LA Times says Miyazaki will appear at Comic-Con to present "Ponyo On the Cliff"!

Miyazaki is the artistic mind behind such films as "Spirited Away," and "My Neighbor Totoro"

His latest film which is being released in Theaters in the US on August 14, 2009 is "Ponyo On the Cliff" The plot centers on a baby fish in the sea named Ponyo who wants to become a human girl. In pursuing her goal, she befriends a five-year-old human boy, Sōsuke.
We can't wait! And the opportunity to meet Miyzaki in person is just too great to pass up.

:: News via Twitter ::

As countries like China and Korea are banning their citizens from internet access, social media will continue to soar to new heights and try to break those bonds of banned information.

Though their own citizens may not be able to view this, a Twitter account has been set-up to provide English-language news by (or on behalf of) the Korean Central News Agency for the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.

Follow it here:

http://twitter.com/kcna_dprk

:: SDAFFvietca ::

Beer and Sake Festival Recap

SDAFF Field Reporter Terry Matsuoka Reports on the Japan Society's Beer and Sake Festival 2009 which was last night in Del Mar. Congrats to Aya and the Japan Society on their success:

The Japan Society's Beer and Sake festival was the best one yet. They expanded the event to accommodate more people and there was even more going on this year. It was divided up into two sections. By the pool they had all of the beer and cooked food and inside the ballroom they had the sushi and sake.

The addition of the Sushi Masters competition was really cool. The Food Network was there with a contestant on one of their shows (Bob Blumer). Also in attendance was a former contestant from America's Top Chef- Brian Malarkey from the Oceanaire as a judge and Channel 4's Sam the Cooking Guy as the host. The sushi competitor's creations were amazing looking. The event displayed the best of Japan's culture of craftsmanship through the high grade sakes, beer and sushi. I had a lot of fun mingling with beautiful people, sampling all the great food and drinks and getting a little tipsy as a result of it all.

Kelly Lim and Guest

A Very Special Day and a Second Chance

Today the San Diego Asian Film Foundation exhibited one of its core values: Leadership.

On this special day 35 truly special individuals proved that people do deserve a second chance. The Second Chance STRIVE (Support Training Results in Valuable Employees) class #132 graduated into a new life, a life without drugs, crime, bad attitudes toward work, and deviant behavior. This new life is created by a program that has been in existence for 15 years; Second Chance combines tough love and life skills with real-world professional job skill instruction and job search techniques.

The tough love and life skills mentally prepare the individual and the job skill instruction, which comprises of resume writing, interview preparation, and job retention prepare the graduates for life after the jail cell (this is specific to the PREP program which stands for Prisoner Re-entry Employment Program).

Today myself, Daniel Matthews, Nick Cichon, Pamela Huynh, and Board Member Stephen Chin attended this graduation and spoke with the graduates after to find out how they felt during their transformations and to give them words of encouragement for their new lives. I spoke with the graduates about what they would be thinking about Monday morning when they wake up to start a new life, they unaminously said that they are ready, proud of what they have done in the program, and can't wait to contribute to the workforce. Without question, I was impressed with the positive energy and attitude that was eminating from these very special people. I am glad that I was a part of seeing people get a second chance in life, because I know that all of us have gotten one at a time in our lives.

Founded by Executive Director Scott H. Silverman (who is also a CNN Hero), Second Chance has found a way to work magic that the current social system for recently released felons simply does not do. The magic is that these people transform, become positive thinking professionals and they have access to the services of Second Chance for a minimum of two years. This continued monitoring of the graduates after the intense three-week transformational program gives these second chances life after the classroom.

Thank you to Scott, Veronica, Rob, and the rest of the amazing staff at Second Chance, I personally want to thank you for what you do!

Asian American Film Pick of the Week: American Chai

American Chai was chosen as the Opening Night Film back in 2001 for our Second Annual Asian Film Festival. Directed by Anurag Mehta. Here's a little bit about the film:

Sureel is a first generation Indian American college graduating senior music major who's controlling father still believes that he is pre-med. His desires in life conflict with both his family's traditional values, and the usual Indian way of assimilating into America by becoming a doctor or engineer. As graduation approaches, he has an opportunity to be nationally recognized for his music which will simplify telling his father the truth. Value conflicts are explored as the rationale behind internal racism and dating objectives are also explored.



To Purchase the Film Click Here

Huh? What's Her Name Again??

As a fan of Korean actress pictured above who is in BLOOD: THE LAST VAMPIRE (soon to have limited release!) I wanted to blog about her. Not about my anticipation of the film, about her talents, about her fame as an Asian actress, but actually about her name.

So... this is JUN JI-HYUN I'm talking about.
But Hollywood won't call her that-- it's GIANNA JUN that they'll be talking about.

Could it be my interest in linguistics studies that causes my fascination with people's names, how they sound, how they're spelled...?! I don't know--but I'm always interested about a person's name--especially if it's something they create for themselves, in contrast to being named as a baby.

I personally don't like the fact that she chose a western name to promote herself at this Hollywood debut. I think her Korean name is fine-- it's not THAT hard to pronounce... is it?! There are, of course, reasons that actors create western names for themselves: for ease of appeal, reference... But to me, her new name takes away her "Korean-ness", and makes her seem like an Asian-American, or something. She already is fairly established and well-known in Asia- it seems to take away the already established image that she is known for to the fans that already know her.

What do you think?
Ji-Hyun --> Gianna Jun?
Necessary?

Either way, I'll just hope for her film to be successful.

Although not directly Asian Film related, we just got this call for entries announcement we thought we'd share: The Avon Foundation for Women Short Film Contest: Speak Out Against Domestic Violence

The Avon Foundation for Women and Avon Products, Inc. have focused on ending domestic violence since 2004, with programs now in over 50 countries. As part of Avon's global Speak Out Against Domestic Violence program, Avon Mexico together with Expresion en Corto created a unique global short film contest in 2007 that addresses the issue of domestic violence.

The 2009 "Speak Out Against Domestic Violence Short Film Competition" will accept entries from July 31 through October 1. We are especially eager to attract more women filmmakers to this opportunity, which includes cash prizes for the top three winners.

Details on the program as well as entry guidelines are found at www.expresionencorto.com

Council Member Marti Emerald at Vigil

Here's a really great video of Council Member Marti Emerald Speaking at the Vigil:

Press Coverage of Vigil For Euna Lee and Laura Ling

We had some really great coverage from different Media Outlets around San Diego. Thanks to all of them. If you'd like to read some of the Media Coverage, we welcome you to do that:
KTSD (KOREAN TELVISION SAN DIEGO)
KUSI (Channel 9)
CW (Channel 6)
San Diego News Network

Thank You For Attending the Vigil

Here are photos from the VIGIL last night for Euna Lee and Laura Ling (2 Journalists Imprisoned in N. Korea).




Our Fabulous Volunteers!


Lisa Ling Talking to SDAFF Exec Director Lee Ann Kim

For Updated Information about Euna Lee and Laura Ling Click Here

Good Times at SIFF!

Here's a look at my first visit to Seattle and to the Seattle International Film Festival - in its 35th year! One of the oldest film festivals in the country, this is also the longest one - running 25 whole days!

I spent a lot of time at the Pike Place Market where you can eat croissants, cookies, crumpets, cupcakes, and every baked good you can imagine. The colorful produce and the extremely fresh fish are what make this farmers market so unique. I could have spent days shopping in here for knick knacks and gifts. The sights and smells are utterly stimulating.
Nick and I had a memorable dinner with SIFF Programmer and Education Coordinator Dustin Kaspar at Ray's Boathouse. If you want Seattle seafood, Ray's is the place every book and website tells you to go. A New York Times critic said that going to Seattle and not eating at Ray's is like visiting Paris without seeing the Eiffel Tower! Ray's was quite a treat and not too overpriced when you dine in the upstairs section. I had some delicious sablefish and some key lime pie. It was very nice of Dustin to take a break from the festival to pick us up and drive us to the restaurant which overlooks Puget Sound.

We went to see FOREVER ENTHRALLED at the Uptown theatre. The late Sunday night screening was full and the audience was very diverse. Here's what I thought of the film:

Chinese filmmaker Chen Kaige returns to the genre that first brought him critical acclaim – the Peking Opera. Like Farewell My Concubine (1993), FOREVER ENTHRALLED is an opulent period drama about the true story of Mei Lanfang, a Peking opera legend whose fame spread worldwide. Even Charlie Chaplin and Sergei Eisenstein filmed him in the early 1900s. As a man playing a woman onstage, critics often said that Mei was more feminine than a real woman and so his roles and pitch perfect voice mesmerized audiences.

The film begins in his early adolescence as Mei must rival with a veteran actor, in a kind of “battle” of the musicals, and emerges the victor. His fame spreads quickly but disaster sets in as the Japanese invade Manchuria and Mei’s refusal to sing upon request of the Japanese threatens his career and family. Zhang Ziyi (most notable for her breakout role in Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon) plays an admiring fellow opera singer – a woman posing as a man onstage – who begins a romantic affair with Mei played by Leon Lai (Fallen Angels). She poses another threat to Mei’s career - a possible distraction from his work and his demanding fans, managers, and especially his devoted wife and family. The entire cast delivers solid performances, while Lai and Ziyi noticeably went through Peking opera training to master the delicate body language of the opera.FOREVER ENTHRALLED is a fascinating biopic about a man regarded as a great national treasure and yet who yearns to be ordinary at times. The film is also strongly traditional, elegant and what most audiences would expect from a historical Chinese period piece. At 147 minutes, there is no shortage of dazzling authentic costumes, gorgeous sets and exquisite interior lighting evoking 1930s China. His latest work may not have the complexities and emotional impact of Farewell, but it certainly seems like Kaige is back to the filmmaking he does best.

It was unfortunate I did not get to see more films, but at least I go the chance to drive out to Tacoma to visit the Museum of Glass - a relatively new museum dedicated to the art of glassblowing. Glass is a very popular and accepted artform in Seattle, the home of amazing artists like Dale Chihuly. The museum is small, but amazing. Check out the installations which change seasonally. Nothing Asian about this, but definitely cool and worth mentioning!

The 48 Hour Film Shoot Out

The San Diego Leg of the 48 Hour Film Project is now open for registration.

The 48 Hour Film Project comes to San Diego on the weekend of August 14th. Filmmakers from all over the San Diego area will compete to see who can make the best short film in only 48 hours. The winning film will go up against films from around the world.

The 48 Hour Film Project is an international film competition where competing film making teams have 48 hours to write, produce, edit and turn in a complete film. The contest takes place in over 80 cities worldwide with the winning team from each city going on to Washington, DC to compete for Best Film of the Year.

More Information and Register Your Team By Clicking Here

Yao Ming Dynasty

Yao Ming, center for the Houston Rockets for the NBA is set to appear in the voicing credits of an upcoming Chinese movie, The Magic Aster. Yao will play the role of the father of the protagonist of the movie. It revolves around the narrative of good versus evil.

Joining Yao Ming in the stellar cast of the film are Taiwanese model-actress Lin Chi-ling and Hong Kong singer-actor Leon Lai. It is set to premiere this June 19 according to the China Daily Newspaper. Yao is no stranger to film work, having been the centerpiece of the 2004 documentary Year of the Yao as well as appearing in the Simpsons as himself. >>Gmoney

San Diego Vigil for Imprisoned American Journalists in North Korea

The public is invited to a vigil on Thursday, June 18 at 6:30pm at Abundant Life Community Church at 3520 Mt. Acadia Blvd., San Diego, CA 92111, to show solidarity against the imprisonment of two American journalists in North Korea – Euna Lee and Laura Ling. Laura’s sister, Lisa Ling (CNN correspondent), has confirmed she will speak during the vigil live by phone or SKYPE. Members of Congress have also been invited to participate.

Vigil for Euna Lee & Laura Ling
Thursday, June 18 | 6:30pm - 8pm
Abundant Life Community
(aka Korean United Methodist Church)
3520 Mt. Acadia Blvd., San Diego, CA 92111

Attendees will also be invited to watch an award-winning documentary called “Shadows and Whispers” which exposes the plight of North Korean children and refugees. The film was directed by Jung-Eun Kim, who risked her life by filming in the same area of Northern China that Euna Lee and Laura Ling were shooting around the time of their arrest. For more on film

Click Here

Actor/Comedian Bobby Lee in San Diego

Okay, we ALL know who Bobby Lee is, right? If you loved him on Harold and Kumar Go To White Castle and of course, Mad TV, you have a chance to see San Diego's own Bobby Lee and friends this summer at the Viejas Casino.

Bobby Lee is an accomplished actor and comedian, having starred in over 20 films, including Pineapple Express (2008) and Kickin It Old Skool (2007). Bobby keeps himself busy and has two up coming films, Wedding Palace (2009) (filming) and Hard Breakers (2009) (post-production).

Try to catch him if you can! - Gmoney

A SDAFF Intern's Journey: Jon Abahay Signs Out

Hey, I'm Jonathan Abhay, Senior Class of 09 of High Tech High Media Arts.

After finishing my internship term with the SD Asian Film Foundation during my Junior Year, I've never thought I would have another prolonged work period with these guys. Considering how unsuspectingly busy it was during my senior year, juggling ASB work with two Senior Projects.

Now I have just a week left until I graduate and venture to San Francisco for college life. While I certainly am nervous about taking an actual leap into the real world and leaving my parents in San Diego, I can appreciate what SDAFF has done for me, by getting me out there in the public and doing things that I would've been shy to do years earlier.

The skills and lessons that I've gained here make me feel like I can take on anything. I've also learned a multitude of life skills by interning at the Film Foundation. For instance, Choco Pies & Hot and Spicy Noodle Bowls are a viable means of staying alive and seem to be the #1 source of nutrition during the Fall Season. Which just happens to be festival time. While I can't be here to see the festival due to me being in college 500 miles upstate, I do hope anybody reading this doesn't miss this opportunity to see some awesome films.

The 10th Annual San Diego Asian Film Festival is happening from October 15-29 2009. Make sure you say Hi to Lee-Ann, Dan, Nick and Mye there.

Korean Indie Film Opening in the US

I was looking through the Apple website and came across this trailer and found it hilarious. 

The film, Daytime Drinking, was directed, produced, shot, composed, and edited by Young-seok Noh. 

Because of the tight budget, the director decided to shoot with no lighting equipment. He also constructed the scenes so that the majority of it would take place outside in the day time. 

It was a huge hit in the festival circuit and recently played at the Seattle International Film Festival. 

In the film, a man, who has recently broken up with his girl friend, gets convinced by his friends to go on a weekend trip with them so he can relax and compose himself. On the day of, however, none of his friends show up. He decides to go on the trip anyway only to find that there are no shops open there; it is completely barren. Although he didn't get the trip he expected, he definitely has an experience/ under the rigid rules of Korean drinking culture. 

For the trailer Click Here

-SDAFF Esther

Asian American Film of the Week: The Motel

Michael Kang's The Motel
w/ Sung Kang



www.themotel-film.com

:: Christine for Charity ::

Admit it. There are days when you find one good YouTube video, then you get caught up clicking on related links, and before you know it, the hours have gone by like *snap*! Well, I'm here to tell you that's okay! In fact, I encourage you to keep watching YouTube videos because it's good for charity!

That's right. Your favorite Asian-American YouTube phenom, HappySlip, has another account where she donates all the revenue profit to Operation Smile.

Go there and check it out! Support your fellow social medialites and feel good two-fold!

http://www.youtube.com/christinegambito

:: SDAFFvietca ::

SDAFF says, "Hi," to Seattle International Film Fest

Our Associate Director Mye Hoang and I made it up for the weekend to Seattle and got a taste of (more like a mouthful) the city and its resident month-long film festival. Unfortunately the film I truly wanted to see...Mesrine...got cancelled due to an issue between the film distributor and Technicolor! Thus, I spent alot of time checking out sights and stuffing my face with wonderful foods in the Pike Place Market! Yum.

Either way, Mye and I did manage to see a wonderful new film that we will hopefully show down here in October. "Forever Enthralled," tells the biographical story of Mei Lanfang, China's greatest opera singer. Directed by Chen Kaige and starring Leon Lai, this is a well created period drama that will fascinate you with its dedication and perspective on the life of one man and the thousands of people whom he affected. Here is the official trailer, unfortunately there isn't one in English!

Soaking Up Korean Cinema

Hello all! I hope everyone is doing well in this gloomy California weather! I consider it great movie watching weather and have had the pleasure of watching 2 great Korean films recently, My Tutor Friend and A Millionaire's First Love.




The first, a romantic comedy is quite entertaining and stars Kim Ha-Nuel and Kwon Sang-Woo. Kwon plays a 21-year old rebellious high school student and Kim stars as a college student assigned to tutor him. This film is full of action, comedy and a few sweet moments as well. It was thoroughly enjoyable to me and I hope you get a chance to see it as well!

The second film I watched, A Millionaire's First Love stars Hyun Bin and Lee Yeon-hee. The story is about an arrogant boy set to inherit a great fortune on his 18th Birthday... but there are a few conditions he must adhere to first. Along the way to claim his fortune he meets many obstacles and does the unexpected, falls in deeply in love. Beautiful and touching in Korean drama fashion, this film had my attention from the first minute to the last.

I highly encourage you to check out both of these great films!

Until next time Asian film fans!

Melissa

It's that time of the year again- 72 Hour Film Shoot Out!

Some great news from our friends at the Asian American Film Lab

The Asian American Film Lab (AAFilmLab), in association with Asian CineVision, is pleased to announce the Sixth Annual 72 Hour Film Shootout (“Shootout”) taking place this year from June 26-29, 2009. The Shootout is a nationwide competition where filmmaking teams have 72 hours to complete short films up to five minutes in length. Teams are given a common theme at the start of the competition to use creatively as they see fit.

The Shootout intends to create opportunities for Asian Americans to demonstrate their talent, gain exposure in the entertainment industry, and to have an impact on the visibility of Asian American stories and characters in film and television. One of the Shootout requirements is that at least one key production member (e.g., director, producer, or writer) and a principal actor from each team must be of Asian descent.

For more info please go to www.72hourfilmshootout.com

HELP SDAFF SEND A MESSAGE TO NORTH KOREA TO RELEASE JOURNALISTS, EUNA LEE AND LAURA LING

On March 17, American journalists - Euna Lee and Laura Ling (sister of Lisa Ling) - were taken into custody by the North Korean military while reporting for Current TV on the trafficking of women along China’s border. Hundreds across the U.S. staged protests to send a message last week.

North Korea's official news agency reports that Euna and Lisa were tried and have been sentenced to 12 years hard labor!

If you want to send a message, please email the State Department to demand they step up negotiations with North Korea. CLICK HERE
Also, please take a moment to sign the petition by Clicking Here
For more on the story, CLICK HERE

-SDAFF Dan

Mr. Park's kind of girl

So I recently watched "Old Boy" again--internationally recognized Korean filmmaker Park Chan Wook's one heck of a twisted film from 2003. (it was my second time watching, after having endured only parts of it in my innocent highschool days)

I've also been hyping myself up about Park's new movie, Thirst, which will actually come to SAN DIEGO IN JULY! and since I've been seeing trailers, related pictures, etc, I felt like I've immersed in learning a lot about Park Chan Wook's style... specifically, the actresses!

The main actresses in both movies (Kang Hye-Jeong and Kim Ok-Bin) have the same, messy curls tugged into a ponytail at one scene, and they look exactly like each other! Only if I can get stillshots of the scenes. (wasn't able to find it online) the main actors, too, both big men with rather unkempt hair, dominating the screen with a brooding presence...
Kim Ok-Vin from Thirst (2009)

Kang Hye Jeong from Old Boy (2003)


I mean, obviously directors have their own preferences and styles that inevitably reflect in their artworks. But this was just something fun I wanted to share :] Pretty girls always make me jealous, I guess. I wonder what would be my "trademarks" if I were a director~ OH- I dunno- I'll accept any modelesque boys that would act for me :]

:: Copy-Cat Cinema ::

The days of "Scream" and "I Know What You Did Last Summer" are over, and the spotlight is now on the supernatural side of scary. American cinema has been riding the re-make railways and finding some mild success in doing so. More specifically, they are coasting the coat-tails of the creepy kind. A recent example is the first-person thriller, “Quarantine,” a re-make of the original Spanish film simply titled, “REC.”

The first notable success was “The Ring,” an American spin on the Japanese film, “Ringu.” And what is more bone-chilling than a stiff brunette crawling through your television? Being forever cursed by an equally stiff brunette in the re-make of Japan’s “Ju-on” called “The Grudge."


The wildly successful runs of these two films brought a barrage of American filmmakers clamoring for permissions to bring even more Asian cinema into an American light. Here is an incomplete list of such re-makes:

- “One Missed Called” (original: “Chakushin ari”)
- “Shutter” (original title retained)
- “Pulse” (original: “Kairo”)
- “Dark Water” (original title retained)
- “The Eye” (original: “Gin gwai”)

Asian filmmakers have a knack for instilling fear into their audience, and it is not through blood and guts, but through the mental gourd, a likely reason for the popularity in their re-makes. Imitation is the best form of flattery… but why does it have to be so scary?!?

:: SDAFFvietca ::

A Night with Reel Voices

The San Diego Film Foundation does not just put on the best and biggest film festival in San Diego County; the Foundation also has an amazing program called Reel Voices. This competitive film program allows a very select few students from high schools all over San Diego to create their own stories and tell the world through film. Their shorts are traditionally a feature of the San Diego Asian Film Festival.

Last night I had the opportunity to speak to the young filmmakers about how to critically analyze and enjoy film. What really surprised me was their film knowledge and how engaged and interested they were in the art of film criticism.

I played two different films for them, one, was a poor narrative short which allowed them to see what not to do technically and from a story-telling perspective, and an amazing documentary feature which gave the students a look at how to do it right.

Before my presentation, the students pitched different ideas for their documentaries, and I was absolutely impressed with how deep they dug to find some truly interesting and exciting themes. This crop of Reel Voices students may be the best yet, and I am looking forward to seeing their progress as Mike Watson and Akira Chan guide these fresh faces through the film-making process.

For more information on Reel Voices go to the page on our website.

Get excited about this film......

Based on the poster alone, I can't wait. Ken Jeong (Dr. Ken as he's known in the comedy world) looks hilarious. The Hang Over starts playing today. Here's a little blurb: A Las Vegas-set comedy centered around three groomsmen who lose their about-to-be-wed buddy during their drunken misadventures, then must retrace their steps in order to find him.

It's not really an Asian American Film...but Dr. Ken has been making his way around a lot of the recent comedy films (Especially the Judd Apatow universe). This film in particular highlights him and hopefully sets him up for a lead role sometime soon....crossing my fingers!

-SDAFF DAN

Did Some Body Say Discount? Special Treeless Mountain Deal

Here's one more reason that you should go watch TREELESS MOUNTAIN:

From June 5^th to June 11^th at Reading Gaslamp Cinemas, those in the know can get a special “SDAFF Discount"

All you have to do is say “San Diego Asian Film Foundation” at the box office to get $5 tickets for TREELESS MOUNTAIN for the following showtimes: 2:55pm, 4:55pm, 6:55pm

Spread the good word!

Shu Qi?

Say hello to Shu Qi. She's my homegirl.
























Yea right... Shimmy wishes. I actually didn't know much about her, until I found out that she was on the jury for 2009 Cannes that ended 24th of May.

What did she do so well that she gets to be on jury for Cannes?!?! How CANNES she CANNES?! (sorry)

No- of course this actress is a highly acclaimed woman from Taiwan. Her talent was recognized starting from Hou Hsiao Hsien's MILLENIUM MAMBO (a big name director... mentioned many many times in my film class too... but gotta have patience to watch his films!) and since then she's been in soooooooo many films from Taiwan, Hong Kong, visited Cannes a couple times as an actress in a film... countless, countless amount of good work she's done.

Yea, obviously she deserves it ;p (and she's frikkin gorgeous!)

So there you have it, Shimmy's homegirl, Shu Qi. Yeah, SHHHH is the new hipster name :]

- SDAFFShimmy

ASIAN JOHNNY DEPP!

I'm not one that watches horror movies. In fact, I can't even go near a scary book because of the cover. When I was 12, I remember throwing the book, Christine by Stephen King, across the room because I felt that the book itself was evil. Thus, my unnatural fear of old Plymouths. So, when my little cousin (Okay, he's not so little. He's 24), brought "Shutter" with him to a family reunion, I did NOT want to go in the viewing room. However, I told myself, "I'm older now. What do I have to be afraid of?". Yeahhh...I nearly pooped my pants. BUT LOVED EVERY MINUTE OF IT! (The movie that is, not the nearly pooping my pants part). Shutter, or in Thai: ชัตเตอร์ กดติดวิญญาณ, is a 2004 Thai horror film directed by Parkpoom Wongpoom and Banjong Pisanthanakun and starring Ananda Everingham, Natthaweeranuch Thongmee, and Achita Sikamana.

I'm sure many of you have watched the 2008 remake of this film, but that doesn't even come close to this version. The subtle movements, strange images, and intense moments constantly keep you on your toes, not knowing what will happen next. Ananda Everingham does a great job as the main character. It also doesn't hurt that he looks like a young Asian Johnny Depp. Drool. But with all seriousness, he really does a good job of acting paranoid and freaked out. And I was definitely freaked out. Watched it with a bunch of my cousins during the reunion and my football linebacker sized cousin was huddling by the door as the rest of us were screaming. Yes. Screaming. But that's half the fun of it, right? So, my recommendation for the week is to go rent Shutter from the movie store. But be sure to watch it with someone else or you'll probably end up running outside, sitting in front of the steps, freezing, waiting for your roommate to come home so that you wouldn't be alone inside. Yeah. I did that too.

Trailer from Shutter:



-SDAFFMoonster OUT.

Departures and Treeless Mountain in Theaters

Hey SDAFFer's

For those that missed Departures and Treeless Mountain, you have no reason to cry.....Wipe those tears away! Treeless Mountain is currently in theaters at Reading Gaslamp Cinemas in Downtown. You can also see Departures in San Diego very soon as it opens at Landmark Theaters La Jolla this Friday, June 5th.

SDAFF has all the info about Asian Films opening in San Diego. To find more information (time, location, dates), please Click Here

-SDAFF

Treeless Mountain: Let the Film Speak for Itself

Treeless Mountain was a great success. Thank you to all of our attendees. From everyone I talked to after the first screening it seems that the film was well accepted. A new film experience for many, Treeless Mountain's director So Yong Kim uses extreme close-ups for a greater part of the movie all without a soundtrack. I feel this leaves the audience with a very visceral experience.

There is no musical score to tell the viewer what to feel or just how the two little girls Jin and Bin are feeling. The audience is left with a mixture of beautiful shots and close-ups of the their faces as they increasingly have to come to terms with their own abandonment. A heartfelt and touching film, I felt challenged to interpret the transformation that inevitably comes with a child trying to cope with the world around them and find the emotional support of a parent. How difficult it is for a child when there is no one to hold them close and tell them it's going to be ok...[tear].I think the piggy bank over the course of the film sums up Jin's struggle; desperately doing what she can to fill the piggy bank and the promise of her mother's return, the reality that her mother is not coming back, and acceptance of the life with her grandparents. And ultimately Jin's newfound love for her grandmother as she offers the piggy bank to buy her grandma new shoes.

Observation: As the film progresses and the older girl Jin comes to terms with her situation, the camera seems to move away and reveal more panoramic shots. Watch the film and let me know if you agree. As always, comments welcome!

Click here for showtimes.

-SDAFFNickOlas!