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Film Festival Reviews

Sponsored by the Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival

Okay, so it's raining like the Pacific Northwest down here in San Francisco...and I'm without my Hunter wellies. Sigh. Sure does remind me of home (that would be Vancouver). But I digres. I am surely feeling right at home here while attending the ever-so fabulous San Francisco International Asian American Film Festival (SFIAAFF) 2010. It's like I'm transported in time since I found myself here 2 years ago exact, give or take a couple of weeks.

Last night, I attended the Opening Night film (thanks to Leo Wong @ Larsen Associates) Today's Special, with the fantabulous festival contingents from Toronto Reel Asian Film Festival; DC APA film festival; Pittsburgh's Silk Screen Festival; and a couple of creative genius filmmakers (that'll be Gerry Balasta, director/writer of The Mountain Thief; and Soopum Sohn, director/writer of Make Yourself At Home).

After a tasty bite of ramen in Japantown, and the most sublime mochi in the entire world (even beats Japan -- although perhaps even considering that is a blasphemy) at Benkyodo (including an interesting chocolate mochi with sweet bean paste and marshmallows number), we ventured down to the gorgeous Castro Theatre in the Mission.

There, I followed Soopum into the pre-gala for some refreshing (re: alcoholic) complimentary beverages and nibbly bits including delicious tastings of chocolate-covered dried mango from Jade Chocolates (more on them later), and addictive spicy mixed-nut "chikki" (Indian-style brittle) from Spice Vice. Yup, I basically plopped myself near these tables, taste-tasting to ensure product-quality (wink).

To finally enjoy the Opening Film Today's Special in the historic Castro Theatre. SFIAAFF artistic director did a way better job of writing the synopsis than I ever could, so here's it is:

The 28th San Francisco International Asian American Film Festival opens with TODAY'S SPECIAL, a sparkling romantic comedy that hits the heart as well as the funny bone, TODAY'S SPECIAL is a lovingly crafted ode to family, food and New York City. Steaming kitchens and Bollywood songs of yore fill this hilarious second feature from Kaplan (YEAR OF THE FISH, SFIAAFF '07), written by and starring the great Aasif Mandvi (The Daily Show).

A sweet light-hearted film with themes of delectable Indian cuisine, and the pressures of living up immigrant parents' expectations for their children in America. Ah, yes. A universal theme, poignantly (some teary eyed moments) conveyed in the film in an easy to digest way. But what do I know? Through a regular audience members' eyes, it was a cupcake treat of a film. You what some real reviews? That's what Google's for.

As for Aasif -- pure yum. It's all about his funny and the ease he has about him. Swoon. Ahem. Although I was also deeply enthralled with the great Indian actor Naseeruddin Shah's character (he has a Deepak moments) and double-swoon for his voice. That voice.

Not to ignore the women in the film too, I'll say that the romantic interest Carrie (played by Jess Weixler) is an accessible beauty. You know, sweet, charming, and accessible, as opposed to vixen Amazonian goddess. Not to belittle her beauty, but you know what I'm saying. A likeable girl nextdoor with grit, heart, and brains. And actress/celebrity cook Madhur Jaffrey (good cookbooks!) plays the lovable mom who only wants her son to get married to a "nice girl".

After a Q&A, Toyota cars zoomed us to The Opening Night Gala which took place at the gorgeous Asian Art Museum. Imbued with Sapporo beer and cupcakes, we ventured to peruse the current Shanghai Celebration exhibit (very Lust, Caution-esque). Entertained by bhangra-electro live music, dancers, and shmoozers (you know who you are), ended up late (early?) into the next morning at some random bar south of the Tenderloin called Mr. Smith.

Randomness which you may want to skip, but ran into someone from university. Was in Philadelphia back then, and watched a series of personal vignettes (monologues) by drama students one night. Met this guy (not in that fashion, alright) named Brian who performed this heart-wrenching personal story about dropping med school in Berkeley to pursue his love of the arts (theatre) in the eastcoast, much to the chagrin of his parents.

So, I recognize him in the crowds of the gala...and throughout the night I'm looking at his angles...is it him? It was a loooong time ago after all. All night he's surrounded by a different bevy of beautiful women (swear it). Finally, find him with breathing space so I ask him if it's Brian from Philly. Turns out it is. I tell him I remember his monologue (summed it up). Got to reminiscing...when a friend of mine interjects and tells Brian that he's a fan of his and it's an honour to meet him.

Confused, I let them chitchat. I ask Brian what he does (to elicit such a reaction...also this explains the women), and he modestly says he commutes between NYC and Shanghai. I'm assuming businessman. Okay, alright. Although this doesn't explain the fanboying from my friend...so I hear my friend tell Brian he learned a lot of Shanghese or Mandarin maybe from him. Er, so he has a language tape? No idea.

After parting ways, my friend gushes how Brian's the (this is my friend's words) "Ryan Secreast of China". LOL. That'll be Brian Yang. And apparently he is. Small world. Even smaller since my friend's wife is a television personality in Shanghai on a variety show that's on the same network as Brian's. If you know who he is, rest assured, he's a very lovely, charismatic person with ample amount of patience with the fawning. It could be all faux, but it reads true. I'm sticking with that.

Honestly, interesting things happen if you let them. Amen to that!

Posted by Schema Magazine | March 12, 2010 | Comments (0)

Tags: SFIAAFF

Puujee and Hip Hop Storm at the New Asia Film Festival

By Linda Chan

The New Asia Film Festival is having the first of their 2010 monthly movie screenings, Saturday January 23rd. They will be screening two audience choice award-winning documentaries that follow the lives of Asian young people, Puujee and Hip Hop Storm.

Puujee is a visually stunning film, that displays the effects of globalization on a young Mongolian girl and her family. Hip Hop Storm tells the turbulent story of the different struggles of two generations of Taiwanese hip hop dancers.

For more information please visit www.vnaff.com.

This event will be taking place at the Richmond Cultural Centre 7pm-10pm.

Posted by Schema Magazine | January 16, 2010 | Comments (0)

Tags: Asian, Commentary, Community, Culture, Film, International, Politics

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Puujee and Hip Hop Storm at the New Asia Film Festival

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