FESTIVAL GUIDE
NOV 7-10, 2019
FESTIVAL & TICKETING INFORMATION
SPOTLIGHT FILMS
ALL SCREENINGS Aud 10 | Cineplex Odeon International Village
The Spotlight Presentation features the festival’s marquee film programs including the Opening Film, Canadian Spotlight, Centrepiece Spotlight and Closing Film.
ABOUT THE 23RD ANNUAL VANCOUVER ASIAN FILM FESTIVAL (VAFF 2019) The Vancouver Asian Film Festival (VAFF) is the longest-running Canadian film festival of its kind. Now in its 23rd year, VAFF celebrates diversity in film, screening both English and subtitled Asian language films by independent Asian and Asian diaspora filmmakers from North America and around the world. In 2019, VAFF celebrates a year of NO LIMITASIANS. This year’s festival shines a spotlight on the achievements of Asian diaspora artists while empowering aspiring artists of Asian heritage to continue to push boundaries and challenge expectations. New filmmakers are now taking to the screen to expose the world to a multitude of voices and perspectives, telling authentic stories from their Asian and Asian diaspora experiences. VAFF is proud to provide a platform for artists of colour to break stereotypes and reach new heights. TICKETS & PASSES Online program schedule and advance tickets will be available online at VAFF.ORG starting October 5, 2019. Theatre box office: In the foyer of Cineplex Odeon International Village Cinemas starting from 6 pm, November 7.
SINGLE TICKETS
VIP PASSES
Spotlight Films: Opening Film | $20 Canadian Spotlight, Centrepiece Spotlight Film, Closing Film | $17 All Other Screenings | $15
Before festival | $100 During festival | $150 Includes all regular screenings, special screenings, special events and membership fee.
VAFF Industry Insight & AIM3 Panels: Single panel | $15 All panels (3) + Industry Party | $45 Fireside Chat with Tan Dun | $25 100 Stories Challenge: Final Showdown | $15 Student*/Senior Tickets | $10 (Screenings and Industry panels only) Students 18+ unless indicated otherwise.
VAFF ON-SITE BOX OFFICE HOURS: Thu, Nov 7 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm Fri, Nov 8 4:00 pm – 10:00 pm Sat, Nov 9 11:00 am – 10:00 pm Sun, Nov 10 1:00 pm – 7:00 pm
GROUP RATES Group rates are only available before the festival from October 3 to October 31. Please email boxoffice@vaff.org to inquire about group rate details. SERIES TICKET BUNDLES & SPECIAL TICKET OFFERS Visit VAFF.ORG for information about available extra-value ticket bundles.
opening gala film
canadian spotlight
In A New York Minute
THU 7 NOV 2019, 7–9:30PM Aud 10 • Cineplex Odeon International Village
Becoming Labrador
Program 1
VAFF 2019 PROGRAM SERIES
VAFF MEMBERSHIP
In A New York Minute follows three strangers connected by a single pregnancy test. Amy is haunted by a past breakup that has manifested into an eating disorder. Angel is caught between a loveless marriage to an American businessman and a passionate affair with a Chinese writer. Meanwhile, Nina moonlights as an escort in order to support herself.
VAFF’s screening programs are organized into various series in order to better highlight the content of our festival:
Membership fee: $2
Dir/Writ: Ximan Li, Prod: Wayne Lin
As many of the films have not been previously classed by Consumer Protection BC, under BC law, only members of the Vancouver Asian Film Festival Society (VAFF) can attend the Film Festival and members must be 18 years or older.
International Premiere
Membership is non-transferable and the fee must be paid before admittance to any program. Membership cards must be shown along with program tickets to enter any screening.
Best Feature Film of SOHO International Film Festival 2019, Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival 2019, 42nd Asian American International Film Festival
Spotlight Films (primetime) Documentary Features Narrative Features Shorts Panels & Special Programming
CELEBRATION PACKAGES OPENING NIGHT FILM + GALA TICKETS
VAFF INDUSTRY PARTY TICKETS
CENTREPIECE FILM + PARTY TICKETS
CLOSING NIGHT FILM + PARTY TICKETS
Thursday, November 7 Film screening: 7 pm Afterparty: 9:30 pm to Midnight Afterparty Location: D6 at Parq Vancouver, 39 Smithe St, Vancouver, BC $75 | Limited tickets for sale. Complimentary hors d’oeuvres and Cash bar.
Friday, November 8 Party: 9:30 pm to Midnight Location to be annouced. Check VAFF.ORG for details. $10 | Limited tickets for sale. Complimentary hors d’oeuvres and Cash bar.
Saturday, November 9 Film screening: 7:30 pm Party: 10:00 pm to Midnight Location to be annouced. Check VAFF.ORG for details. $30 | Complimentary hors d’oeuvres and Cash bar.
Sunday, November 10 Film screening: 7:30 pm Party: 9:30 pm to Midnight Location to be annouced. Check VAFF.ORG for details. $30 | Complimentary hors d’oeuvres and Cash bar.
TICKETS AND INFORMATION ONLINE AT VAFF.ORG
102 min • 2019 • USA • English, Mandarin, Cantonese • Drama
OPENING NIGHT FILM & GALA TICKET PACKAGE THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 7
FRI 8 NOV 2019, 7–9PM Aud 10 • Cineplex Odeon International Village
Combining documentary footage with interpretive animation, Becoming Labrador follows a handful of Filipino workers travelling halfway around the world for jobs they hope will offer their families new opportunities and a better life. As they make a place for themselves in the stark interior of Happy Valley-Goose Bay’s profoundly foreign climate and culture, they need to deal with unexpected costs of living far from parents, partners and children. Dir: Rohan Fernando, Tamara Segura, Justin Simms, Writ: Michael Crummey, Prod: Rohan Fernando, Annette Clarke 70 min • 2019 • Canada • English • Documentary
Buenos Aires Labor Film Festival 2019, Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 2019
VAFF INDUSTRY PARTY FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 8
OPENING NIGHT FILM IN A NEW YORK MINUTE 7PM • CINEPLEX ODEON INTERNATIONAL VILLAGE
9:30PM TO MIDNIGHT LOCATION TBA CHECK VAFF.ORG FOR DETAILS
OPENING NIGHT GALA 9:30PM TO MIDNIGHT D6 AT PARQ VANCOUVER, 39 SMITHE ST, VANCOUVER, BC
$75
Limited tickets for sale. Complimentary hors d’oeuvres and cash bar.
Program 3
$10
Complimentary hors d’oeuvres and cash bar.
All details subject to change without notice. Please check our website at VAFF.ORG for the latest details.
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TICKETS ONLINE AT VAFF.ORG
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VANCOUVER ASIAN FILM FESTIVAL
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SPOTLIGHTS
centrepiece spotlight
Yellow Rose
SAT 9 NOV 2019, 7:30-9:15PM Aud 10 • Cineplex Odeon International Village
Program 8
Dir/Writ: Andrea A. Walter, Prod: Osric Chau, Chris Pang, Chad Kennedy, Joann Banaga, Dante Basco
Dir/Writ: Diane Paragas, Andy Bienen, Annie J. Howell, Prod: Rey Cuerdo,Cecilia Mejia, Diane Paragas, Orian Williams
Canadian Premiere
International Premiere
2019
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Philippines/USA
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English/Tagalog
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Drama
94 min
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2019
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Phillippines/USA
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English
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Drama, Music
Winner of Breakthrough Performance North American Narrative Feature & Grand Jury Award North American Narrative Feature at Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival 2019, Comcast Narrative Award CAAMFest 2019, 42nd Asian American International Film Festival
CENTREPIECE FILM & AFTER PARTY PACKAGE
CLOSING NIGHT FILM & AFTER PARTY PACKAGE
CENTREPIECE FILM
CENTREPIECE FILM
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 9
EMPTY BY DESIGN
7:30PM • CINEPLEX ODEON INTERNATIONAL VILLAGE
$30
The World Is Bright
FRI 8 NOV 2019, 5–7PM Aud 10 • Cineplex Odeon International Village
FRI 8 NOV 2019, 9–11:15PM Aud 10 • Cineplex Odeon International Village
Program 2
Norman Y. Mineta is perhaps one of the most influential Asian Americans in history. A child of immigrants, his story follows the shame he experienced as a prisoner in a U.S. internment camp to his triumphant rise to political prominence at every level of government. Dir: Dianne Fukami, Writ: Ken Chowder, Prod: Debra Nakatomi, Dianne Fukami Canadian Premiere 56 min • 2019 Biography
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USA
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English
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Documentary, History,
Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival 2019,Houston Asian American Pacific Islander Film Festival 2019, Audience Choice Documentary Feature Philadelphia Asian American Film Festival 2018, Opening Film CAAMFest 2018
Program 4
When an elderly Beijing couple receives notice that their son has allegedly committed suicide, they travel to Vancouver to investigate the mysterious circumstances of his death. In revealing a distressing connection between immigration and mental illness, director Ying Wang follows the grieving parents for a decade as they navigate a complex web of bureaucracy in a search for answers. Dir: Ying Wang, Writ: Ying Wang, Laurence Le Lam, Prod: Ying Wang, Jian Ping Su 115 min • 2019 Documentary
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Canada
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Mandarin & English
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Vancouver International Film Festival In attendance: Ying Wang
In attendance: Debra Nakatomi, Dianne Fukami
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 10
YELLOW ROSE
7:30PM • CINEPLEX ODEON INTERNATIONAL VILLAGE
AFTER PARTY
AFTER PARTY
10PM TO MIDNIGHT TBD, VANCOUVER, BC
9:30PM TO MIDNIGHT TBD, VANCOUVER, BC
Complimentary hors d’oeuvres and cash bar.
Norman Mineta And His Legacy: An American Story
Program 13
Rose, an undocumented Filipino girl, dreams of one day leaving her small Texas town to pursue her country music dreams. Her world is shattered when her mom suddenly gets picked up by Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Rose, facing this new reality, is forced to flee the scene, leaving behind the only life she knows, and embarks on a journey of self-discovery as she searches for a new home in the honky tonk world of Austin, Texas.
Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival 2019, CAAMFest 2019, SOHO International Film Festival 2019, Austin Asian American Film Festival 2019 and more
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SUN 10 NOV 2019, 7:30-9:30PM Aud 10 • Cineplex Odeon International Village
In the Philippines, two individuals find themselves back home after years of being away. Samantha, a recent university graduate moves back home after her parents have passed away. Meanwhile, Eric, a Hollywood Stuntman and Body double, comes back to shoot a new film. During a night out, Eric has a brief encounter with Samantha where the two discover a new found meaning of what it means to be “home.”
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The Documentary Features Series includes exciting true stories that explore the Asian and Pan-Asian experiences worldwide from young to old and East to West.
closing film
Empty By Design
86 min
DOCUMENTARY FEATURES SERIES
$30
VOTE for your favourite feature, performance, or short to win the
PEOPLE'S CHOICE AWARD! ONLINE VOTING BEGINS NOVEMBER 7 AT VAFF.ORG/VOTE
Complimentary hors d’oeuvres and cash bar.
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#VAFF
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@VAFFVANCOUVER
TICKETS ONLINE AT VAFF.ORG
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VANCOUVER ASIAN FILM FESTIVAL
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DOCS
VAFF 2019 introduces international feature films that place a spotlight on the vibrant societies of China and Japan.
Geographies Of Kinship
Because We Are Girls
SAT 9 NOV 2019, 12:30–3PM Aud 10 • Cineplex Odeon International Village
NARRATIVE FEATURES SERIES
Program 5
Home Away
SAT 9 NOV 2019, 9:45–11:15PM Aud 10 • Cineplex Odeon International Village
Program 9
A conservative Indo-Canadian family in small-town British Columbia must come to terms with a devastating secret: three sisters were sexually abused by an older relative beginning in their childhood years. After remaining silent for nearly two and a half decades, the sisters decide to come forward—not only to protect other young relatives, but to set an example for their daughters as well.
In this powerful tale about the rise of Korea’s global adoption program, four adult adoptees return to their country of birth and recover the personal histories that were erased when they were adopted. Raised in foreign families, these adoptees set out on a journey to reconnect with their roots, mapping the geographies of kinship that bind them to a homeland they never knew.
Dir/Writ: Baljit Sangra, Prod: Selwyn Jacob
Canadian Premiere
85 min
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2019
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Canada
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English
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Documentary
Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival 2019, Doxa Documentary Film Festival 2019, SEOUL International Women's Film Festival 2019 and more
Terrolun And Lunlun
Dir/Writ, Prod: Deann Borshay Liem 82 min • 2019 • USA, Sweden, Switzerland, South Korea English, Korean • Documentary
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Jury Award, Best Documentary Feature; and Audience Award, Best Documentary at Asian Film Festival of Dallas, Special Jury Award (for research and history) at Austin Asian American Film Festival 2019, CAAMFest 2019 Closing Night In attendance: Deann Borshay Liem, Paul Liem
VSO
SAT 9 NOV 2019, 5:15–7:15PM Aud 10 • Cineplex Odeon International Village
Program 7
Based on a true story, Home Away tells the story of two elders whose lives intertwine through the pursuit of money. Mr. Zhou, who wishes to purchase a VIP membership to a nursing home, arranges a fake marriage with Mrs. Dong in order to draw more government benefits. When money destroys the balance of power, these elders must overcome their hardships or be faced with the risk of losing their home.
SUN 10 NOV 2019, 1:30–3:15PM Program 10 Aud 10 • Cineplex Odeon International Village After a tragic accident, Terrolun becomes a hikikomori (an extreme shut-in), living in his parent's garage, where he fixes broken machines and objects. When Lunlun, a hearing-impaired high school student, brings him something to repair, they strike up a friendship. Slowly, these two outcasts create an emotional bond through their interactions across a garage window.
Dir/Writ, Prod: Oliver Yan
Dir: Hiroyuki Miyagawa, Tomoko Kawanoue, Writ: Tomoko Kawanoue, Prod: Yuki Okuno /Tohru Mishima
Canadian Premiere
Vancouver Premiere
97 min
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2017
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China
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Chinese (English subs) • Drama
Marché du Film at the Cannes Film Festival 2018, Winner Los Angeles Film Awards, Best Director Feature Film Florence Film Awards 2019, Gold Winner Latitude Film Awards 2019
TAN DUN: CROUCHING TIGER & BEYOND
49 min
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2018
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Japan
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Japanese (English subs) • Drama
Best Feature Film, Director's Circle Award at PoppyJasper International Film Festival 2019, Best Screenplay Award at Ehime Film Festival 2019, Best Short Film at ARFF Berlin International Awards 2019, Best Narrative Featurette & Best Director at Los Angeles Film Awards, Hiroshima International Film Festival 2018
SAT 9 NOV 2019, 8PM Orpheum Theatre
World renowned composer/conductor Tan Dun has had the honor of composing the music for three martial arts films by critically acclaimed directors: Ang Lee (Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon/卧虎藏龙), Zhang Yimou (Hero/ 英雄), and Feng Xiaogang (The Banquet/夜宴). Join the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra and VAFF in a special multimedia performance at the Orpheum Theatre, led by the composer himself.
VOTE for your favourite feature, performance, or short to win the
PEOPLE'S CHOICE AWARD!
Tickets at: myVSO.ca/tan-dun
ONLINE VOTING BEGINS NOVEMBER 7 AT VAFF.ORG/VOTE
VAFF Festival Passholders enjoy an exclusive 10% discount when Festival Pass is presented at ticket purchase.
In Collaboration With
Vancouver Asian Film Festival
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TICKETS ONLINE AT VAFF.ORG
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FESTIVAL SCHEDULE - DAYS 1 AND 2 5 4 IN
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2. International Arts Gallery 88 W Pender St, Vancouver, BC
4. Orpheum Theatre 601 Smithe St, Vancouver, BC
5. Annex 823 Seymour St, Vancouver, BC
FRIFRI NOVEMBER 8 8 NOVEMBER
THURS THURSNOVEMBER NOVEMBER7 7
VAFF 12 INDUSTRY PANEL SERIES VAFF 12 INDUSTRY PANEL SERIES
3:00pm 3:00pm SPECIAL PRESENTATION SPECIAL PRESENTATION
4:00pm 4:00pm
FIRESIDE CHAT w/ BRUISED FIRESIDE CHAT w/ BRUISED TAN DUN: WITH WITH CUL-DE-SAC TAN MUSIC DUN: MUSIC CUL-DE-SAC NO LIMITASIANS DAYTIME MOON MOON NO LIMITASIANS DAYTIME FOR VINCENT 3PM | International Art Gallery FOR VINCENT 3PM | International Art Gallery JUSTICEJUSTICE HALWAHALWA YEAR ZERO YEAR ZERO FOLLOWING JAMIE JAMIE FOLLOWING 3PM | Auditorium 10 3PM | Auditorium 10
HOME AWAY HOME AWAY
7:00pm 7:00pm
SHORTS
SPOTLIGHT FILMS Opening Night Film SPOTLIGHT FILMS Opening Night Film
SHORTS SIN-SFO (preceding Becoming Labrador) SIN-SFO
IN |AAuditorium NEW YORK 7PM 10 7PM | Auditorium 10
SPOTLIGHT FILMS CANADIAN SPOTLIGHT SPOTLIGHT FILMS
(preceding Becoming Labrador) CANADIAN SPOTLIGHT
SPECIAL PRESENTATION BECOMING LABRADOR PRESENTATION BECOMING LABRADOR 100SPECIAL STORIES 7PM | Auditorium 10 CHALLENGE: FINAL 100 STORIES 7PM | Auditorium 10 SHOWDOWN CHALLENGE: FINAL SHOWDOWN 8PM | Annex
8PM | Annex
DOCUMENTARY
5:15PM | Auditorium 10 5:15PM | Auditorium 10
8:00pm 8:00pm 9:00pm 9:00pm
9PM | Auditorium 10
9:30PM | Annex
#VAFF
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@VAFFVANCOUVER
SHORTS
BC SHORTSBC SHORTS SHORTS
INTO HERE ODD GIRL INTO HERE ODD GIRL FINDINGFINDING URANUSURANUSBRAISED BRAISED PORK BELLY PORK BELLY RICECAKE THE SHIPMENT RICECAKE THE SHIPMENT INNER SPACE INNER SPACE 3:30PM | Auditorium 10 3:30PM | Auditorium 10 SHORT CANADIAN SHORTS & MAMM SHORT CANADIAN SHORTS & MAMM
NOT ALONE NEWBORN NOT ALONE NEWBORN THE CONVERSATION THE NISEI THE CONVERSATION THE NISEI DAY BREAK SINGLE ASIAN MALE DAY BREAK SINGLE ASIAN MALE DEEP TAKE WORTH WORTH THICKER DEEP THANTAKE WATER THICKER GRANDMA’S 80THTHAN WATER SURPRISEGRANDMA’S 80TH SURPRISE 5:30PM | Auditorium 10
SPOTLIGHT
SHORTS MARIANA NIGHTCAP: (preceding Home Away) MARIANA NIGHTCAP: SPECIAL PRESENTATION
VSO TAN DUN CONCERT (preceding Home 7:30PM | Auditorium 10 Away) SPECIAL PRESENTATION VSO TAN DUN CONCERT 7:30PM | Auditorium 10 TAN DUN: CROUCHING SPOTLIGHT CENTREPIECE TIGER AND BEYOND TAN DUN: CROUCHING SPOTLIGHT CENTREPIECE
7:30PM | Auditorium 10
CLOSING FILM
SPOTLIGHT
CLOSING FILM
YELLOW ROSE YELLOW ROSE
7:30PM| Auditorium 10 Followed by7:30PM| VAFF 2019 Awards 10 Presentations Auditorium
Followed by VAFF 2019 Awards Presentations
EMPTY BY DESIGN TIGER AND BEYOND EMPTY BY DESIGN 8PM | Orpheum 8PM | Orpheum
10:00pm 10:00pm
DOCUMENTARYOF GEOGRAPHIES CENTREPIECE AFTER KINSHIP GEOGRAPHIES OF PARTY CENTREPIECE AFTER 9:30PM |PARTY TBD 9:45PM |KINSHIP Auditorium 10 9:45PM | Auditorium 10
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1:30PM | Auditorium 10 1:30PM | Auditorium 10
7:30PM | Auditorium 10 DOCUMENTARY
DOCUMENTARY
VAFF INDUSTRY PARTY THE WORLD IS BRIGHT VAFF INDUSTRY 9PM | Auditorium 10 PARTY 9:30PM | Annex
TERROLUN AND LUNLUN TERROLUN AND LUNLUN
5:30PM | Auditorium 10
SHORTS
THE WORLD IS BRIGHT
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SHORTS (INT.) SHORTS (INT.)
NARRATIVE FEATURE (INT.) 4:30PM | International Art Gallery NARRATIVE FEATURE (INT.) 4:30PM | International Art Gallery
7:00pm 7:00pm
9:30PM | D6 Parq Vancouver
SHORTS (PRECEDING) SHORTS (PRECEDING)
MUSIC SYNC PANEL MUSIC SYNC PANEL
6:00pm 6:00pm
OPENING NIGHT VIP GALA 9:30PM | D6 Parq Vancouver
MY DAUGHTER MY DAUGHTER YOSHIKOYOSHIKO
1:30PM | Auditorium 10 1:30PM | Auditorium 10
NARRATIVE FEATURE (INT.) NARRATIVE FEATURE (INT.)
6:00pm 6:00pm
10:00pm 10:00pm
SHORTS (PRECEDING) SHORTS (PRECEDING)
MOTHERHOOD MOTHERHOOD
5PM | Auditorium 10 5PM | Auditorium 10
OPENING NIGHT VIP GALA
| Auditorium 10 12:30PM 12:30PM | Auditorium 10
5:00pm 5:00pm AIM3 SERIESAIM3 SERIES
DOCUMENTARY DOCUMENTARY
9:00pm 9:00pm
BECAUSE ARE GIRLS BECAUSE WE AREWE GIRLS
1PM | International Art Gallery Art Gallery 2:00pm 2:00pm1PM | International
NORMAN MINETA AND HIS LEGACY: MINETA ANNORMAN AMERICAN STORY AND HIS LEGACY: AN AMERICAN STORY
8:00pm 8:00pm
| TBD 11:30PM |11:30PM TBD
1:30PM | Auditorium 10 1:30PM | Auditorium 10
3. D6 at Parq 39 Smithe St, Vancouver, BC
IN A NEW YORK MINUTE MINUTE
FILMMAKER FILMMAKER BRUNCHBRUNCH
DOCUMENTARY DOCUMENTARY
1:00pm 1:00pm FINANCING FINANCING YOUR YOUR FILM PROJECT FILM PROJECT
1. Cineplex Odeon International Village Cinemas #2083 International Village Mall, 88 W Pender St. Vancouver, BC
5:00pm 5:00pm
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VAFF 12 INDUSTRY PANEL SERIES VAFF 12 INDUSTRY PANEL SERIES
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FESTIVAL SCHEDULE - DAYS 3 AND 4
TICKETS ONLINE AT VAFF.ORG
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CLOSING NIGHT AFTER PARTY
CLOSING NIGHT AFTER PARTY 9:30PM | TBD
9:30PM | TBD
VANCOUVER ASIAN FILM FESTIVAL
9:30PM | TBD
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PANEL SERIES
Panels will be located at the International Art Gallery, 2/F International Village, 88 W Pender St, Vancouver
Launched in 2013 as a regional forum to discuss industry diversity issues and to mobilize advocacy the VAFF Industry Insight (VAFF I2) Panel Series continues to challenge the status quo and dive deeper into the state of representation in Television, Films, and Media. This year we will also be presenting an extra panel, part of our Asians in Movies, Music, and Media (AIM3) professional development program focusing on Asians in Music.
SHORTS SERIES
Our Shorts presentations include three dedicated programs: one program focusing on International Shorts, and two programs featuring an abundance of Canadian Shorts. Be sure to also check out our curated short films in pair with our Feature Presentations.
INTERNATIONAL SHORTS
PANEL 1 • VAFF I2
PANEL 2 • VAFF I2
ASIAN LEADING MEN IN HOLLYWOOD
FINANCING YOUR FILM PROJECT
Saturday, November 9 11AM–12:30PM
Saturday, November 9 1PM–2:30PM
We are finally seeing Asian men in starring roles of superhero or action hero such as Marvel's Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings (2021), in the upcoming Mortal Kombat film adaptation, or romantic lead as in Last Christmas (2019). Negative stereotypes of Asian men, long-perpetuated by Hollywood, seem to have been finally broken. Or have they?
Hear from public and private funders about what it takes for filmmakers to get their long form or short form projects made in this invaluable practical session. Find out directly from the source about funding opportunities available and get tips for getting your pitches and grants approved.
SAT 9 NOV 2019, 3–5PM Program 6 Aud 10 • Cineplex Odeon International Village
PANEL 3 • AIM3
Bruised
Cul-De-Sac
Daytime Moon
Saturday, November 9 4:30PM–6PM
A young girl who is abused is too afraid to expose the truth to her teacher, until the bruise comes to life and tells the story she cannot bring herself to do.
A young mother struggles to keep her sanity as her postpartum psychosis worsens.
Daehyung bumps into his ex-girlfriend Rebecca while auditioning for the movie called Daytime Moon.
GETTING IN SYNC WITH YOUR MUSIC
Come out to learn from Canada's Top Music Supervisors as they provide insight into the business of Music Synchronization or the placement of music to a visual medium such as TV, film, games, ads and media. They will provide best practices in the sync field, sharing their views on the current and future landscape and how diversity and diverse artists can find new opportunities for their music.
Dir/Writ: Rok won Hwang, Samantha Tu, Prod: Ringling College of Art and Design Canadian Premiere 2 min 42s • 2019 • USA • English • Animation, Family
Dir/Writ: Cara Lawson, Writ: Lisa Wilkinson, Prod: John J. Lozada and Miguel Lozano Canadian Premiere 13 min English
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2019 • USA • Drama, Suspense
LA Shorts International Film Festival 2019
Justice For Vincent
Dir: Kyung Sok Kim, Writ: Kyung Sok Kim, Rex Reyes II, Prod: Rex Reyes II North American Premiere 14 min 52s • 2019 English • Drama
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USA
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17 min English
Friday, November 8 • 8PM–9:15PM
This is a night to celebrate the inaugural competition created to uncover the extraordinary and unique lives of regular Asians living in Canada. Join filmmakers and judges alike to listen to the top 3 finalists of the 100 Stories Challenge make their pitch to decide who is the best story teller and most deserving of the grand prize of $1,000.
FIRESIDE CHAT WITH TAN DUN: MUSIC WITH NO LIMITASIANS Saturday, November 9 • 3PM–4PM
From motion picture scores for iconic movies such as Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon, to masterpieces that do not fit into conventional categories such as the new musical form of orchestral theatre, the world renowned composer/conductor Tan Dun (谭盾) has always created music that has no limitasians. In this rare opportunity to get up close and personal with the maestro himself, learn about his musical journey, his inspirations, how he broke through the glass ceiling, and what makes him one of the world's most famous and sought-after composers.
Halwa
Year Zero
Following Jamie
An Indian immigrant decides to rekindle her relationship with her childhood companion through Facebook until her abusive husband learns about it.
Based on a true story, two brothers go through great risks in order to survive Pol Pot's killing fields.
Social media influencer Jamie Chen moves to LA and befriends Quinn, a shy waitress with dreams of performing on Broadway. Quinn soon questions whether Jamie cares more about gaining online followers than their actual friendship.
Dir/Writ: Gayatri Bajpai & Nirav Bhakta, Prod: Vee Kumari, Kelsey Fordham, Gayatri Bajpai, Nirav Bhakta 16 min • 2019 • USA • English/Hindi • Drama Canadian Premiere
Short Film First Place Winner at HBO APA Visionaries 2019
Dir/Writ: David Siev, Prod: David Siev, Jaclyn Siev, Katarina Vasquez, Michael Meinhold 15 min 54s • 2018 • Country • Khmer (English subs) • Drama/Thriller Canadian Premiere
Best Narrative Short DC Asian Pacific American Film Festival 2018, and more
Find out more about Tan Dun at VAFF 2019 by visiting VAFF.ORG/TANDUN
VANCOUVER ASIAN FILM FESTIVAL
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2018 • USA Drama
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Best Narrative Short LA Film Awards 2019, and more
100 STORIES CHALLENGE: FINAL SHOWDOWN
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Dir: Lawrence Chau, Andy Palmer, Writ: Lawrence Chau, Prod: Lawrence Chau Vancouver Premiere
SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS
10 TICKETS ONLINE AT VAFF.ORG
A brutal case of bloodshed, a mother’s gut-wrenching loss, and a community’s outrage, Justice For Vincent is a modern story about race told from a rarely seen Asian American perspective.
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#VAFF
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@VAFFVANCOUVER
TICKETS ONLINE AT VAFF.ORG
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Dir/Writ: Charles Gray, Kaitlyn Fae, Prod: Charles Gray, Jane Fersen Canadian Premiere 17 min 57s • 2019 English • Drama
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USA
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Houston Asian American Pacific Islander Film Festival 2019, and more.
VANCOUVER ASIAN FILM FESTIVAL
VOTE
for your favourite feature, performance, or short to win the
PEOPLE'S CHOICE AWARD!
Online voting begins Nov 7 at
VAFF.ORG/ VOTE
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BC SHORTS
CANADIAN SHORTS
SUN 10 NOV 2019, 3:30-5PM Program 11 Aud 10 • Cineplex Odeon International Village
Newborn
Worth
After having their first born, a couple is left to question their identity. Dir/Writ: Ray Savaya, Prod: Vaishni Majoomdar, Barbara Szeman, Ray Savaya
Into Here
Finding Uranus
Ricecake
Inner Space
In 1950's Vancouver, a young Chinese immigrant must save money for family overseas, while struggling to remain amongst great loneliness.
A Coming of Age Sci Fi film about Lost and Found.
In Ricecake, viewers are invited to explore what it means to navigate queer spaces as an Asian person through the lived experiences of drag performer Shay Dior.
Chosen to be one of the first colonizers on Mars, a young woman must face the reality of leaving her home planet for good.
Dir/Writ: Calvin A. Jay, Prod: Capilano University 6 min • 2018 • Canada • English • Romance, Period
Dir/Writ, Prod: Ivan Li 6 min 56s • 2019 • Canada, Hong Kong • English • Animation, Sci-Fi
Ottawa International Animation Festival 2019, Emily Carr University President Media Award (Scholarship) 2019
Dir/Writ, Prod: Yuko Fedrau, Anne Canute, Miranda Choo, Emi Takematsu de Lint 7 min 55s • 2019 • Canada • English • Short Documentary
5th Annual ACAM 350 Screenin, Vancouver Queer Film Festival 2019
Vancouver Premiere 6 min 13s • 2018 English • Drama
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Canada
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Stony Brook Film Festival 2019, and more
Dir/Writ: Jamie Lam, Prod: Jenny Lee-Gilmore, Jamie Lam, Luke Strahm 9 min 54s • 2019 • Canada English • Sci-fi, Drama
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Persistence of VIsion Film Festival 29
Online voting begins Nov 7 at
Dir/Writ: Rami Kahlon, Prod: Andy Wong
PEOPLE'S CHOICE AWARD!
VAFF.ORG/ VOTE
Set in a small suburban town, high school student Dylan grows worried when his popular best friend is incessantly followed by the odd girl at school.
World Premiere 12 min 40s • 2019 • English • Thriller
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Canada
Braised Pork Belly 梅菜扣肉 A young chef seeks his fatherin-law’s blessing, but an act of kindness accidentally turns sour. Julie, the bride-to-be is caught in a tug-of-war as she tries to bring the two men she loves together. Dir/Writ: Helen Liu, Prod: Duy Tong 12 min 52s • 2019 • Canada • Chinese, English • Drama
A story about grandparents, Frank and Susan Maikawa, and their experiences as second generation Japanese Canadians.
The Shipment Unable to fix his derelict ship, a struggling interplanetary transporter and his young daughter become stranded on a wretched spaceport while faced with an unscrupulous offer to escape. Dir/Writ: Bobby Bala, Prod: Arun Fryer, Ana Carrizales
Canadian Premiere 27 min English
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2018 Sci-fi
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Canada
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#VAFF
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English
Best Second Year Documentary Award at York University’s Cinesiege Festival 2018
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Australia SciFi Film Festival October 2018
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Vancouver Premiere 13 min 50s • 2019 • Canada, Pakistan • Urdu (English subs) Drama
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The Nisei
8 min • 2018 • Canada • Documentary
Odd Girl
Dir/Writ: Meelad Moaphi, Prod: Meelad Moaphi, Shehrezade Mian, Ibrahim Khan
Day Break When the line between awake and asleep blurs, what is real? Dir/Writ, Prod: Louisa Phung 1 min • 2019 • Horror
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Canada
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English
MAMM 2019 1-minute Ultra Short: Winner
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Single Asian Male A gay Asian man in downtown Toronto tries to navigate life around racism within the LGBTQ community, and his own inner demons. Dir/Writ, Prod: Minh Ly Vancouver Premiere 8 min • 2019 • Drama
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Canada
Thicker Than Water Spurred into reconciling the rift between them through their father’s last written words, siblings Justin and Katie explore their inconsistent memories in a long lost photo journal. Dir/Writ: Joshua Lam, Emily Ma, Leslie Kwan, Prod: Joshua Lam, Martin Chan, Emily Ma, Leslie Kwan
Vancouver Premiere
for your favourite feature, performance, or short to win the
A widower has decided to sell his infant son and use the money to escape town with his young daughter. But just minutes before their scheduled departure, he confronts a sudden change of heart.
Canadian Premiere
Dir, Prod: Joshua Maikawa
VOTE
SUN 10 NOV 2019, 5:30–7:30PM Program 12 Aud 10 • Cineplex Odeon International Village
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English
Checkmate
Not Alone Hani is on a mission to solve a chilling mystery in her apartment after waking up from a series of suspicious noises. Dir: Roger Yue, David Wei, Writ: Roger Yue, Prod: Gerry Chow 1 min • 2019 • Canada • Horror, Comedy
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Thomas fights for his life in a literal game of chess with Death itself. Dir: Sebastian Ortiz, Dir/Writ: Fernando Rendon, Prod: Moheb Jindran, Allen Xu, Diego Tovar 1 min • 2019 • Canada • Drama/Comedy
English
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MAMM 2019 Fan’s Choice Award: Best Overall Ultra Short
Deep Take A young man loses hope as his cries for help are rejected by others.
When an actress discovers the sinister reason behind her director’s intentions, she gets more than she bargained for.
Dir/Writ, Prod: Brian Nguyen
Dir/Writ: Norman Yi Li, Prod: Norman Yi Li, Akash Motwani, Rafal Dybowski
1 min • 2019 • Drama
10 min English
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Canada
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English
MAMM 2019 1-minute Ultra Short: Runner Up
TICKETS ONLINE AT VAFF.ORG
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2019 • Canada Sci-fi thriller
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MAMM 2019 10-minute Short: Honourable Mention
VANCOUVER ASIAN FILM FESTIVAL
MAMM 2019 10-minute Short: Runner Up
English
MAMM 2019 1-minute Ultra Short: Honourable Mention
The Conversation
10 min • 2019 • Canada • English, Cantonese • Drama, Comedy
Grandma's 80th Surprise Fresh in love, a respectful young man is forced to confront his family's rigid traditions as he seeks the approval of the family matriarch, his formidable 80-yearold Grandma. Dir/Writ: Curtis Lum, Prod: Curtis Lum, Fola EvansAkingbola, Marc Yungco 10 min • 2019 • Canada • English, Cantonese, Toisan • Comedy
MAMM 2019 10-minute Short: Winner, Fan’s Choice Award: Best Overall Short, Fan’s Choice Award: Best Overall Performance: Lillian Lim
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PAIRED SHORTS
VARIOUS TIMES Various programs Aud 10 • Cineplex Odeon International Village
FRI 8 NOV 2019, 7PM Part of Program 3 Preceeding CANADIAN SPOTLIGHT: BECOMING LABRADOR
SIN-SFO
As they drive to San Francisco, married couple Angie and Danny debate a decision which will change their lives forever. Dir/Writ: Leon Cheo, Prod: Bill Gardner, Leon Cheo Canadian Premiere 11 min
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2019
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USA, Singapore
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English
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Drama
2019 National Youth Film Awards, 2018 Austin Film Festival, 2018 Singapore International Film Festival, 2019 DC Asian Pacific Film Festival, 2019 Singapore Shorts, 2019 Kota Kinabalu International Film Festival
SAT 9 NOV 2019, 7:30PM Part of Program 8 Preceeding CENTREPIECE SPOTLIGHT: EMPTY BY DESIGN
Nightcap: Mariana
Two strangers on a first date during the holidays enjoy a nightcap, only to discover that an ethereal song ties them together in ways they could never have imagined. Dir: Imani Hakim, Christopher Naoki Lee, Writ: Christopher Naoki Lee, Prod: Imani Hakim, Christopher Naoki Lee 10 min 35s
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2019
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USA
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English
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SUN 10 NOV 2019, 1:30PM Preceeding TERROLUN AND LUNLUN
Part of Program 10
My Daughter Yoshiko A Japanese-American mother struggles to cope with her daughter's autism diagnosis. Dir/Writ: Brian Blum, Kent Morita, Prod: David E. MunzMaire, Bryan Benitez, Ryan Beharry
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2019
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USA
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English/Japanese
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Motherhood Pregnant Miya Sakaguchi time travels from 2018 to 1994. She then discovers the shocking truth that in this era, mental patients are forced to abort their babies. Dir/Writ: Tatsuro Manno, Saki Matsumoto, Prod: Saki Matsumoto, Hayato Mitsuishi
Canadian Premiere 16 min
Drama
Drama
Zeno Mountain Award Winner at Miami Film Festival 2019
Canadian Premiere 19 min 25s
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2019
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Japan
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Japanese (English subs)
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Sci-fi
ADDITIONAL TICKETING INFORMATION REFUNDS & EXCHANGES & LOST VIP PASSES No refunds or exchanges on general admission tickets, group tickets, and special event tickets except in the case of program cancellation. Please keep your ticket stub. No refunds or exchanges on VIP Passes. Lost VIP Passes will be charged $30 for replacement and original VIP Passes will be canceled. RUSH TICKETS FOR SOLD OUT SCREENINGS
Mercedes-Benz Vancouver proud supporter of the VAFF. At Mercedes-Benz Vancouver, you’ll find one of the finest selections of Mercedes-Benz vehicles in Western Canada and a diverse group of award-winning sales consultants to assist you. We’re here to help you find the perfect Mercedes-Benz vehicle, with top-notch service in various languages. Visit Mercedes-Benz Vancouver at 550 Terminal Avenue or call 604.736.7411.
In the event of a sold-out program, a limited number of rush tickets may become available outside the venue box office approximately one hour before show time. As tickets become available, they will be sold to individuals in line order while supplies last. VENUES & PARKING INFO All VAFF screenings take place at Cineplex Odeon International Village Cinemas, 3rd floor, 88 West Pender Street, Vancouver, Nov 7 – 10. The theatre is half a block away from Skytrain’s Stadium Station. See translink.ca for a full list of bus routes & schedules. FREE PARKING UNDERGROUND – MORE DETAILS AT PAY STATION. FESTIVAL CONTACT INFO VAFF.ORG
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TICKETS ONLINE AT VAFF.ORG
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550 Terminal Avenue | 604 .736.7411 | mbvancouver.ca 15
VANCOUVER ASIAN FILM FESTIVAL
THANK YOU TO THE FOLLOWING VAFF 2019 FESTIVAL SPONSORS FOR MAKING THIS FESTIVAL POSSIBLE:
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BENEFACTORS
RICHARD WONG VAFF Lifetime Patron
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MEDIA PARTNERS
Everything Pinoy
MARKETING PARTNERS
VENDOR PARTNERS
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