Features

Hello Filmmaker Friends,

The San Diego Asian Film Foundation (SDAFF) is currently in it's call for entries period for the 12th San Diego Asian Film Festival, October 20-28, 2011. Submit today for consideration for one of the largest North American showcases of Pan Asian cinema. We're currently seeking competitive entries in the following categories: narrative feature, narrative short, documentary feature, documentary short, and animation.

Regular Deadline: May 2, 2011
Late Deadline: May 20, 2011

For more information, please visit www.sdaff.org | entries@sdaff.org | 619.400.5911

Direct Link: http://sdaff.org/festival/filmmakers.php

The Warrior's Way, starring Jang Dong Gun, opens in theatres FRIDAY, December 3rd, released by Relativity Media.

The Warrior's Way, released by Relativity Media, is a visually dazzling modern ACTION adventure with stunningly choreographed fight sequences and gravity-defying stunts. In an original, gorgeously realized journey into a mythical past, writer and director Sngmoo Lee seamlessly marries the cinematic traditions of East and West. Korean superstar Jang Dong Gun, Kate Bosworth, Danny Huston and Academy Award® winner Geoffrey Rush star in this epic story of revenge and redemption.

The Warrior's Way is written and directed by Sngmoo Lee AND stars Jang Dong Gun (Friend, Taegukgi:The Brotherhood of War), Kate Bosworth (21, Superman Returns), Geoffrey Rush (Shine, Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl), Danny Huston (The Conspirator, Robin Hood), Tony Cox (Bad Santa, Meet Monica Velour) and Ti Lung (Frozen, Dynasty of Blood). The film is produced by Barrie M. Osborne (the Lord of the Rings franchise), Jooick Lee (Seven Swords) and Michael Peyser (Matilda, Hackers). The director of photography is Woo-hyung Kim (Late Autumn). Production designer is Dan Hennah (Underworld: Rise of the Lycans). Editor is Jonno-Woodford Robinson (King Kong). Costume designer is three-time Academy Award winner James Acheson (The Last Emperor, Dangerous Liaisons and Restoration). Original music is by Javier Navarrete (Pan's Labyrinth). Executive producers are Tim White (The Boys Are Back, Ned Kelly) and Eui Hong.

After a lifetime of training in PREMIER LEVEL swordsmanship, Yang (Jang Dong Gun) has eliminated all but one of his clan's enemies--an infant whose smile instantly melts his heart. Unwilling to kill her and unable protect her from his own deadly tribe, Yang takes the baby girl and flees, planning to seek refuge with an old friend living in Lode, a frontier town in the American West. He arrives to find that his friend has died and the once-thriving Gold Rush town is in shambles, inhabited only by a few dozen eccentrics including Lynne (Kate Bosworth), a beautiful, spirited knife thrower-in-training, and Ron, a worn-out drunk (Geoffrey Rush). In order to make a safe home for the child far from the reach of his murderous clansman, Yang decides to stay on as the town's new laundryman, sealing his sword for good.

The Warrior's Way is Sngmoo Lee's feature film debut; and he was determined to make an impact with this project. "When I first had a chance to direct a film, I wanted to do something new." says filmmaker Lee. "A cross culture film was always my interest. It's my urge to see something on screen that I've never seen before."

Already a box office sensation in Asia, Jang Dong Gun makes his Hollywood debut with The Warrior's Way. Many are already considering him next in line, as Hollywood's next Jackie Chan or Jet Li. Jang Dong Gun says "It feels great to hear that [those comparisons]. But this is just the beginning. For now, I'll just continue to work hard."

His colleagues are already comparing to other Hollywood greats."Jang Dong Gun is like Clint Eastwood for me" says co-star Danny Huston. "He's got this wonderful face, which doesn't have to act or -over express his sentiments... Which for me is perfect for a western!"

The Warrior's Way, released by Relativity Media, opens nationwide Friday December 3, 2010.

For more information, please visit the official movie site: http://www.iamrogue.com/thewarriorsway

Returning Festival Alum/USC Grad Arvin Chen's Debut Feature
"AU REVOIR TAIPEI"
Executive Produced by Wim Wenders and Produced by Fest Alum In-Ah Lee
Will Open 10 day Fest

With Hong Kong's Current Box Office Smash
"BODYGUARDS AND ASSASSINS"
Starring Tony Leung and Donnie Yen Premiering as Closing Night Gala

April 7, 2010 - LOS ANGELES Visual Communications (VC), the nation's premier Asian Pacific American media arts center, announced its program of 170 outstanding films for the upcoming 2010 edition of the Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival (LAAPFF) beginning April 29 - May 8, 2010 at the Director's Guild of America (DGA), Laemmle's Sunset 5 Theatres, Downtown Independent Theatre, The Tateuchi Democracy Forum @ the National Center for the Preservation of Democracy, and the Aratani/Japan America Theatre.

As Southern California's largest and most prestigious film festival of its kind, the LAAPFF launches the celebration of Asian Pacific Heritage Month through this year's slate of over 170 films and videos from both Asian Pacific American and Asian international directors from 20 countries. Over the past 26 years, the Fest has presented over 3200 films and videos by Asian American and Asian international artists since 1983. This year, 36 feature films and 134 shorts and videos will be showcased throughout the 10-day fest.

Berlin Film Festival hit film AU REVOIR TAIPEI from LAAPFF alum/USC grad filmmaker Arvin Chen will open the festival on Thursday, April 29, 2010 at the DGA at 7PM with the filmmaker and cast scheduled to attend the Los Angeles premiere. The romantic comedy executive produced by German film director Wim Wenders and produced by LAAPFF alum In-Ah Lee (The Grace Lee Project, American Zombie) was an audience fave in Berlin.

"We are excited to present the Los Angeles premiere screening of AU REVOIR TAIPEI as our Opening Night film," states Abraham Ferrer, Exhibitions Director at VC and Film Festival Co-Director. "We have been following director Chen's career since we produced his USC thesis film MEI at the 2007 LAAPFF. We are honored to have him return and present his latest effort as his Los Angeles premiere."

Another LAAPFF alum, filmmaker Quentin Lee (Drift, Ethan Mao, Shopping for Fangs) brings his hit sex comedy THE PEOPLE I'VE SLEPT WITH to the fest as the American Centerpiece film on Saturday, May 1, 2010 at the DGA at 7PM with director Lee, screenwriter Koji Sakai and film's stars Karin Anna Cheung (Better Luck Tomorrow), Archie Kao (CSI, Desperate Housewives), and Wilson Cruz (He's Just Not That Into You, My So Called Life, Noah's Arc) in attendance.

"Quentin Lee is one of our VC family members and is perfect example of what the organization does for Asian American filmmakers," says David Magdael, Festival Co-Director. "Since his arrival to VC in 1991, he has participated with us in utilizing the training, resources, networking and fiscal sponsorships that we provide. We have seen his career grow throughout the years, and we are extremely proud. With this film, one can see how Lee has become one of our strongest filmmakers. And now tackling comedy, he continues to evolve."

Le Thanh Son's action packed film CLASH - Vietnam's current box office smash is slated for the LAAPFF International Centerpiece premiering on Sunday, May 2 at 7PM at the DGA. CLASH reunites the team behind the LAAPFF 2007 closing night film The Rebel and stars Johnny Tri Nguyen and Veronica Ngo in this hard-hitting thriller. Incorporating stylish action sequences and stunning cinematography, the film continues to propel the current Viet Wave Cinema. Cast members will join Director Le Thanh Son at the LA premiere.

In a World Premiere slot, the 2010 LAAPFF is proud to present THE MIKADO PROJECT from Festival alum Chil Kong on Saturday, May 1 at 9:30 PM at the DGA. The comedy centers on an Asian American theater troupe - The Angry Buddha Theater Ensemble - as they try to mount the popular theater piece after they lose their leading male star. Director Kong and his all-star cast of actors including Tamlyn Tomita, Erin Quill, David McInnis, Allen Liu and Ryan Yu and others are slated to attend the gala event.

This year, the LAAPFF will present the North American premiere of the hit South Korean comedy THE ACTRESSES from director E. J-yong in the Special Sneak Preview slot on Saturday, May 8 at 7PM at the Downtown Independent Theater. Shot as a documentary, this comedy send-up is an inside look at the dramatics of six of the most famous actresses in Korean film who were gathered together by Vogue Korea for a photo shoot on Christmas Eve 2008. The multi-generational cast played themselves and worked without a script creating their dialogue, while playing up the varied facets of their respective private and public personas. With THE ACTRESSES, it's always about the drama on and off screen for stars Youn Yuh-jung, Lee Mi-sook, Choi Ji-woo, Ko Hyun-jung, Kim Min-hee and Kim Ok-vin.

Closing out this year's fest is the Southern California premiere of the current Hong Kong smash BODYGUARDS AND ASSASSINS from director Teddy Chen and featuring an all star cast including Tony Leung, Simon Yam, Donnie Yen and kickboxer/MMA fighter Cung Le. This blockbuster action film will be presented Thursday, May 6 at 7PM at the Aratani Japan America Theatre in Little Tokyo in Downtown Los Angeles with actor Cung Le at the gala.

"We are excited about BODYGUARDS AND ASSASINS as our closing night film," states Shinae Yoon, VC Executive Director. "It's been a while since our festival has closed with such a Hong Kong blockbuster film. It's a great way to cap off our celebration."

Something special this year at 2010 LAAPFF will be the celebration of Asian American icon Bruce Lee's 70th birthday. Together with Bruce Lee Enterprises, the festival will highlight the life of this legend with special screenings including a free outdoor screening of the classic THE CHINESE CONNECTION on April 30 at Madang the Courtyard in Korea Town at Western and Wilshire Blvd. and a special screening ENTER THE DRAGON on May 1 at Noon at the Laemmle's Sunset 5 and an outdoor free screening In addition, two special panel discussions are scheduled as follows:

• May 1 - 1:30 PM following ENTER THE DRAGON screening with filmmakers Reginald Hudlin and Brett Ratner, president of Bruce Lee Enterprises Shannon Lee, actor/martial artist Bob Wall and others to be announced. Guests will discuss the impact of Bruce Lee on world wide pop culture.

• May 2 - 4:00 PM at the DGA Atrium - a special panel with the Lee Family and friends including wife Linda Lee, daughter Shannon Lee, God-daughter/actress Diana Lee Inosanto and others to be announced. The guests will discuss Bruce Lee as the man, the father, the husband, and the friend.

"Bruce Lee was not only an icon for many of us as Asian Americans, but for everyone from around the world," says Magdael. "This special celebration of his life and the discussion around him as a person, a friend, a family man and a martial artist and actor will definitely be moving."

This year marks a strong year for non-fiction works at the LAAPFF with submissions way up than other years. The 2010 documentary line-up includes award winners and premieres and a special spotlight on Academy Award® winner/LAAPFF alum Freida Lee Mock. Some of the films are:

• LAST TRAIN HOME - Lixin Fan
• ENEMIES OF THE PEOPLE - Rob Lemkin and Thet Sambath
• ONE VOICE - Lisette Marie Flanary
• STATE OF ALOHA - Anne Misawa
• A VILLAGE CALLED VERSAILES - S. Leo Chiang
• IN THE MATTER OF CHA JUNG HEE - Deann Borshay Liem
• MAMACHAS DEL RING - Betty M. Park
• BEIJING TAXI - Miao Wang
• AOKI - Ben Wang and Mike Chang
• MACHO LIKE ME - Helie Lee
• MY TEHRAN FOR SALE - Granaz Moussavi
• LT. WATADA - Freida Lee Mock
• SING! CHINA - Freida Lee Mock

One of the ongoing objectives of the LAAPFF is to support and present the best of Asian American filmmakers. This year, these films include many filmmakers who are based in the US, but have gone to Asia to film, as well as those here at home:
• AU REVOIR TAIPEI - Arvin Chen
• GOD IS D_AD - Abraham L. Lim
• KTOWN COWBOYS- Daniel Park
• THE MIKADO PROJECT - Chil Kong
• RASPBERRY MAGIC - Leena Pendharkar
• SF STORIES - Raul Jocson
• STRANGERS - Michael Aki
• THE TAQWACORES - Eyad Zahra
• THE PEOPLE I'VE SLEPT WITH - Quentin Lee
• CLASH - Le Thanh Son
• THE MOUNTAIN THIEF - Gerry Balasta

For ticket and program information, a complete listing of sponsors and partners, and to purchase tickets, log on to www.vconline.org/festival or contact Visual Communications at (213) 680-4462 x68. Tickets are on sale now online.

The Festival is proud to be partnering with Toyota as the Official Vehicle Sponsor. Toyota once again will bring their cutting edge style to the Festival in their car displays. In addition, Toyota is making possible the music video showcase - Cinema Musica! - and rooftop after-party and hosting the free outdoor screening of THE CHINESE CONNECTION.

The Festival is also proud to partner with the Directors Guild of America as the main screening venue during the Festival's Opening Weekend. This state of the art theater is where the Festival will screen its Opening Night Film as well as both Centerpiece Films.

OFFICIAL VEHICLE SPONSOR - Toyota; PREMIERE - Directors Guild of America; GOLD - Wells Fargo; Time Warner Cable; OFFICIAL BEER SPONSOR - Stella Artois; OFFICIAL HOTEL SPONSOR - Sheraton Los Angeles Downtown; SILVER - Sony Pictures Entertainment; Morgan Stanley Smith Barney; Metro; Minika Ko Marketing; BRONZE - Bali Film Center; Harrah's Rincon Casino & Resort; Fox Entertainment Group; Government Information Office, Republic of China (Taiwan); SAG Indie; Screen Actors Guild; Hollywood & Highland Center; STAR - NBC Universal; CBS; Motion Picture Editors Guild; Union Bank; Verizon Wireless; Writers Guild of America, West; Flash Cuts; Eastman Kodak Company; GOVERNMENT SUPPORT - American Recovery & Reinvestment Act; National Endowment for the Arts; Los Angeles County Arts Commission; City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs; VENUE SPONSORS - Directors Guild of America; Japanese American Cultural & Community Center; Japanese American National Museum; Downtown Independent; Laemmle's Sunset 5; Madang the Courtyard; FESTIVAL AWARDS SPONSORS - Movie Magic; Write Brothers, Inc.; RECEPTION SPONSORS - Kyochon Chicken; Jinro; Madang the Courtyard; Far Bar | Chop Suey; Creative Floral Designs; LA18 KSCI-TV; Kirin; MEDIA SPONSORS - 89.3 KPCC; LA18 KSCI-TV; LA Weekly; angryasianman.com; Giant Robot

ABOUT THE LOS ANGELES ASIAN PACIFIC FILM FESTIVAL
The Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival presented by Visual Communications is the Southland's premier showcase for the best and brightest of Asian Pacific cinema. Since 1983, the Film Festival has presented over 3200 films and videos by Asian international and Asian American artists, and additionally features seminars and panels, in-person guest appearances, and filmmaker awards.

ABOUT VISUAL COMMUNICATIONS
Visual Communications (VC), the nation's premier Asian Pacific American media arts center, was established in 1970. The organization has established a lengthy track record of pioneering achievements in producing, presenting, and preserving more honest and accurate representations of Asian and Pacific Islander communities in America. Visual Communications is also recognized as an incubator of emerging Asian Pacific American cinematic talent. The organization's works have been exhibited in numerous venues and broadcast outlets around the world. The mission of Visual Communications is to promote intercultural understanding through the creation, presentation, preservation and support of media works by and about Asian Pacific Americans.