FESTIVAL GUIDE
NOV 7-10, 2019
ABOUT VAFF
CREDITS
VAFF is the longest running Asian film festival in Canada. It was founded in 1995 and debuted in September 1997. Since then, tens of thousands of film lovers have experienced a diverse selection of North AmericanAsian and international films.
NO LIMITASIANS 2019 Art Direction, Concepts, Project Lead Vincent Wong
Each year VAFF attracts close to 4,000 audience members over its fourday festival and year round events. It also reaches many more through word of mouth, pre-festival events, and traditional and social media throughout the year. VAFF is entirely organized and produced by a group of dedicated volunteers, and is made possible by generous financial support from corporate sponsors, public funders, and private donors.
VAFF is dedicated to promoting and celebrating the diversity and depth of Asian culture and identity in film and media, and to help North American Asian actors and filmmakers more authentically and more powerfully define and express themselves on screen. Through its annual film festival and many other programs and events hosted in Vancouver, VAFF’s mission is to be the “go-to” forum for the public and the film industry to engage in and support the elevation of Asian inclusiveness in film and media. VAFF envisions a world where North American Asian actors and filmmakers have the resources and opportunities to shape mainstream culture in a powerful and positive way.
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FESTIVAL & TICKETING INFORMATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 VENUE MAPS & LEGEND. . . . . . . . . . . 5
SPECIAL GREETINGS . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 - 9 SPOTLIGHT FILMS. . . . . . . . . . . . . 10- 13 In a New York Minute . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Becoming Labrador. . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Empty by Design. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Yellow Rose. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
DOCUMENTARY FEATURES SERIES. . . . . . . . . . . . . 14- 17 Norman Mineta and His Legacy: An American Story . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 The World is Bright. . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Because We are Girls . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Geographies of Kinship. . . . . . . . . . 17
NARRATIVE FEATURES SERIES. . . . 18-19 Home Away. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Terrolun and Lunlun. . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
550 Terminal Avenue | 604 .736.7411 | mbvancouver.ca
Festival Program & Festival Guide designed by Mack Chung, Bea Armstrong, Jamie Loh, Amanda Wan, and Vincent Wong NO LIMITASIANS 2019 Artwork Models & Brand Ambassadors Ludi Lin and Aliza Vellani Makeup by Iya www.iyayujuico.com
LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
The Vancouver Asian Film Festival takes place upon the unceded ancestral territory of the Coast Salish Nations, of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh peoples. We are honoured to share the stories and experiences of our filmmakers upon this land.
TABLE OF CONTENTS WELCOME LETTERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 - 7
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NO LIMITASIANS 2019 Artwork Digital Compositing appearing in Festival Program and Festival Guide Cover, Posters, and Festival Digital Banners by Cake Imagery www.cakeimagery.com
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MISSION STATEMENT
Mercedes-Benz Vancouver proud supporter of the VAFF.
NO LIMITASIANS 2019 photography by Wolf & Wagner Photography www.wolfandwagner.com
SPECIAL PROGRAMS . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
AWARDS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 - 35
100 Stories Challenge Final Showdown . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Best Cinematography for Canadian Short Award . . . . . . . . . . 33
SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS . . . . . . . . . 21
Best Cinematography for Canadian Feature Award. . . . . . . . . 33
VSO - Tan Dun: Crouching Tiger & Beyond
21
Fireside Chat with Tan Dun . . . . . . 21
SCHEDULE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 - 23 SHORTS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 - 31 International Shorts. . . . . . . . . . . 24 - 25 Bruised 24 Cul-De-Sac 24 Daytime Moon 24 Justice for Vincent 25 Halwa 25 Year Zero 25 Following Jamie 25 BC Shorts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 -27 Into Here 26 Finding Uranus 26 Ricecake 26 Inner Space 26 Odd Girl 27 Braised Pork Belly 27 The Shipment 27 Canadian Shorts . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 - 29 Newborn 28 The Nisei 28 Single Asian Male 28 Worth 28 Not Alone 29 The Conservation 29 Day Break 29 Deep Take 29 Thicker Than Water 29 Grandma's 80th Surprise 29 Paired Shorts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 SIN-SFO 31 Nightcap: Mariana 31 Empty by Design 31 My Daughter Yoshiko 31 Motherhood 31
Best Director for Canadian Short Award . . . . . . . . . . 33 Best Canadian Feature Award. . . . . 33 Best Canadian Short Award . . . . . . 33 Judges. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
PANELS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 - 38 Asian Leading Men in Hollywood. . 36 Financing Your Film Project. . . . . . . 37 Getting in Sync . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
UPCOMING VAFF EVENT. . . . . . . . . . 39 A YEAR IN REVIEW. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
VAFF IS GOING TO VICTORIA . . . . . . 41 VAFF TEAM. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 - 43
VAFF Board of Directors. . . . . . . . . 42 VAFF Executives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
INDEX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 - 45
FESTIVAL SPONSORS. . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
FESTIVAL & TICKETING INFORMATION
VENUE MAPS & LEGEND
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 is located in the foyer of Cineplex Odeon International Village Cinemas starting from 6:00PM on November 7, 2019.
VAFF MEMBERSHIP Membership fee: $2
As many of the films have not been previously classified 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. 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.
SINGLE TICKETS
FESTIVAL PASSES
SPOTLIGHT FILMS: Opening Film | $20 Canadian Spotlight, Centrepiece Spotlight Film, Closing Film | $17 All Other Screenings | $15 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.
Before festival $100 During festival $150 Includes all regular screenings, special screenings, special events and membership fee.
OPENING NIGHT FILM + GALA TICKETS
VAFF INDUSTRY PARTY TICKETS
CELEBRATION PACKAGES VAFF INDUSTRY DAY PASS (3 PANELS )
THURSDAY 7 NOVEMBER Film screening: 7:00PM Afterparty: 9:30PM 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 8 NOVEMBER 8
SATURDAY 9 NOVEMBER
Party: 9:30PM to 11:30PM Location: Annex Theatre 823 Seymour St. Vancouver, BC Check VAFF.ORG for details. $10 | Limited tickets for sale. Complimentary hors d’oeuvres and cash bar.
RUSH TICKETS FOR SOLD OUT SCREENINGS 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.
VAFF 2019 PROGRAM SERIES
VAFF’s screening programs are organized into various series in order to better highlight the content of our festival: Spotlight Features Documentary Features Narrative Features Shorts Panels & Special Programming
from 11:00AM - 6:00PM
Location: International Arts Gallery Level 2 International Village Mall
88 W. Pender St. Vancouver, BC $45 | Limited tickets for sale
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.
CENTREPIECE FILM + PARTY TICKETS SATURDAY 9 NOVEMBER
CLOSING NIGHT FILM + PARTY TICKETS SUNDAY 10 NOVEMBER
Film screening: 7:30PM Location: Cineplex Odeon International Village Cinemas After party: 10:00PM to 1:00AM Location: The Blackbird Public House,
Film screening: 7:30PM Party: 9:30PM to Midnight Location: The Butcher & Bullock 911 W Pender St. Vancouver, BC $30 | Complimentary hors d’oeuvres and cash bar. MUST BE 19 TO ATTEND PARTY ID MAY MAY BE REQUESTED Includes single-use membership
2nd Floor, 905 Dunsmuir St. Vancouver, BC
$30 | Complimentary hors d’oeuvres and cash bar. MUST BE 19 TO ATTEND PARTY ID MAY BE REQUESTED. Included single-use membership
VENUE & 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.
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.
DOCUMENTARY SERIES BUNDLE
FREE PARKING UNDERGROUND – MORE DETAILS AT PAY STATION.
VAFF ON-SITE BOX OFFICE HOURS: Thu, Nov 7— 6:00PM–8:00PM Fri, Nov 8— 4:00PM–10:00PM Sat, Nov 9— 11:00AM–10:00PM Sun, Nov 10—1:00PM–7:00PM
VAFF is pleased to offer the following Ticket Bundles (available while tickets last for individual films).
FESTIVAL CONTACT INFO
Buy any 4 programs from our Documentary Series for $50!
SHORTS SERIES BUNDLE Buy three of the International Shorts, BC Shorts and Canadian Shorts programs together for $35!
VAFF.ORG • info@vaff.org @VAFFVANCOUVER • #VAFF
VAFF X VSO UPPER BALCONY BUNDLE Buy one Festival pass and 1 ticket of the Tan Dun: Crouching Tiger & Beyond concert for $139!
VAFF X VSO LOWER BALCONY BUNDLE
VAFF X VSO
Buy one Festival pass and 1 ticket of the Tan Dun: Crouching Tiger & Beyond concert for $193!
Buy one Festival pass and 1 ticket of the Tan Dun: Crouching Tiger & Beyond concert for $215.50!
FRONT ORCHESTRA BUNDLE
ADD EXTRA VALUE TO YOUR FESTIVAL EXPERIENCE!
TICKETS AND INFORMATION ONLINE AT VAFF.ORG
Find VAFF 2019 Ticket Bundles and additional extra-value Celebration Packages online here: FESTIVAL.VAFF.ORG/2019/TICKETS-PASSES
ALL DETAILS SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE. PLEASE CHECK OUR WEBSITE AT VAFF.ORG FOR THE LATEST DETAILS. 4
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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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WELCOME
BARBARA LEE
LYNNE LEE
Founder & President
Festival Director
Last year’s box office success of Crazy Rich Asians has been followed by more
Welcome to the 23rd annual Vancouver Asian Film Festival! This has been another exciting year of
achievements by Canadians of Asian heritage - Lilly Singh hosts her own late night talk
progress for Asian representation in film, and for VAFF. The new heights achieved by Asian diasporic
show, Simu Liu cast as a lead Marvel superhero and Sandra Oh, the first Asian
artists have inspired us to name this year’s theme – NO LIMITASIANS. I’m sure you will feel this
Canadian actress to be nominated for an Emmy in a leading role.
empowering spirit throughout the festival in our line up, including some new events.
VAFF continues to provide more opportunities to Asian-Canadian Actors, Writers and
Our spotlight series showcase star-studded films. The Opening Film, In a New York Minute, directed
Producers like our Ambassadors LUDI LIN and ALIZA VELLANI who are breaking glass
by Mandy Ximan Li, stars Amy Chang, Yi Liu, Celia Au (Wu Assassins), VAFF 2019 Brand Ambassador Ludi
ceilings in Hollywood and globally.
Lin (Power Rangers), Cheng Pei Pei. The Centrepiece Spotlight, Empty By Design by Andrea A.
Many say that the Asian community is splintered - Mainland Chinese, Hong Kong
Walter, starring and produced by Vancouver’s own Osric Chau (Supernatural), Rhian Ramos, Chris Pang
Chinese, Taiwanese, South Asian, Korean, Japanese, Vietnamese, Filipino, etc., but we
(Crazy Rich Asians), amongst others. We close the festival wtih multi-award winning Yellow Rose by
believe Canadians of Asian heritage who have made Canada their home are the glue
Diane Paragas, starring Broadway greats Eva Noblezada and Lea Salonga.
that brings all these diverse Asian communities together. We show the new immigrants
Amongst a line up of fantastic feature and short films, we shine a spotlight on Canadian documentarians
the life, family and community that can be achieved if we listen and share our stories
in thought provoking features including Becoming Labrador (Rohan Fernando, Tamara Segura, Justin
with each other. However, we need the continued support of businesses, institutions,
Simms), The World is Bright (Ying Wang), and Because We are Girls (Baljit Sangra).
mainstream media, individuals and benefactors like Richard Wong who have stepped
This year we have special presentations that support and promote Asians in Music as part of our AIM³
up to help fund initiatives like the 100 Stories Challenge that collects stories of Asian
series. We will announce winners to the Asians in Music Songwriting Competition, we will host a Music
Canadians sacrifices that helped make Canada one of the best countries in the world.
Sync Panel and an exclusive Fireside Chat with Tan Dun: Music with NO LIMITASIANS. We will also present
I would also like to thank Lynne Lee and her tireless team of Executives and Volunteers
a live pitch of Asian Canadian family stories in an inaugural event, our 100 Stories Challenge: The Final
that do all that they do without pay because they are passionate about representation.
Showdown.
Our hope is that the City, the Province and the Country will focus more on what brings
Of course, none of this would’ve happened without our entire volunteer Executive team, Board
us together rather than what tears us apart, as this is VAFF’s ongoing mission.
members, event volunteers, sponsors, donors, partners, supporters and audience. Thank you so much
Tell me your story and I’ll tell you mine.
for supporting our cause in giving voice to Asians and celebrating the splendour of diverse stories. I look forward to laughing, crying, gasping, and learning with you over the next few days.
Barbara Lee Lynne Lee
Founder and President
Festival Director
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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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SPECIAL GREETINGS
A MESSAGE FROM PREMIER
JOHN HORGAN
A MESSAGE FROM
A MESSAGE FROM SAM
PREMIER JOHN HORGAN
SULLIVAN
As Premier of the Province of British Columbia, I’m pleased to welcome everyone attending the 2019 Vancouver Asian Film Festival (VAFF) at Cineplex Odeon International Village Cinemas. As Premier of the Province of British Columbia, I’m pleased to welcome everyone attending the 2019 Vancouver Asian Film Festival (VAFF) at Cineplex Odeon
Bringing the lower mainland community togetherInternational for a showcase of Asian Canadian and Asian American Village Cinemas. film talent, this annual festival is a wonderful way Bringing to help build our inclusive communities and promote the lower mainland community together for a showcase of Asian Canadian and Asian American film talent, this annual festival wonderful way help build cultural exchange. From writing, production and directing to cinematography andis aacting, theto innovation our inclusive communities and promote cultural exchange. From writing, production and directing to cinematography and acting, innovation in andthis creativity of both and creativity of both emerging and established filmmakers whose works are the featured series each emerging and established filmmakers whose works are featured in this series each year continues to inspire and entertain audiences.year British are audiences. enriched byColumbians the ongoing success continuesColumbians to inspire and entertain British are enriched by the ongoing success of film festivals such as this that provide viewers with of film festivals such as this that provide viewers with engaging cinematic experiences and international engaging cinematic experiences and international perspectives. perspectives. Coordinating a series of film screenings that spans multiple days takes a great deal of Coordinating a series of film screenings that spans multiple days takes a great deal of time and dedication, and wouldVAFF like to extend my appreciation to the VAFF time and dedication, and I would like to extend my appreciation toI the Society, its volunteers Society, its volunteers and sponsors, for their contributions to enhancing cultural and sponsors, for their contributions to enhancingofferings cultural in BC. I also want thankthat allmake those in BC. offerings I also want to thank all those involved in theto productions up the 2019 program for sharing their voices and artistry in film. involved in the productions that make up the 2019 program for sharing their voices and artistry in film. Please accept my best wishes for anotherfestival. exciting and thought-provoking festival. Please accept my best wishes for another excitingEnjoy and thought-provoking the shows!
A MESSAGE FROM
ah Martin
Enjoy the shows!
On behalf of the constituents of Vancouver-False Creek, I am honoured to welcome and thank the many participants and dedicated volunteers of the 2019 Vancouver Asian Film Festival. This year marks the 23rd annual production of Canada's longest-running Asian film festival. With its intriguing theme NO LIMITASIANS the festival promises to once again inspire emerging artists and celebrate the tremendous achievements of performances worldwide. Congratulations on the success of the festival and thank you for all you do for our community.
PREMIER JOHN HORGAN L’honorable Yonah Martin
November, 2019
HONOURABLE JOHN HORGAN PREMIER OF BRITISH COLUMBIA
A MESSAGE FROM MAYOR
A Message from the Mayor
KENNEDY STEWART
A MESSAGE FROM
On behalf of the City of Vancouver and my colleagues on City Council, I want to extend my warmest greetings to everyone attending the 23rd Anniversary of the Vancouver Asian Film Festival (VAFF).
SUSAN JACKSON
BCAC CHAIR WELCOME LETTER: VANCOUVER ASIAN FILM FESTIVAL
The Vancouver Asian Film Festival, now in its 23rd year, showcases the talents of emerg established Asian Canadian and Asian American filmmakers.
On behalf of the City of Vancouver and my colleagues on City Council, I want to extend my warmest The Vancouver Asian Anniversary Film Festival is a of not-for-profit organization that endeavours to greetings to everyone attending the 23rd the Vancouver Asian Film Festival (VAFF).
The Vancouver Asian Film Festival, now in its 23rd year, showcases the talents of emerging and established Asian Canadian and Asian American filmmakers. The festival also seeks to provide a cultural bridge between different Asian and non-Asi
The Vancouver Asian Film Festival is themselves. a not-for-profit organization to provide a cultural communities The Festival will highlightthat the endeavours unique and creative film of emerging communities and established Asian and communities Asian American writers, bridge between the Asian talents and non-Asian and Canadian the Asian themselves. The producers, and directors by providing a venue to showcase their works. Festival will highlight the unique and creative film talents of emerging and established Asian Canadian and Asian American writers, producers, by providing a venue toimportant showcase As a city withand deepdirectors roots in the film and TV industry, VAFF is an eventtheir that works.
The festival also seeks to provide a cultural bridge between different Asian and non-Asian communities. In doing so, it in the forefront. provides Vancouver audiences with an exciting vision of the future with these filmmakers in the forefront.
provide a cultural bridge between the Asian and non-Asian communities and the Asian
In doing so, it provides Vancouver audiences vision of theYonah futureMartin with t The Honourable Yonah Martinwith an excitingL’honorable
As Premier of the Province of British Columbia, I’m pleased to welcome everyone attending the 2019 Vancouver Asian Film Festival (VAFF) at Cineplex Odeon International Village Cinemas.
The BC Arts Council has made equity, diversity, and access a strategic priority, and we a
The BC Arts Council has made equity, diversity, and access aimproving strategicaccess priority, and we aretocommitted to meaningful improvingand genuine forms of d to our programs better support such shared goals, the BC ArtsWith Council is pleased supportthe theBC Vancouver access to our programs to better support meaningful and genuine forms of diversity. such sharedtogoals, Arts Asian Film F October 2019 Council is pleased to support the Vancouver Asian Film Festival.
brings together international and local industry professionals, strengthening Vancouver
As a city with deep roots inasthe film and TV and industry, VAFF is anAmerica. important event that brings together a destination for film TV production in North international and local industry professionals, strengthening Vancouver as a destination for film and TV Thank you and congratulations to the filmmakers, artists, organizers, and volunteers production in North America. for another successful year of VAFF!
On behalf of the Council, I would like to thank the organizers and volunteers for all thei
the festival,for as well as theefforts VAFF audiences for showing their continued support On behalf of the Council, I would like to thank the organizerscreating and volunteers all their in creating the festival, as programming that celebrates diversity in film. well as the VAFF audiences for showing their continued support for programming that celebrates diversity in film.
Thank you and congratulations to the filmmakers, artists, organizers, and volunteers for another successful Sincerely, year of VAFF!
Enjoy the festival!
Enjoy the festival! Sincerely,
Bringing the lower mainland community together for a showcase of Asian Canadian HONORABLE LISA BEARE and Asian American film talent, this annual festival is a wonderful way to help build our inclusive communities and promote cultural exchange. From writing, production and directing to cinematography and acting, the innovation and creativity of both emerging and established filmmakers whose works are featured in this series each year continues to inspire and entertain audiences. British Columbians are enriched by the ongoing success of film festivals such as this that provide viewers with engaging cinematic experiences and international perspectives. Mayor Kennedy Stewart
A MESSAGE FROM
A MESSAGE FROM HONORABLE YONAH
Sincerely, and inspiring Festival. On behalf of the Senate of Canada, best wishes on another memorable
Coordinating a series of film screenings that spans multiple days takes a great deal want to extend of time and dedication, and I would like to extend my appreciation to the VAFF @VAFFVANCOUVER
your invaluable contributions.
I commend Lynne Lee and the VAFF Board of Directors for their leadership and dedication. I would also like to On commitment behalf of thetoSenate Canada, best wishes on another memorable acknowledge all the directors, writers, actors and crew for your artisticof excellence; and all the volunteers, Festival. sponsors and donors for your invaluable contributions.
A special thank you to all the organizers and volunteers of this year’s event for building a cultural bridge between so many communities in Metro Vancouver. I wish everyone an enjoyable and successful festival!
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(VAFF).
I commend Lynne Lee and the VAFF Boardtoof Directors for their l Since its debut in 1997, VAFF has successfully provided a platform for international and national filmmakers showcase dedication. would also like to acknowledge all the directors,inwriters, acto their creative works and talent. Today, the Festival attracts thousands of Iindependent filmmakers and movie enthusiasts your commitment to artistic excellence; and all the volunteers, sponsors support of cultural diversity, representation and authentic storytelling in Canadian cinema.
Our government is proud to support VAFF through the BC Arts Council. We believe in improving equity, access and diversity in arts and culture. That’s why we’re investing in this vibrant sector, bringing the BC Arts Council’s budget to a record high, and supporting festivals like this one.
#VAFF
MARTIN Warmest greetings to all those in attendance at the annual Vancouver Asian
(VAFF).
The theme of NO LIMITASIANS is timely with Asian representation increasing both on screen and behind the camera. By providing a forum for independent Canadian and American Asian filmmakers to share their work, VAFF is an important platform in this exciting time of change.
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A MESSAGE FROM THE HONOURABLE YONAH MART
Since its debut in 1997, VAFF has successfully provided a platform for in national filmmakers to showcase their creative works and talent. Toda Warmest greetings to all those in attendance at the annual Vancouver Asian Film Festival attracts thousands of independent filmmakers and movie enthusiasts in sup diversity, representation and authentic storytelling in Canadian cinema.
On behalf of Premier John Horgan and the Government of British Columbia I am honoured to welcome you to the 23rd annual Vancouver Asian Film Festival.
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Susan Jackson, Chair BC Arts Council
Tickets online at VAFF.ORG
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VANCOUVER ASIAN FILM FESTIVAL
The Hon. Yonah Martin Deputy Leader of the Opposition in the Senate
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SPOTLIGHT FILMS
The Spotlight Presentation features the Festival’s marquee film programs including the Opening Film, Canadian Spotlight, Centrepiece Spotlight, and Closing Film. ALL SCREENINGS
ALL SCREENINGS
Aud 10 | Cineplex Odeon International Village
THURSDAY 7 NOV 2019 7:00PM–9:30PM
PROGRAM 1 OPENING GALA FILM
Aud 10 | Cineplex Odeon International Village
FRIDAY 8 NOV 2019 7:00PM–9:00PM
PROGRAM 3 CANADIAN SPOTLIGHT
IN A NEW YORK MINUTE International Premiere
BECOMING LABRADOR
Director/Writer: Ximan Li Producer: Wayne Lin
Director: Rohan Fernando, Tamara Segura, Justin Simms Writer: Michael Crummey Producer: Rohan Fernando, Annette Clarke
102 min • 2019 • USA • English, Mandarin, Cantonese • Drama
70 min • 2019 • Canada • English • Documentary
SYNOPSIS
SYNOPSIS
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.
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.
In attendance: Ximan Li, Wayne Lin
Preceded by Short Film: SIN-SFO
Best Feature Film of SOHO International Film Festival 2019 Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival 2019 42nd Asian American International Film Festival
Rohan Fernando’s first documentary, Cecil’s Journey, won Best Film at the Atlantic International Film Festival and was nominated for a Gemini Award. His feature documentaries include Trudeau’s Other Children, Blood and Water, and The Chocolate Farmer. Fernando was most recently the creative producer for the NFB’s Space School and now serves as a producer for the Quebec and Atlantic Studio.
XIMAN LI Ximan "Mandy" Li was born in Shenyang, China before moving to Beijing at a young age. Hailing from a film family background, Ximan, whose father is a producer, naturally adopted a passion for filmmaking. She attended China's prestigious Central Academy of Drama with a focus on directing. Afterwards, she traveled to the United States to entroll in Pasadena's Artcenter College of Design, earning a masters of Fine Art degree in film production. Upon graduating, Ximan journeyed to New York to film her first feature In A New York Minute.
OPENING NIGHT FILM + GALA TICKET PACKAGE
TAMARA SEGURA Based in Newfoundland since 2012, Tamara Segura was awarded the 2013 RBC Michelle Jackson award for emerging female filmmakers. Her Canadian short film, Song for Cuba, was produced by the National Film Board of Canada. In 2016, Segura was invited to be a panelist at the Toronto International Film Festival’s Higher Learning program. Her films have won awards in Spain, Costa Rica, Cuba, Canada, and Mexico.
OPENING GALA PERFORMANCES
JUSTIN SIMMS
THURSDAY 7 NOVEMBER OPENING NIGHT FILM IN A NEW YORK MINUTE 7:00PM • Cineplex Odeon International Village OPENING NIGHT GALA 9:30PM to Midnight D6 AT PARQ VANCOUVER 39 Smithe St Vancouver, BC Melo Lv, Wild Waves, & ERR DAY DJ's
ROHAN FERNANDO
Buenos Aires Labor Film Festival 2019 Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 2019
VAFF INDUSTRY PARTY
One of the most prolific and acclaimed filmmakers in Eastern Canada, Justin Simms is especially focused on sharing the Newfoundland experience with a wide range of audiences. His works include Down to the Dirt, Hold Fast, the award-winning docudrama Hard Light.
FRIDAY 8 NOVEMBER MELO LV
WILD WAVES
OPENING GALA SPONSORED BY
ERR DAY DJ'S
COMMUNITY PARTNERS
9:30 PM to Midnight ANNEX 823 Seymour St, Vancouver, BC
COMMUNITY PARTNERS
$10 | Complimentary hors d’oeuvres and cash bar
$75 | Limited tickets for sale. 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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SPOTLIGHT FILMS
The Spotlight Presentations feature the Festival’s marquee film programs including the Opening Film, Canadian Spotlight, Centrepiece Spotlight and Closing Film. ALL SCREENINGS
ALL SCREENINGS
Aud 10 | Cineplex Odeon International Village
SATURDAY 9 NOV 2019 7:30PM–9:15PM
PROGRAM 8
Aud 10 | Cineplex Odeon International Village
SUNDAY 10 NOV 2019 7:30PM–9:30PM
PROGRAM 13 CLOSING FILM
CENTREPIECE SPOTLIGHT EMPTY BY DESIGN Canadian Premiere
YELLOW ROSE International Premiere
Director/Writer: Andrea A. Walter Producer: Osric Chau, Chris Pang, Chad Kennedy, Joann Banaga & Dante Basco
Director: Diane Paragas Writer: Diane Paragas, Andy Bienen, Annie J. Howell Producer: Rey Cuerdo, Cecilia Mejia, Diane Paragas & Orian Williams
86 min • 2019 • Philippines/USA • English/Tagalog • Drama
94 min • 2019 • Phillippines/USA • English • Drama, Music
SYNOPSIS SYNOPSIS
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.”
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.
In attendance: Andrea A. Walter, Osric Chau Preceded by Short Film: Nightcap: Mariana
In attendance: Cecilia Mejia Winner of Breakthrough Performance North American Narrative Feature Winner of Grand Jury Award North American Narrative Feature at Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival 2019 Comcast NarrativeAward CAAMFest 2019 42nd Asian American International Film Festival
Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival 2019 CAAMFest 2019 SOHO International Film Festival 2019, Austin Asian American Film Festival 2019 and more
ANDREA A. WALTER
DIANE PARAGAS
Andrea A. Walter is a British Filipina independent writer, director and producer who has worked on several productions. In addition, Walter works as a Senior Programmer at the Las Vegas Film Festival, and hopes to help grow the community that helped launch her film career. Empty by Design (2019) is her first feature film as a writer and director.
Diane Paragas is an award-winning director, editor, cinematographer and producer of commercials, narrative features and documentaries. She owns and operates Civilian Studios, a Brooklyn based production company. Her works include Brooklyn Boheme, Yellow Rose, and The Three Lives of David Wong.
CLOSING NIGHT FILM + AFTER PARTY PACKAGE
CENTREPIECE FILM + AFTER PARTY PACKAGE
SUNDAY 10 NOVEMBER
SATURDAY 9 NOVEMBER
CENTREPIECE FILM
CENTREPIECE FILM
YELLOW ROSE 7:30PM • Cineplex Odeon International Village
EMPTY BY DESIGN 7:30PM • Cineplex Odeon International Village
CLOSING NIGHT AFTER PARTY
AFTER PARTY: PARTY BY DESIGN 10:00PM to Midnight The Blackbird Public House 905 Dunsmuir St. 2nd Floor, Vancouver, BC
9:30PM to Midnight The Butcher & Bullock 911 W Pender St. Vancouver, BC
COMMUNITY PARTNERS
$30 | Complimentary hors d'oeuvres and cash bar
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COMMUNITY PARTNERS
$30 | Complimentary hors d'oevres and cash bar
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Tickets online at VAFF.ORG
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VANCOUVER ASIAN FILM FESTIVAL
13
DOCUMENTARY FEATURES SERIES
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. ALL SCREENINGS
ALL SCREENINGS
Aud 10 | Cineplex Odeon International Village
FRIDAY 8 NOV 2019 5:00PM–7:00PM
PROGRAM 2
Aud 10 | Cineplex Odeon International Village
FRIDAY 8 NOV 2019 9:00PM–11:15PM
PROGRAM 4
NORMAN MINETA AND HIS LEGACY: AN AMERICAN STORY Canadian Premiere
THE WORLD IS BRIGHT Director: Ying Wang Writer: Ying Wang, Lawrence Le Lam Producer: Ying Wang, Jian Ping Su
Director: Dianne Fukami Writer: Ken Chowder Producer: Debra Nakatomi, Dianne Fukami
115 min • 2019 • Canada • Mandarin & English • Documentary
56 min • 2019 • USA • English • Documentary, History, Biography
SYNOPSIS
SYNOPSIS
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.
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.
In attendance: Debra Nakatomi, Dianne Fukami
In attendance: Jian Ping Su, Lawrence Le Lam, Anthony Swan, Ying Wang 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
Vancouver International Film Festival 2019
MODERATOR
TAMLYN TOMITA Tamlyn Tomita made her screen debut in The Karate Kid, Part II and has since appeared in numerous feature films, television and theatre projects. She is also known for her roles in The Joy Luck Club; Picture Bride and Come See the Paradise, a film exploring the lives of a Japanese-American family and the internment of Japanese-Americans during World War II. Her list of film credits include The Day After Tomorrow, Tekken, Robot Stories, Four Rooms, Living Out Loud, Only the Brave, and Gaijin 2 – Ama me Como Sou.
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DIANNE FUKAMI
YING WANG
Emmy-award winner Dianne Fukami has produced, directed, and written more than a half-dozen documentaries on the Asian-American experience (mostly on Japanese-American history) which have been broadcast on PBS stations throughout the U.S. Her most recent documentary, Stories From Tohoku, was showcased at CAAMFest in 2014 and screened at film festivals in New York and Los Angeles.
Ying Wang is a filmmaker and multimedia artist. Born in Beijing and based in Vancouver, she is fascinated by stories that reveal the geopolitical complexity of global migration. Her works include Sisters and The World is Bright. Wang was also the Executive Producer of Tricks on the Dead: The Story of Chinese Labour Corps in WWI which won two Canadian Screen Awards.
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VANCOUVER ASIAN FILM FESTIVAL
15
DOCUMENTARY FEATURES SERIES
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. ALL SCREENINGS
ALL SCREENINGS
Aud 10 | Cineplex Odeon International Village
PROGRAM 5
SATURDAY 9 NOV 2019 12:30PM - 3:00PM
Aud 10 | Cineplex Odeon International Village
PROGRAM 9
SATURDAY 9 NOV 2019 9:45PM - 11:15PM
BECAUSE WE ARE GIRLS
GEOGRAPHIES OF KINSHIP Canadian Premiere
85 min • 2019 • Canada • English • Documentary
82 min • 2019 • USA/Sweeden/Switzerland/South Korea • English, Korean • Documentary
SYNOPSIS
SYNOPSIS
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, our 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.
Director/Writer: Baljit Sangra Producer: Selwyn Jacob
Director/Writer/Producer: Dean Borshay Liem
In attendance: Baljit Sangra, Selwyn Jacob
Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival 2019, Doxa Documentary Film Festival 2019, SEOUL International Women's Film Festival 2019 and more
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
DEAN BORSHAY LIEM
BALJIT SANGRA Baljit Sangra is a Vancouver-based filmmaker who uses factual entertainment to explore social issues. A three-time Leo Award nominee, Sangra’s films have premiered at festivals around the world. Her previous documentaries include Hockey United, the award-winning Many Rivers Home, and Warrior Boyz. Sangra has previously sat on the board of the Documentary Organization of Canada and the Vancouver Asian Film Festival.
Deann Borshay Liem has over 20 years of experience working in development, production and distribution of independent documentaries. In addition to the new film, Geographies of Kinship, she is the producer, director, and writer of the Emmy Award-nominated documentary, First Person Plural, as well as the award-winning films In the Matter of Cha Jung Hee and Memory of Forgotten War.
COMMUNITY PARTNERS
16
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VANCOUVER ASIAN FILM FESTIVAL
17
NARRATIVE FEATURES SERIES
VAFF 2019 introduces international feature films that place a spotlight on the vibrant societies of China and Japan.
ALL SCREENINGS
ALL SCREENINGS
Aud 10 | Cineplex Odeon International Village
SATURDAY 9 NOV 2019 5:15PM–7:15PM
PROGRAM 7
Aud 10 | Cineplex Odeon International Village
SUNDAY 10 NOV 2019 1:30PM–3:15PM
PROGRAM 10
HOME AWAY Canadian Premiere
TERROLUN AND LUNLUN Canadian Premiere
Director/Writer/Producer: Oliver Yan
Director: Hiroyuki Miyagawa, Tomoko Kawanoue Writer: Tomoko Kawanoue Producer: Yuki Okuno, Tohru Mishima
97 min • 2017 • China • Chinese (English subs) • Drama
49 min • 2018 • Japan • Japanese (English subs) • Drama
SYNOPSIS
SYNOPSIS
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 face the risk of losing their home.
After a tragic accident, Terrolun becomes a hikikomori (an extreme shutin), 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. In attendance: Hiroyuki Miyagawa Preceded by Short Films: My Daughter Yoshiko and Motherhood
Marché du Film at the Cannes Film Festival 2018 Winner of Los Angeles Film Awards Best Director Feature Film Florence Film Awards 2019 Gold Winner Latitude Film Awards 2019
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
OLIVER YAN
HIROYUKI MIYAGAWA
Oliver Yan is a Chinese writer and producer. Born in Shanghai, Yan made his first short film R in 2008, eventually winning the Best Foreign Short Film at the Washougal Film Festival. His most well known works include his debut feature Flipping, The Help and his latest feature, Home Away, which won Best Picture at the Los Angeles Film Awards.
Hiroyuki Miyagawa was born in Hiroshima, Japan. After graduating from university, he started working at a production company and subsequently went freelance. In 2007, he established buzzCrow inc. and is now producing TV commercials. His first short film fan-tasy won a prize at the Short Shorts Film Festival & Asia 2015.
COMMUNITY PARTNERS
18
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VANCOUVER ASIAN FILM FESTIVAL
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SPECIAL PROGRAMS
SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS
This special event is a chance for the audience to become the judges. Finalists of the first ever 100 Stories Challenge competition will pitch their stories in front of the audience in order to win.
VAFF is proud to partner up with the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra (VSO) to bring you two unique chances to see internationally celebrated film composer Tan Dun on Saturday November 9, 2019. Join Tan Dun for an intimate conversation on his work in the afternoon from 3PM-4PM at in the International Village's International Arts Gallery, and then experience his work onstage with the VSO at the Orpheum Theatre at 8:00PM. Ticket bundles are available online at VAFF.ORG/TANDUN.
100 STORIES CHALLENGE FINAL SHOWDOWN FRIDAY 8 NOV 2019 • 8:00PM–9:15PM • ANNEX
VSO
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.
SATURDAY 9 NOV 2019 • 8:00PM • ORPHEUM THEATRE
WHAT IS THE 100 STORIES CHALLENGE? The 100 Stories Challenge aims to collect stories over the next three years that uncover extraordinary lives of regular Asians in Canada. Maybe your granddad was a star lacrosse player in BC, or your auntie is Canada’s first Asian female pilot. VAFF is dedicated to creating more opportunities to share Asian Canadian stories through film and TV, and we hope that this particular challenge will encourage intergenerational dialogue and connections. We hope that by the end of this Challenge we will have collected more than 100 stories documenting the legacy of Asians in Canada.
OUR THANKS TO
TAN DUN: CROUCHING TIGER & BEYOND
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.
Tickets at: myVSO.ca/tan-dun VAFF Festival Passholders enjoy an exclusive 10% discount when Festival Pass is presented at ticket purchase.
IN COLLABORATION WITH THE
RICHARD K. WONG & GRACE WONG
Vancouver Asian Film Festival
FIRESIDE CHAT WITH TAN DUN: MUSIC WITH NO LIMITASIANS SATURDAY 9 NOV 2019 • 3:00PM–4:00PM INTERNATIONAL ARTS GALLERY LEVEL 2, INTERNATIONAL VILLAGE MALL, 88 W. PENDER ST VANCOUVER
FOR MAKING OUR
100 STORIES CHALLENGE POSSIBLE Richard K. Wong was inspired to partner with VAFF to create this challenge when he learned the story of a little known Chinese Canadian WW1 hero, Frederick Lee. “This is quite a fabulous patriotic story, especially for Asian Canadians. This should be a film!” exclaimed Mr. Wong. It was through this idea that we created the 100 Stories Challenge, to encourage screenwriters and filmmakers to look at forgotten homegrown stories to develop. Vancouver Asian Film Festival is delighted that Mr. Wong, without hesitation, committed $35, 000 in financial support over the next 3 years to see VAFF and 100 Stories Challenge grow. VAFF is humbled by Mr. and Mrs. Wong’s unwavering support for Asian Canadian Film and Television. Mr. Wong chaired the National Committee of the Canada Day Drumming Celebration. The Celebration features simultaneous drumming across 13 Canadian cities to promote diversity, multicultural harmony, peace and love for a better world. It also established the Guinness World Record for the most nationalities in a drumming circle. Mr. Wong is the founding president of the Chinese Entrepreneurs Society of Canada and won the international competition to bring the fourth World Chinese Entrepreneurs Convention (WCEC) to Vancouver in 1997. Mr. Wong was also instrumental in having a flag pole erected in Vancouver’s Chinatown to recognize the contributions of Chinese Canadians. He was awarded with the Medal of Merit, the International Lions Club’s highest honor to a non-Lion.
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.
MODERATOR BUY BOTH VSO AND VAFF TICKETS TOGETHER! PURCHASE BUNDLES AT VAFF.ORG/TANDUN VAFF x VSO Bundles include a ticket to Tan Dun: Crouching Tiger & Beyond and a VAFF 2019 Festival Pass. TINA SONG Tina Song, has been a reporter since 2006. She joined OMNI News in 2011 as a reporter and writer.
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VANCOUVER ASIAN FILM FESTIVAL
SPONSORED BY
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MY DAUGHTER YOSHIKO
FILM PROJECT
2:00pm
FESTIVAL SCHEDULE - DAYS 1 AND 2
1:30PM | Auditorium 10
1:00PM | International Arts Gallery
FESTIVAL SCHEDULE - DAYS 3 AND 4 SHORTS (PRECEDING TERROLUN AND LUNLUN)
MOTHERHOOD
1:30PM | Auditorium 10 NARRATIVE FEATURE (INT.)
3:00pm
SHORTS (INT.)
FIRESIDE CHAT w/ TAN DUN: MUSIC WITH NO LIMITASIANS
BRUISED CUL-DE-SAC DAYTIME MOON JUSTICE FOR VINCENT HALWA YEAR ZERO FOLLOWING JAMIE
3:00PM | International Arts Gallery
4:00pm
FRI NOVEMBER 8
THURS NOVEMBER 7
TERROLUN AND LUNLUN
SPECIAL PRESENTATION
1:30PM | Auditorium 10 SHORTS
SAT NOVEMBER 9
3:00PM | Auditorium 10
5:00pm
5:00pm
DOCUMENTARY
11:00am
AIM3 SERIES
GETTING IN SYNC WITH YOUR MUSIC
NORMAN MINETA AND HIS LEGACY: AN AMERICAN STORY
5:15PM | Auditorium 10
1:00pm VAFF I2 INDUSTRY PANEL SERIES
FINANCING YOUR FILM PROJECT
7:00pm
7:00pm
SHORTS
SPOTLIGHT FILMS Opening Night Film
8:00pm
12:30PM | Auditorium 10 5:30PM | Auditorium 10
1:00PM | International Arts Gallery
SHORTS (PRECEDING TERROLUN AND LUNLUN)
SHORTS
SPOTLIGHT CANADIAN
BECOMING LABRADOR
SPECIAL PRESENTATION
7:00PM | Auditorium 10
100 STORIES CHALLENGE: FINAL SHOWDOWN
8:00pm
9:00PM | Auditorium 10
5:00pm
SPOTLIGHT
NIGHTCAP: MARIANA (preceding Empty by Design)
9:00pm
SPOTLIGHT
CENTREPIECE
EMPTY BY DESIGN
VAFF INDUSTRY PARTY
FRI NOVEMBER 8
FIRESIDE CHAT w/ TAN DUN: CROUCHING TAN DUN: MUSIC WITH TIGER AND BEYOND NO LIMITASIANS 8:00PM | Orpheum 3:00PM | International Arts Gallery
4:00pm
DOCUMENTARY
10:00pm
9:30PM | Annex DOCUMENTARY
3:00pm
SPECIAL PRESENTATION SPECIAL PRESENTATION VSO TAN DUN CONCERT
7:30PM | Auditorium 10
7:30PM | Auditorium 10
DOCUMENTARY
THURS NOVEMBERTHE7WORLD IS BRIGHT
1:30PM | Auditorium 10
MOTHERHOOD
8:00PM | Annex
OPENING NIGHT VIP GALA
FILMMAKER BRUNCH
NOT ALONE 11:30AM | Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden THE CONVERSATION(Filmmaker Passholders Only) DAY BREAK CHECKMATE DEEP TAKE THICKER THAN WATER SHORTS (PRECEDING TERROLUN AND LUNLUN) GRANDMA’S 80TH MY DAUGHTER YOSHIKO SURPRISE
1:30PM | Auditorium 10
SPOTLIGHT FILMS
9:00pm
10:00pm
NEWBORN THE NISEI SINGLE ASIAN MALE DOCUMENTARY WORTH BECAUSE WE ARE GIRLS
(preceding Becoming Labrador)
7:00PM | Auditorium 10 | Preceding by VAFF 2019 Opening Ceremony
9:30PM | D6 Parq Vancouver
2:00pm
SHORT CANADIAN SHORTS & MAMM
SIN-SFO
IN A NEW YORK MINUTE
SUN NOVEMBER 10
3:30PM | Auditorium 10
IN HOLLYWOOD
HOME AWAY 12:00pm 11:00AM | International Arts Gallery
6:00pm
6:00pm
VAFF I2 INDUSTRY PANEL SERIES
ODD GIRL BRAISED PORK BELLY THE SHIPMENT
ASIAN NARRATIVE FEATURE (INT.) LEADING MEN
4:30PM | International Arts Gallery
5:00PM | Auditorium 10
BC SHORTS
INTO HERE FINDING URANUS RICECAKE INNER SPACE
GEOGRAPHIES OF KINSHIP 9:45PM | Auditorium 10
CENTREPIECE AFTER PARTY: PARTY BY DESIGN 3
5:00pm
AIM SERIES 9:30PM | The Blackbird Public House
GETTING IN SYNC WITH YOUR MUSIC
NORMAN MINETA AND HIS LEGACY: AN AMERICAN STORY
4:30PM | International Arts Gallery
5:00PM | Auditorium 10
6:00pm
6:00pm
7:00pm
7:00pm
CLOSING FILM
YELLOW ROSE SHORTS (INT.) 7:30PM| Auditorium 10
BRUISED Followed by VAFF 2019 Awards Presentations CUL-DE-SAC DAYTIME MOON JUSTICE FOR VINCENT HALWA YEAR ZERO FOLLOWING JAMIE CLOSING NIGHT 10 AFTER PARTY 3:00PM | Auditorium 9:30PM | The Butcher & Bullock
NARRATIVE FEATURE (INT.)
TERROLUN AND LUNLUN 1:30PM | Auditorium 10 SHORTS
BC SHORTS
INTO HERE FINDING URANUS RICECAKE INNER SPACE 3:30PM | Auditorium 10
NARRATIVE FEATURE (INT.)
HOME AWAY
SHORT CANADIAN SHORTS & MAMM
5:15PM | Auditorium 10
NEWBORN THE NISEI SINGLE ASIAN MALE WORTH
5:30PM | Auditorium 10 SHORTS
SPOTLIGHT FILMS Opening Night Film
(preceding Becoming Labrador)
IN A NEW YORK MINUTE
SHORTS
SPOTLIGHT FILMS SPOTLIGHT CANADIAN
8:00pm
BECOMING LABRADOR
SPECIAL PRESENTATION
7:00PM | Auditorium 10
100 STORIES CHALLENGE: FINAL SHOWDOWN
9:00pm
8:00PM | Annex
8:00pm
(preceding Empty by Design)
7:30PM | Auditorium 10 SPOTLIGHT
9:00pm
9:00PM | Auditorium 10
9:30PM | D6 Parq Vancouver
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#VAFF
CENTREPIECE
EMPTY BY DESIGN
SPECIAL PRESENTATION
VSO TAN DUN CONCERT
TAN DUN: CROUCHING TIGER AND BEYOND
CLOSING FILM
YELLOW ROSE 7:30PM| Auditorium 10
Followed by VAFF 2019 Awards Presentations
8:00PM | Orpheum
7:30PM | Auditorium 10
THE WORLD IS BRIGHT OPENING NIGHT VIP GALA
SPOTLIGHT
NIGHTCAP: MARIANA
DOCUMENTARY
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NOT ALONE THE CONVERSATION DAY BREAK CHECKMATE DEEP TAKE THICKER THAN WATER GRANDMA’S 80TH SURPRISE
SIN-SFO
7:00PM | Auditorium 10 | Preceding by VAFF 2019 Opening Ceremony
10:00pm
ODD GIRL BRAISED PORK BELLY THE SHIPMENT
•
VAFF INDUSTRY PARTY 9:30PM | Annex
@VAFFVANCOUVER
DOCUMENTARY
10:00pm
Tickets online at VAFF.ORG
•
GEOGRAPHIES OF KINSHIP
CENTREPIECE AFTER PARTY: PARTY BY DESIGN
CLOSING NIGHT AFTER PARTY
9:45PM | Auditorium 10
9:30PM | The Blackbird Public House
9:30PM | The Butcher & Bullock
VANCOUVER ASIAN FILM FESTIVAL
23
SHORTS: INTERNATIONAL SHORTS Short films from beyond our borders that will inspire, engage, and excite. Filmmakers in attendence.
ALL SCREENINGS
ALL SCREENINGS
Aud 10 | Cineplex Odeon International Village
Aud 10 | Cineplex Odeon International Village
SATURDAY 9 NOV 2019 3:00 PM–5:00 PM
PROGRAM 6
BRUISED
DIRECTORS Rok Won Hwang & Samantha Tu
Canadian Premiere
2 min 42s • 2019 • USA • English • Animation, Family
Rok won Hwang Rok is an introverted international student from South Korea who struggled to fit in when she first came to America. She firmly believes that animation is a powerful tool for communicating with people. Through her work, she tries to shine a spotlight on those who like to hide in the corner, or on characters who may feel they are undeserving. Samantha Tu Samantha grew up in the US, Taiwan, and China throughout her childhood. She was brought up on Disney animated movies and started storytelling through drawing comics in middle school. She eventually got into the Computer Animation major at Ringling College of Art and Design in the U.S. and aims to create stories that connect people.
A young girl who is abused at home is afraid to participate in class because of her bruise. As she sits at the back of the classroom, she cannot focus on her test. Despite trying her best to hide the secret from her classmates, will she be able to keep the secret from being discovered? Dir/Writ: Rok won Hwang & Samantha Tu Prod: Ringling College of Art and Design
CUL-DE-SAC
Canadian Premiere
13 min • 2019 • USA • English • Drama, Suspense
On the morning of her annual Memorial Day barbecue, a young mother, Jiya, is threatened by the tormenting symptoms of postpartum psychosis. Overwhelmed, she tries to suppress the sense of dread as her mental state worsens, but her sense of reality begins to deteriorate when the final guest arrives- her mother.
Cara Lawson
With a background in behavioral psychology, Cara Lawson moved to study directing at Columbia College Chicago in 2011. In 2015, Lawson attended the American Film Institute (AFI) Conservatory where she was eventually awarded a full-tuition scholarship. Lawson’s work draws upon her multi-ethnic background to fuse different cultures together and showcase diversity.
Dir/Writ: Cara Lawson Writ: Lisa Wilkinson Prod: John J. Lozada & Miguel Lozano
DAYTIME MOON
LA Shorts International Film Festival
North American Premiere
14 min 52s • 2019 • USA • English • Drama
Daehyung bumps into his ex-girlfriend Rebecca while auditioning for the movie that casts Asian leading roles. But soon, he realizes that he might have to compete with Rebecca to get the part.
Kyung Sok Kim
Dir: Kyung Sok Kim Writ: Kyung Sok Kim & Rex Reyes II Prod: Rex Reyes
JUSTICE FOR VINCENT
Vancouver Premiere
17 min • 2018 • USA •English • Drama
Mistaken for being Japanese, Chinese American citizen Chin was bludgeoned to death with a baseball bat by two auto workers during the so-called “Japanese Auto Invasion” in Detroit 1982. The failure of the justice system along with Chin’s murder sparked what is regarded as the first PanAsian civil rights movement in America.
HALWA
16 min • 2019 • USA • English/Hindi • Drama
DIRECTORS Gayatri Bajpai & Nirav Bhakta
Dir/Writ: Gayatri Bajpai & Nirav Bhakta Prod: Vee Kumari, Kelsey Fordham, Gayatri Bajpai & Nirav Bhakta
YEAR ZERO
Short Film First Place Winner at HBO APA Visionaries 2019
Canadian Premiere
When the Khmer Rouge regime seized control of Cambodia in 1975, the country plunged into civil war and was ravaged by mass killings, famine, torture and disease. With nothing left to lose, two young brothers do whatever it takes for a chance to survive.
15 min 54s • 2018 • USA • Khmer (English subs) • Drama/Thriller
David Siev
Best Narrative Short DC Asian Pacific American Film Festival 2018, and more Canadian Premiere
17 min 57s • 2019 • USA • English • Drama
Social media influencer, Jamie Chen moves to Los Angeles to further her career in the entertainment industry when she meets a waitress and Broadway aspirant named Quinn Villanueva. The two take to town, as seen through the lens of Jamie’s social media accounts. Attention towards Quinn from Jamie’s followers causes a riff in their friendship leading Quinn to question whether their friendship is real or manufactured.
Gayatri Bajpai Gayatri Bajpai is a director of numerous short films including Rio (2017), a short film produced by James Franco, and produced a documentary entitled Distant Vision (2016), a two-time UCLA Directors’ Spotlight Winner. With a multiethnic, international upbringing, Bajpai is interested in stories about people who find themselves caught between cultures. Nirav Bhakta Raised as an undocumented immigrant, Nirav Bhakta began his journey in film as an actor. With the lack of authentic roles for AsianAmericans, Bhakta created narratives focusing on the immigrant experience. He made his first experimental short film Honor, which traveled to film festivals around the world including the UK Asian Film Festival.
As the child of a Cambodian refugee, David Siev grew up listening to his father’s stories of surviving the Cambodian genocide. Making his directorial debut, Siev brings to life the brutality of the Khmer Rouge regime and the resilience of the Cambodian people in Year Zero.
Dir/Writ: David Siev Prod: David Siev, Jaclyn Siev, Katarina Vasquez & Michael Meinhold
Charles J Gray
Dir/Writ: Charles Gray, Kaitlyn Fae Prod: Charles Gray, Jane Fersen
Charles Gray is a Filipino-American Writer and Director from West Covina, CA. Motivated by his family’s legacy in the entertainment business, he attended film school at The Art Institute Of Orange County. Since then he has started Weird Creatures Productions where he plans to curate content that shines a light on diversity, representation, and the Filipino-American experience.
Houston Asian American Pacific Islander Film Festival 2019 and more.
Lawrence Chau & Andy Palmer Canadian writer, producer, lead actor Lawrence Chau called upon director Andy Palmer to realize his long-held vision of Justice For Vincent. The story was personal for Chau for he saw his own mother in Vincent’s mother, Lily. The story also resonated with Palmer for he, too, felt the bitterness of discrimination in conservative America after marrying an Asian Pacific Islander.
Dir: Lawrence Chau & Andy Palmer Writ: Lawrence Chau, Prod: Lawrence Chau
Best Narrative Short LA Film Awards 2019, and more
VOTE for your favourite feature, performance, or short to win the
PEOPLE'S CHOICE AWARD! Online voting begins November 7 at
COMMUNITY PARTNERS
24
On the eve of her wedding anniversary, empty-nester Sujata Chopra attempts to find some joy in her broken marriage, up until she learns about the passing of her childhood companion’s spouse on Facebook. Having been disconnected from this woman over a misunderstanding, Sujata finds the courage to reach out to send her condolences. They reconnect, sparking friction once Sujata’s controlling husband finds out.
Canadian Premiere
FOLLOWING JAMIE Born and raised in Seoul, Kyung Sok Kim holds a BA in Film and Theater from Hanyang University. His award winning short films have been screened in both South Korea and Canada. His recent film, Furthest From, was the recipient of the Francis H. Tucke Scholarship. Kim is currently pursuing an MFA at the American Film Institute (AFI) Conservatory.
SATURDAY 9 NOV 2019 3:00 PM–5:00 PM
PROGRAM 6
VAFF.ORG/VOTE
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SHORTS: BC SHORTS
The best short films from BC filmmakers that will stimulate the senses, stir the soul, and expand the mind. Filmmakers in attendence.
ALL SCREENINGS
ALL SCREENINGS
Aud 10 | Cineplex Odeon International Village
PROGRAM 11
SUNDAY 10 NOV 2019 3:30PM–5:00PM
Aud 10 | Cineplex Odeon International Village
PROGRAM 11
SUNDAY 10 NOV 2019 3:30PM–5:00PM
DIRECTORS INTO HERE
DIRECTORS ODD GIRL
Calvin A. Jay
6 min • 2018 • Canada • English • Romance, Period
Tony, an immigrant, comes home to a beautiful neighbour across the hall. Inside his leaky apartment, and after making himself a frugal meal, Tony counts his earnings while dreaming of prosperity. When the neighbour comes knocking, he almost chooses to let her in. Ultimately, it’s his memory of love overseas that triumphs temptation.
Rami Kahlon
World Premiere
12 min 40s • 2019 • Canada • English • Thriller Calvin A. Jay is a writer/director from Vancouver, BC. He is a graduate of Capilano's School of Motion Picture Arts and BCIT's Journalism program. Calvin believes in cultural diversity and supports the growth of Asian filmmakers.
6 min 56s • 2019 • Canada, Hong Kong • English • Animation, Sci-Fi
BRAISED PORK BELLY
Ivan Li A Coming of Age Sci Fi film about Lost and Found
INNER SPACE
Ricecake is a short documentary about Shay Dior, a key player in Vancouver’s queer asian community. Dior is known primarily for being the mother of the House of Rice, a drag house that recruits only Asian drag queens. Dior is also a co-founder of Ricecake, Vancouver’s only queer asian party. Dir/Writ/Prod: Yuko Fedrau, Anne Canute Miranda Choo & Emi Takematsu de Lint 5th Annual ACAM 350 Screening & Vancouver QueerFilm Festival 2019
9 min 54s • 2019 • Canada • English • Sci-fi, Drama
THE SHIPMENT
Yuko Fedrau
Canadian Premiere
27 min • 2018 • Canada • English • Sci-f Yuko Fedrau is a student at the University of British Columbia majoring in Art History and minoring in Asian Canadian/ Asian Migration Studies. In her research, she examines culture through a postcolonial and queer lens. Ricecake will be Fedrau’s very first step into the world of documentary filmmaking.
Kaiden Katar is a widowed, blue-collar, interplanetary transporter forced to land his broken ship at a remote spaceport after losing his valuable cargo of alien livestock. Poor and unable to afford the massive repair bill, Kaiden is stranded with his young daughter Zohra on the grimy shipyard inhabited by strange creatures and shady characters.
Bobby Bala
Dir/Writ: Bobby Bala, Prod: Arun Fryer & Ana Carrizales
Bobby Bala is an emerging filmmaker with a strong background in VFX and computer animation. He has worked as a motion capture specialist and 3D animator for video game companies before pursuing his new endeavor into filmmaking.
Australia SciFi Film Festival October 2018
Chosen to be one of the first colonizers on Mars, a young woman must face the reality of leaving her home planet for good.
Born and raised in Vancouver, Canada, Jamie Lam is a recent graduate of the BFA Film Production program at the University of British Columbia. As an aspiring writer-director, Lam hopes to travel the world working in writing rooms and directing for the screen. Inner Space is her first produced short that she wrote and directed.
Dir/Writ: Jamie Lam Prod: Jenny Lee-Gilmore, Jamie Lam & Luke Strahm Persistence of VIsion Film Festival 29
VOTE
for your favourite feature, performance, or short to win the
PEOPLE'S CHOICE AWARD!
Online voting begins Nov 7 at
VAFF.ORG/VOTE
COMMUNITY PARTNERS
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Helen Liu is a writer / director born and raised in China and came to Vancouver for film studies. Her stories are inspired by everyday life and by celebrating the ordinary. In her stories she tries to bring every character to life, giving them a sense of reality in a dramatic piece.
Dir/Writ: Helen Liu Prod: Duy Tong
Jamie Lam
Canadian Premiere
Braised Pork Belly is a short drama on the interrelationships between food, culture, and family. It specifically speaks to Chinese culture and the inherent history of food that makes up so much of the backbone of the culture.
Ivan Li is a teacher's nightmare, multimedia stuff maker. Born and raised in Hong Kong, BMA grad at Emily Carr University of Art and Design.
Ottawa International Animation Festival 2019 Emily Carr University President Media Award (Scholarship) 2019
7 min 55s • 2019 • Canada • English • Short Documentary
Helen Liu
12 min 52s • 2019 • Canada • Chinese, English • Drama
Dir/Writ/Prod: Ivan Li
RICECAKE
Rami Kahlon is an actor, writer, and director from Surrey, British Columbia. Getting her start as a filmmaker through the Summer Visions Film Institute, she worked diligently to hone her writing and directing skills. She is passionate about creating independent content and looks forward to contributing to more homegrown productions.
Dir/Writ: Rami Kahlon Prod: Andy Wong
Dir/Writ: Calvin A. Jay Prod: Capilano University
FINDING URANUS
Dylan, a popular and charismatic high school student, finds his perfect existence compromised by the unwelcome attention of the outcast, Belinda. He is compelled to dig deeper into Belinda’s true intentions, but what he discovers is something that turns his whole world upside down.
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VANCOUVER ASIAN FILM FESTIVAL
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SHORTS: CANADIAN SHORTS
An odyssey through life in multiculture that has become an annual favourite. Includes the winning 10-minute short films and 1-minute ultra shorts from VAFF's 14th annual Mighty Asian Moviemaking Marathon (MAMM14). Filmmakers in attendence.
ALL SCREENINGS
Aud 10 | Cineplex Odeon International Village
SUNDAY 10 NOV 2019 5:30PM - 7:30PM
PROGRAM 12
ALL SCREENINGS
Aud 10 | Cineplex Odeon International Village
PROGRAM 12
SUNDAY 10 NOV 2019 5:30PM - 7:30PM
DIRECTORS NEW BORN
DIRECTORS
6 min 13s • 2018 • Canada • English • Drama
Ray Savaya is a filmmaker from Toronto. He arrived in Canada when his parents escaped the Gulf War. Savaya's work has been accepted into festivals including Cannes, TIFF, VIFF, and LA Shorts Fest. He has won a short film competition for Jimmy Kimmel Live! and a writing competition for The Simpsons. Savaya's directorial debut, Newborn, is his most personal project to date.
Tensions arise when a couple discusses how to name their newborn child and realize the impact of their decision. Dir/Writ: Ray Savaya, Prod: Vaishni Majoomdar, Barbara Szeman & Ray Savaya Stony Brook Film Festival 2019 and more
THE NISEI
A documentary about the grandparents of filmmaker Joshua Maikawa, Frank and Susan Maikawa, and their experiences as second generation Japanese Canadians.
Dir/Writ/Prod: Steven Burley
With an impending threat looming over his life, a poor widower has decided to sell his infant son to an anonymous woman who can give it a home. He plans to use the money to escape town with his young daughter. Minutes before their scheduled departure, he insists on seeing the adoptive mother as he confronts a sudden change of heart.
Louisa Phuong Louisa Phung is a director and producer based out of Vancouver. A graduate of the Bachelor of Performing Arts Degree from Capilano University, Louisa has worked professionally in the Film and Television industry for over 15 years on productions such as Apple TV's See, and Netflix's Chilling Adventures of Sabrina.
A young woman, who while finishing a paper in the early hours of the morning, falls deep into sleep paralysis. MAMM 2019 1-minute Ultra Short: Winner
Dir/Writ/Prod: Louisa Phung
Sebastian Ortiz
Dir: Sebastian Ortiz & Fernando Rendon
DEEP TAKE 10 min • 2019 • Canada • English • Sci-fi thriller
THICKER THAN WATER
Meelad Moaphi Toronto filmmaker and editor Meelad Moaphi is a BFA and MFA graduate of York University's Film Production program. His culturally diverse body of work, which range from pieces in English and Farsi, to even Japanese and Spanish, has screened locally and internationally. Worth - his latest short, filmed entirely in Pakistan with Urdu dialogue - was distilled from his first feature screenplay.
10 min • 2019 • Canada • English, Cantonese • Drama, Comedy
GRANDMA'S 80TH SURPRISE
COMMUNITY PARTNERS
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Prod: Norman Yi Li, Akash Motwani & Rafal Dybowski
Prod: Joshua Lam, Martin Chan, Emily Ma & Leslie Kwan
Norman Li
MAMM 2019 10-minute Short: Honourable Mention
MAMM 2019 10-minute Short: Runner Up
Joshua Lam
Sebastian Ortiz, made his movie debut when he was 14 years old and began writing and directing his own projects at the age of 16. Now Ortiz’ filmography includes more than 6 full-length short films, 1 web series, and music videos. His surrealistic storylines have always attracted attention. Born in Mexico, Ortiz is now based in Vancouver and works for the film industry. With a keen interest in science and philosophy, Norman Yl Li explores stories with a strong technological lean and social ramifications. He has earned a B.Sc in Cognitive Systems at UBC as well as a Film Arts certificate from Langara College. In the past 2 years, Norman has produced 5 short films and written numerous scripts. Joshua Lam is a recent graduate from the UBC Film Production Program, specializing in Directing, Producing, and Creative Writing. From illustrating Comic Strips to producing Short Films, Josh has a keen eye for storytelling. He enjoys engaging audiences with minority narratives, high concepts, and the balance of contemporary society.
On the day of his Grandma’s 80th birthday party, a respectful young Fola Evans-Akingbola & Fola Evans-Akingbola man, Curtis, prepares to introduce his mixed-race girlfriend, Ella, to his Curtis Lum Fola Evans-Akingbola has worked in the film and formidable family matriarch, Grandma Lily. Miscommunication, panic television industry as an actress for the past five years. and terror ensue as Curtis is forced to confront his rigid family traditions, Her works include Black Mirror, Siren, and VS. and finally reveal the terrible news to his Grandma - the woman he Curtis Lum loves is not Chinese. Curtis Lum is a Canadian actor and producer. Dir/Writ: Curtis Lum,
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MAMM 2019 Fan’s Choice Award: Best Overall Ultra Short
Siblings Justin and Katie are at odds when finding a long lost photo journal with their father’s last written words inside. Justin hides the Chinese character’s meanings from Katie. After clashing at a dollar store, they meet at their father’s home office, revealing Justin’s troubled relationship with his father. Dir/Writ: Joshua Lam, Emily Ma, Leslie Kwan
10 min • 2019 • Canada • English, Cantonese, Toisan • Comedy
Writ: Fernando Rendon Prod: Moheb Jindran, Allen Xu & Diego Tovar
After sitting through dozens of takes and countless result directions, Echo, an actress, confronts her director Magnus. To convince Echo to stay, Magnus confesses to her that his fastidious directing was to recreate his deceased lover through Echo’s performance. Echo is touched by his story and delivers a heartbreaking performance with one minor imperfection - she laces her fingers the wrong way. However, she soon discovers something about him that is truly shocking.
Dir/Writ: Norman Yi Li
Dir/Writ: Meelad Moaphi Prod: Meelad Moaphi, Shehrezade Mian & Ibrahim Khan
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MAMM 2019 1-minute Ultra Short: Runner Up
CHECKMATE
Steven Burley is an actor, illustrator, and award-winning filmmaker. He has recently appeared in episodes of Web of Lies, Paranormal Witness, and Impulse. He directed a new season of the popular CBC web series The Writers’ Block, which won a Canadian Screen Award for Jayne Eastwood (Best Supporting Performance).
David Wei is an independent documentary filmmaker based in Vancouver. His works have been showcased internationally. He is actively involved in producing content for TV shows, commercials and live broadcast productions.
Brian Nguyen is an enthusiastic student of all things related to filmmaking. He took his first acting class in 2013, and has been involved in many local film competitions as an actor, writer, editor, and DOP. 2019 was his second year involved with MAMM. The Conversation was inspired by a poem he wrote 13 years ago.
1 min • 2019 • Canada • English • Drama/Comedy Thomas faces off against Death in a game of chess. Literally playing for his life, this is a regular occurrence for Thomas as he oftens finds himself pitted against Death in this game of strategy. After a seemingly endless match, Thomas comes out on top, as usual.
Sam, a mid-thirties LGBT Asian male enjoys a drink at a bar, and spots someone he is attracted to. He must decide if he wants to face the risk of rejection again, or simply call it a day and accept that he might remain single… forever.
Vancouver Premiere
Brian Nguyen A young man is lying on the beach. Through flashbacks, we see him asking for help and being rejected. He tries to grab a loaf of bread from another homeless man and is shoved to the ground. No one will help him.
1 min • 2019 • Canada • English • Drama
Joshua Maikawa is a young Japanese/ Vietnamese filmmaker and composer from Toronto. He is currently studying Film Production at York University.
8 min • 2019 • Canada • English • Drama
13 min 50s • 2019 • Canada, Pakistan • Urdu (English subs) • Drama
MAMM 2019 1-minute Ultra Short: Honourable Mention
DAY BREAK
Steven Burley
Vancouver Premiere
Writ: Roger Yue, Prod: Gerry Chow
THE CONVERSATION
1 min • 2019 • Canada • English • Horror
Best Second Year Documentary Award at York University’s Cinesiege Festival 2018
WORTH
Dir: Roger Yue & David Wei
Dir/Writ/Prod: Brian Nguyen
Dir, Prod: Joshua Maikawa
SINGLE ASIAN MALE
Roger Yue is a film producer and director from In the middle of the night, Hani Chen is sound asleep in her bed. She Roger Yue & David Wei Vancouver, Canada. Ever since high school he's had 1 min • 2019 • Canada • English • Horror, Comedy suddenly hears a series of clicking noises coming from the living room, a passion for acting and film-making. After years of however, no one appears to be in the apartment. Despite feeling working in the film industry he's found his role as the terrified, Hani proceeds to go back to sleep when something producer/director. unexpected happens. David Wei
Joshua Maikawa
Vancouver Premiere
8 min • 2018 • Canada • English • Documentary
Roger Yue
NOT ALONE
Rav Savaya
Vancouver Premiere
Prod: Curtis Lum, Fola Evans Akingbola & Marc Yungco
VANCOUVER ASIAN FILM FESTIVAL
MAMM 2019 10-minute Short: Winner Fan’s Choice Award: Best Overall Short Fan’s Choice Award: Best Overall Performance: Lillian Lim
Grandma’s 80th Surprise is a short film based on his own family dynamics. Expanding their work behind the camera, Grandma's 80th Surprise marks the couple's directorial debut.
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SHORTS: PAIRED SHORTS
Various shorts will be paired with features throughout the Festival. Check each short's description to find out where you can see these short films!
ALL SCREENINGS
Aud 10 | Cineplex Odeon International Village
SEE LISTINGS BELOW FOR ASSOCIATED SCREENING TIMES
VARIOUS PROGRAMS
SIN-SFO
Canadian Premiere—Friday 8 November 2019 7:00PM
DIRECTORS Leon Cho
11 min • 2019 • USA, Singapore • English • Drama PRECEEDING: CANADIAN SPOTLIGHT: BECOMING LABRADOR As they drive to San Francisco, married couple Angie and Danny debate a decision which will change their lives forever.
Leon Cho is the director of the awardwinning web series People Like Us available on HereTV. Cho’s short films have screened at multiple festivals around the world. Originally from Singapore, he is now based in Los Angeles.
Dir/Writ: Leon Cheo Prod: Bill Gardner, Leon Cheo 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
NIGHTCAP: MARIANA
Saturday 9 November 2019 7:30PM
11 min • 2019 • USA, Singapore • English • Drama
Imani Hakim
PRECEEDING: CENTREPIECE SPOTLIGHT: EMPTY BY DESIGN
Imani Hakim, originally from Cleveland, had early success as a working actress, starring in Everybody Hates Chris for 4 years. Her other roles include The Gabby Douglas Story, and Cam, now on Netflix. She’ll be next starring alongside Rob McElhenney and F. Murray Abraham in a new sitcom. She has now ventured her focus on directing and producing along with her successful acting career.
Two strangers on a first date during the holidays enjoy a night cap drink, 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
MY DAUGHTER YOSHIKO
Canadian Premiere—Sunday 10 November 2019 1:30PM
Brian Blum
16 min • 2019 • USA • English/Japanese • Drama PRECEEDING: TERROLUN AND LUNLUN After her daughter Yoshiko is diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and her husband is deployed to overseas military service, Saki is finding lifeharder and harder to manage. Too ashamed to burden others and too proud to ask for help, Saki is now faced with the daunting task of giving her daughter the best life possible. Much more than a story of coping with autism, My Daughter Yoshiko is also about the power of trading shame for empathy.
Brian Blum is a filmmaker based in New York. He is the Executive Director of AdaptLab Filmmakers, a company that helps filmmakers on the autism spectrum find work in the film industry. Blum's films have been shortlisted for a BAFTA, won jury prizes at international film festivals, and garnered over 1 million views on YouTube.
Dir/Writ: Brian Blum & Kent Morita Prod: David E. MunzMaire, Bryan Benitez & Ryan Beharry Zeno Mountain Award Winner at Miami Film Festival 2019
MOTHERHOOD
Canadian Premiere—Sunday 10 November 2019 1:30PM
19 min 25s • 2019 • Japan • Japanese (English subs) • Sci-f
Tatsuro Manno
PRECEEDING: TERROLUN AND LUNLUN
Miya Sakaguchi is 6 months pregnant in 2018, but she accidently time travels back to 1994. She is put into an asylum when she tells people she comes from the future. There, she discovers the shocking truth that in this era, mental patients are forced abortion. Dir/Writ: Tatsuro Manno & Saki Matsumoto Prod: Saki Matsumoto & Hayato Mitsuishi
Tickets online at VAFF.ORG
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VANCOUVER ASIAN FILM FESTIVAL
Tatsuro Manno grew up in Osaka, Japan. He graduated from California State University Northridge with a BA in Film Production. After returning to Japan, he directed Japanese Kabuki super star Ebizo Ichikawa's videos, a TV program for Canada's 150th anniversary, and programs for NHK WORLD - JAPAN.
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AWARDS
SEE BIGGER
CANADIAN TALENT SHINES BRIGHT ON THE WORLD STAGE. TELEFILM CANADA IS PROUD TO SUPPORT AND PROMOTE HOMEGROWN SUCCESS.
VOIR + GRAND
VAFF: BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY FOR CANADIAN FEATURE / SHORT AWARD 2019
VAFF: BEST DIRECTOR FOR CANADIAN FEATURE / SHORT AWARD
Sponsored by International Cinematographer’s Guild 669 (ICG 669), the inaugural VAFF Best Cinematography for Canadain Feature Award and Best Cinematography for Canadain Short Award is presented to a qualifying Canadian independent short film/filmmaker in the current year’s festival for outstanding achievement in cinematography.
Sponsored by the Directors Guild of Canada, the inaugural VAFF Best Director for Canadian Feature Award and VAFF Best Director for Canadian Short Award is presented to a qualifying Canadian independent short film/filmmaker in the current year’s festival for outstanding achievement in directing.
3 Canadian feature films and 9 Canadian Short films are eligible for the nomination.
VOUÉE À LA PROMOTION ET AU RAYONNEMENT DES TALENTS CANADIENS, TÉLÉFILM CANADA EST FIÈRE PARTENAIRE DES SUCCÈS D’ICI.
3 Canadian feature films and 9 Canadian Short films are eligible for the nomination.
VAFF: BEST CANADIAN FEATURE / SHORT AWARD 2019 Sponsored by Telefilm Canada, the VAFF Best Canadian Feature Award & Best Canadian Short Award are presented annually to a qualifying Canadian independent short film/filmmaker in the current year’s festival.
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3 Canadian feature films and 9 Canadian Short films are eligible for the nomination.
e
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CANADIAN FEATURE FILM NOMINEES Nominees for 2019 Best Cinematography for Canadain Feature Award, 2019 Best Director for Canadian Feature Award and 2019 Best Canadian Feature Award are
BECOMING LABRADOR
THE WORLD IS BRIGHT
BECAUSE WE ARE GIRLS
CANADIAN SHORT FILM NOMINEES Nominees for 2019 Best Cinematography for Canadain Short Award, 2019 Best Director for Canadian Short Award, 2019 Best Canadian Short Award are.
INTO HERE
RICECAKE
NEWBORN
INNER SPACE
THE NISEI
ODD GIRL
SINGLE ASIAN MALE
THE SHIPMENT
WORTH
The winner in each category is determined by a three-member film industry adjudication panel. The awards will be presented in an awards ceremony after the Closing Night screening. Tickets online at VAFF.ORG
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VANCOUVER ASIAN FILM FESTIVAL
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AWARDS THANK YOU TO OUR JUDGES
Proud sponsor of VAFF
NO LIMITASIANS
RAYMOND MASSEY PRODUCER
ROBIN CHAN PRODUCER
We have the professional talent for your production
SEAN RONAN PRODUCER
STEPH SONG ACTRESS, WRITER & PRODUCER
RON STANNETT C.S.C DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY
BOB ASCHMANN CINEMATOGRAPHER
LOUISA PHUNG DIRECTOR & ACTOR
BEN LU PRODUCER
ANDREW COPPIN MICHAEL BAFFERY C.S.C CINEMATOGRAPHER DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY
2019 PEOPLE'S CHOICE AWARD The People’s Choice Awards will be presented during the Closing Night Awards Ceremony. You have the power to be the judge and select the Best Overall Feature, Best Overall Short, and Best Overall Performance. All International and Canadian films are eligible. Voting is open from Nov 7–10, 2019 during the festival. Look for your favourite film and vote online at VAFF.ORG/VOTE
The possibilities are infinite
www.ubcp.com
2019 OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION TO DIVERSITY IN FILM AWARD Each year an outstanding artist is selected by a committee at VAFF to acknowledge an individual’s achievement in contributing to the fight for making underrepresented voices heard and pushing forward the culture of diversity through their actions or work. This year’s recipient will be revealed and awarded at the Closing Night Awards Ceremony, and will join the ranks of Tzi Ma and Jeff Chib-Stearns. SPONSORS
Proud Photography Sponsor of #VAFF
wolfandwagner.com
Tickets online at VAFF.ORG
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VANCOUVER ASIAN FILM FESTIVAL
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VAFF INDUSTRY PANEL SERIES
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, film, and media. ALL PANELS International Arts Gallery | Level 2 International Village Mall, 88 W. Pender St. Vancouver
SATURDAY 9 NOV 2019 11:00AM–12:30PM
PANEL 1
ASIAN LEADING MEN IN HOLLYWOOD 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?
ALL PANELS International Arts Gallery | Level 2 International Village Mall, 88 W. Pender St. Vancouver
SATURDAY 9 NOV 2019 1:00PM–2:30PM
PANEL 2
FINANCING YOUR FILM PROJECT 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.
PANELISTS
PANELISTS
LAUREN DAVIS
CURTIS LUM MODERATOR
Curtis Lum is an actor and producer born in Vancouver, BC. Named one of Canada's Rising Stars by The Hollywood Reporter in 2018, he earned his recognition for his work in Prison Break, Supergirl, and FreeForm's hit show Siren. He continues to push the envelope with his artistry, inspiring others and bringing his endeavors onto a worldwide platform.
As Telefilm Canada’s Regional Feature Film Executive for the Western Region, Lauren Davis is responsible for supporting emerging talent through production and post-production investments in lower-budget feature films. Lauren joined Telefilm in 1998 after having worked as an independent producer. Over the last 15 years, she has held a number of management positions within the television, feature film and business-process management teams.
PATRICE RAMSAY
OSRIC CHAU
Osric Chau is an actor best known for his role in the CW series Supernatural, BBC America series Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency, and Roland Emmerich’s 2012, and recently joined the cast of Crisis on Infinite Earths as the Atom. Osric is also involved in many independent film projects whether as an actor, producer, director, or writer, and most recently produced of Empty by Design.
TARUN KERAM
Hailing from Surrey, BC, Tarun Keram left his university plans behind to pursue his dreams of acting in 2010. Since committing to his craft, he has starred alongside Chris Pine, Simon Pegg and Zoe Saldana in Star Trek Beyond, as well as garnered guest star spots on numerous popular TV series such as Supernatural, The Magicians, and The Twilight Zone. His current project is the highly-anticipated TV adaption of Stephen King’s The Stand.
CHRISTOPHER LEE Christopher Naoki Lee is a Los Angeles native, with a BFA in theater from New York University, and has been working in the industry for over 20 years, recently recurring on shows such as AMC's "The Terror," Amazon Primes' "Too Old to Die Young" and "Jean Claude Van Johnson." He also just wrapped his first directorial debut for a feature film he co-wrote and will star in alongside a talented and diverse cast. 36
MODERATOR
Patrice Ramsay is the Coordinator of Independent Production for British Columbia’s public broadcaster, Knowledge Network. As a member of the programming team she helps bring Knowledge commissions such as Emergency Room: Life and Death at VGH, Shut Up and Say Something, This Mountain Life, and Haida Modern to our Knowledge audience. She holds a degree in Business Administration and has received The Osgoode Certificate in Entertainment Law from York University.
TIM LAM Tim Lam is a digital storyteller and marketing strategist based in Vancouver, BC. He believes everyone has a story worth telling and wants to be the first to hear yours. It’s driven his interest in the media, tech, and social impact space that’s led him to work at Thrive Digital and at Cold Tea Collective as Lead Editor.
KIM GUISE
Kim Guise is the Head of Local Content at TELUS and the Executive in Charge of Production for TELUS Original Programming and STORYHIVE, overseeing a multi-million dollar portfolio supporting BC and Alberta filmmakers and cultural organizations. Kim is the recipient of the 2018 Women in Film and Television Vancouver Bron Iris award, which is given to a person who has demonstrated a commitment to the promotion of women creators and their screen-based work.
$45 | VAFF INDUSTRY PACKAGE VAFF INDUSTRY DAY PASS (THREE PANELS )
Saturday November 9 from 11:00AM - 6:00PM Location: International Art Gallery - International Village Mall Level 2 International Village Mall, 88 W. Pender Street, Vancouver
ROBERT WONG As Creative BC’s Vice President, Robert Wong markets British Columbia internationally as a destination of choice for projects and companies seeking a world class creative industries centre in which to do business. He leads the administration of Creative BC’s tax credit and granting programs, balancing attraction of international business with support for BC’s domestic content creators.
INDUSTRY PARTY
Friday November 8 from 9:30PM - 11:30PM Venue: Annex Theatre, 823 Seymour St, Vancouver, BC 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
PHIL PLANTA
Phil Planta filmmaker. He is producer of Beyond Redemption, STORYHIVE Akashi, GongJu, The Shipment, Crazy8s films Gemini & Parabola, the HGF short In Loving Memory.
$45 | VAFF INDUSTRY PACKAGE VAFF INDUSTRY DAY PASS (THREE PANELS )
Saturday November 9 from 11:00AM - 6:00PM Location: International Art Gallery - International Village Mall Level 2 International Village Mall, 88 W. Pender Street, Vancouver
INDUSTRY PARTY
Friday November 8 from 9:30PM - 11:30PM Venue: Annex Theatre, 823 Seymour St, Vancouver, BC Complimentary hors-d’oeuvres and cash bar.
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ASIANS IN MUSIC PANEL
UPCOMING VAFF EVENT
For over two decades VAFF has been a strong advocate for increasing Asian representation in front and behind the camera in mainstream media. AIM3 (Asians in Movies, Music and Media) was a VAFF initiative that began as part of its 20th Anniversary celebrations to expand its advocacy work to increase Asian artists representation in music and media as well as film and television. This year AIM initiatives included a Songwriting Competition for Asian musicians to submit songs for a compilation album to be sent to Music Supervisors for consideration as well as a Panel discussion and industry networking opportunities.
SCREENING VENUE: THE RIO THEATRE
1660 E BROADWAY, VANCOUVER
ALL PANELS
International Arts Gallery | Level 2 International Village Mall, 88 W. Pender St. Vancouver
PANEL 3
SATURDAY 9 NOV 2019 4:30PM–6:00PM
SUNDAY 24 NOV 2019 12:30PM JOIN US FOR A SPECIAL
25TH ANNIVERSARY SCREENING OF
DOUBLE HAPPINESS A landmark film in the history of Asian representation in Canadian cinema, Double Happiness is celebrated as one of the few North American films of the 1990s to have a primarily Asian cast. Earning seven Genie Award nominations and two wins, Sandra Oh’s breakthrough performance in the film won her a Genie Award for Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role. As we celebrate the 25th anniversary of Double Happiness, VAFF is proud to host a special screening and post-screening Q&A with the person who created this iconic film - writer and director Mina Shum.
12 Selected songs of the AIM songwriting competition will be annoucnced at the panel.
AIM3 PANEL - 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.
MODERATOR
PANELISTS Natasha Duprey— Must Be Nice Productions Natasha Duprey hails from Vancouver Canada and is an award-winning music supervisor and VP of the Canadian Guild of Music Supervisors. Since 2003 she has supervised hundreds of hours of episodic television including the series Wu Assassins (Netflix), The Terror (AMC), Snowpiercer (TBS), The Order (Netflix) and The L Word (Showtime). Natasha has also worked on a host of movies of the week, documentaries such as I Am Johnny Cash and the 4-part EPIX series PUNK!, reality series, national ad campaigns and feature films such as Frankie & Alice which garnered Halle Berry a Golden Globe nomination and Kyra Sedgwick’s directorial debut Story Of A Girl. www.natashaduprey.com
David Hayman— Supergroup Sonic Branding Co
David Hayman’s extensive experience spans more than 15 years and includes notable television series work in both comedy and drama, celebrated independent films, as well as award-winning advertising and Clio playlisting campaigns. Hayman has helmed series on Netflix, HULU, ABC, CTV, and CBC. His feature film credits have premiered at festivals around the world, most recently including A Kindness of Strangers, which premiered at the Berlin Film Festival and Stockholm with Ethan Hawke, which premiered at Tribeca this year, Once Were Brothers, the Robbie Robertson The Band documentary will premiere at TIFF this fall. As a film producer, his latest feature STATES, directed by Zach Gayne, is set to premiere theatrically in NYC August 2nd.
Ben Chan— EntertainmentOne Ben Chan works in sync + licensing and publishing administration at Last Gang/ Entertainment One. His role as part of the record label includes pitching, negotiating, and licensing music for various sync projects in film, television, video games, and soundtracks, along with any new media platforms that become available. Through the company’s publishing arm he works on publishing deals/ offers, works with various writers to register + administer publishing copyrights, provides royalty statement + accounting, and from time to time handles the coordination between writers to work together for collaboration on song ideas.
SYNOPSIS Jade Li (Sandra Oh) is a Chinese-Canadian born in Hong Kong and raised in Vancouver. She is struggling to live the life that she wants to while trying to keep up with Chinese traditions that her old-fashioned parents want to strictly maintain. Jade’s father works as a security guard who keeps following the penny stocks, while Jade’s mother desperately wants her daughter to find a nice Chinese boy to settle down with but Jade is not at all interested. When Jade meets a caucasian boy, she must decide what to follow and how much her happiness is truly worth.
BARBARA LEE Barbara Lee is an independent filmmaker and songwriter. She has spent over twenty years as an advocate and organizer of events to increase the profile and opportunities for North American Asian artists in mainstream music, film and media. She is the founder of the Vancouver Asian Film Festival (VAFF), Co-founder of the Mighty Asian Moviemaking Marathon (MAMM) and Founder of the Asians in Movies, Music and Media Summit (AIM3).
$45 | VAFF INDUSTRY PACKAGE
TICKETS AND INFORMATION ONLINE AT VAFF.ORG
VAFF INDUSTRY DAY PASS (THREE PANELS )
Saturday November 9 from 11:00AM - 6:00PM Location: International Art Gallery - International Village Mall Level 2 International Village Mall, 88 W. Pender Street, Vancouver
INDUSTRY PARTY
Friday November 8 from 9:30PM - 11:30PM Venue: Annex Theatre, 823 Seymour St, Vancouver, BC Complimentary hors-d’oeuvres and cash bar.
SPONSORED BY Lex Junior— High Aura Productions
Lex Junior is a Toronto-native music producer & singer/songwriter of Filipino decent. He is a diverse composer creating all types of music. In the past he’s worked with Jessie Reyes, Dylan Sinclair and Zaki Ibrahim just to name a few. He is also championing his cultural ties to his Filipino roots as co-founder for DATU (datumusic.com) and producer for Han Han (Filipinx rapper), who are both releasing new albums in 2020. Lex Junior is releasing a bunch of fresh funk-electronic tracks featuring artists such as Just John, Ralph, Tanika Charles. You can find his music being featured by Apple, Google, Crown Royal and other placements on highauraproductions.com.
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AIM SONGWRITING COMPETITION WINNERS WILL BE ANNOUNCED AT THE PANEL •
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VANCOUVER ASIAN FILM FESTIVAL
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A YEAR IN REVIEW
VAFF IS GOING TO VICTORIA!
2019 was the year of NO LIMITASIANS, where VAFF took to new heights to show that the future of film is truly boundless for Asian diaspora storytelling. Our theme, NO LIMITASIANS, celebrates the achievements of filmmakers and actors of colour in breaking expectations in mainstream cinema. 2019 was the year in which Chinese-Canadian actor Simu Liu was cast as Shang Chi - the first superhero of Asian descent to lead a film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. In Vancouver, VAFF was also pushing boundaries with its annual programming. VAFF 2019 kicked off on May 31st, 2019 with our first ever Dim Sum After Dark, part of Vancouver Asian Heritage Month. Guests packed into a late-night screening of Ang Lee’s racy drama Lust, Caution (2007), paired with an equally delicious selection of dim sum favourites in the decadent surroundings of Pink Pearl Chinese Seafood Restaurant. The spring Open Call for Submissions to our festival, hosted on FilmFreeway, once again brought in more film submissions than ever before. The 14th Annual Mighty Asian Moviemaking Marathon (MAMM14) saw the return of Mayumi Yoshida and Nach Dudsdeemaytha for their second year as MAMM Creative Producers. VAFF’s signature short filmmaking competition began with the second annual VAFF Industry Insight Panel Series “Diversity in Filmmaking Day” (DIF) on June 23 at the Museum of Vancouver. Local industry professionals participated in four discussions about practical and theoretical topics, including a panel with past MAMM alumni now working in the Vancouver film and television industry. For the second year, the MAMMentorships program was offered for the final 8 short film and 7 ultra-short teams. Participants received a full day of practical hands-on workshops on July 20 and continuing industry mentorship throughout production. On August 31, 2019, the MAMM14 Gala Screening & Awards Presentation broke all-time attendance records and packed the 668-seat Vancouver Playhouse Theatre with eager short film enthusiasts. The five winning films can be seen again at our festival’s Canadian Shorts program on Sunday November 10. 2019 also saw the introduction of two new programs. The Asians in Music Songwriting Competition received scores of entries of local songwriters each competing to make it onto a compilation album to be sent to professional music supervisors placing songs in film and television internationally. The 100 Stories Challenge, continuing in 2020, challenges participants to submit the hidden histories from family and friends as a video pitch, to uncover the untold legacy of Asians in Canada. Our 2019 Festival again features the best of Asian diaspora cinema from Canada and around the world. We are proud to be supported by our 2019 Brand Ambassadors Ludi Lin (In A New York Minute, 2019, Aquaman, 2018, Power Rangers, 2017, Black Mirror, 2019) and Aliza Vellani (Riverdale, 2018, Little Mosque on the Prairie, 2007-2012), who can be seen in our festival artwork. Join us for four days of films, panels, parties, and live performances.
The Vancouver Asian Film Festival (VAFF) is pleased to announce the expansion of its Diversity in Filmmaking Panel for the upcoming festival year. In the summer of 2020, VAFF will partner with TELUS STORYHIVE to bring its annual VAFF Industry Insight Panel Series “Diversity in Filmmaking Day” (DIF) to Victoria, B.C. to reach out and interact with a growing film community on Vancouver Island. Since 2018, VAFF has explored how people of colour are impacting various aspects of the filmmaking industry by hosting its signature VAFF Industry Insight Panel Series in Vancouver, BC. Since 1995, VAFF has celebrated the diversity and depth of Asian culture and identity in film. The festival looks forward to working with TELUS STORYHIVE to further promote Asian diaspora voices in film and media in the world.
Thank you to all of the audience members, sponsors, community partners, volunteers, team members, industry supporters, media and vendor partners, for being a part of this spectacular year of the Vancouver Asian Film Festival. SUPPORT US If you believe in our mission, we encourage you to contact us to become a sponsor or a donor at sponsorship@vaff.org. Together, we can ensure authentic and diverse stories continue to be told and bring even more stories to screens both big and small.
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VANCOUVER ASIAN FILM FESTIVAL
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VAFF BOARD OF DIRECTORS
VAFF EXECUTIVES
Lynne Lee
Vincent Wong
Festival Director
Barbara Lee
Vice President
Al Yoshizawa
Mona Mok
Treasurer
Secretary
Programmer
Ken Lone
John Thimothy
Rosie Hsueh
Print Traffic Assistant
Programmer
Andry Tanusdjaja Member at large
Clement Lau
Member at large
Edmond Ng
Member at large
Henry Han
Jack Yong
Member at large
Member at large
Event Assistant & Filmmaker Liaison
Angela Leung
Social Media Editor
Kathy Leung
Programming & Board Advisor
Ken Takagi
Board Advisor
Leon Ng
Board Advisor
Mel D'Souza
Beatrice Armstrong Graphic Designer
Sidhartha Murjani
Yukari Komatsu
Hannah Lee
Volunteer Manager
Programmer
Johnny Mah
Volunteer Manager
Mack Chung
Kathy Truong
Operations Coordinator
Jamie Loh
Niemay Suralta Festival Assistant
Erika Lorbes
Graphic Designer
Graphic Designer
Content Editor
Lia Ortiz
Justin Kwan
Joanne Chow
Laura Sun
Marketing Manager
Alisha Weng Photographer
#VAFF
Helen Liu
Programmer
Programmer
Jonathan Lee
Operations Manager
Vincent Gan
Box Office Manager
Clement Woo
Jan Natividad
Communications Manager Social Media Director
Diana Petrova
MAMM & Marketing Assistant
Board Advisor
Jenna Masuhara
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Print Traffic Assistant
Peter Leung
Board Advisor
Community Partners Liason & Marketing Coordinator
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Leandro Matos
Print Traffic Manager
Karim Kanji
Event Assistant
Andy Chu
Colin Hong
Programmer
Member at large
Jonathan Yee
Board Advisor
Bon Dos Remedios
Programmer
Anita Kaur
Amy Ng
Alex Gray
Arnold Lim
Programming Assistant & Programmer
Mona Ying
Executive Director
Alina Wong
Programmer
Bookkeeper
Member at large
PR Director & Sponsorship Relations
Kevin K. Li
Founder & President
Jenny Zhu
Regina Leung
Creative Director
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Tickets online at VAFF.ORG
Content & Communications Manager
Maria Ebbott Photographer
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Content & Communications Manager
Gerry Chow
Videographer
Gerry Gaviola Videographer
VANCOUVER ASIAN FILM FESTIVAL
William Hu
Web Admin
Web Admin
Berlin Liu
VAFF Correspondent
Tina Wong - Nielsen
Special Project Producer
Amanda Wong
VAFF Correspondent
Veronica Huang
Sponsorship Manger
Sarah Shiho
VAFF Correspondent
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INDEX OF FILMS
INDEX OF FILMS
BECAUSE WE ARE GIRLS
HALWA
THE SHIPMENT
Pg 16 | Sat Nov 9 | Program 5 | 85mins
Pg 25 | Sat Nov 9 | Program 6 | 17mins
Pg 26 | Sun Nov 10 | Program 11 | 7:55mins
BECOMING LABRADOR
HOME AWAY
Pg 11 | Fri Nov 8 | Program 3 | 70mins
Pg 18 | Sat Nov 9 | Program 7 | 97mins
SIN-SFO Pg 31 | Fri Nov 8 | Program 3 | 11mins
Pg 15 | Fri Nov 8 | Program 4 | 115mins
BRAISED PORK BELLY
IN A NEW YORK MINUTE
Pg 27 | Sun Nov 10 | Program 11 | 12:52mins
Pg 10 | Thurs Nov 7 | Program 1 | 102mins
SINGLE ASIAN MALE
THICKER THAN WATER
Pg 28 | Sun Nov 10 | Program 12 | 8mins
Pg 29 | Sun Nov 10 | Program 12 | 10mins
BRUISED
INNER SPACE
TERROLUN AND LUNLUN
RICECAKE
Pg 27 | Sun Nov 10 | Program 11 | 27mins
THE WORLD IS BRIGHT
WORTH Pg 28 | Sun Nov 10 | Program 12 | 13:50 mins
Pg 24 | Sat Nov 9 | Program 6 | 2:42mins
Pg 26 | Sun Nov 10 | Program 11 | 9:54mins
Pg 19 | Sun Nov 10 | Program 10 | 49mins
CHECKMATE
INTO HERE
Pg 29| Sun Nov 10 | Program 12 | 1min
Pg 26 | Sun Nov 10 | Program 11 | 6min
THE CONVERSATION Pg 29 | Sun Nov 10 | Program 12 | 1min
Pg 25 | Sat Nov 9 | Program 6 | 15:54mins
CUL-DE-SAC
JUSTICE FOR VINCENT
Pg 24 | Sat Nov 9 | Program 6 | 13mins
Pg 24 | Sat Nov 9 | Program 6 | 17mins
THE NISEI
YELLOW ROSE
DAY BREAK
MOTHERHOOD
Pg 29 | Sun Nov 10 | Program 12 | 1min
Pg 31 | Sun Nov 10 | Program 10 | 19:25mins
DAYTIME MOON
MY DAUGHTER YOSHIKO
Pg 24 | Sat Nov 9 | Program 6 | 14:52mins
Pg 31 | Sun Nov 10 | Program 10 | 16:32mins
NEWBORN
Pg 29 | Sun Nov 10 | Program 12 | 10mins
Pg 28 | Sun Nov 10 | Program 12 | 6:13mins
EMPTY BY DESIGN
NIGHTCAP: MARIANA
Pg 12 | Sat Nov 9 | Program 8 | 86mins
Pg 31 | Sat Nov 9 | Program 8 | 10:35mins
FINDING URANUS
NORMAN MINETA AND HIS LEGACY: AN AMERICAN STORY
FOLLOWING JAMIE Pg 25 | Sat Nov 9 | Program 6 | 17:57mins
GEOGRAPHIES OF KINSHIP Pg 17 | Sat Nov 9 | Program 9 | 82mins
GRANDMA'S 80TH SURPRISE
VAFFNews News VAFF e-newsletter
blog
Your source for exclusive insider news Your source for exclusive insider news
Pg 14 | Fri Nov 8 | Program 2 | 55:48mins
NOT ALONE Pg 29 | Sun Nov 10 | Program 12 | 1min
ODD GIRL Pg 27 | Sun Nov 10 | Program 11 | 12:40mins
Pg 29 | Sun Nov 10 | Program 12 | 10mins
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Pg 13 | Sun Nov 10 | Program 13 | 94mins
e-newsletter • blog
DEEP TAKE
Pg 26 | Sun Nov 10 | Program 11 | 6:56mins
Pg 28 | Sun Nov 10 | Program 12 | 8mins
YEAR ZERO
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FESTIVAL SPONSORS
FESTIVAL SPONSORS
THANK YOU TO THE FOLLOWING VAFF 2019 FESTIVAL SPONSORS FOR MAKING THIS FESTIVAL POSSIBLE PUBLIC FUNDERS
VENDOR PARTNERS
BENEFACTORS VENUE PARTNERS
RICHARD K. WONG - VAFF LIFETIME PATRON FESTIVAL SPONSORS
COMMUNITY PARTNERS INDUSTRY SPONSORS
PRODUCER SPONSORS
MEDIA PARTNERS
MARKETING PARTNERS
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