Author Archives: Kevin Hsieh - channel APA

Beyond the Mat trailer

Beyond the Mat trailer

“Beyond the Mat” is the next classic sports movie with the best elements of an edge of your seat sports movie. The underdog must rise to the challenge, but with a new modern twist. Imagine Friday Night Lights but on the wrestling mat. Not just a sports story… Not just a love story… Beyond the Mat was chosen out of thousands of scripts to be an official selection at the Tribeca Film Festival All Access Program.

3 periods…2 minutes…1 dream

Set against the backdrop of a suburban high school in Middle America, Beyond the Mat is the coming of age tale of Aaron Miller (John Wynn). Amidst the struggle of a disintegrating friendship, the tormenting of a cross‐town wrestling rival, and the blossoming of a new love, Aaron is forced to come to terms with who he really is. Aaron’s friendship is put on the line when best friend Bo (Mark Hapka), blinded by the desire for a rematch against cross‐town wrestling rival Dominic (Jonathan Kowalsky), robs Aaron of his spot on the varsity wrestling team. Aaron is torn between his loyalty to his friend and his commitment to his sport. Fueled by the desire to succeed and the need to prove himself, Aaron embarks on a journey of self discovery. At times, Aaron’s struggles on the mat mirror his struggles in daily life. His wrestling encounters are a physical manifestation of his emotional struggle, a metaphor for what he is going through. The drama culminates in an explosive finale at the State Wrestling Championship where more than just pride is on the line. It’s a tale about two best friends, a chronicle about minority experiences in America, an uncensored look into the perilous world of high school wrestling, and ultimately the story of a teen who overcomes self‐doubt to find his true place.

You can catch the film at the 2013 Asian American International Film Festival and other film festivals near you.

Beyond the Mat trailer

Artful Dodger music video by Inch Chua

Artful Dodger music video by Inch Chua

Musician Inch Chua released the music video for her song “Artful Dodger” off her upcoming Bumfuzzle album. In the video, Inch Chua tries to track down the “artful dodger” by setting up surveillance in a van out in the woods. With a little detective work, she finds the truth behind the elusiveness of the other person. Will her new discovery change anything as she tries to confront the artful dodger? You can download the track on Artful Dodger - Artful Dodger - Single or amazon.

Artful Dodger music video by Inch Chua

Lyrics to The Artful Dodger by Inch Chua

you’re the artful dodger
the mystery joker
and you’re hiding behind
your wall of humour.

you’re the artful dodger
the great pretender
i can’t figure you out or get a little closer

how could i have jumped into the cold
with the unpredictable
the rest if predictable
how could i have jumped into bed
with the frivolous
why did i have to challenge the universe.

your’e the artful dodger
the comic actor
and i should have known better
than to attempt to decipher

you’re the artful dodger
the classic danger
and i’m ashamed of myself
cause this is all too familiar.

how could i have jumped into the cold
with the unpredictable
the rest if predictable
how could i have jumped into bed
with the frivolous
why did i have to challenge the universe.

you’re the artful dodger
my heartbeat stopper
but you’re hiding behind
your wall of humour

2013 Asian American International Film Festival

2013 Asian American International Film Festival

The 2013 Asian American International Film Festival (AAIFF), which will run from July 24 to August 3, 2013. This year AAIFF is presenting 26 feature films and 44 short films, for, by and about Asians and Asian Americans, with works from or featuring characters from 18 countries including Australia, Canada, China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Israel, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Nepal, Pakistan, The Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Turkey, UK, and the USA. Of the feature films one will be making a World Premiere, one will be making an International Premiere, six will be making a U.S.
Premiere, seven an East Coast Premiere, and eight a New York Premiere. With the themes of Asian American Achievements, Exploring Asian Filmscapes, LGBTQ spotlights, Taiwan Cinema Days and a tribute to Philippine filmmaker Marilou DIAZ-ABAYA (1955-2012) as well as other female filmmakers, the 36th Asian American International Film Festival aims at giving the audiences a comprehensive picture of the Asian and Asian American independent cinemas. Screenings will be held at the Anthology Film Archives (32 Second Avenue), Asia Society (725 Park Avenue), Museum of Chinese in America (215 Centre Street), and New York Institute of Technology (1871 Broadway).

Highlights for the 2013 Asian American International Film Festival include:
Opening Night Film – Linsanity
Centerpiece Film – Soongava : Dance of the Orchids
Closing Night Film – Our Homeland

Other films of note include : STEVE CHONG FINDS OUT THAT SUICIDE IS A BAD IDEA, CHINK, BEYOND THE MAT, HAFU: THE MIXED-RACE EXPERIENCE IN JAPAN, SOMEONE I USED TO KNOW.

Also don’t miss out on plenty of workshops and other special events. You can get more information and tickets here.

2013 Asian American International Film Festival Trailer

RICHE$ by Adrian Per x Mike-Dash-E

RICHE$ by Adrian Per x Mike-Dash-E

Rappers Adrian Per x Mike-Dash-E team up for the music video to RICHE$ off Adrian Per’s mixtape. The duo head to the club to party it up with their homies and the ladies. Things get wild when you got money on top of money. You can cop the track FREE here.

Listen to more Adrian Per: $, The Ride, Better Off and Keep it G.

RICHE$ by Adrian Per x Mike-Dash-E (contains explicit lyrics)

Blue Jays by Dowil (aka Will Pacarro)

Blue Jays by Dowil (aka Will Pacarro)

Internet Icon Season 2 contestant Will Pacarro also raps under the name “Dowil”. Check out his music video for his song “Blue Jays”. In the video, an artist shares his drawings and chases his dreams like a flying blue jay. The inspirational track will have you chasing your own blue jay.

Blue Jays by Dowil (aka Will Pacarro)

Lyrics to Blue Jays by Dowil (aka Will Pacarro)

Every day’s a new day, that’s a true phrase/
Just listen for the sounds and the chirps of the Blue Jays/
There’s always two ways on a path to choose fate/
Just do what you want and not what the many few say/
And be proud of the life that which you made/
You did it with your own two hands, that’s your proof (aye)/
Just know there’s a due date/
On which your youth fades, so what if you lose face/
Trying to chase butterflies and blue jays/
With the heart of a child following where your mood sways/
Ain’t nothing wrong with chasing what you gotta see/
Love the life you live is my one philosophy/
The past is the past, you can’t change it/
It shows what made you, you, like a mirror you can only face it/
You can try to hide, what you don’t wanna see/
But it doesn’t heal the scars that are hidden beneath/
So every day, in every way, make it anything just not what never became/
Cuz its the moment of now, that’s to be seized/
I’m not saying be reckless, but live more purposefully/
You only live once, you can surely make it count/
It doesn’t mean to take your life and waste it down/
People may call you trash, tattered, or weathered/
But one man’s trash is another man’s treasure/
Only a fool’s goal, will earn him fools gold/
Yes, that’s a fool’s road where he’ll find a fool ‘lone/
And I’m that fool though, chasing a blue jay/
Into the night until the sun brings a new day/

And as awkward as that may actually be, this is happening to me/
So i keep it moving, stay true to roots/
Branch into the life who bears good fruit/

So every day, in every way, make it anything just not what never became/
Cuz it’s a new day, this is a true phrase, be proud of what you made and fly like that blue jay/ (x2)

2013 Asian Film Festival of Dallas

2013 Asian Film Festival of Dallas

Asian Film Festival of Dallas (AFFD) celebrates its 12th year of bringing our ever-growing audience films that often cannot be seen on the big screen outside of their countries of origin. For one week each summer (July 11-18, 2013) at the Angelika Film Center in Dallas, TX, festival-goers and filmmakers escape the Texas heat with a variety of feature films and shorts, from all genres around the globe.

Highlights include:
Opening Night Film RUROUNI KENSHIN
Centerpiece Film DRUG WAR
Closing Night Film LIBRARY WARS

Other films of note include Seeking Asian Female and Graceland.

Get more details and ticket information here.

2013 Asian Film Festival of Dallas