC Chinese Film Festival

80 min |2017 | USA | English | Documentary

In attendance: Alex Chu (Dir), Jennifer Soo (Actor)

Vancouver Premiere

Dir/Writ: S. Louisa Wei Prod: Law Kar

SAT 3 NOV 2018, 1PM-3PM Aud 9 | Cineplex Odeon International Village

Program 5

Late Life: The Chien-Ming Wang Story is a feature length documentary following the latter years of Wang’s professional baseball career. The first and only Taiwanese player for the New York Yankees, Chien-Ming Wang held many titles: American League Wins Leader, World Series Champion, Olympian, Time 100 Most Influential, and The Pride of Taiwan. A poignant account of his life as told by those closest to him, examining his roles as an international player, a father, a son, and a national icon. It is the story of a man who is unwilling to give up and unable to let go.

Dir: Frank W Chen Writ: Hui-Chuan Chan, Wen-Hao Winston Chou Prod: Frank W Chen, Hai-Tao Wu, Brian Yang

In attendance: S. Louisa Wei (Dir) TBC This Documentary Feature is preceded by the Short “Nathan Jung v. Bruce Lee” by Timothy Tau (P. 14)

99 min | 2018 | USA/Taiwan | English, Mandarin | Documentary, Sports Vancouver Premiere

2018 San Francisco International LGBTQ Film Festival, 2018 Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival, 2018 CAAMFest, 2018 Asian American International Film Festival

2018 Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival Winner Audience Award, 2018 Asian American International Film Festival, 2018 CAAMFest, 2018 Orlando Film Festival

In attendance: Alexandra Cuerdo (Dir/Prod/Writ)

In attendance: Frank W Chen (Dir) TBC

This Feature Film is preceded by the animated Short “Bao” by Domee Shi (P. 14)

A MASARAP AFTER PARTY TICKET PACKAGE

CLOSING NIGHT AFTER PARTY TICKET PACKAGE

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 3

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 4

CENTREPIECE SPOTLIGHT FILM ULAM: MAIN DISH SCREENING AT 7PM

CLOSING NIGHT FILM FOR IZZY SCREENING AT 7:30 PM

AUD 9 | CINEPLEX ODEON INTERNATIONAL VILLAGE

AUD 9 | CINEPLEX ODEON INTERNATIONAL VILLAGE

A MASARAP AFTER PARTY 10PM TO MIDNIGHT

CLOSING NIGHT AFTER PARTY 9:30PM TO MIDNIGHT

BAO DOWN, 115 W 2ND AVE, VANCOUVER, BC

CHECK VAFF.ORG OR PICK UP OUR FULL FESTIVAL PROGRAM NOV 1-4 FOR VENUE ANNOUNCEMENT. $25 | Complimentary hors d’oeuvre and Cash bar.

$25 | Complimentary hors d’oeuvre and Cash bar.

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| #VAFF2018 | @VAFFVANCOUVER

VOTE for your favourite feature, performance, or short to win the PEOPLE'S CHOICE AWARD! Online voting begins November 1 at VAFF.ORG/VOTE

Tickets Online At VAFF.ORG | Vancouver Asian Film Festival

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DOCUMENTARY FEATURES

Bad Ass Beauty Queen: The Story of Anastasia Lin

VAFF INDUSTRY INSIGHT (I2) PANEL SERIES

Drawn Together: Comics, Diversity and Stereotypes

Launched in 2013 as a regional forum to discuss industry diversity issues and to mobilize advocacy, the VAFF Industry Insight (VAFF I2) Panel Series continues to challenge the status quo and delve deep into the state of representation in Television, Film, and Media.

PANEL 1: Diversity and Representation in Canadian Film and Television

SAT 3 NOV 2018, 3PM-5PM Aud 9 | Cineplex Odeon International Village

Program 6

The story behind Miss World contestant Anastasia Lin, using her beauty to stand up to an oppressive regime. Follow Anastasia, as she brings the world’s attention to an increasing list of China’s human rights atrocities, putting everything on line to stay true to her conscience -- including her father’s safety -- and her chance at the crown.

Dir/Writ: Theresa Kowall-Shipp Prod: Jason Loftus

65 min | 2017 | Canada | English with some Mandarin |Documentary/Human Interest Vancouver Premiere 2018 DisOrient Asian American Film Festival of Oregon, 2018 Queens World Film Festival This Documentary Feature is preceded by the Short “Good Girls Don’t” by Ana de Lara & “JIEJIE” by Feng-I Fiona Roan (P. 14)

SUN 4 NOV 2018, 5:30PM-7:30PM Aud 9 | Cineplex Odeon International Village

Program 12

This documentary follows the journey of three talented artists as they use comics and cartoons to challenge racial, religious, and gender stereotypes and inspire others to breakthrough socially and self-imposed limitations. Keith is an African-American syndicated comic writer who tackles police brutality and racial injustice with satire. Vish is a Sikh-American who dons a Captain America uniform to challenge our idea of what a superhero should look like. Eileen is a white woman who confronts gender bias as an action comic book writer. The film taps into the explosion in the public’s appetite for superhero entertainment to open a deeper and more inclusive social dialogue about identity, respect, and representation.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 3 @ 12:00–1:30 PM Hollywood seems to be finally embracing diversity in the films and TV shows they are producing. What about mainstream media in Canada?

PANEL 2: Asian Women in Film

Dir/Writ/Prod: Harleen Singh

52 min | 2017 | USA | English | Documentary Vancouver Premiere 2018 Asian American International Film Festival, 2018 CAAMFest, 2018 Atlanta Comic Con Film Festival, 2018 DocuWest Documentary Film Festival, 2018 Los Angeles Women’s International Film Festival In attendance: Harleen Singh (Dir)

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 3 @ 2:00–3:30 PM Do you need to be a dragon lady to strive in this male-dominant film industry, especially for women of colour?

Accomplished women from behind and in front of the camera discuss what it takes to thrive in the industry.

This Documentary Feature is preceded by the Short “Eve” by Alex Shin (P. 14)

VOTE for your favourite feature, performance, or short to win the PEOPLE'S CHOICE AWARD! Online voting begins November 1 at VAFF.ORG/VOTE

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| #VAFF2018 | @VAFFVANCOUVER

ALL VAFF I2 PANELS WILL TAKE PLACE THIS YEAR AT THE INTERNATIONAL ART GALLERY LVL 2, INTERNATIONAL VILLAGE, 88 W. PENDER ST VANCOUVER Tickets Online At VAFF.ORG | Vancouver Asian Film Festival

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FESTIVAL SCHEDULE - DAYS 1 AND 2 | FESTIVAL MAP

FESTIVAL SCHEDULE - DAYS 3 AND 4| FESTIVAL MAP SAT NOVEMBER 3

12:00pm 1:00pm

VAFF INDUSTRY INSIGHT (I²) PANEL SERIES 1

DIVERSITY AND REPRESENTATION IN CANADIAN FILM AND TELEVISION

DOC FEATURES

12:00–1:30 PM

1PM

International Art Gallery, International Village, LVL 2

2:00pm

LATE LIFE - THE CHIENMING WANG STORY

SHORTS WE HEART CANADA + JAPAN 90

VAFF INDUSTRY INSIGHT (I²) PANEL SERIES 2

和 / HARMONY COSMOS WAY OF THE BOW SHOJI

ASIAN WOMEN IN FILM 2:00–3:30 PM

International Art Gallery, International Village, LVL 2

3:00pm 1. Cineplex Odeon International Village Cinemas 88 W Pender St., Vancouver, BC

3. Bao Down 115 W 2nd Ave, Vancouver, BC

2. VAFF Industry Party St. Regis, 608 Dunsmuir Street, Vancouver BC

4. D6 at Parq Vancouver, 39 Smithe St, Vancouver, BC

DOC FEATURES

BADASS BEAUTY QUEEN: THE STORY OF ANASTASIA LIN 3PM SHORTS

GOOD GIRLS DON’T JIEJIE

THURS NOVEMBER 1

SUN NOVEMBER 4

3PM

FRI NOVEMBER 2

(PRECEDING BADASS BEAUTY QUEEN: THE STORY OF ANASTASIA LIN)

2PM SHORTS CANADIAN SHORTS

TOO LATE J’ADOUBE FOLLOWERS: WIFI-INTERRUPTED EVOKED BUNNY MAN SONDER BUY OR BEWARE TOKYO LOVERS RECALL 3PM

4:00pm

4:00pm

5:00pm

DOCUMENTARY FEATURES

HAVANA DIVAS 5PM

5:00pm

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SHORTS

NATHAN JUNG V. BRUCE LEE 5PM (PRECEDING HAVANA DIVAS)

SHORTS INT. SHORTS

MAD RUSH THE TWO-FLAVOR HOT POT AMSKARA IMPRESSIONS ANNOINTED THE MASSEUSE FRENCHIES A DAUGHTER 5PM

DOC FEATURES

DRAWN TOGETHER: COMICS, DIVERSITY AND STEREOTYPES 5:30PM SHORTS

EVE 5:30PM (PRECEDING DRAWN TOGETHER: COMICS, DIVERSITY AND STEREOTYPES)

6:00pm 7:00pm

SPOTLIGHT FILMS Opening Night Film

SPOTLIGHT FILMS CANADIAN SPOTLIGHT

DEAD PIGS

STAND UP MAN

7PM

7PM

6:00pm 7:00pm

SPOTLIGHT FILMS CENTREPIECE SPOTLIGHT

ULAM: MAIN DISH 7PM SHORTS BAO 7PM

SPOTLIGHT FILMS CLOSING FILM

FOR IZZY 7:30PM

(PRECEDING ULAM: MAIN DISH)

8:00pm 9:00pm

VAFF OPENING NIGHT GALA D6 Parq Vancouver 9PM

LATE NIGHT FEATURES

THE WAY STATION

8:00pm 9:00pm

9PM

LATE NIGHT FEATURES

OMONETASHI 9PM

VAFF INDUSTRY PARTY St. Regis

VAFF CLOSING NIGHT AFTERPARTY Venue TBC

9:30PM

10:00pm

9:30PM

10:00pm

A MASARAP AFTER PARTY Bao Down 10PM

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UNLESS MARKED OTHERWISE, ALL EVENTS HAPPEN AT | #VAFF2018 | @VAFFVANCOUVER CINEPLEX ODEON INTERNATIONAL VILLAGE CINEMAS, AUDITORIUM 9

UNLESS MARKED OTHERWISE, ALL EVENTS HAPPEN AT Tickets Online At VAFF.ORG | Vancouver Asian Film FestivalAUDITORIUM 9 CINEPLEX ODEON INTERNATIONAL VILLAGE CINEMAS,

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VA FF

LATE NIGHT FEATURES

SHORTS

The Late Night Features series at this year’s festival will focus on international feature films for those who enjoy foreign language films.

The Way Station Đảo của dân ngụ cư

Omonetashi

Our Shorts presentations include dedicated programs for International Shorts, Canadian Shorts, our We Heart video project series celebrated the 90th Anniversary of Canada and Japan’s diplomatic relations entitled We Heart Canada + Japan 90, and various gems paired with Feature Presentations.

INTERNATIONAL SHORTS SAT 3 NOV 2018, 5-7PM Program 7 Aud 9 | Cineplex Odeon International Village The International Shorts highlights the best of Asian Diaspora and Hapa short filmmaking from around the world, with dramas, comedies, LGBTQ films, documentaries, fantasy/sci-fi, and experimental shorts. Films are in multiple languages with English subtitles or in English.

Mad Rush

FRI 2 NOV 2018, 9PM-11PM Aud 9 | Cineplex Odeon International Village

Program 4

SAT 3 NOV 2018, 9PM-11PM Aud 9 | Cineplex Odeon International Village

Samskara/Impressions

When the moon no longer shines, the beautiful yet obsolete Bright Moon Ryokan in Shiga is acquired by the innkeeper, Mitsuko’s former Taiwanese lover, who sends his son Jacky to supervise the renovation. Unaware of Jacky’s hidden agenda, she is excited about the idea of turning the hotel into a wedding venue, and suggests that he learns “omotenashi,” the virtue of traditional Japanese hospitality, together with her daughter and the otaku helper.

Dir: (Mrs.) Hong Anh Writ: Do Phuoc Tien Prod: Vu Tuan Anh & Nguyen Thanh Ha

Canadian Premiere

93 min | 2017| Vietnam | Vietnamese w/ English Subtitles | Drama

Hong Kong International Film Festival Opening Night Film, Hawaii International Film Festival, Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival, Almaty Film Festival

Dir/Writ: Jay Chern & Mami Sunada Prod: Jay Chern & Junichi Kitagawa

A young man living with panic and obsessive compulsive disorder challenges himself to step outside his comfort zone and to experience one day unafraid and in the open.

A man and his student have an affair and plot to kill the man’s wife together. However, things take a turn and the wife and the student somehow end up together.

After killing his drunk, wife beating father, a boy realizes he has now become the man he hated most. Does our Samskara/Impressions decide our fate?

Dir/Writ: Lee Heejun Prod:Park Kyoung-won, Jang Yohan

Dir: Alfred Li Writs: Carrot Chen, Alfred Li Prod: Victor Zheng

Dir/Writ: Sankalp Rawal Prod: Myths & Mountains Movies

16min |2018 | South Korea | Korean w/ English Subtitles | Drama

12min | 2018 | China | Chinese w/ English/ Chinese Subtitles | Black Comedy, LGBTQ

12 min | 2017 | India | Hindi/ English with English Subtitles | Drama, Experimental, Psychological, Spiritual

95 min | 2018 | Taiwan | Japanese, English, Chinese w/ English and Chinese | Romance

Canadian Premiere

The Masseuse

Frenchies

A technician falls in a love with a humanoid masseuse, but he must make amends with his antidroid dad.

This is a story about some new neighbours, the Frenchies. They are human, but have heads like French Bulldogs.

20 min | 2018 | Malaysia | Chinese w/ English Subtitles | Sci-Fi

Dir: Kuan-Fu Lin Writs: Kuan-Fu Lin, Sam McGoldrick Prod: Leky Lin, Yixia Li, Weiyang Li, Kuan-Fu Lin, Ai-Lung Huang

Canadian Premiere In attendance: Tan Ce Ding (Dir); Edward Lim (Exec Prod)

| #VAFF2018 | @VAFFVANCOUVER

Dir: Dan Lin Writ: Poetry by Kathy Jetnil-Kijiner Prod: Pam Omidyar, Paul Hadik, Dustin Langrik

6 min | 2018 | USA/ Marshall Islands | English | Documentary Short, Video Poem

A Daughter

VOTE

Dir: Tan Ce Ding Dir/Writ: Tan Ce Ding Prod: Tan Ce Ding, Edward Lim

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The dark legacy of U.S. nuclear testing is still prevalent today in the form of a leaking radioactive dome in the middle of the Pacific.

Canadian Premiere

2017 ASEAN International Film Festival & Awards Winner Best Film & Winner Best Director of Photography, 2018 Asia-Pacific Film Festival Winner Best Story, 2017 Cairo International Film Festival

VOTE for your favourite feature, performance, or short to win the PEOPLE'S CHOICE AWARD! Online voting begins November 1 at VAFF.ORG/VOTE

Anointed

Program 9

PHUOC wanders aimlessly and stops at the restaurant DEM TRANG (WHITE NIGHT) owned by THE BOSS. Slowly, Phuoc realises the lives of the people who work in this restaurant – this family. Sharing the living space and working life with Phuoc is AHMED and MIEN. In the crumbling space of the restaurant, there is also XIEM HOA – the pretend wife of the boss, and a beautiful woman named CHU – the boss’s daughter. Phuoc arrives, makes friends with Mien and Chu. Jealousy, payback, and violence between Mien and Phuoc take place in their little love triangle. The boss finally finds out about his daughter’s secret sex life with the workers. The imperious father does an unexpected thing.

Canadian Premiere

The Two-Flavor Hot Pot

A coming-of-age family drama set in Beijing portraying a young girl who discovers a secret that shatters her seemingly perfect and spotless world.

Dir/Writ: Stephanie Cheng Prod: Alex Zou, Jake Eisner

13 min | 2017 | Taiwan / US | English | Fantasy Satire

16 min | 2017 | China | Chinese w/ English Subtitles | Coming-of-age, Drama

Canadian Premiere

Canadian Premiere

for your favourite feature, performance, or short to win the PEOPLE'S CHOICE AWARD! Online voting begins November 1 at VAFF.ORG/VOTE

In attendance: Stephanie Cheng (Writ/ Dir) Daisy Zhou (Cinematographer)

Tickets Online At VAFF.ORG | Vancouver Asian Film Festival

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SHORTS

SHORTS Canada + Japan 90

CANADIAN SHORTS

WE HEART CANADA + JAPAN 90 SHORTS

SUN 4 NOV 2018, 3-5PM Program 11 Aud 9 | Cineplex Odeon International Village

SUN 4 NOV 2018, 2-2:45PM Program 10 Aud 9 | Cineplex Odeon International Village

The Canadian Shorts program celebrates the myriad cultural, sexual, and individual identities of the Canadian Asian and Hapa diaspora.

Included are the winners of VAFF’s Mighty Asian Moviemaking Marathon 13.

In celebration of the 90th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Japan and Canada, VAFF has partnered with the Consulate General of Japan in Vancouver and the Japan Foundation, Toronto. The 2018 project, officially titled “We Heart Canada + Japan 90”, will aim to build awareness of this incredible landmark year across Canada.

Too Late

J’Adoube

Followers: Wifi-Interrupted

Evoked

Bunny Man

The purpose of this short film project is to present different films that tell the stories of the people and organizations who have been making connections and building stronger bridges between Canada and Japan. These 5-minute short films showcase what Canada’s diverse and inclusive communities love about Japan by pairing Vancouver-based independent filmmakers with Vancouver-based non-profit organizations with connections to Japan.

和 / Harmony

Cosmos

Way of the Bow

Sara Tanaka is a young, ambitious businesswoman who works for a large downtown firm. However, for years her father, Jiro, has wanted Sara to take over the family business, a small fishing company he founded decades earlier.

When Jiro suddenly tells Sara he is retiring, she must make a decision on what is most important personally and professionally.

Naoko Ohkohchi, founder of Cosmos Seminar will be doing the main narration of the video short and talk about what the Cosmos-Seminar is, why it started, its mandate to continue lifelong education and bridging Japanese history with Canadian Culture.

The Kyudo Association of Canada was founded by Mike Nakatsu in 2003 to make good on a promise to his Toda Sensei in Fukuoka to start a Kyudo club in Canada.

NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION PARTNER: COSMOS SEMINAR

Dir/Writ: Mayumi Yoshida

NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION PARTNER: CANADA - JAPAN COUNCIL OF BRITISH COLUMBIA

5 min | 2018 | Canada | English & Japanese w/ English Subtitles | Drama Documentary

Dir/Writ: Alejandro Yoshizawa

In attendance: Louisa Phung

Dir/Writ: Louisa Phung

World Premiere

NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION PARTNER: KYUDO ASSOCIATION OF BC 5 min | 2018 | Canada | English & Japanese w/ English Subtitles | Drama Documentary World Premiere

In attendance: Mayumi Yoshida

Shoji

What does it mean to be a Japanese Canadian? SHOJI is a portrait of Shoji Nishihata, a resident in the Robert Nimi NIkkei Senior Home and volunteer at the Nikkei National Museum. In his old age, Shoji reflects on his life in Canada and how he finds a connection to his ancestry.

A young girl learns that there are some things in life you can’t prepare for.

Dir: Christopher Cho, Simon Chin Writ: Shar Yeoh Prod: Christopher Cho, Shar Yeoh

Dir/Writ: Lee Shorten Prod: Lee Shorten and Shelley Shukaliak

1 min | 2018 | Canada | English | Drama

1 min | 2018 | Canada | English | Drama

MAMM13 Screening Gala 2nd Place Best Ultra Short Film Winner

MAMM13 Screening Gala 1st Place Best Ultra Short Film Winner

Sonder

Dir: Jon Chiang

5 min | 2018 | Canada | English |Drama Documentary-Narrative In attendance: Jon Chiang

World Premiere

In attendance: Alejandro Yoshizawa

Aveline, a young competitive aerial silk artist, struggles to return to her everyday life after a freak accident. She meets an equally lonely stranger, which leads to an unexpected journey.

Dir/Writ: Kate Ely Prod: Kate Ely, Travis Friday

10 min | 2018 | Canada | English | Comedy

10 min | 2018 | Canada | English | Horror

MAMM13 Screening Gala Fan’s Choice Best Overall Performance Winner

MAMM13 10 Minute Short 2nd Place Winner

Tokyo Lovers

Japan-Canada

90 Years

Sofie and Dennis need an affordable place to live that will allow their two dogs, and are forced to consider one inhabited by an unwanted guest.

A short film about two strangers bonding over heartbreaks, and how their odd friendship helps them regain their dignity.

Dir: Victoria Angell Writ: Robin Chan Prod: Robin Chan, Renee Chan, Kathy Leung

Dir/Writ: Mayumi Yoshida, Nach Dudsdeemaytha Prod: Mayumi Yoshida, Nach Dudsdeemaytha, Phil Planta, Wai Sun Cheng

10 min | 2018 | Canada | English |Horror/ Comedy

19 min | 2018 | Canada | English | Drama World Premiere

Canadian Premiere

2018 East Van Showcase, 2018 Origins Film Festival Columbus, 2018 Gen Con Indianapolis,

BCSA: VAFF Best Canadian Short Award nominee

BCSA: VAFF Best Canadian Short Award nominee

In attendance: Mayumi Yoshida (Dir/Writ/ Actor/Prod) Nach Dudsdeemaytha (Dir/ Writ/Edit/Prod) Phil Planta (Exec Prod) Wai Sun Cheng (Exec Prod/DOP) Jerome Yoo (Actor) Emi Kamito (Actor) Yumi Nagashima (Actor) Sean Williams (Comp)

14 min | 2018 | Canada | English | Love, Drama

In attendance: Mia Fiona Kut (Writ/ Dir/Prod/ Actor)

| #VAFF2018 | @VAFFVANCOUVER

Dir/Writ: Milton Ng Prod: Milton Ng, Jonathan Endo, Charmaine Tam and Willan Leung

Jin, a young international student, faces the trials of anxiety and paranoia only made worse by the isolation he feels from his family and the people around him.

Recall

Over a meal at a Chinese restaurant, four Taiwanese friends’ discussion over their similarities and differences as Taiwanese-Canadians grows heated when a mysterious Bunny mascot enters.

Dir/Writ: Athena Han Prod: Athena Han, Michelle Kee, Jon Warne 10 min | 2018 | Canada | English | Drama

MAMM13 Screening Gala 1st Place Best Short Film & Fan’s Choice Best Overall Short Winner

mamm13 MIGHTY ASIAN MOVIEMAKING MARATHON

Dir/Writ: Mia Fiona Kut Prod: Ingo Lou, Kris McRonney, Mia Fiona Kut, Nick Malcolm

PARTNERS:

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Buy or Beware

A team of superheroes, based on today’s most popular media platforms, must save the city from Hater, who threatens to take down the Internet.

NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION PARTNER: NIKKEI PLACE SENIORS

World Premiere

5 min | 2018| Canada | English & Japanese | Drama Narrative

The bond between a mother and daughter can never be broken.

BCSA: VAFF Best Canadian Short Award nominee

Trace the footsteps of Dr. Sun Yat-Sen’s journeys across British Columbia and discover the local Chinese Freemasons’ pivotal role in China’s 1911 Revolution.

Dir/Writ: Andy Lin Prod: Danny Wang 37 min | 2018 |Canada | English, Chinese w/ English, Chinese Subtitles | Documentary, History

VAFF Best Canadian Short Award nominee

In attendance: Andy Lin (Dir), Danny Wang (Prod)

Tickets Online At VAFF.ORG | Vancouver Asian Film Festival

2018

VOTE

for your favourite feature, performance, or short to win the PEOPLE'S CHOICE AWARD! Online voting begins November 1 at VAFF.ORG/VOTE

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SHORTS

ADDITIONAL FESTIVAL INFORMATION

PAIRED SHORTS VARIOUS TIMES Various Programs Aud 9 | Cineplex Odeon International Village Various shorts will be paired with features throughout the festival. Check each short’s description to find out where you can see this short film!

Bao

SAT 3 NOV 2018, 7:00PM

Jie Jie

Program 8

Preceding Ulam: Main Dish

An aging Chinese mom suffering from empty nest syndrome gets another chance at motherhood when one of her dumplings springs to life as a lively, giggly dumpling boy.

Dir/Writ: Domee Shi Prod: Disney Pixar

8 min | 2018 | Canada | Animation 2018 Tribeca Film Festival, 2018 International Online Cinema Awards, global release BCSA: VAFF Best Canadian Short Award nominee

Good Girls Don’t

Nathan Jung vs. Bruce Lee

SUN 4 NOV 2018, 5:30PM

Program 6

Preceding Badass Beauty Queen: The Story of Anastasia Lin

FRI 2 NOV 2018, 5PM

Program 2

Preceding Havana Divas

Jie Jie is a portrait of two young sisters being raised by a single immigrant mother in Los Angeles in 1997.

Nathan Jung recounts the crazy, true and hilarious story of meeting Bruce Lee for the first time on the set of the TV show “Here Come the Brides” in 1969.

Dir/Writ: Feng-I Fiona Roan, Michael Leung Prod: Mianda Lu, Mikhail Makeyev

Dir/Writ: Timothy Tau, Nathan Jung Prod: Timothy Tau

15 min | 2017 | USA | Mandarin/ English | Drama

10 min | 2017 | USA | English | Short Documentary, Comedy

Vancouver Premiere

Canadian Premiere

2018 Short Shorts FIlm Festival & Asia, 2018 HBO APA Visionaries Short Film Competition Award WInner, 2018 Palm Springs International Short Fest

Award Winner Best Original Script & Best Comedy Short, 2018 Asians on Film Festival, 2018 Taiwanese American Film Festival

VENUES & PARKING INFO All VAFF screenings take place at Cineplex Odeon International Village Cinemas, 3rd floor, 88 West Pender Street, Vancouver, Nov 1 – 4. The theatre is half a block away from the Stadium-Chinatown SkyTrain Station. See translink.ca for a full list of bus routes & schedule.

FREE PARKING UNDERGROUND – MORE DETAILS AT PAY STATION. TICKETS AND MORE INFORMATION AVAILABLE AT VAFF.ORG.

Eve

Program 6

SUN 4 NOV 2018, 7PM

Program 12

Preceding Badass Beauty Queen: The Story of Anastasia

Preceding Drawn Together: Comics, Diversity and Stereotypes

A Filipina-Canadian girl defies her mother’s warning that she’ll turn into a boy if she plays sports.

Inventor Gong Bongnam lives with Eve, his A.I. robot to whom he is developing feelings for.

Ond day, a gun-wielding young man claiming he’s from the future breaks in to kill Bongnam and destroy Eve.

Dir: Ana de Lara Prod: Michelle Morris, Anita Reilly McGee, Ana de Lara

15 min | 2017| Canada | English, Tagalog w/ English Subtitles | Comedy

for your favourite feature, performance, or short to win the PEOPLE'S CHOICE AWARD!

Dir/Writ: Alex Shin Prod: Geunchul Shin

Vancouver Premiere

27 min | 2018 | South Korea | Korean w/ English Subtitles | Sci-Fi Thriller

BCSA: VAFF Best Canadian Short Award nominee

Canadian Premiere

TICKET BUNDLES* ON OFFER:

1)

DOCUMENTARY BUNDLE: BUY ANY 3 DOCUMENTARIES FOR $30.

2)

LATE NIGHT BUNDLE: BUY BOTH THE WAYSTATION AND OMONETASHI FOR $18 BEST VALUE DEAL!

Online voting begins November 1 at VAFF.ORG/VOTE 3)

SHORTS BUNDLE: BUY BOTH INTERNATIONAL SHORTS AND CANADIAN SHORTS FOR $20.

*WHILE QUANTITIES LAST FOR INDIVIDUAL FILMS. VISIT VAFF.ORG FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO BUY YOUR TICKET BUNDLES!

In attendance: Ana de Lara (Dir)

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RUSH TICKETS FOR SOLD OUT SCREENINGS In the event of a sold out program, a limited number of rush tickets may become available outside the venue box office approximately one hour before show time. As tickets become available, they will be sold to individuals in line order while supplies last.

In attendance: Timothy Tau (Dir/ Writ/ Prod)

VOTE

SAT 3 NOV 2018, 3PM

REFUNDS & EXCHANGES & LOST VIP PASSES No refunds or exchanges on general admission tickets, group tickets, and special event tickets except in the case of program cancellation. Please keep your ticket stub. No refunds or exchanges on VIP Passes. Lost VIP Passes will be charged $30 for replacement and original VIP Passes will be canceled.

| #VAFF2018 | @VAFFVANCOUVER

PRESENT THIS AD AT THE VAFF BOX OFFICE NOV 1 - NOV 4, 2018 DURING THE FESTIVAL. PURCHASE A GROUP OF 4 TICKETS , RECEIVE A 10% DISCOUNT. NOT VALID FOR OPENING NIGHT OR CLOSING NIGHT SPOTLIGHT SCREENINGS

Tickets Online At VAFF.ORG | Vancouver Asian Film Festival

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THANK YOU TO THE FOLLOWING VAFF 2018 FESTIVAL SPONSORS FOR MAKING THIS FESTIVAL POSSIBLE: PUBLIC FUNDERS

CORPORATE SPONSORS

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER SPONSORS

ମध‫گ‬٤зԇ۱ D E A

F O R T U N A

M A N U S

M A N U M

L A V A T

MEDIA PARTNERS

Everything Pinoy

MARKETING SPONSORS

VENDOR PARTNERS

VENUE PARTNERS

Sun Wah

D6 - Parq Vancouver

VAFF.ORG | @VAFFVANCOUVER | #VAFF2018