16 October 9, 2009
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Festival
reels with
variety of
top films
“Red Cliff” “Children of Invention”
C
elebrating its 10th anniversary this month, the San with directors and actors. Notable ones this year will feature
Diego Asian Film Foundation (SDAFF) will hold its
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internet celebrities, such as KevJumba and Wong Fu
annual San Diego Asian Film Festival at Hazard Center Productions, who have made it big on YouTube; fight cho-
UltraStar Cinemas from Thursday, Oct. 15 to Thursday, Oct. reographers and stuntmen on technology’s effect on action
29. In honor of their decade-long success of showcasing the
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movies today; and a discussion on North Korea, tied in with
best of Asian and Asian American films from around the the film “Kimjongilia.” Other special events include an
world, the festival will go on for two weeks this year than its BY CHRISTINE MA actors’ workshop, a hip hop concert, a live comedy show-
usual week-long run, giving movie-goers an extra seven
Special to ASIA
case and a gala awards dinner.
days to catch more of the engaging and intriguing films The festival started in 2000 by founder Lee Ann Kim as
being shown.
two young siblings who have to fend for themselves when
a three-day event at the University of San Diego. She came
All the films being featured are either directed, produced,
their mother falls victim to a pyramid scheme and disap-
up with the idea while serving as the president of the San
or principally acted by an Asian Pacific Islander or the sub-
pears. It is a timely subject matter as it touches upon the eco-
Diego Asian American Journalists Association. Having no
ject matter is Asian. Call for entry start early in the year, and
nomic crisis at hand in which almost every family can relate.
previous experience with events of this kind but with the
those involved in the selection process watch 400-500 films,
Much praise was given to the two child actors in the leading
help of those involved in the film industry, journalists, and
along with attending other film festivals to scope out hidden
roles.
volunteers, over 3,500 people attended the first festival. It
gems.
“Red Cliff” Directed by action maestro John Woo, this
was clear that there was a strong interest in independent cin-
But there’s a particular intention when it comes to choos-
epic is the most expensive film in Asia’s history. The story is
ema.
ing films for San Diego.
based on the legendary Battle of Red Cliff during the Han
Since then, the festival has premiered over 1,000 films
“We try to get as many people to come to the festival and
Dynasty, in which 50,000 soldiers defeated an army of
from around the world, viewed by almost 100,000 people.
screenings as possible,” SDAFF Associate Director Mye
almost one million and changed the course of Chinese histo-
Past celebrities that have attended include John Cho, Daniel
Hoang explained. “A lot of the times we might choose a
ry. Features an all-star Asian cast including Tony Leung
Dae Kim, James Kyson Lee, Margaret Cho, Sandra Oh,
film for the ethnic demographic here.”
(Infernal Affairs) and Takeshi Kaneshiro (House of Flying
George Takei, Kelly Hu, Lisa Ling and Dante Basco.
Hoang stated that they try to have films that are both
Daggers).
SDAFF, one of the largest non-profit media arts organiza-
entertaining and enlightening by having a diverse selection,
“IP MAN” This closing night film is sure to be a crowd
tions, focuses on Asian American and international Asian
and to help those trying to find a wider mainstream audi-
pleaser and a meaningful end to the festival. The plot centers
cinema. The foundation puts on culturally-enriching year-
ence.
around the true story of martial artist Ip Man, best known as
round programs and works to engage the public in important
“We’re showing a lot of low-budget Asian American
the teacher of legend Bruce Lee. Under the Japanese occupa-
discussions and social change, as well as promoting inde-
films that wouldn’t be shown otherwise,” Hoang said. “We
tion of the 1930s, General Miura demands that Ip Man teach
pendent artists who show innovation and quality in their
work really hard to support the filmmakers and a lot of great
the Japanese army his expert skills. He vehemently refuses
works.
Asian Americans films don’t get played at Sundance, so we
and instead stands and fights for both his life and the dignity
With a variety of over 150 movies being shown, whether
definitely want to give them an opportunity and play their
of the Chinese people. Containing spectacular explosive
its drama, comedy, horror, educational, foreign, animation,
films.”
fight scenes of any recent action film, it won Best Picture at
or a mix of these, there is bound to be a film for everyone to
Some must-see picks from staff members:
the 28th Annual Hong Kong Film Awards.
enjoy. To see the full schedule with synopses and trailers,
“Children of Invention” The opening night film, that
While what’s on the screen may be the main attraction,
visit www.sdaff.org/festival/2009. Ticket prices vary; pur-
many call the best Asian American film this year, is about
patrons can also attend panels and be able to meet and talk
chase them online or at the box office.
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