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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