1 minute read
Local Animator to Debut Film At Chabot Theatre on Sunday
from JUNE 7, 2023
By Michael Singer CASTRO VALLEY FORUM
When she was young, Keika Lee was smitten by Disney’s 1950 animated classic “Cinderella.” This Sunday, the Castro Valley native is debuting her own hand-drawn animated film, “Oren’s Way,” at The Chabot Theater.
The event on June 11 will entail the screening of the 17-minute film, a panel interview, and a meet-and-greet with the animator, in addition to free popcorn, drinks, and autographed posters.
“Oren’s Way” is about a clever princess who must capture a magical golden fox to save her kingdom from eternal sadness. On her journey, she conquers obstacles, the last of which reveals a hidden truth about herself. The film draws inspiration from filmmaker and Studio Ghibli co-founder Hayao Miyazaki, who produced “Spirited Away” and “My Neighbor Totoro.”
“I wanted to make a film about a strong female character that fights for her own identity and finds her own truth and happiness. The film needed to have several surprises and a cute animal for the kids,” Lee told the Forum.
Lee grew up in Castro Valley when her family moved here in 1989. After high school, she attended The Academy of Art College in San Francisco and later worked at DreamWorks Animation, where she managed teams of 3D modelers on productions of “Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa” and “Megamind.”
In 2017, she started her own animation studio, Greyscale, named for Lee’s love of silent film. Her first production, “Odd Dog,” was based on her son’s close relationship with his cat—who acts like a dog—and how they became best friends. see ANIMATOR on page 5
Public Hearing: Participate in CVUSD Transition to By-Trustee Area Election
On April 26, 2023, the District initiated the process of transitioning the method by which the Board of Trustees are elected. Under the new proposed system, candidates will be elected by “trustee areas.” This means only voters within a given trustee area can vote for candidates who reside within that same area. The intent of this proposed system is to offer greater opportunities for Board representation for candidates that might not otherwise be elected under an at-large system.
You’re invited to participate: Post-Map Public Hearing #1June 12, 2023 at 5pm
Post-Map Public Hearing #2June 14, 2023 at 6pm
Post-Map Public Hearing #3June 28, 2023 at 6pm
The Board will vote on trustee area boundaries on June 28, 2023. For more info on the hearing, please visit: www.cv.k12.ca.us/by-trusteeelections-publichearings/
