PAAFF'13 Program Guide

PAAFF PHILADELPHIA ASIAN AMERICAN

FILM FESTIVAL NOVEMBER 13–23, 2013

2013 PAAFF 1

FREE LIVE EVENT

MAINSTREAMING DIVERSITY IN FILM & TV SUSAN JIN DAVIS

STANLEY YUNG

Saturday, Nov. 16th 5:00pm | I-House

At Comcast, the more perspectives we include, the stronger we are.

We see ourselves as a community – people with diverse perspectives, coming together for a common interest.

MIKE BLUM

RICHARD LUI

SUJU VIJAYAN

That’s why Comcast and NBC10 proudly partner with the Philadelphia Asian American Film Festival to invite, inspire, and propel a multitude of perspectives.

When everyone has a seat at the table, we are all the better for it. comcast.com/diversity

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SUN KIM

MODERATED BY: RICHARD LUI MSNBC/NBC News Anchor/Reporter PANELISTS SCHEDULED TO APPEAR INCLUDE: SUSAN JIN DAVIS Comcast Cable, Senior VP KELLY EDWARDS HBO, VP Talent Development SUN KIM Director, “Innocent Blood” SUJU VIJAYAN Director, “The Playback Singer” MIKE BLUM Producer, “The Playback Singer” 2013 PAAFF

2013 PAAFF

KELLY EDWARDS

In recent years, mainstream film and television productions have seen increasing on-screen appearances and behind-the-scenes involvement by people of color, including Asian Americans. However, even as Hollywood has begun to recognize and depict the diverse fabric of American culture, obstacles remain reconciling a shared Pan Asian identity amid distinct ethnicities and mixed race backgrounds. PAAFF’13 presents a lively panel celebrating the increased diversity of talent in mainstream media and the struggle to recognize and share the stories of Asian Americans in film and television.

STANLEY YUNG Director, “Chink”

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CONTENTS

SPONSORS Presenting Sponsor

PAAFF‘13 Sponsors / 05 Letters From The Governor & Mayor / 06 Staff Listing / 07

Premier Sponsor

Narrative Screening

Chink / 27 Shorts Program 2

Odds & Ends Variety / 28

Welcome Letter From The Festival Director / 08

Documentary Screening

Welcome Letter From The Program Director / 10

Lost Child: Sayon’s Journey / 30

Festival Schedules / 12–13

Closing Night Screening

HBO® and related channels and service marks are the property of Home Box Office, Inc.

Prime Sponsors

Presenting Venues

Media Partners

The Playback Singer / 33

Launch Night Screening

Sake-Bomb / 15

Documentary Screening

The Kung Fu Lesson / 35

Opening Night Screening

Someone I Used To Know / 16

Documentary Screening

Big In Bollywood / 36

Narrative Screening

The Gauntlet / 19

Shorts Program 3

Family Friendly & Animation / 37

Narrative Screening

Tiger Mask / 20

Supporting Sponsors

Community Partners

Shorts Program 4

People In Transition / 38

Shorts Program 1

Sci-Fi & Horror / 22 Narrative Screening

Festival Finale

Hafu / 39 Features & Short Films Juries / 40

Centerpiece Screening

Thank Yous / 42

2013 PAAFF

2013 PAAFF

The Haumana / 23 Innocent Blood / 24

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LETTERS FROM THE GOVERNOR & MAYOR

PAAFF 13’ STAFF

GREETINGS:

GREETINGS:

PHUONG NGUYEN Festival Director

QUYNH-MAI NGUYEN Creative Director

BALLARD SPAHR LLP Legal Counsel

It is my pleasure to join with the Philadelphia Asian American Film Festival (PAAFF) to welcome everyone gathered here for the 2013 festival.

It is a pleasure to join you in welcoming patrons and guests to the 6th Annual Philadelphia Asian American Film Festival, November 13 through 23, 2013.

BRAD BALDIA Co-Festival Director

RON LU Creative Professional

JOE KIM Emeritus Board Chair and Founder

MICHAEL WINGATE JONES Managing Director

ZEYNEP GUNBAY Creative Professional

ROB BUSCHER Programming Director

HYE-HYUN BAE Food Director

BILL YAU Marketing Director

SHIELLA CERVANTES REEMA KANZARIA Festival Staff

Pennsylvania thrives on its vibrant cultural heritage and Asian Americans represent a vital component to our Commonwealth’s diverse ethnic and social community. Since its inception in 2008, the Philadelphia Asian American Film Festival has remained dedicated to educating others about the Asian American culture through film production. This year’s PAAFF provides an opportunity for Pennsylvanians to celebrate the Asian American community and highlight the contributions they have made to our society. I extend my sincere gratitude to the organization and its supporters, and it is my hope that this festival will continue to grow and reach a diverse audience for years to come.

As Governor, and on behalf of all Pennsylvanians, I am pleased to welcome everyone gathered at the 2013 Philadelphia Asian American Film Festival. Please accept my best wishes for an enjoyable and memorable event.

Tom Corbett Governor 2013

The Philadelphia Asian American Film Festival (PAAFF) is a singular event in Philadelphia presenting films written, produced, directed, and about Asian Americans.

Sine the founding of the nonprofit organization Philadelphia Asian American Film & Filmmakers in 2008, the Festival has existed as its signature celebration to showcase culturally relevant films and offer insightful works of film artistry to ever increasing and diverse audiences throughout the City.

During the eleven days of film screenings and events, audiences are invited to take part in post film discussions with filmmakers and actors, special live events, as well as special receptions and parties. In 2010, the Philadelphia Multicultural Affairs Congress recognized PAAFF with the Share the Heritage Award and in 2012, International Houses­—Philadelphia acknowledged PAAFF with the International Vision Award.

On behalf of the City of Philadelphia, I commend PAAFF Festival Director Phuong Nguyen and Co-Festival Director Brad Baldia, along with the dedicated PAAFF staff, for presenting this artistic initiative to expose and educate Philadelphia’s regional audiences to the high caliber of films produced by Asian American filmmakers.

PROGRAMMING TEAM

SUAN TAN Events Coordinator HERB WHITE Volunteer Coordinator PAMELA YAU Communications Director

Sincerely,

DO YOUNG AHN Program Guide Designer

JEFFREY HSU Festival Trailer JAMES J. NEWHARD, CPA Accounting Services

Documentary Features: Rob Buscher Phuong Nguyen Herb White Short Films: Rob Buscher Daniel Chen Robert LaCorte 2013 PAAFF

2013 PAAFF

Congratulation on achieving this important five-year milestone for the Festival in 2012.

I wish you a very rewarding series of programs and events and all deserved success in the future.

ALEX WONG Staff Videographer/photographer

Narrative Features: Rob Buscher Shiella Cervantes Michael Wingate Jones

Michael A. Nutter Mayor 6

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WELCOME!

Dear PAAFF Fans and Supporters, Welcome to the 6th Annual Philadelphia Asian American Film Festival Presented by HBO (PAAFF ’13), the first event of its kind in Philadelphia­­— a film festival celebrating and elevating the Asian American experience.

Over the past 6 years, PAAFF has proudly presented dozens of culturally relevant film programs to a broad and diverse audience. Philadelphia Asian American Film & Filmmakers is built upon the dedicated and talented volunteers who have run this nonprofit organization under the leadership of Joe Kim since 2008 in an effort to educate and expose the Philadelphia region to films by and about Asian Americans primarily through an annual film festival as well as year round events.

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I wanted to take the opportunity to say a big “Thank you!” to the PAAFF staff and volunteers who worked so hard in putting this year’s film festival together. They truly are a dedicated and talented crew who have been very cooperative in working together and in making this film festival a success. I could not have done this without them and if you see a staff member, please say, “Thank you” to them for their help in putting this together.

And last but not least, thank you for supporting the Philadelphia Asian American Film Festival this year! Watching great films that you rarely get to see together with other people in the community on the big screen is such a great experience and I can’t wait to share that experience with you!

Cheers to many more years to come!

Warmest Regards, 2013 PAAFF

2013 PAAFF

I wanted to share with you a personal message of my journey as the new Festival Director of Philadelphia Asian American Film Festival or PAAFF. Some of my journey involved exploring other film festival such as the Silk Screen Asian American Film Festival in Pittsburgh, PA, The Asian American International Film Festival in New York, NY, and even the Filadelfia Latin American Film Festival right here in Philadelphia. Though I wish I was able to make other film festivals, especially those focusing on other cultures than my own, I’ve learned the importance of having cultural film festivals like PAAFF.

For example, If I would never seen the film, “America” in the Filadelfia LAFF, I would have never known the inspirational story of a young woman living in Puerto Rico and her struggle and triumph in getting out of an abusive relationship. Or films like “Architect: 101” shown at the Silk Screen AAFF which taught me about some lessons in friendship, relationships and love. And documentaries like “Hafu” that show the beauty of merging cultures which I enjoyed at the AAIFF, which is also our festival finale film this year. It is films like these that one rarely gets to see that could change one’s perspective in life forever.

Phuong Nguyen Festival Director 9

LETTER FROM PROGRAMMING DIRECTOR

One of the great challenges of being a Festival Programmer is when people ask, “What’s really good?” Well obviously I think all the films are very good, otherwise I wouldn’t have programmed them! That being said there are a few events from our program that I’d like to highlight.

Our Launch Night Film, “Sake-Bomb” is a road trip dramedy hilariously contrasting the cultures of a Japanese American and his Japanese cousin on a mission to reclaim lost love.

PFS Membership

Opening Night heats up with the star-studded ensemble film “Someone I Used to Know,” about three former high school friends who reunite for a night of revelry and personal revelations. Starring Brian Yang (Hawaii 5-0) and Rex Lee (Entourage), this is a film you don’t want to miss, not to mention the FREE Reception for all ticket holders.

Join a community of film lovers for exclusive access to film events in Philadelphia.

Our Centerpiece Film, “Innocent Blood,” is a nonstop thrill ride that takes us through the seedy underworld of LA’s Asian crime scene as Detective James Park played by Jun Sung Kim (West 32nd, Man-choo) races against the clock to save his abducted son. Also, starring C.S. Lee (Dexter).

2013’s Closing Night Film, “The Playback Singer,” starring Navi Rawat (The O.C., Numb3rs) is a family dramedy about Priya and her out of work husband whose relationship is tested as her estranged Indian playback singer father stays for an extended visit. Poignantly addressing the importance of one’s heritage, this film will also be followed by a FREE Reception for ticket holders.

The Festival Finale Film, “Hafu” is a feature length documentary that explores challenging circumstances that face the growing numbers of mixed race Japanese, a concept that is easily relatable to all peoples of mixed descent.

Finally I want to mention the four FREE Shorts Programs, which I can honestly say are my favorite bit of programming. This year we doubled the amount of short films we are showing to a whopping 26 films! Pay attention to these filmmakers because I guarantee they will be doing big things in the future.

Thanks for taking the time to read this and I hope you enjoy this year’s program!

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Discounts and tickets to the Philadelphia Film Festival & PFS Theater at the Roxy

With multiple membership levels to chose from, you’re sure to find what’s right for you!

Invitations to year-round screenings including Q&As with filmmakers

For more information visit

Discounted admission or advance sales to all PFS special events

or call 267-239-2941

www.filmadelphia.org/membership 2013 PAAFF

2013 PAAFF

Rob Buscher Programming Director

Benefits Include:

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FESTIVAL SCHEDULE WEDNESDAY, NOV. 13

FRIDAY, NOV. 15

SAKE-BOMB

THE GAUNTLET

7:00pm | I-House

6:30pm | I-House LAUNCH NIGHT SCREENING 9:30–11PM

SATURDAY, NOV. 16

CENTERPIECE SCREENING 9:30–11PM

TIGER MASK 8:30pm | I-House

SUNDAY, NOV. 17

FRIDAY, NOV. 22

ODDS & ENDS VARIETY SHORTS PROGRAM 2

THE KUNG FU LESSON 6:00pm | Asian Arts Initiative

1:00pm | I-House

BIG IN BOLLYWOOD LOST CHILD: SAYON’S JOURNEY

7:30pm | Asian Arts Initiative

3:30pm | I-House INNOCENT BLOOD

THE PLAYBACK SINGER

SATURDAY, NOV. 23

6:00pm | I-House

SCI FI HORROR GENRE SHORTS PROGRAM 1 12:00pm | I-House

THURSDAY, NOV. 14

THE HAUMANA

SOMEONE I USED TO KNOW

THE GAUNTLET

7:00pm | I-House

OPENING NIGHT RECEPTION 9:30–11PM

CLOSING NIGHT RECEPTION 8–9PM

2:30pm | I-House

HOW TO ORDER ADVANCE TICKETS

FAMILY FRIENDLY & ANIMATION SHORTS PROGRAM 3 2:30pm | Asian Arts Initiative

PEOPLE IN TRANSITION SHORTS PROGRAM 4 3:15pm | Asian Arts Initiative

MAINSTREAMING DIVERSITY IN FILM & TV PANEL

HAFU

5:00pm | I-House

5:30pm | Asian Arts Initiative

INNOCENT BLOOD

CHINK

FESTIVAL VENUES IHouse (International House) 3701 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia AAI (Asian Arts Initiative) 1219 Vine Street, Chinatown THREE WAYS TO ORDER TICKETS 1/ www.paaff.org 2/ 215.387.5125 (IHP Screening Only) 3/ International House box office Tuesday–Saturday, 1– 8pm Receptions take place at same venue as the movie.

2013 PAAFF

2013 PAAFF

FESTIVAL FINALE 5:30–7:00PM

7:00pm | I-House

FESTIVAL TICKET PRICE $8 General Admission $6 Students & Seniors (Requires ID) For Both Asian Arts Initiative (AAI) & International House (IHouse)

9:30pm | I-House TIGER MASK 12

THE PLAYBACK SINGER

HAFU 13

Launch Night Screening

Wednesday, Nov. 13 | 7:00pm | I-House

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82 mins | Dramedy | English, Japanese Director: Junya Sakino Writer: Jeff Mizushima Cast: Dat Phan, Eugene Kim, Gaku Hamada, Josh Brodis, Marlane Barnes, Mary Carey, Samantha Quan

A “Sake-Bomb” is a cocktail created by dropping a shot of sake into a pint of beer. It’s also a comedic road movie about a sarcastic Asian American and his Japanese cousin. Sebastian is a bitter, selfdeprecating wannabe Internet star from Los Angeles. He has recently been dumped by his girlfriend and on the look-out for someone new.

When his cousin Naoto, a naive sake maker from Japan, shows up to find his own ex-girlfriend, Sebastian takes him to north California to find her.

They are a clash of cultures waiting to happen.

Someone has to break first. Together they meet a colorful group of characters as they come to grips with who they are and the true nature of the girlfriends they are pursuing.

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PHILADELPHIA PREMIERE

SAKE-BOMB

2013 PAAFF

2013 PAAFF

Starring Gaku Hamada (“Fish Story”, “Ultraman: Battle in Hyperspace”) and Eugene Kim (“World of Warcraft: Mists of Pandaria”) 14

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Opening Night Screening

PHILADELPHIA PREMIERE

SOMEONE I USED TO KNOW

OPENING NIGHT RECEPTION 9:30–11PM

Thursday, Nov. 14 | 7:00pm | I-House 79 mins | Dramedy Director: Nadine Truong | Writer: West Liang Cast: Brian Yang, Eddie Mui. Emily Chang, Kara Crane, Rex Lee, Sara Sanderson, West Liang

Charlie is a thirtysomething high school teacher and failed writer in the midst of an epic emotional breakdown. In a desperate attempt to make sense of it all, Charlie reconnects with his old high school buddies; Luke a handsome movie star, and Danny a salacious rich boy. The three friends have an obligatory night out on the town where they meet Bonnie, beautiful and intent on hooking up with Luke; Eli, charming and underaged and Chu, Bonnie’s friend who becomes reluctantly caught up in the shenanigans. These lost souls somehow find themselves for one night, in a house atop the Hollywood hills, sequestered by their reluctance or fear to face reality. But with a little help from old friends, strangers, alcohol and some gardenvariety hallucinogens, everything begins to make some sense.

It's not a compromise if both sides of the argument get what they want.

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Porsche of The Main Line is a proud supporter of PAAFF.

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Linsanity” producer Brian Yang (“Hawaii 5-O”), stars, along with Rex Lee (“Entourage”), Emily Chang (“NCIS”), and Eddie Mui (“Gone in 60 Seconds”).”

Catering by Headhouse Restaurant with live Sushi Demonstration by Madame Saito, CBL Wine Co., and Yards Brewing Co.

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2013 PAAFF

2013 PAAFF

Director, Nadine Truong and Lead Actor/Producer, Brain Yang expected in attendance for post-film Q&A. 16

Free to ticket holders post Q&A

Porsche recommends

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Narrative Screening

Friday, November 15 | 6:30pm | I-House 80 mins | Horror | English Director: Matt Eskandari Writer: Adam Lawson Cast: Bai Ling, Dustin Nguyen, Jaime Ray Neman, Jude Ciccolella, Nick Lane, P. David Miller, Warren Kole

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

Wilmington’s Foreign & Independent Film Cinema

THE GAUNTLET

In a sunken Castle underneath the earth, five strangers wake. They have no food. No memory.

No water. And no way out. These strangers are from every normal walk of life, yet they each have a secret. They don’t know it yet, but they’re capable of something they never imagined. They must organize and band together for the sinister adventure that awaits them.

theatren.org

Diverse cast of familiar faces includes Bai Ling (“Red Corner”), Dustin Nguyen (“21 Jump Street”), Warren Cole (“The Following”), and Jaime Ray Newman (“Red Widow”).

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2013 PAAFF

2013 PAAFF

Director, Matt Eskandari expected in attendance for post-film Q&A.

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Narrative Screening

N O RT H E A S T P R E M I E R E

TIGER MASK

Friday, Nov. 15 | 8:30pm | I-House 87 mins | Action | Japanese, English subtitles Director: Ken Ochiai Executive Producer: Hidehiro Ito, Hoyu Yamamoto Writer: Hidehiro Ito, Itaru Era, Ken Ochiai, Michael Schock Welles Cast: Starring Eiji Wentz, Sho Aikawa

Naoto is a 13-year-old orphan. He and his friends live at an orphanage called House for Little Rascals. One day Naoto learns that the orphanage is going to be closed because of an outstanding debt. The children take one last trip to the zoo before they all move to separate lodgings. Naoto makes a vow that one day he’ll become as strong as a tiger and fight for those he cares about.

Watching from the shadows, Mysterious Mister X offers to train Naoto to be stronger than the tiger even. But nothing comes without its price. Can Naoto use his powers for good or will he succumb to the path of evil? Watch as a hero is born.

Asian Arts Initiative is proud to partner again with the Philadelphia Asian American Film Festival as a presenting venue. Congratulations PAAFF for 6 years of programming for our communities!

PAAFF fans—in addition to the 2013 festival launch party and screenings we’re hosting this year, we’d love for you to join us on First Fridays for gallery receptions and on Third Fridays for our monthly Family Style Open Mic series! Visit www.asianartsinitiative.org for more information on upcoming events at Asian Arts Initiative.

Asian Arts Initiative is a community-based arts center in Philadelphia that engages artists and everyday people to create art that explores the diverse experiences of Asian Americans, addresses our social context, and imagines and effects positive community change.

Asian Arts Initiative | 1219 Vine Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107 | (215)557-0455 or www.asianartsinitiative.org

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2013 PAAFF

2013 PAAFF

Starring Eiji Wentz (“Kitaro”, “Nodame Cantabile”) and Sho Aikawa (“Dead or Alive”, “Gozu”, “Tokyo Zombie”).

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SHORTS PROGRAM 1

Narrative Screening

THE HAUMANA

BEST SPORT Director: Deja Prem | 11 mins A discarded baby survives and finds home in the strangest way.

Saturday, Nov. 16 | 12:00pm | I-House 108 mins | Sci-Fi & Horror Sci Fi and Horror Genre fans will love this FREE program of Asian American and International Shorts!

Subjects include Thai spirit mediums, Cantonese techno stalkers and Japanese memory erasers.

SEVEN AND A HALF

LOCAL PRODUCTION AWAKE Director: Francisco Sonic Kim | 10 mins A young couple struggles to cope when their son’s mysterious illness takes a turn for the worse.

JUDGES PICK MEMORY SCULPTOR Director: Ken Ochiai | 17 mins Memory Sculptors, who can enter the human brain to erase memories, faces the toughest job to date: erasing ineradicable memory. But what happens when people fight to keep their memories?

ODESSA Director: Cidney Hue | 15 mins

MEMORY SCULPTOR

Mission specialist Shannon Wendell spends one last night in New York City with a stranger before she embarks on a 135 year long journey to the distant planet of Gliese 581g, or Odessa.

INTERNATIONAL PREMIERE SEVEN AND A HALF Director: Jee Won Jang | 14 mins Eun-Ho works at the pizza parlor. One day, he delivers pizza to a guy who lives in a shabby apartment. What he discovers will change his life forever.

NORTH AMERICA PREMIERE LOVE STALK Director: Joe Fiorello | 24 mins Sharon is having a hard time finding love in the one-night-stand capital of the world, Hong Kong.

Her fortune seems to have changed when she abriefly meets Ryan. As Sharon starts following him through his online check-ins, she soon realizes the dangers of stalking her secret crush.

TA Director: Kunlakan Mamber | 17 mins

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TA

90 mins | Drama Director / Writer: Keo Woolford Producer: Caleb Lucero, Sky Yim Cast: Cedric Jonathan, Christopher Latronic, J.D. Tanuvasa, Saitia Faaifo, Kelly Hu, Tauarii Nahalea-Marama, Tui Asau

In this authentic look into the often misrepresented Hawaiian culture, the charismatic host of a cheesy tourist show in Waikiki accepts the challenge of leading a group of high school boys through the demanding discipline required for a traditional hula festival, he becomes as much a student as a teacher by reconnecting with the culture of Hawai’i he previously abandoned. In the process, everyone learns to work together as they prepare their dance, which represents countless generations before them.

Kelly Hu (“Arrow,” “Warehouse 13”) plays a strong supporting role.

2013 PAAFF

2013 PAAFF

A young girl resolves to overcome her fears when she learns of the heroism of her spirit medium grandfather she never knew.

Saturday, Nov. 16 | 2:30pm | I-House

PHILADELPHIA PREMIERE

FREE SCREENING

SCI-FI & HORROR

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Philadelphia Premiere

PHILADELPHIA PREMIERE

INNOCENT BLOOD

CENTERPIECE FILM

Saturday, Nov. 16 | 7:00pm | I-House 100 mins | Crime Thriller | English Director: Sun Kim, D.J. Holloway Writer: Sun Kim Cast: Alexandra Chun, C.S. Lee, Jun Sung Kim, Justin Chon, Doug Jones

James Park, a retired Federal agent turned college professor, is forced to face his dark past in order to find his son Cody’s kidnapper. A well decorated officer, Park is exposed for who he really is as the mysterious kidnapper forces him to reopen a ten year old murder case. Overcoming a handful of old enemies, simultaneous murders, a wife who’s losing faith in him, and two detectives in hot pursuit, James must move quickly to bring his son home safely.

C.S. Lee (“Dexter”) appears with star, Jun Kim (“West 32nd”), Alexandra Chun (“The Event”), Justin Chon (“The Twilight Saga”), and Doug Jones (“Falling Skies”).

Celebrating a rich heritage The Asian American experience is inextricably linked with the history of Philadelphia. And thanks to great organizations and events like the 2013 Philadelphia Asian American Film Festival, these stories are now being shared with the world.

The Philadelphia Multicultural Affairs Congress is proud to sponsor this festival, and hopes it provides all with a deeper understanding of our city’s connections to culture.

Help us make an even bigger impact while supporting our city’s expanding arts and culture scene at the same time. Bring your next meeting, convention or special event to Philadelphia.

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2013 PAAFF

2013 PAAFF

Writer/Director, Sun Kim expected in attendance for post-film Q&A.

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Narrative Screening

Saturday, Nov. 16 | 9:30pm | I-House 88 mins | Horror Director: Stanley Yung Producer: Koji Steven Sakai, Quentin Lee Cast: Eugenia Yuan, Jason Tobin

IS

THE ALL-NEW 2014

Eddy Tsai hates being Asian. He’s even changed his last name to “Richards” and lies that he was adopted by Caucasian parents. His lifelong dream is to become a serial killer like his hero Ted Bundy. CHINK is a slasher movie with a message.

This movie will make no apologies. It will push your buttons and make you squirm. It will piss people off, but hopefully it will also foster much needed debate about the state of the Asian American male in contemporary society. This is a movie that had to be made, because there’s never been anything like it before.

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PHILADELPHIA PREMIERE

IT’S YOUR MOVE

CHINK

Eugenia Yuan (“Memoirs of a Geisha”) also stars, along with prolific character actor, Tzi Ma (“Rush Hour” films).

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This film by respected Asian American filmmakers boldly challenges audiences to rethink racial stereotypes and epithets in its fictional depiction of the first Asian American serial killer.

Director, Stanley Yung is expected in attendance for post-film Q&A.

2013 PAAFF

2013 PAAFF

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SHORTS PROGRAM 2

FREE SCREENING

ODDS & END VARIETY

Sunday, Nov. 17 | 1:00pm IHouse | 103 mins Ranging from Hip Hop music videos to locally produced documentary shorts and everything in between, this FREE program cannot be missed!

PEOPLE AREN’T ALL BAD Director: Matthew Hashiguchi | 4 mins A short doc interview with a Japanese American Internment Camp Survivor.

WORLD PREMIERE LEE’S MARKET Director: Jing Shao | 15 mins Pete Lee, dreams of escaping his family’s convenience store located in South Central LA. Before he can leave however, he must settle his debts with a local gangster and mend his relationship with his alcoholic mother.

NO LONGER THERE Director: Nobuyuki Miyake | 23 mins A dental prosthetic technician daydreams about the young woman whose dentures he is creating in an intimate imaginary world of his own creation. But what happens when this man and woman meet in the real world?

KIMCHI FRIED DUMPLINGS

JUDGES PICK SUNRISE APHRODITE Director: Frank Zhu | 13 mins

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An Asian Canadian man comes home with a new boyfriend for Christmas to find his younger brother, who is also gay, resentful for being left to care for their aging parents.

HONORABLE JOURNEY Director: Stephen Menick | 16 mins A short doc about the 70-year struggle of Japanese-Americans who came of age during World War II. Narrated by George Takei, the film features conflicts of loyalty to tradition, family and country, played out against the backdrop of war.

LOCAL PRODUCTION KEEP ON Director: Chris Chan Lee | 5 mins Pioneering Asian American Hip Hop artists the Mountain Brothers from Philadelphia reunite in this music video after more than 10 years, featuring vocals by Korean recording artist Ann One. LOCAL PRODUCTION SKYLER Director: Eiko Fan | 13 mins Skyler is a short doc about an exceptional young man with Cerebral Palsy who passionately communicates to the world through abstract paintings he paints with his feet.

Celebrating the differences that make us stronger.

Aetna is proud to support Philadelphia’s Asian American Film Festival and its award winners.

©2013 Aetna Inc. 2013012

2013 PAAFF

2013 PAAFF

A destitute painter, pressured to finish a painting, finds hope and the meaning of never giving up.

KIMCHI FRIED DUMPLINGS Director: Jason Karman | 14 mins

KEEP ON

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Documentary Screening

PHILADELPHIA PREMIERE

LOST CHILD: SAYON’S JOURNEY Sunday, Nov. 17 | 3:30pm | I-House 76 mins | Documentary Director / Producer: Janet Gardner

One Khmer Rouge child soldier confronts his childhood experiences during Cambodia’s darkest hour, the horrors he witnessed, and struggled with as he came of age.

LOST CHILD celebrates the importance of family and the insanity of a society that tried to tear that structure apart. This film shows the power of the human spirit to overcome oppression, specifically the ability of an individual to make peace with an inconceivably difficult past.

Sayon Soeun expected in attendance with Director, Janet Gardner and Producer, Sopheap Theam.

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

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Closing Night Screening

Sunday, Nov. 17 | 6:00pm | I-House 90 mins | Dramedy Director: Suju Vijayan Executive Producer: Vijaya Kumari Producer: Carolina Roca-Smith, Mike Blum Cast: Ross Patridge, Navi Rawat, Piyush Mishra

CLOSING NIGHT RECEPTION 8–9PM

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This funny and heartwarming film stars Navi Rawat (“Numb3rs”), Ross Patridge (“The Lost World: Jurassic Park”), and Indian actor, singer/ songwriter, Piyush Mishra.

Director, Suju Vijayan and producer, Mike Blum expected in attendance for post-film Q&A.

2013 PAAFF

2013 PAAFF

Closing Night Reception is Free to Ticket Holders Post Q&A.

THE PLAYBACK SINGER tells the story of an aimless, would-be, jungle-gym architect who finds his existence disrupted—and his marriage upended­—when his prickly, Indian, B-movie playback singer father-in-law comes to visit and overstays his welcome. An original feature script written by director Suju Vijayan, THE PLAYBACK SINGER is a family drama spiked with comedy and music, which gets to the heart of relationships and of the challenges of finding our place in this world.

PHILADELPHIA PREMIERE

THE PLAYBACK SINGER

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Documentary Screening

Friday, Nov. 22 | 6:00pm | Asian Arts InitiativeI 45 mins | Documentary Director: Khalid Ali | Producer: Omar Ali

THE KUNG FU LESSON is the true story of three American brothers who travel to China to realize their dream of studying Chinese martial arts.

As they journey from the old neighborhoods of Beijing to the legendary temples of the Shaolin Monastery, the brothers cross paths with martial artists from all walks of life. What follows is an amusing and intimate portrait of friendship, family, and the lessons learned from lives dedicated to the art of combat.

PHILADELPHIA PREMIERE

THE KUNG FU LESSON

Filmmaker, Khalid Ali expected in attendance for Q&A. Martial arts demonstration.

2013 PAAFF

2013 PAAFF 34

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PHILADELPHIA PREMIERE

BIG IN BOLLYWOOD Friday, November 22 | 7:30pm | AAI 74 mins | Documentary | English, Hindi Director: Kenny Meehan Writer: Menny BoNiven Producer: Matt McCroskey, Tyler MacNiven Cast: Omi Vaidya

A struggling actor in L.A., 27-year-old Americanborn Omi Vaidya, lands a dream role in a huge Bollywood film. The film quickly skyrockets to be the most successful Bollywood film in history, and Omi becomes a national sensation. But the glitz and glamour that comes with it is not the easy ride it seems. Omi struggles with the pressure of needing to continue his career quickly while he is still ‘hot’, and to care for his lovely wife, who waits wistfully for his return to Los Angeles.

SHORTS PROGRAM 3

FREE SCREENING

Documentary Screening

FAMILY FRIENDLY & ANIMATION

COUCH & POTATOES Director: Christopher Lam, Eunsoo Jeong | 8 mins

CURIOUS CAT’S CHRISTMAS

Saturday, Nov. 23 | 2:30pm Asian Arts Initiative | 30 mins Including stop motion, claymation, hand illustration and CGI these short films and animations are fun for the whole family! And it’s FREE!

EAST COAST PREMIERE CYCLOID Director: Tomoki Kurogi | 3 mins A touching hand drawn animation showing the interconnectivity of our planet.

An excellent Claymation short about two TV-watching enthusiasts who pioneer a clever way to live on their couch until an unexpected event forces them back into their youthful past.

SWEETLY BROKEN Director: Chung Lam | 5 mins A Stop Motion short about two marionette puppets who fall in love, and the lengths they go to reunite.

EAST COAST PREMIERE CURIOUS CAT’S CHRISTMAS Director: Jiyoon Lee | 4 mins A 3D animation set late one Christmas Eve when a kitty searches the living room for her presents.

BOX OF HEARTS Director: Asako Ushio | 7 mins Jenny gives her single father Cody dating tips while he makes her an elaborate bento box lunch.

COUCH & POTATOES

CHICKEN OR THE EGG

JUDGES PICK CHICKEN OR THE EGG Director: Christine Kim, Elaine Wu | 3 mins

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2013 PAAFF

2013 PAAFF

A 3D animation about a pig who loves eating eggs, but when he falls in love with a chicken, he must decide what comes first, Chicken or the Egg.

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Festival Finale

PEOPLE IN TRANSITION

HAFU

Saturday, Nov. 23 | 5:30pm | Asian Arts Initiative SHAYA

SHAYA Director: Amir Noorani | 19 mins

HAPPY HANDS

Saturday, Nov. 23 | 3:15pm Asian Arts Initiative | 102 mins This FREE program explores many different immigrant pathways into the US, some by choice and others by necessity including those of Pakistani and Burmese refugees, Vietnamese manicurists, a Taiwanese exchange student and undocumented Filipino and Bangladeshi youth.

HAPPY HANDS Director: Honey Lauren | 20 mins This short doc tells the story of the Vietnamese nail worker. Hollywood icon, Tippi Hedren, personally conceived and provided the means for twenty of the first refugees to establish themselves as manicurists. Together, they established a new industry that became a Vietnamese American Dream.

BURMESE REFUGEE Director: Michael Tacca | 20 mins San Aung, a refugee from Burma, has escaped his oppressive homeland. He now faces an uncertain future in America. Unable to work in his learned trade, San Aung slaves day after day in a dingy restaurant kitchen. Meanwhile, his family is still stranded in a Thai refugee camp.

JUDGES PICK MAQUETTE 1:1000 Director: Doris Chia-Ching Li | 29 mins Lan, an international student from Taiwan studies architecture in Philadelphia. Living in a city that has little cultural similarity to where she grew up, Lan experiences severe culture shock.

As she finally begins to adjust to her new city, she finds out she is pregnant. It brings her back to unresolved memories from two years ago of a profound but doomed relationship with her mentor in Taiwan. *Local Production* WHY WE RISE Director: Brian Redondo | 14 mins

87 mins | Documentary Director / Producer: Megumi Nishikura, Lara Perez Takagi

HAFU is more than a documentary about mixed race Japanese, or the so called Hafu. This film challenges the “one nation, one culture, one race” identity that has shaped much of contemporary Japan’s self-image. Co-directors Megumi Nishikura and Lara Perez Takagi, both Hafu themselves, render visible the hardships of people who do not fit comfortably into categories of belonging, and offer them a platform to be heard.

Director Megumi Nishikura expected in attendance to conduct a post film Q&A.

A short doc about three brave, young New Yorkers who reveal what it’s like to grow up without having legal immigration status. Their struggles and their strength are on full display as they come out of the shadows and into the light, fighting for a better life for themselves, for their families, and for all immigrants.

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A tribal Pakistani family is sent to live in Los Angeles as refugees and finds life more challenging than in war-torn Pakistan.

MAQUETTE 1:1000

PHILADELPHIA PREMIERE

FREE SCREENING

SHORTS PROGRAM 4

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

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

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ELIZABETH HUR General assignment reporter for CBS 3 (KYW-TV). A native of Seoul, Korea, Hur attended Upper Dublin High School and grew up in Ambler, Pennsylvania, where she now resides. (NARRATIVE)

KUAN-LUNG DANIEL CHEN Public Health Program Manager at Hepatitis B Foundation, Daniel is a community organizer and advocate for the Asian American community in Philadelphia.

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

ROBERT B. LACORTE A Benefits Financial Analyst at Comcast Cable, Robert is a proud supporter of Asian American films and the arts in Philadelphia.

FRANCESCA ORSI VP at HBO Entertainment with responsibilities relating to drama series programming based in Santa Monica, CA. (NARRATIVE)

ROB BUSCHER An East Asian and Japanese Film Scholar currently teaching at Arcadia University, Rob is the Programming Director at PAAFF and also serves as a board member of the Philadelphia JACL.

UNIVERSITY CITY HOTEL

Proud Partner

of the Philadelphia Asian American Film Festival

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

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

Sheraton Philadelphia University City Hotel 3549 Chestnut Street • Philadelphia, PA 19104 • 215.387.8000

2013 PAAFF

2013 PAAFF

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

(DOCS)

SHORT FILM JURY

www.PhiladelphiaSheraton.com

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THANK YOUS!

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David Blackman Michael Choe Walter Greason Gayle Isa Nicole Johnson-Reese Drake Nakaishi Nancy Nguyen Councilman David Oh Aida Rivera Nicole Ross Giles Andy Toy Bia Vieira Tiffany Hwang Denise Nakano Aigner Cleveland William Parker Jesse Pires Robert E. Cargni Monique Lau CBL Wine Co. Yards Brewing Co. Ballard Spahr Andrews & Ingersoll, LLP Andrea Agnew Susan Jin Davis Johnnie Giles Kristina Chang Elizabeth Hur Allen Chou Philip Lam Dennis Williams Marvin Scott April Torres Mary Johnson Kelly Edwards

Francesca Orsi Andy Williams Dan Polett Tanya Hall Cliff Song Alison Scott Bob Lowery Andy Williams Daniel Chen Chi Dang Tom Kehoe, Jr. LaTrina Ferguson Jennifer Barton Robert LaCorte Yakitori Boy Matt Conant Stephanie Yuhas 1812 Productions Adventure Aquarium Arden Theatre Barnes Foundation Dave Brown, Esq. Circus Arts Culture Works Delaware Art Museum Dogfish Head Craft Brewery EgoPo Classic Theater Fordham & Domino Brewing Co. Gable Music Ventures Garden State Discover Museum Grand Opera House Greg Pak Helium Comedy Club Harmony for Peace Foundation Joy Tsin Lau Restaurant

Kimmel Center Lantern Theater Company Liberty Weddings Phillip Lu Nat’l Constitution Center New Candlelight Theater Painted Bride Art Center Pan Asian Repertory Theater Pat’s Cheesesteaks Philadelphia Art Alliance Phila. Chamber Music Society Philadelphia Chocolate Tour Philadelphia Flyers Philadelphia Magazine Philadelphia Magic Gardens Philadelphia Museum of Art Philadelphia Phillies Philadelphia Urban Adventures People’s Light & Theater Co. Platoon Fitness POW! Entertainment Sang Kee Peking Duck House Silpada Jewelry Windsor Suites Woodmere Art Museum Cinedelphia Film Festival Eliseo Art Silva Free Library of Philadelphia Japanese American Citizens League Lunchbox Communications Wyncote Foundation Bar Ly

2013 PAAFF

2013 PAAFF

HBO Comcast | NBC10 Multicultural Affairs Congress Wilkie Lexus Aetna DIVE Greater Philadelphia Film Office International House Asian Arts Initiative Hep B United Philadelphia Cinema Asian America Health Partners Sheraton University City City Fest, Wilmington Japan America Society of Greater Philadelphia Clear Channel Radio Angry Asian Man Porsche of the Main Line Boat People SOS Young Asian American Professionals Project Twenty1 Philadelphia Film Society NAAAP PAACH Scribe Video Center Governor’s Advisory Comm’n on Asian American Affairs Mayor’s Comm’n on Asian American Affairs Mayor Michael Nutter Governor Tom Corbett Sharon Pinkenson Joan Bressler Elka Battle

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2013 PAAFF

2013 PAAFF

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

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2013 PAAFF

2013 PAAFF

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

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HBO® PROUDLY SUPPORTS

THE PHILADELPHIA ASIAN AMERICAN FILM FESTIVAL 2013

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