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ABOUT THE CENTER FOR ASIAN AMERICAN MEDIA The Center for Asian American Media (CAAM) is a non profit organization dedicated to presenting stories that convey the richness and diversity of Asian American experiences to the broadest audience possible. We do this by funding, producing, distributing and exhibiting works in film, television and digital media. CAAMFEST: The nation’s largest showcase for new Asian American and Asian films, CAAMFest (formerly the San Francisco International Asian American Film Festival) presents approximately 125 works in San Francisco and Oakland over the course of 11 days. Since 1982, the Festival has been an important launching point for Asian American independent filmmakers as well as a vital source for new Asian cinema. PUBLIC BROADCAST: CAAM presents innovative, engaging Asian American works on public television through our dynamic documentary programs. CAAM’s award-winning public TV programs are seen by millions of viewers a year across the United States, including 47 documentary shows in the last four years. MEDIA FUND: CAAM provides funding and support for provocative and timely Asian American film and media projects from independent producers. CAAM awards production and completion funds for projects intended for public television broadcast. Since 1990, more than $3 million has been granted to over 150 projects. EDUCATIONAL DISTRIBUTION: CAAM also curates the country’s largest collection of Asian American films and videos for educational distribution, with over 250 award-winning documentaries, personal stories, dramas and experimental works.
table of contents WELCOME CALENDAR BOX OFFICE & TICKETING LOCATIONS SPONSORS GALA PRESENTATIONS SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS interactive DIRECTIONS IN SOUND caamfeast AWARDS COMCAST NARRATIVE COMPETITION DOCUMENTARY COMPETITION CINEMASIA SHORTS BOARD & STAFF INDEX
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welcome
On behalf of the staff and board of the Center for Asian American Media, greetings and welcome to CAAMFest 2017! The festival’s core commitment is the discovery of new talent, new voices, new stories and new visions. At the same time, we honor the past as with the premiere of THE CHINESE EXCLUSION ACT, a CAAM co-production illuminating a vital piece of American history. Then there is the added element of food, live performances and music including great Bay Area musicians such as Francis Wong, Mark Izu and Thao Nguyen: truly a feast for the mind and the senses! We are extremely proud to be presenting six films that have received CAAM Media Fund support, and we give special thanks to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, whose support keeps our vital work in public media possible. Finally, I would like to extend our thanks to our wonderful members, whose support is key to our work, and recognize our Presenting and Grand Sponsors — Comcast Xfinity, 96.5 KOIT, AARP, the Asian Art Museum, AT&T DirecTV and Buick. These sponsors recognize the important role our festival plays in the cultural life of the Bay Area, and we appreciate their thoughtful support.
Stephen Gong, Executive Director Hello and welcome to the 35th annual CAAMFest — the nation’s premier event showcasing and celebrating bold and vibrant Asian American stories and storytellers. We are elated to offer 11 days of dynamic film screenings, provocative food and music events and unique opportunities to connect and bond with the diverse San Francisco Bay Area communities. As we mark this very special milestone for our festival, I can’t help but look back at our rich history and also reflect on how much this festival has evolved in its 35 years. We’re struck with a sense of achievement and pride having showcased so many films and storytellers at our festival over the decades, and we’re equally passionate about creating new opportunities to celebrate future filmmakers. Asian American cinema and storytelling is at its peak with so many creative visionaries telling stories in formats from the big screen to your mobile device. CAAMFest promises to be your destination to discover them. Where to start? Grab a coffee (or tea), take a few minutes and go through this program guide. For additional information about the films and events, please go to our website CAAMedia.org. See you at the festival! Masashi Niwano, Festival & Exhibitions Director
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calendar
THURSDAY | MARCH 9 7:00PM CAS 9:30PM AAM
SUNDAY | MARCH 12
OPENING NIGHT: THE TIGER HUNTER OPENING NIGHT GALA
12:10PM ROXIE BLANKA 12:20PM ALAMO POI E 2:00PM GRAY RABBIT IN THE MOON 2:20PM ROXIE RE:ORIENTATIONS 3:00PM ALAMO THE MOMENT 3:00PM GREAT THE PEOPLE’S HOSPITAL 4:30PM GRAY MIXED MATCH 4:40PM ROXIE IMMEDIATE FAMILY — 5:15PM ROXIE HANG IN THERE, KIDS! SHORTS 6:30PM ALAMO AKA SEOUL 6:00PM ALAMO CENTERPIECE: WINDOW 7:20PM ROXIE WEXFORD PLAZA HORSES 9:00PM ALAMO CARDINAL X 9:30PM GRAY DIRECTIONS IN SOUND W/ 6:00PM GREAT ABACUS 7:10PM ROXIE DIS/SPACE/MENT KOLLABORATION SF 9:40PM ROXIE IN THE MOOD FOR LOVE... — SHORTS 7:20PM GRAY THE FALL OF THE I-HOTEL MAYBE — SHORTS 8:35PM ALAMO SHE’S THE BOSS 9:40PM ROXIE YELLOW
FRIDAY | MARCH 10
SATURDAY | MARCH 11
12:10PM ROXIE RESISTANCE AT TULE LAKE 12:40PM ALAMO FINDING KUKAN 1:00PM GRAY WHO KILLED VINCENT CHIN? 2:40PM ROXIE PLASTIC CHINA 3:10PM ALAMO CHEE AND T 4:00PM GRAY LUCKY CHOW 5:10PM ROXIE FOR THE FAINT OF HEART — SHORTS 6:00PM ALAMO CENTERPIECE: WHO IS ARTHUR CHU? 7:00PM 41ROSS EAT CHINATOWN 7:00PM GRAY LIGHT 7:30PM ROXIE OUT/HERE — SHORTS 9:00PM ALAMO GOOK 9:00PM SLATE FESTIVAL SOCIAL CLUB 9:50PM ROXIE THE HOUSEMAID
MONDAY | MARCH 13 6:30PM ALAMO CINEMATIC SF 8:30PM ALAMO THE LOCKPICKER
TUESDAY | MARCH 14 6:30PM ALAMO MY NEXT STEP 7:00PM JCCSF BAD RAP 8:50PM ALAMO SINGING IN GRAVEYARDS
WEDNESDAY | MARCH 15 6:20PM ALAMO UNTITLED THAO NGUYEN DOCUMENTARY 8:30PM ALAMO BITCOIN HEIST 10:30PM ALAMO FASTER, PUSSYCAT! KILL! KILL!
THURSDAY | MARCH 16 6:30PM ALAMO BROWN GIRLS 7:00PM JCCSF IN SEARCH OF PERFECT CONSONANCE 8:50PM ALAMO APPRENTICE
FRIDAY | MARCH 17 5:00PM OMCA 7:00PM OMCA
CAAMFEST @ OMCA BLASIAN NARRATIVES
SATURDAY | MARCH 18 12:00PM OACC INSIDE THE MIND OF A CREATOR 12:10PM NP EVER THE LAND 1:00PM PARK GUANGZHOU DREAM FACTORY 2:40PM NP MEMORIES TO LIGHT 3:10PM PARK CENTER STAGE — SHORTS 4:15PM NP THE TENOR 5:40PM PARK BACHELOR GIRLS 5:40PM PARK BITCOIN HEIST 7:00PM NP RELOCATION, ARKANSAS 8:10PM PARK CARDINAL X 8:20PM PARK AKA SEOUL 9:20PM NP GOOD LUCK SOUP
VENUE KEY 41ROSS AAM alamo CAS gray GREAT JCCsf NP OACC OMCA PARK roxie slate
41 ROSS ASIAN ART MUSEUM alamo drafthouse at NEW MISSION CASTRO THEATRE gray area foundation GREAT STAR THEATER JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER of san francisco NEW PEOPLE cinema OAKLAND ASIAN CULTURAL CENTER OAKLAND MUSEUM OF CALIFORNIA NEW PARKWAY THEATER roxie theater slate bar
gala presentations special presentations general screenings
SUNDAY | MARCH 19 12:10PM NP RANDOM ACTS OF LEGACY 3:00PM NP 95 AND 6 TO GO 5:40PM NP VISIONS IN THE DARK 7:00PM CAS CLOSING NIGHT: THE CHINESE EXCLUSION ACT 8:40PM NP HARMONIUM
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box office & ticketing general member regular SCREENINGS & Panels $14 $12
Student, Seniors (65+) and Disabled All online fees have been eliminated!
$13
OPENING NIGHT Screening w/ reserved seating & Gala*
$90
-
*limited quantity
Screening & Gala $65 $55 Screening Only $35 Gala Only $40 -
CENTERPIECE films $20 $17 CLOSING NIGHT FILM $20 $17 DIRECTIONS IN SOUND
Presale $20 $15 At the Door $25 $20
SOCIAL CLUB $14 $12 CAAMFEAST: STORIES, FOOD AND YOU $200
$175
w/ vip experience $300 Student and NON-PROFIT $100
CAAMFEST 6-PACK
$75
-
Save $9 on six festival tickets with the 6-Pack! Purchase the 6-Pack first, then sign in and select tickets for the films you want to see. 6-Packs can be used in any permutation you choose (e.g., two tickets to three films, three tickets to two films). Valid for regularly priced ($14) screenings only.
CAAMFEST ALL-ACCESS PASS
$500
$450
Skip the lines! The All-Access Pass gives you VIP access to every moment of CAAMFest. This includes all Gala Presentations, regular screenings and any additional ticketed events. You will also receive priority seating for all screenings. Excludes CAAMFeast Awards.
THE FINE PRINT:
All ticket sales are final. No refunds, exchanges or reprints on any purchases. Ticket holder must arrive at least 15 minutes before show time to guarantee entry. We are not responsible for lost, stolen or misplaced tickets. We will be unable to admit patrons without tickets. All seating is at management’s discretion.
HOW TO BUY TICKETS ONLINE IN PERSON (alamo drafthouse) February 9 – 12 / member sales February 13 – March 19 // general public Go to: CAAMedia.org.
March 2 – March 8 / 3:30 – 7:30pm March 9 – 19 / Box office opens at venue one hour before first screening of the day.
Day-of-show tickets may be purchased at all other theater box offices. Have questions? Email us at boxoffice@caamedia.org or call 415.552.5580.
TICKET delivery
Ticket orders placed online or over the phone may be mailed for an additional fee of $2 per order. All orders set to be mailed will be sent out on Monday, Feb. 27. No orders will be mailed after this date. All other orders will be held at will call. Will call orders will be available for pick up on the day and at the venue of first screening in the order. Will call opens 45 minutes prior to the first screening of the day at the venue.
RUSH SHOWS
Last-minute tickets — rush tickets — may be available just before show time when advance tickets have sold out. A rush line will form outside the venue usually one hour before show time. Approximately 10 minutes prior to screening, empty seats are counted and will be sold on a first come, firstserved basis to those in line. Rush tickets will only be sold to those actually waiting in line. One rush ticket per person in the rush line, and there are no guarantees.
seating and queues
Unless otherwise noted, all seating for CAAMFest screenings and events is general admission, i.e. first-come, first-served, non-reserved seating. Ticket holder and rush lines (queues) will be held outside of the venues, please plan accordingly.
BART. Proud supporter of the Center for Asian American Media and CAAMFEST 2017.
locations CHINATOWN
41 ROSS 41 Ross Alley | 41ross.org
GREAT STAR THEATER 636 Jackson Street | 415.949.9843 greatstartheater.org
JAPANTOWN / pacific heights NEW PEOPLE CINEMA 1746 Post Street | 415.525.8630 newpeopleworld.com JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER OF SAN FRANCISCO 3200 California Street | 415.292.1200 jccsf.org
CASTRO
CASTRO THEATRE 429 Castro Street | 415.621.6120 castrotheatre.com
soma / CIVIC CENTER
CIVIC CENTER BART STATION
ASIAN ART MUSEUM 200 Larkin Street | 415.581.3500 asianart.org SAN FRANCISCO WAR MEMORIAL & PERFORMING ARTS CENTER 401 Van Ness Avenue | 415.621.6600 sfwmpac.org
mission
16TH ST & 24TH ST BART STATIONS
ALAMO DRAFTHOUSE AT NEW MISSION 2550 Mission Street | 415.549.5959 drafthouse.com GRAY AREA FOUNDATION FOR THE ARTS 2665 Mission Street | 415.843.1423 grayarea.org
SAN FRANCISCO
ROXIE THEATER 3117 16th Street | 415.863.1087 roxie.com SLATE BAR 2925 16th Street | 415.558.8521 slate-sf.com
OAKLAND
19TH ST & LAKE MERRITT BART STATIONS
NEW PARKWAY THEATER 474 24th Street | 510.658.7900 thenewparkway.com OAKLAND ASIAN CULTURAL CENTER 388 Ninth Street | 510.637.0455 oacc.cc OAKLAND MUSEUM OF CALIFORNIA 1000 Oak Street | 510.318.8400 museumca.org
Take BART to CAAMFest! FOR MORE DETAILED BART INFORMATION, VISIT CAAMFEST.COM OR BART.GOV. 9
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sponsors PRESENTING
GRAND
PREMIER
MAJOR
SUPPORTING girl friday events
FOUNDATIONS & PUBLIC SUPPORT
HOTEL presenting
supporting
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VENUE
MEDIA.
IN-KIND
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gala
presentation
opening night The TIGER HUNTER
LENA KHAN / USA 2016 / 94 MINS THU MAR 9 | 7:00PM | CASTRO
Sami Malek’s father is a tiger hunter; a man who stares danger in the eyes, takes aim and BANG. With the same fearless blood running through him, Sami decides to leave his small Indian village to chase the “American Dream.” But once he arrives in the U.S., reality sets in that this will be his grandest adventure yet. Danny Pudi (COMMUNITY, POWERLESS) lights up the screen as Sami with the perfect mixture of sweetness, optimism and determination. Along the way, he does his best to woo his childhood sweetheart (GALAVANT and ONCE UPON A TIME’s talented and charming Karen David) and develops friendships with a lovable and hilarious band of misfits, perfectly played by some of the best South Asian and South Asian American actors today. Set in the 1970s, THE TIGER HUNTER is a blast of nostalgia that chronicles the journey of many immigrants to America. Like Sami’s father, Director and Co-Writer Lena Khan is truly fearless with a bold and refreshing voice. For her debut feature film, it’s a remarkable achievement and with numerous festival awards under it’s wings, THE TIGER HUNTER is sure to bring the Castro Theatre to its feet.
OPENING NIGHT GALA
THU MAR 9 | 9:30PM | ASIAN ART MUSEUM
Follow THE TIGER HUNTER with a feast for the senses at our Opening Night Gala at the Asian Art Museum! Dine, drink, dance and discuss as you indulge in what CAAM does best — art, music and food. Experience global creations from Bay Area favorites, including Boba Guys, Sol Food, Hodo Soy, Reem’s, Magnolia Ice Cream, The Chai Cart, Lee’s Deli, Socola Chocolatier and Rémy Martin. Sway to the sweet sounds of the 70s, with pulsing beats from local DJs and soak in the visual riches of the museum’s newest exhibit, Tomb Treasures: New Discoveries from China’s Han Dynasty. Glimpse the secret lives of Han-dynasty royals and the pleasures they pursued in this world and the next through fascinating objects — including a toilet and bronze phallus that are over 2,000 years old — unearthed from newly discovered tombs.
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girl friday events
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CENTERPIECES WHO IS ARTHUR CHU?
SCOTT DRUCKER & YU GU / USA 2017 / 90 MINS SAT MAR 11 | 6:00PM | ALAMO
WHO IS ARTHUR CHU? That is the answer to the question that filmmakers Scott Drucker and Yu Gu explore throughout their film about Arthur Chu, the 11-time Jeopardy! champion and the game’s fourth-highest earning winner. Chu’s success catapulted him into the public eye, and he was labelled a “villain” for his unconventional style of play. Chu develops a more confident voice after Jeopardy! and expands his persona by writing, tweeting and speaking out against racism and sexism. When he steps into the #Gamergate discussion on sexism in video games, he becomes a bigger target of ongoing cyber-bullying. The weight of the public eye burdens Chu, who delves deeper into his family struggles and internal challenges stemming from being an outsider in his own country. Drucker and Gu’s masterful style of jumping between past and present closely resembles Chu’s own Jeopardy! gameplay strategy, making for a fascinating film and CAAMFest’s Centerpiece Documentary.
WINDOW HORSES: THE POETIC PERSIAN EPIPHANY OF ROSIE MING
ANN MARIE FLEMING / CANADA 2016 / 88 MINS SUN MAR 12 | 6:00PM | ALAMO
Rosie Ming (voiced by GREY’S ANATOMY’s Sandra Oh) is an aspiring poet who leads an otherwise dull existence in Vancouver with her loving and overprotective Chinese grandparents (THE WORLD OF SUZIE WONG’s Nancy Kwan and FIST OF FURY’s Eddy Ko). An unexpected invitation to a poetry festival in Shiraz, Iran, turns her perception of the world, her poetry and most importantly, her family, on its head. Award-winning Director Ann Marie Fleming (THE MAGICAL LIFE OF LONG TACK SAM) draws from her graphic novel of the same name and revives her avatar, Stick Girl, in the role of Rosie Ming. Employing a wide range of animation styles, WINDOW HORSES whisks viewers through histories of Iran’s great poets, like Rumi and Hafez, and across modern political conflicts. A whimsical coming-of-age tale of creative discovery and familial revelations, WINDOW HORSES is a prescient reminder that art, in this case poetry, transcends borders and cultural divides.
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CLOSING night THE CHINESE EXCLUSION ACT
RIC BURNS & LI-SHIN YU / USA 2017 / 130 MINS SUN MAR 19 | 7:00PM | CASTRO
Filmmakers Ric Burns (NEW YORK: A DOCUMENTARY FILM, THE DONNER PARTY) and Li-Shin Yu tackle a complicated and forgotten story of a significant piece of U.S. history-the only legislation barring an entire group of immigrants based on ethnicity and race. The film reveals a forgotten history of Chinese American resilience and resistance to the 15 laws enacted by the federal government, as well as those passed at the state and local levels. Through powerful and illuminating testimonies from subjects, scholars and experts, a wider, deeply American story comes to life, one that embodies the issues of globalization, immigration, labor and civil rights that continue to dominate headlines today. The film is part of CAAM’s “Who Is American?” educational and community outreach campaign, raising funds in an effort to help thousand of students learn about the Chinese Exclusion Act.
OUR HONG KONG
MY HONG KONG
Where East meets West Our city is a fusion of East and West. Now, youngsters, both Chinese and Western are embracing one of the oldest performing arts: Cantonese Opera. A packed calendar of diverse cultural activities and events showcases our creative, cosmopolitan and innovative spirit. This is OUR HONG KONG. Why not make it yours?
“With a French father and Chinese mother, I live the cultures of East and West. I am fascinated by the art and theatre of Cantonese Opera – not just its rich heritage but also the makeup, costumes and drama.” Chloe Ng Brossard Student of Cantonese Opera
More OURHONGKONG stories at www.brandhk.gov.hk Watch Our Videos on YouTube
Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, San Francisco www.hketosf.gov.hk
www.nbcunitips.com
@nbcunitips
Honored to support CAAMFest.
TALENT
KNOWS NO
BOUNDARIES
special
presentation
35TH ANNIVERSARY
While every birthday is special, turning 35 is a proud moment for CAAMFest. This year, we celebrate 35 years of advancing Asian American media and evolving our platform for Asian and Asian American voices. As a special treat, join us as we revisit three powerful films from the CAAMFests of yesterday.
the FALL OF THE I-HOTEL
CURTIS CHOY / USA 1983 / 58 MINS SUN MAR 12 | 7:20PM | GRAY AREA
Forcible evictions devastated a manong community after the International Hotel was demolished in 1981, marking the destruction of the last block of San Francisco’s Manilatown. Narrated by late poet Al Robles, THE FALL OF THE I-HOTEL tells the story of 50 old-timers displaced by 300 cops in the dead of night and the overall impacts of urban renewal. Preceded by ASIANS IN AMERICA: IN THREE PARTS (LEAH NICHOLS / USA 2016 / 3 MINS)
who killed vincent chin?
CHRISTINE CHOY & RENEE TAJIMA-PEÑA / USA 1987 / 87 MINS SAT MAR 11 | 1:00PM | GRAY AREA
In 1982, Vincent Chin was beaten to death with a baseball bat by two white men in Detroit. Chin’s killers were convicted, but never served a day in prison for their crime. Thirty-five years later, we revisit this Academy Award-nominated documentary that explored the impact of his death and flaws in the justice system in the wake of the outcry from the Asian American community.
YELLOW
CHRIS CHAN LEE / USA 1998 / 90 MINS SUN MAR 12 | 9:40PM | ROXIE
A normal evening turns into a wild and desperate scavenger hunt for eight high school friends in the coming of age dramedy, YELLOW. When the group rallies to help a friend who was robbed, the lines between adolescent and adult are blurred in this 1998 classic. Starring John Cho in his early career, the film celebrates its 20th anniversary this year.
Celebrate our 35th anniversary all March long with Comcast Cinema Asian America, featuring over a dozen films from our past festivals!
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spotlight: EMIKO OMORI
Documentarian Emiko Omori’s award-winning career spans decades, including CAAM’s very first Festival in 1981. From directing and writing to cinematography and producing, Omori uncovers fascinating stories and perspectives on film and television.
rabbit in the moon USA 1999 / 85 MINS
SUN MAR 12 | 2:00PM | GRAY AREA
Peel back the long-silent veneer covering the internment of Japanese Americans and witness an intimately complex and tense history in RABBIT IN THE MOON. Emiko Omori’s award-winning film explores her own childhood experiences within the camps and the political tensions between generations living there.
when rabbit left the moon SAT MAR 18 | 7:00PM | NEW PEOPLE
Omori pays homage to the generation of her parents. Playing with RELOCATION, ARKANSAS (page 27).
spotlight: ham tran
A Vietnamese American leader in the new Vietnamese film industry, filmmaker Ham Tran has honed his storytelling craft through a diverse collection of films, garnering awards, international praise and mainstream success.
bitcoin heist
VIETNAM 2016 / 115 MINS
WED MAR 15 | 8:30PM | ALAMO SAT MAR 18 | 5:40PM | NEW PARKWAY
Set in today’s world of digital devices and complex connectivity, BITCOIN HEIST sends the viewer on an action-adventure ride with a cop in pursuit of a “ghost” hacker who stole billions of dollars in bitcoins. The officer teams up with other criminals to help her plan the ultimate heist.
she’s the boss
VIETNAM 2017 / 114 MINS
SUN MAR 12 | 8:35PM | ALAMO
Fresh from Vietnamese cinemas, SHE’S THE BOSS follows two co-workers whose secret relationship could compromise their jobs. Both want marriage, but neither want to quit, they comically try to sabotage one another into leaving their job. A mix of goofy and endearing characters and situations make SHE’S THE BOSS perfect for date night.
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japanese american community & the legacy of internment
Marking the 75th anniversary of the forced relocation and incarceration of Japanese Americans during WWII, CAAMFest presents a slate of bold new documentaries that explore this painful moment in America’s history and urges others to defend those under threat of similar injustice.
good luck soup
MATTHEW HASHIGUCHI / USA 2016 / 56 MINS SAT MAR 18 | 9:20PM | NEW PEOPLE
Through home video footage and interviews with family members, filmmaker Matthew Hashiguchi explores his identity and tells the story of what it means to grow up mixed race in America’s heartland, Cleveland, Ohio. Preceded by SEPPUKU (DARYN WAKASA / HONG KONG, USA 2016 / 24 MINS)
relocation, arkansas – aftermath of incarceration
VIVIENNE SCHIFFER / USA 2016 / 78 MINS
SAT MAR 18 | 7:00PM | NEW PEOPLE
A touching testament to the strength of those who overcame injustice and reconciled their identity in a complicated America, RELOCATION, ARKANSAS follows Japanese Americans as they travel to southern Arkansas, revisiting former Japanese internment camps in order to move forward from a painful past. Preceded by WHEN RABBIT LEFT THE MOON (EMIKO OMORI / USA 2016 / 14 MINS)
resistance at tule lake
KONRAD ADERER / USA 2017 / 81 MINS SAT MAR 11 | 12:10PM | ROXIE
Revealing interviews unearth a story eerily relevant to contemporary times. RESISTANCE ON TULE LAKE focuses on the notorious camp where Japanese Americans who were labeled “disloyal” were held. Emotional, wrenching stories told by the “internees” make clear the consequences of race, wartime hysteria and political expediency. Preceded by YONSEI EYES (JON OSAKI / USA 2016 / 22 MINS)
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PACIFIC ISLANDERS IN COMMUNICATIONS: PACIFIC SHOWCASE Let Maori anthems fill your ears and the legacy of civil rights activists fill your hearts in this year’s Pacific Showcase. From New Zealand to Hawaii and back again, CAAMFest celebrates the resilience, resistance, wisdom and creativity of the Pacific Islander community.
ever the land
SARAH GROHNERT / NEW ZEALAND 2015 / 93 MINS SAT MAR 18 | 12:10PM | NEW PEOPLE
Set in the lush forests of New Zealand, the indigenous Maori tribe, Ngāi Tūhoe, embarks on a landmark construction project of a sustainable living building. Visually stunning and full of spirit, this documentary captures the development of the building, its vital ties to the tribe’s culture and the reclamation of their land and community.
poi e: THE STORY OF OUR SONG
TEAREPA KAHI / NEW ZEALAND 2016 / 92 MINS SUN MAR 12 | 12:20PM | ALAMO
In the 1980s, POI E, a simple song with a contagious beat, took New Zealand by storm and became the country’s unofficial national anthem. Envisioned by Dalvanius Prime, the song is a point of pride for generations of New Zealanders and continues to inspire more than 30 years after its release.
visions IN the dark: THE LIFE OF PINKY THOMPSON TY SANGA / USA 2014 / 86 MINS
SUN MAR 19 | 5:40PM | NEW PEOPLE
Visionary figure Pinky Thompson led the fight for education and healthcare reform for Native Hawaiians. Guiding his people through the dark waters of racism, poverty and institutional neglect, Thompson’s life story reveals a much broader portrait of the rediscovery of Native Hawaiian culture and heritage. Preceded by KU KANAKA/STAND TALL (MARLENE BOOTH / USA 2016 / 30 MINS)
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memories to light: asian american home movies from the central valley SAT MAR 18 | 2:40PM | NEW PEOPLE
For the fifth CAAMFest iteration of our innovative home movie initiative, we are thrilled to present a compilation of Asian American home movies from California’s Central Valley, with live musical accompaniment by acclaimed jazz musicians Mark Izu, Brenda Wong Aoki, Masaru Koga, George Yamasaki and Moy Eng. Memories to Light is a project that collects and digitizes home movies — and the stories they tell — to share with the broad public. Visit the collections at caamedia.org/memoriestolight.
chinatown screenings abacus: small enough to jail STEVE JAMES / USA 2016 / 88 MINS SUN MAR 12 | 6:00PM | GREAT STAR
Acclaimed filmmaker Steve James (HOOP DREAMS) explores the evocative story of the Sung family-owned Abacus Federal Savings Bank, the only U.S. bank to face criminal charges in the aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis. James documents the family’s trial by judge and their own Chinatown community.
EAT CHINATOWN
SAT MAR 11 | 7:00PM | 41 ROSS
CAAM, in partnership with the Chinatown Community Development Center, is thrilled to bring some mouth-watering shorts to the big screen, including Kerry Chan’s SUNDAY DINNER, a film that follows one man’s journey from picking the freshest ingredients in San Francisco’s Chinatown to cooking an incredible feast for his family. This special screening is part of the EAT CHINATOWN Spring Exhibit.
The People’s HOSPITAL
JIM CHOI & CHIHIRO WIMBUSH / USA 2017 / 27 MINS SUN MAR 12 | 3:00PM | GREAT STAR
Filmmakers Jim Choi and Chihiro Wimbush explore the endearing story of the Chinese Hospital, the last independent hospital in San Francisco, showing that the heart and soul of a community lies in the unlikeliest of places. Preceded by CAREGIVING: CIRCLE OF LOVE (TOAN LAM / USA 2016 / 14 MINS)
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COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS CINEMATIC SF
MON MAR 13 | 6:30PM | ALAMO
The Asian Pacific Islander Cultural Center presents an exclusive premiere of Cinematic SF, a new film project documenting the stories of San Francisco’s diverse residents. From the struggles of working artists to the daily life of a vital community center, each film paints a portrait of the city’s underrepresented communities. Cinematic SF is funded by CAC, SFAC and NEA.
FASTER, PUSSYCAT! KILL! KILL! RUSS MEYER / USA 1965 / 83 MINS WED MAR 15 | 10:30PM | ALAMO
Russ Meyer’s 1965 cult classic FASTER, PUSSYCAT! KILL! KILL! has influenced a generation of outcasts, weirdos and badasses. The wildly turbulent story follows three go-go dancers as they break free from their nightclub and take a wild ride through the desert, complete with kidnapping, scheming and murder. At the heart of the movie are mixed race Asian stars Tura Satana and Haji. YOMYOMF is proud to partner with CAAM and the Alamo Drafthouse’s Weird Wednesdays to present the film that made Satana an icon.
inside the mind of a creator: sharing history and culture through children’s books SAT MAR 18 | 12:00PM | OAKLAND ASIAN CULTURAL CENTER
Join us for a family friendly afternoon in Oakland with the top creators of new children’s books and graphic novels. Innosanto Nagara, Stan Yogi, Laura Atkins, Thi Bui and Nidhi Chanani will share their inspirations, artistic process and how their personal experiences inform storytelling. Moderated by a broadcast personality from ABC7 News. Children and youth under 18 are free.
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interacti
CAAMFEST @ OMCA: blasian narratives JIVAN ATMAN / USA 2017
FRI MAR 17 | 5:00PM | OAKLAND MUSEUM OF CA
*Screening begins at 7pm – Film ticket required and may be purchased at CAAMedia.org or OMCA CAAMFest rings in our fourth year of programming with the Oakland Museum of California, celebrating the beauty and complexity of mash-ups in true Bay Area fashion. Enjoy half-off museum admission, curbside cuisine from Off the Grid food trucks, art workshops for the whole family and music from our favorite Blasian DJs. End the evening with the world premiere of BLASIAN NARRATIVES, live spoken-word performances and a conversation hosted by 106 KMEL’s Lady Ray. Jivan Atman’s BLASIAN NARRATIVES lifts performance as testimony, unraveling the complexity of Black and Asian relations — in tension and solidarity — through monologue and conversation. The multimedia presentation emerges from a collaboration between Morehouse and Spelman College Blasian students. Witness the premiere screening and live performance at OMCA — outloud, intimate, writ large.
brown girls
SAM BAILEY / USA 2017
THU MAR 16 | 6:30PM | ALAMO
Loosely based on creator Fatimah Asghar’s own life, BROWN GIRLS follows the lives of Leila, a South Asian writer in the midst of navigating and owning her queerness, and her friend Patricia, who struggles to find meaning financially, romantically and creatively. With it’s BROAD CITY meets INSECURE vibe, this new web series paints an intimate portrait of two young women of color navigating their relationships, families, sexual orientations and the messiness of being in your mid-20s.
ive
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directions
in sound
directions in sound W/ KOLLABORATION SF FRI MAR 10 | 9:30PM | GRAY AREA
Crowd favorite Directions In Sound returns with a phenomenal collection of talented performers. This year, CAAMFest joins forces with Kollaboration SF to create a live playlist of artists that hit all the right notes. Hosted by Wild 94.9’s Julian Lee. 18+ only
FEATURed artists: DANAKADAN is an alternative rap artist from Los Angeles. He’s currently at work on a second fulllength album, due out spring 2017, which will be a mix of rock, electronic and hip-hop. As a Korean adoptee he’s worked on content, music and film that deals with Asian adoptee and identity issues.
satica (April Nhem) is a Cambodian American singer/songwriter based in Long Beach. With a diverse sound inspired by musical acts like Bon Iver, The Weeknd and Frank Ocean, Satica’s soothing voice and lyrics melt gently into the ears and souls of music fans worldwide.
TRAKTIVIST Richie Menchavez is the creator and founder of TRAKTIVIST, the premiere platform to discover, promote and archive music made by Asian Americans.
EKO ZU is a musical trio of the melody weaver Zu’ri, nimble songstress Zu’CH3N and frequency shaper Zu’Ian. Discovered on Eko Isle, a little-known deserted island in the Mariana Archipelago, they are the only known example of animal-human hybrid evolution.
QSTN (pronounced QUESTION) has been spinning hip-hop, funk, soul and jazz breaks for over a decade. His production style is a mixture of obscure samples, heavy beats and live orchestration.
festival social club SAT MAR 11 | 9:00PM | SLATE
Rub elbows with actors, filmmakers and fellow attendees at the official CAAMFest after-party, hosted by SAG-AFTRA! Meet your favorite festival filmmaker or future collaborators over drinks or a game of pool, and stop by the SAG-AFTRA table to learn how to take your film or career to the next level.
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DIRECTIONS IN SOUND FILMS BAD RAP
SALIMA KOROMA / USA 2016 / 80 MINS
TUE MAR 14 | 7:00PM | JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER OF SF *Special event pricing – Tickets may be purchased at jccsf.org/arts Asian American rappers Awkwafina, Dumbfoundead, Rekstizzy and Lyricks break ethnic and music-industry stereotypes in the documentary, BAD RAP. This musically-minded presentation will feature live performances from the highlighted artists.
IN SEARCH OF PERFECT CONSONANCE
RUBY YANG / HONG KONG 2016 / 38 MINS
THU MAR 16 | 7:00PM | JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER OF SF *Special event pricing – Tickets may be purchased at jccsf.org/arts The latest documentary by Academy Award-winning director Ruby Yang follows hopeful young musicians from across Asia as they form a community under the tutelage of dedicated mentors. The Asian Youth Orchestra, founded during a time of tense pan-Asian relations and rejection of classical music in parts of Asia, illustrates how a shared passion for music can promote peace. Includes live performance.
untitled thao nguyen documentary
TODD STAN KROLCZYK / VIETNAM, USA 2017 / 27 MINS WED MAR 15 | 6:20PM | ALAMO
SF-based indie singer-songwriter Thao Nguyen journeys back to Vietnam to explore her homeland and reconnect with her mother. Todd Stan Krolczyk travels with Nguyen, capturing her happiness with success in the US and sorrow being away from family.
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CAAMFEAS
caamfeast: stories, food & you
SAT MAR 4 | 6:00PM | GREEN ROOM, WAR MEMORIAL & PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
Join CAAM for this year’s CAAMFeast Awards: Stories, Food & You, a high-profile, multimedia awards ceremony honoring personalities at the forefront of Asian American culinary achievement and a celebration of ways cultural memory and storytelling are passed down through food. CAAM is thrilled to honor Chef Roy Choi (Kogi BBQ Taco Truck, LocoL, the inspiration behind the 2014 film CHEF); artists and activists Sita Kuratomi Bhaumik, Jocelyn Jackson and Saqib Keval of the People’s Kitchen Collective; and chef’s Khai Duong (Khai, Ana Mandara), Lawrence Chu (Chef Chu’s) and Chris Yeo (Straits Restaurant) of the Asian Chefs Association, for their sincere dedication to the concept of community. Their restaurants and projects have increased access to healthy and affordable food, created career development opportunities for youth and cooked up immersive community meals that nourish souls, feed minds and fuel movements. CAAMFeast is a one-of-a-kind evening that offers delectable tastings from award-winning restaurants and food purveyors, served alongside top-shelf cocktails courtesy of Rémy Martin. Attendees will meet icons and game-changers of the food world and watch exclusive film clips and moving honoree tributes. An exciting live auction will offer highly sought-after experiences such as gourmet dinners, one-of-a-kind tours and travel packages. All proceeds support CAAM’s legacy and future as the nation’s leading Asian American media arts organization committed to telling the stories of our communities.
lucky chow
FRANCISCO ALIWALAS / USA 2017 / 90 MINS SAT MAR 11 | 4:00PM | GRAY AREA
PBS series LUCKY CHOW returns with an all-new season exploring Asian culture and cuisine across America. Indulge in a feast of Bay Area highlights from a few episodes with host and LUCKY RICE founder Danielle Chang. Featuring renowned chefs, culinary stars and breakout food-crafters, LUCKY CHOW will satisfy your cravings.
ST
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awards COMCAST NARRATIVE COMPETITION The Comcast Narrative Competition Award highlights the diversity and ingenuity of modern cinema and recognizes excellence in narrative filmmaking.
DOCUMENTARY COMPETITION
The Documentary Competition showcases a dynamic selection of films that fearlessly capture the challenging reality and surprising beauty inherent to the human experience.
AT&T STUDENT FILM AWARD
Recognizing promising voices in Asian and Asian American media, the AT&T Student Film Award is presented to college students who exemplify the voice of a new generation. Co-sponsored by Asian Pacific Islanders for Professional and Community Advancement (APCA) Northern California, a 501(c)(3) non profit organization focused on the representation of Asian Pacific Islanders employed by AT&T Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiaries.
SF FILM CRITICS AWARD
In partnership with the San Francisco Film Critics Circle, we proudly celebrate cinematic achievements in global cinema. Award winners are selected by members of the San Francisco Film Critics Circle, a nonprofit service organization of Bay Area film critics, reviewers, writers, authors and editors.
LONI DING AWARD
The Loni Ding Award for Social Justice Documentary recognizes the film and filmmaker that most reflect the passions of late TV producer Loni Ding. Ding devoted her life to advocacy and played a key role in the founding of several public media organizations, including CAAM.
AUDIENCE AWARD
The Audience Award lets you, our audience, honor your festival favorite. Vote for the narrative that touched your heart or the most eye-opening documentary, and give the directors much-deserved recognition. Check to see if your favorites won on the CAAM website after the end of the festival.
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CARDINAL X
LIGHT
edgy characters unravel histories and reveal true identities throughout this year’s bold slate of narrative competition films.
CARDINAL X
ANGIE WANG / USA 2017 / 94 MINS
In 1984, Angie Wang is both a co-ed and the biggest supplier of Ecstasy on the West Coast. After losing her scholarship to a prestigious college in San Francisco, she starts manufacturing the drug to make ends meet. All the while, she straddles the increasingly fractured line of her double life. FRI MAR 10 | 9:00PM | ALAMO SAT MAR 18 | 8:10PM | NEW PARKWAY
comcast
CHEE AND T
TANUJ CHOPRA / USA 2016 / 80 MINS
Living in the tech bubble of Silicon Valley, dynamic duo Chee and T are anything but tech savvy. This charming buddy dramedy captures the growing pains of becoming an adult in an overtly selfish world. CHEE AND T highlights the adventures of two good friends and the odd variable that teaches them about family.
narrative SAT MAR 11 | 3:10PM | ALAMO
CHEE AND T
GOOK
THE LOCKPICKER
WEXFORD PLAZA
GOOK
JUSTIN CHON / USA 2017 / 94 MINS
Drawn from his own childhood experience, Justin Chon’s sophomore directorial film shines a light on the Korean American experience during the 1992 L.A. Uprising. The film follows two Korean American brothers as they struggle to maintain their family’s shoe repair shop and their unlikely friendship with a young African American girl. Set against brewing tensions in the aftermath of the Rodney King verdict, GOOK highlights the continued relevance of the riots 25 years later.
THE LOCKPICKER
RANDALL OKITA / CANADA 2016 / 94 MINS
Filmed in partnership with a Toronto high school, THE LOCKPICKER orbits around a teenage thief haunted by memories of loss and violence. Pulled along by the ever-present gravity of trauma, he reckons with his hunger for intimacy. Weaving harsh realism and ethereal scene, Randall Okita explores a furious, adolescent desire for escape. MON MAR 13 | 8:30PM | ALAMO
SAT MAR 11 | 9:00PM | ALAMO
LIGHT
LENORA LEE & TATSU AOKI / USA 2017 / 57 MINS
Dance, memory, music and poetry collide in a visual and aural landscape. Inspired by the life of Bessie M. Lee, LIGHT paints a powerful and intimate portrait of an early 20th century migrant who spent two years in servitude and was vital in grounding New York’s Chinatown community.
e
Preceded by PAGES (TATSU AOKI & MELODY TAKATA / USA 2016 / 15 MINS)
WEXFORD PLAZA
JOYCE WONG / CANADA 2016 / 80 MINS Strip mall security guard Betty and restaurant bartender Danny strike up a friendship in their unhappy suburban universe in this dark, quirky comedy. When they have an unexpected encounter that goes beyond the friend zone, we see the impact, intentions and emotional baggage each side brings to the table. FRI MAR 10 | 7:20PM | ROXIE
SAT MAR 11 | 7:00PM | GRAY AREA
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95 and 6 to go
MIXED MATCH
THIS YEAR’S DOCUMENTARY COMPETITION FEATURES FILMS THAT LOOK TO THE PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE AS THEY FOLLOW OUTSIDERS WORKING FOR VISIBILITY, SUCCESS AND EVEN SURVIVAL.
95 AND 6 TO GO
KIMI TAKESUE / USA 2016 / 85 MINS
95 AND 6 TO GO is filmmaker Kimi Takesue’s moving tribute to her grandfather, Tom, a recently widowed 90-something living in Hawaii. Takesue captures the intimate and mundane moments of Tom’s life, who reciprocates with advice and bits of wisdom that unravel his own story of love and loss. SUN MAR 19 | 3:00PM | NEW PEOPLE
AKA SEOUL
JON MAXWELL / USA, S. KOREA 2016 / 70 MINS
Five Korean adoptees, raised all around the world, arrive in Seoul, where their complex identities — professional, sexual, cultural — emerge out of their experiences in the city. AKA SEOUL rewrites the adoption narrative beyond tearful reunions and toward bold new stories of selfdetermination and self-expression.
document FRI MAR 10 | 6:30PM | ALAMO SAT MAR 18 | 8:20PM | NEW PARKWAY
AKA SEOUL
FINDING KUKAN
RANDOM ACTS OF LEGACY
RE:ORIENTATIONS
FINDING KUKAN
RANDOM ACTS OF LEGACY
Robin Lung takes us on a winding journey to rediscover the long-lost Academy Award-winning documentary KUKAN, which afforded America a rare glimpse of China before and during the life-altering events of World War II. FINDING KUKAN explores questions of racial and gender prejudice, leaving us with much food for thought.
Culled from an artist’s collection of 16mm home movies, RANDOM ACTS OF LEGACY is a touching documentary that reveals an unfiltered perspective of the first-generation Chinese American experience. Set against the backdrop of race and class in Chicago from the 1930s to 1950s, Ali Kazimi offers a little-seen glimpse into how immigrants embrace American customs.
ROBIN LUNG / USA 2016 / 75 MINS
SAT MAR 11 | 12:40PM | ALAMO
ALI KAZIMI / CANADA 2016 / 77 MINS
Preceded by IT IS WHAT IT IS (CYRUS TABAR / USA 2016 / 8 MINS)
SUN MAR 19 | 12:10PM | NEW PEOPLE
MIXED MATCH
JEFF CHIBA STEARNS / CANADA 2016 / 96 MINS Finding a bone marrow match is seemingly impossible for individuals with multiracial heritage. In the eye-opening documentary, MIXED MATCH, award-winning filmmaker Jeff Chiba Stearns follows individuals through their unique journeys as they explore the role mixed ancestry plays in medical care.
tary SUN MAR 12 | 4:30PM | GRAY AREA
RE:ORIENTATIONS
RICHARD FUNG / CANADA 2016 / 68 MINS
Richard Fung’s new documentary updates his 1984 film ORIENTATIONS: LESBIAN AND GAY ASIANS. Fung explores experiences of original subjects and fresh faces, documenting a unique blend of voices through three decades of community, politics and identity. Preceded by SEMIOTICS OF SAB (TINA TAKEMOTO / USA 2016 / 6 MINS)
SUN MAR 12 | 2:20PM | ROXIE
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APPRENTICE
BACHELOR GIRLS
HANG IN THERE, KIDS
HARMONIUM
APPRENTICE
BOO JUNFENG / SINGAPORE, FRANCE GERMANY, HONG KONG, QATAR 2016 / 97 MINS
New prison guard Aiman’s personal and professional life collide when he starts an apprenticeship with the chief executioner. The future of this budding partnership is put to the test when Aiman’s moral compass and painful history unravel, revealing hidden ties between the two. THU MAR 16 | 8:50PM | ALAMO
BLANKA
KOHKI HASEI / PHILIPPINES, ITALY, JAPAN 2015 / 75 MINS
Hardened street kid Blanka does her best to save enough money to “buy” a mom. In the hopes of overcoming everyday struggles, she joins forces with a blind musician, discovers her singing talent, and realizes that money can’t buy love. Features YouTube star Cydel Gabutero in her acting debut. SUN MAR 12 | 12:10PM | ROXIE
Bachelor girls
guangzhou dream factory
Single, independent women in the cosmopolitan city of Mumbai are met with the cold shoulder when they try to find decent housing. Because of their “unmarried” status, these bachelor girls are portrayed as spinster women who are a nuisance to their building and neighbors. This insightful documentary explores the values of Indian society and how they affect women in the modern age.
The prospect of striking it rich in China has captured the imagination of people from Dakar to Nairobi, but how much of this “Chinese dream” is accessible to people from African countries? From the “suit king” of Cameroon to a victim of visa fraud, GUANGZHOU DREAM FACTORY reveals their stories.
SHIKHA MAKAN / INDIA 2016 / 60 MINS
CHRISTIANE BADGLEY / USA 2016 / 65 MINS
CINEMASIA Preceded by EVERY KNOWN PIECE OF ME HAD TO BE BROKEN (JOVELYN RICHARDS / USA 2016 / 18 MINS) SAT MAR 18 | 5:40PM | NEW PARKWAY
Preceded by BASHA MAN (DANIEL CHEIN / CHINA 2015 / 12 MINS) SAT MAR 18 | 1:00PM | NEW PARKWAY
BLANKA MAN-UP!
MISSDREAM INDIA FACTORY AMERICA GUANGZHOU
THE HOUSEMAID MAN-UP!
MISS INDIA AMERICA THE MOMENT
HANG IN THERE, KIDS!
the housemaid
A trio of young indigenous boys from rural Taiwan take their last sixth grade field trip to Taipei. They surprise their disabled after-school instructor (Albee Huang) and find answers to some of their own troubles. The 2016 Taipei Film Festival Grand Prize winner is Taiwan’s entry for the 2017 Academy Awards.
Seeking sanctuary and a job, Linh knocks on the door of a colonial plantation. Soon she’s the prized new housemaid of the handsome Sebastian, who welcomes her into his boudoir but hides the sordid history of the land’s unmarked graves.
LAHA MEBOW / TAIWAN 2015 / 90 MINS
FRI MAR 10 | 5:15PM | ROXIE
DEREK NGUYEN / VIETNAM 2016 / 105 MINS
SAT MAR 11 | 9:50PM | ROXIE
HARMONIUM
THE MOMENT
A seemingly ordinary family’s life takes a drastic turn when an old acquaintance reenters their world, unpacking deception and secrets from the past that reveal cracks and hidden strains.
Director Wong Kwok Fai’s first feature film tells the story of four damaged relationships. Set against a picturesque Hong Kong backdrop, the bonds explored in the film span across family, ex-lovers, friends and a couple. Amidst the hope of reconciliation, the protagonists face the challenges of deciding whether to let go, or hold on and make amends.
KOJI FUKADA / JAPAN, FRANCE 2016 / 118 MINS
A
SUN MAR 19 | 8:40PM | NEW PEOPLE /26 $1*(/(6
WONG KWOK FAI / HONG KONG 2016 / 89 MINS
SUN MAR 12 | 3:00PM | ALAMO
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MY NEXT STEP
PLASTIC CHINA
SINGING IN GRAVEYARDS
THE TENOR
my next step
singing in graveyards
Award-winning director Cheuk Cheung (MY WAY) explores the fading traditions and precarious future of traditional opera in contemporary China through an unflinching and intimate portrait of Yang Yang, the Kunqu Opera’s last young wusheng (martial hero).
Having one foot in the grave doesn’t stop musician Pepe from following in the footsteps of his idol, Pinoy rock legend Joey Smith. Out of touch and seemingly out of mind, Pepe faces shaky relationships and various obstacles to his livelihood.
CHEUK CHEUNG / HONG KONG, CHINA 2015 / 66 MINS
BRADLEY LIEW / PHILIPPINES, MALAYSIA 2016 / 141 MINS
TUE MAR 14 | 6:30PM | ALAMO
TUE MAR 14 | 8:50PM | ALAMO
plastic china
the tenor
The lives of workers processing infinite amounts of recycled materials are full of dreams and debris. PLASTIC CHINA documents a family as they tread poor living conditions, sorting through mountains of plastic for income. In spite of their struggles, the family hopes for a richer life, seen through the global waste that they comb through every day.
“Sing with sincerity and heart” is the motto Bae Jae-chul follows in this biopic that chronicles his challenging life in the opera. THE TENOR depicts the world-famous South Korean singer’s inspirational path back to the stage after losing his voice to thyroid cancer.
JIU-LIANG WANG / CHINA 2016 / 82 MINS
SAT MAR 11 | 2:40PM | ROXIE
KIM SANG-MAN / S. KOREA, SERBIA, JAPAN 2014 / 121 MINS
SAT MAR 18 | 4:15PM | NEW PEOPLE /26 $1*(/(6
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center stage
dis/space/ment
center stage
The stage takes on many forms in this shorts program, including stretched canvas, music halls and even the world of sports. At the center of each stage is a captivating performer, whose craft conveys an emotional journey, discipline and success. 83 MINS SAT MAR 18 | 3:10PM | NEW PARKWAY CLIFF, SUPERFAN! Diane Quon / USA 2016 / 27 mins CRESCENDO Christina YR Jun / USA 2016 / 6 mins DANCING THROUGH LIFE: THE DOROTHY TOY STORY Rick Quan / USA 2016 / 26 mins
KANON ROCK Nicholas Dobkin / USA 2016 / 6 mins SONG ON CANVAS Keo Woolford / USA 2016 / 15 mins SPEAK CHINGLISH Lila Yomtoob / USA 2016 / 3 mins
dis/space/ment
Sometimes home is just where we are. More often, it lies just beyond reach. Despite living with the disorienting feeling of everything being slightly out of place, the subjects of DIS/SPACE/MENT remain determined to create their own space to occupy, with or without permission. 88 MINS SUN MAR 12 | 7:10PM | ROXIE
SHORTS BRUCE TAKES DRAGON TOWN Emily Chao / USA, Taiwan 2015 / 15 mins FEAR Dawn Dreyer & Andrea Love / USA 2016 / 8 mins GUNKANJIMA: TRAVELER IN TIME Kiichiro Nakamura / Japan 2015 / 7 mins HALMONI Anna Oh / USA 2016 / 22 mins
THE LOOKOUT Brian Redondo / USA, Greece 2016 / 13 mins LOVE COMES LATER Sonejuhi Sinha / USA, India 2015 / 10 mins THIS WAY TO WONDERLAND Zenas Cao / USA 2016 / 12 mins
for the faint of heart
immediate family
for the faint of heart
Adrenaline-induced conditions lead to the unexpected and impossible in FOR THE FAINT OF HEART. Whether it’s getting trapped in your own story, fighting against a future fate or becoming consumed by your demons, anxiety and urgency make a volatile mix with intensely satisfying results. 83 MINS SAT MAR 11 | 5:10PM | ROXIE AND SO WE PUT GOLDFISH IN THE POOL Makoto Nagahisa / Japan 2016 / 28 mins BAM Howie Shia / Canada 2015 / 6 mins CATCH ME HyunWoo Lee / S. Korea 2015 / 11 mins DEATH IN A DAY Lin Wang / USA 2016 / 14 mins
FREQUENCY Alireza Ghasemi / Iran 2016 / 8 mins IGNORANCE IS BLISS Alice Park / USA 2016 / 5 mins SAMEER AND THE GIANT SAMOSA Faroukh Virani / USA 2016 / 5 mins TAG Patrick Green & Steve Tirona / USA 2016 / 6 mins
immediate family
Family has a tendency to create immediacy in all of us in times of sadness, happiness and everything else in between. The bonds between relatives across all generations are both unique and universal in all cultures. This diversity is what ties us all together in IMMEDIATE FAMILY. 92 MINS SUN MAR 12 | 4:40PM | ROXIE CALL TAXI Julian Kim / USA 2016 / 18 mins FANNY PACK Uttera Singh / USA 2016 / 11 mins HARRY ON THE CLOUDS Aya Shiroi / Japan 2015 / 4mins OUR TIME Arpita Kumar / USA 2016 / 11 mins
QUEEN OF EARTH Chelbert Dai / USA 2016 / 7 mins SIT Yoko Okumura / USA 2016 / 12mins THE SOUNDS OF COIN HITTING BRASS Andrew Stephen Lee / USA 2016 / 14 mins TWO SISTERS Keola Racela / USA, S. KOREA 2015 / 16 mins
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in the mood for love...maybe
out/here
in the mood for love...maybe
Chance encounters, poignant goodbyes, turbulent moments and chased dreams weave in and out of characters’ lives in this shorts program, showing how love can be rewarding, confusing and crazy, all at the same time. 92 MINS FRI MAR 10 | 9:40PM | ROXIE ACCORDING TO MY MOTHER Cathy Yan / USA 2016 / 18 mins AT NIGHT, THE OCEAN... Chang Gao / USA 2015 / 19 mins BEST BUDS Naomi Iwamoto / USA 2016 / 11 mins COWBOY AND INDIAN Sujata Day / USA 2016 / 8 mins
GOLDEN GOLDEN Erica Cho / USA 2016 / 14 mins THE LAST TIP Patrick Chen / USA 2016 / 5 mins PAINT YOUR LIFE AWAY Brandon Gong / USA 2016 / 8 mins
out/here
Breaking the barriers of tradition is not a walk in the park. The ups and downs of this shorts program will guide you through the experiences of diverse LGBTQ protagonists and their quests for acceptance in the face of uncertainty. 85 MINS SAT MAR 11 | 7:30PM | ROXIE THE BOOK OF LIVING AND DYING Sara Yang / USA 2016 / 13 mins DRUGS FOR UNICORNS Jaq Nguyen Victor / USA 2016 / 10 mins ESCAPING AGRA Pallavi Somusetty / USA, India 2016 / 23 mins NU’Ô’C Quyên Nguyen-Le / USA 2016 / 5 mins
PRIA Yudho Aditya / Indonesia 2017 / 22 mins THE RIGHT BANK Yvonne Li / USA 2016 / 12 mins TWO-SIDED RIDE Jason Karman / Canada 2016 /9 mins
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board & staff PROGRAMS DAVIN AGATEP LISA YADAO
BOARD OF DIRECTORS CO-CHAIRS DIPTI GHOSH VINCENT PAN VICE CHAIR MYONG LEIGH
FESTIVAL STAFF
FESTIVAL & EXHIBITIONS DIRECTOR SECRETARY MASASHI NIWANO JOHNNIE D. GILES FESTIVAL ASSISTANT TREASURER DIRECTOR STEPHANIE WEI LIN KUNG MEMBERS BILL IMADA BRENT HALL CHRISTINE CHEN CHRISTOPHER AU DAVID LEI HANSON LI JAMES BAO MATT MUI NAJA PHAM LOCKWOOD PHILOMENA KING STEPHEN GONG TESSIE GUILLERMO
CAAM STAFF
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DATABASE DEVELOPMENT NICELY DONE STUDIOS
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I N D E X 95 AND 6 TO GO 46 ABACUS 31 ACCORDING TO MY MOTHER 54 AKA SEOUL 46 AND SO WE PUT GOLDFISH IN THE POOL 53 APPRENTICE 48 ASIANS IN AMERICA 23 AT NIGHT, THE OCEAN... 54 BACHELOR GIRLS 48 BAD RAP 39 BAM 53 BASHA MAN 48 BEST BUDS 54 BITCOIN HEIST 25 BLANKA 48 BLASIAN NARRATIVES 35 BOOK OF LIVING AND DYING, THE 54 BROWN GIRLS 35 BRUCE TAKES DRAGON TOWN 52 CAAMFEAST: STORIES, FOOD & YOU 41 CALL TAXI 53 CARDINAL X 44 CAREGIVING: CIRCLE OF LOVE 31 CATCH ME 53 CHEE AND T 44 CHINESE EXCLUSION ACT, THE 20 CINEMATIC SF 33 CLIFF, SUPERFAN! 52 COWBOY AND INDIAN 54 CRESCENDO 52 DANCING THROUGH LIFE 52 DEATH IN A DAY 53 DIRECTIONS IN SOUND 37 DRUGS FOR UNICORNS 54 EAT CHINATOWN 31 EMIKO OMORI 25 ESCAPING AGRA 54 EVER THE LAND 29 EVERY KNOWN PIECE OF ME 48 FALL OF THE I-HOTEL, THE 23 FANNY PACK 53 FASTER, PUSSYCAT! KILL! KILL! 33 FEAR 52 FESTIVAL SOCIAL CLUB 37 FINDING KUKAN 47 FREQUENCY 53 GOLDEN GOLDEN 54 GOOD LUCK SOUP 27 GOOK 45 GUANGZHOU DREAM FACTORY 48 GUNKANJIMA: TRAVELER IN TIME 52 HALMONI 52 HAM TRAN 25 HANG IN THERE, KIDS! 49 HARMONIUM 49
HARRY ON THE CLOUDS 53 HOUSEMAID, THE 49 IGNORANCE IS BLISS 53 IN SEARCH OF PERFECT CONSONANCE 39 INSIDE THE MIND OF A CREATOR 33 IT IS WHAT IT IS 47 KANON ROCK 52 KU KANAKA/STAND TALL 29 LAST TIP, THE 54 LIGHT 45 LOCKPICKER, THE 45 LOOKOUT, THE 52 LOVE COMES LATER 52 LUCKY CHOW 41 MEMORIES TO LIGHT 31 MIXED MATCH 47 MOMENT, THE 49 MY NEXT STEP 50 NU’Ô’C 54 OPENING NIGHT GALA 17 OUR TIME 53 PAGES 45 PAINT YOUR LIFE AWAY 54 PEOPLE’S HOSPITAL, THE 31 PLASTIC CHINA 50 POI E 29 PRIA 54 QUEEN OF EARTH 53 RABBIT IN THE MOON 25 RANDOM ACTS OF LEGACY 47 RE:ORIENTATIONS 47 RELOCATION, ARKANSAS 27 RESISTANCE AT TULE LAKE 27 RIGHT BANK, THE 54 SAMEER AND THE GIANT SAMOSA 53 SEMIOTICS OF SAB 47 SEPPUKU 27 SHE’S THE BOSS 25 SINGING IN GRAVEYARDS 50 SIT 53 SONG ON CANVAS 52 SOUNDS OF COIN HITTING BRASS, THE 53 SPEAK CHINGLISH 52 TAG 53 TENOR, THE 50 THIS WAY TO WONDERLAND 52 TIGER HUNTER, THE 17 TWO-SIDED RIDE 54 TWO SISTERS 53 UNTITLED THAO NGUYEN DOCUMENTARY 39 VISIONS IN THE DARK 29 WEXFORD PLAZA 45 WHEN RABBIT LEFT THE MOON 23, 27 WHO IS ARTHUR CHU? 19 WHO KILLED VINCENT CHIN? 23 WINDOW HORSES 19 YELLOW 23 YONSEI EYES 27
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