Category Archives: filmfestival

Wong Fu Productions and Ryan Higa at Sundance

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Wong Fu Productions and Ryan Higa at Sundance

Wong Fu Productions and Ryan Higa hit up the Sundance Film Festival for the first time last week. The main reason they took the trip out to Utah was because independent film producing legends Christine Vachon and Ted Hope were interested to speak them about their project “Agents of Secret Stuff” and how digital media is changing the landscape of independent film for their program “Killer Hope”. “Agents of Secret Stuff” has already garnered 8 million views in a few short months. Numbers that any indie filmmaker would kill for. It’s a fascinating discussion about how Hollywood and the indie filmmakers differ and how technology is leveling the playing field. Fans and filmmakers will learn a thing or from this interview.

(Thanks to Min Y. for the tip.)

Wong Fu Productions and Ryan Higa at Sundance (part 1)

Wong Fu Productions and Ryan Higa at Sundance (part 2)

Interpretations Panel at 2010 SDAFF

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Interpretations Panel at 2010 SDAFF

After a summer of filmmaking for the Interpretations Film Initiative, a panel discussion was put together with Asian American Actors & Industry Professionals during the 2010 San Diego Asian Film Festival featuring actor Danny Pudi (NBC’s Community, Blowout Sale), David Henry Hwang (Tony Award-winning writer of M. Butterfly), and writer Iris Yamashita (Academy Award-nominated writer of Clint Eastwood’s Letters From Iwo Jima, Represent) along with some of the directors from the winning films. Among the things discussed included working with director/actor Clint Eastwood and filmmaking among the Asian American market from the director and actor perspectives. The commissioned directors/actors talk about having a budget of $1500 and how they utilized the money. The panelists also share if Los Angeles, New York, or somewhere else is the place to go get your career going. Be sure to watch the winning films from the INTERPRETATIONS Film Initiative Contest.

Interpretations Panel at 2010 SDAFF

Not everyone can win, but check out some of these other great entries: Spice It Up with Feodor Chin, Kill Joy by Steve Nguyen x Brian Tan, Doggy Style by Shane Sato, WWJD with Randall Park, Mother by John P. Raposas, The Necklace with Karin Anna Cheung, Voo Dude, Strangers in the Park, The Case, Zeist by Zero Kazama, Bathroom Battle Royale, and Above Average. Unfortunately, we couldn’t post everybody’s entry. See more shorts here.

See other shorts commissioned for Interpretations: Far East Futura, Orient Express by Wong Fu Productions, Represent by Iris Yamashita, Blowout Sale with Danny Pudi, Good Shot with Leonardo Nam, Cambodian American, I Felt My Life in Both Hands by Kenneth Bi, Rumble by Ken Leung, and Canvas with James Jean

Asian American Actors in Hollywood Panel

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Asian American Actors in Hollywood Panel

Some of the top Asian American actors gathered at the 2010 San Diego Asian Film Festival for a panel about Asian American Actors in Hollywood. Participants included Harry Shum Jr. (Glee and LXD) , C.S. Lee (Dexter), Ellen Wong (Scott Pilgrim vs World), Aaron Yoo (Disturbia, Friday the 13th), and Daniel Dae Kim (Lost) with moderators Leonardo Nam (The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants) and Kevin Iwashina (former agent). Collectively, they share some great insights on what it’s really like to be an actor from getting their first break to being a veteran in the business. Find out what it really takes to be an actor in Hollywood. Practice make perfect to be an entertainer. Hone your craft in order to be successful. Education and training plays an important part in the longevity of an actor’s career. The veterans went to grad school to get their knowledge, but YouTube has transformed the way you can gain experience. To be a real entertainer, it takes about 10 years to make it.

They also talk about roles for Asian Americans, being a triple threat (acting, producing, and having unique talent), and creating your own opportunities. You’d be surprised at what roles the panelists want to have along with the importance of Asian American filmmakers. When you delve into this career, be prepared for your parents reaction. There’s lots of great info for anyone thinking about becoming an actor. Listen to this panel of hot, young talent who are making their mark in Hollywood

Check out the future of Asian Americans in media too.

Asian American Actors in Hollywood Panel

2010 ID Film Fest recap

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2010 ID Film Fest recap
If you missed the 2010 ID Film Fest, check out this recap. Learn about the struggles and successes about making Asian American films. It’s a great synopsis of the people behind the scenes like producers and directors. The state of Asian American cinema is changing. See where it’s going from the movers and shakers in the industry and pick up some advice along the way.

2010 ID Film Fest recap

About ID Film Fest
ID Film Fest was founded in 2008, by filmmakers Koji Steven Sakai and Quentin Lee who wanted screen compelling Asian / Asian American works that have not yet had a chance to show in Los Angeles. Recently completing its third year, ID Film Fest is a festival by filmmakers and for filmmakers who create Asian American content and/or of Asian descent. The festival presents contemporary works that examine, explore or celebrate the identity crisis in our diverse global Asian community.

2010 Minneapolis/St. Paul Asian Film Festival

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2010 Minneapolis/St. Paul Asian Film Festival

The 2010 Minneapolis/St. Paul Asian Film Festival runs November 3-13, 2010 at the St. Anthony Main Theater. It’s a first of its kind event in Minnesota that highlights some of the top classic and contemporary filmmakers in Asian and Asian-American cinema. See films from over 12 Asian countries ranging from intriguing documentaries to shorts by emerging filmmakers to feature length masterpieces. Here’s some of the highlights from the festival:

Opening Night – That Girl in Yellow Boots
Closing Night – Gallants

Other highlights include Enemies of the People, The Mikado Project, The People I’ve Slept With, and The Things We Carry.

Get out and support this event in the Twin Cities.Get more details here.

That Girl In Yellow Boots – Trailer (contains profanity)

2010 Vancouver Asian Film Festival

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2010 Vancouver Asian Film Festival

The Vancouver Asian Film Festival (VAFF) takes place November 4-7, 2010. VAFF is celebrating its 14th anniversary of showcasing independent North American Asian filmmakers through selected special features, shorts and documentaries. This year VAFF will also be featuring spotlight presentations of South Asian, Filipino, Japanese, and local films. Here’s some highlights for this year’s festival:

Opening night – For Real
centerpiece – Sing! China
Closing night – One Big HAPA Family

Other film’s of interest Aoki, Wo Ai Ni Mommy, and Empire Corner. Get ticket information here.

2010 Vancouver Asian Film Festival Trailer