2008 Austin Asian American Film Festival

The 2008 Austin Asian American Film Festival will be held on October 9-12th, 2008 at the Alamo Drafthouse. We are proud to screen over 40 films (all premiers) from all around the globe! Aside from screenings, we have a fantastic Opening Night Party at Arthouse Museum, a rowdy multimedia concert at Club de Ville, and a captivating discussion panel at the University of Texas. This year, with China being a huge force in world news, they are focusing on Chinese and Chinese American cinema. With over a dozen special guest appearances and lively events planned every night, this year!s festival is going to be the best yet.

2008 Festival Highlights:
- Opening Night Film: Hollywood Chinese (Texas Premiere)
Hollywood Chinese, currently in New York theatres, traces and examines the last 100 years of Hollywood from a Chinese American point of view. Featuring interviews with over 25 Asian American cinematic icons, this film delves into hidden and overt racism in Hollywood but also celebrates the filmmakers and actors who have helped shape the industry. Acclaimed filmmaker, Arthur Dong will be in attendance!

- Closing Night Film: Still Life (Texas Premiere)
Winner of the prestigious Silver Lion!s award, Still Life, with legendary Chinese filmmaker, Jia Zhangke, is a masterpiece based on the famous incident of the destruction of the three gorge dam. As two strangers look for their lost loves in a mall village haunted by memories and happiness, the village prepares to be once again flooded. They are incredibly proud to bring this amazing film to Austin.

- Tribute to Vincent Chin
October 10th, 5:30pm
On June 19th, 1982, Vincent Chin, mistaken for being Japanese, was brutally murdered by two white auto-workers (who blamed Asians for stealing their jobs). This defining moment opened the eyes of the Asian American community to the injustice of racist attitudes and the importance of standing up for equal rights. Two films will be screened exploring the Vincent Chin incident and why it is imperative to keep the story alive. They are excited to bring the two filmmakers to Austin: Academy Award nominated Christine Choy (Who Killed Vincent Chin?) and Curtis Chin (Vincent Who?)!

Buy ticket to the 2008 Austin Asian American Film Festival here.

2008 Austin Asian American Film Festival Trailer

Ping Pong Playa in theaters nationwide

We've been blogging about Ping Pong Playa for awhile now by following Ping Pong Playa through Asian American Film festivals, being picked up by IFC, and even C-dub's exploits. (You can win an Ping Pong Playa autographed poster.) If you missed the movie at the various Asian American film festivals, find Ping Pong Playa at a theater near you.

Here's the synopsis for Ping Pong Playa

Christopher "C-dub" Wang is a suburban guy who sports an urban swagger, waxes political on all things Asian American, and clings to pipe dreams of a career as a pro basketball player. Blaming genetics for his failure to make the NBA, C-dub lives at home, works a dead-end job, and squirms in the shadow of his older brother, Michael, a doctor and ping pong champion.

With a family-run store devoted to all things ping pong and a mom who teaches it at the local Chinese Community Center, the Wangs’ entire world revolves around the sport. But despite the family legacy, C-dub opts to spend his free time playing video games and daydreaming about get-rich quick schemes with his best friend JP Money.

C-dub is kicked back into reality when his mom and Michael are hurt in a car accident, leaving his father to watch over the store and forcing C-dub to take over his mom’s ping pong class of misfits. C-dub starts to appreciate the benefits of ping pong when he starts using the class to make some extra money on the side and befriending one of the kids who happens to have a beautiful older sister.

But when the Wang family livelihood is threatened by a rival ping pong player’s attempts to lure the kids away, C-dub begins to take things more seriously. With the National Golden Cock Tournament coming up and an injured Michael unable to defend his title, C-dub must become the player he pretends to be and defend his family’s ping pong dynasty.

Support Ping Pong Playa


Learn about the origins of C-dub


Ping Pong Playa trailer


Find Ping Pong Playa at a theater near you.

PING PONG PLAYA will be opening in theaters THIS FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 5th!!!
Where: NEW YORK, LOS ANGELES and BAY AREA
-----------------------------------
NEW YORK CITY
AMC Village 7, New York, NY
Regal E Walk (42nd street) , New York, NY

LOS ANGELES
Chinese Theater, Hollywood, CA
Glendale Exchange, Glendale, CA
Alhambra Palace, Alhambra, CA

IRVINE
West Park Regal, Irvine, CA

SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA
Metreon AMC, San Francisco, CA
Shattuck Landmark, Berkeley, CA
Camera 12, San Jose, CA

and then...

When: SEPTEMBER 12
Where: SEATTLE and HOUSTON
------------------------------
SEATTLE
Lincoln Square, Bellevue, WA
Meridian Regal, Seattle, WA
Alderwood AMC, Lynwood, WA

HOUSTON
Marq E Houston, TX

2008 Asian Film Festival of Dallas

Just like the soaring temperatures that hit the metroplex this time every year, moviegoers can once again look forward to screaming-hot movie options at the 7th Annual Asian Film Festival of Dallas, scheduled from August 14th – 21st, 2008 at Landmark’s Magnolia Theater. With more than 40 films to choose from, movie fans can beat the heat with 8 days of film from 10 countries, including Japan, China, Korea and the Philippines. The Asian Film Festival of Dallas is more than just a film festival – it’s a combination of cinema and cultural experiences that help spread the importance of diversity among Asian Internationals, Asian-Americans and other groups in our community. With entries that range from traditional and lyrical beauty to the bleeding edge of modern film expression, the AFFD is proud to once again offer a fiery palette of movie options to Dallas enthusiasts. Many of these films are currently making the festival circuit, and more still have been imported directly from other countries. Either way, this may be your only option to see many of these on the big screen, before they gain a US distributor!

This year’s festival will open with “PING PONG PLAYA,“ the latest film from JESSICA YU, Academy-Award winning director of BREATHING LESSONS and IN THE REALMS OF THE UNREAL, who will be in attendance with lead actor JIMMY TSAI. The Centerpience Film is "The Assembly" based on a true story of one man's journey in search of truth and honor in the aftermath of one of the bloodiest battles in the Chinese Civil War. The Closing Night Film is the much-anticipated satire “BE A MAN! SAMURAI SCHOOL,“ the directorial debut of Asian cult film hero TAK SAKAGUCHI (VERSUS, DEATH TRANCE), who will also be in attendance.

This should be an interesting documentary since the Olympics are taking place in Beijing.
Watch Boomtown Beijing trailer

Kevjumba and Happyslip Dance Battle and Youtube Gathering

Today, Happyslip and KevJumba will be attending the Houston YouTube Gathering. Here's more information about the Youtube Gathering:

When:
Sunday, 6/15/08
12 noon to 5pm

Where:
Marq*E Entertainment Center (meet at the fountain)
7620 Katy Freeway, Houston, Texas 77024

If you think you can make it, you will need to sign up to this site and then make your comment below that YES you will try to meet up with us!

Looks like over 500 people will be attending. Maybe you will see a dance battle there.

Watch the KevJumba vs Fred G. Dance Battle for Happyslip. (Don't confuse this dance battle with The Biggest Online Dance Battle in YouTube History).

8th Annual Slant Film Festival in Houston

This weekend only experience the 8th Annual Slant Film Festival. For the 8th year, Aurora Picture Show presents Slant, an eclectic showcase of the best in emerging Asian American cinema. The festival runs for 3 days this year. Catch all the action at:

Aurora Picture Show
800 Aurora Street
Houston, TX

Opening Night Films - Shorts - May 30 @ 8pm
What do missed connections, using bananas as weapons, and a little girl´s persistence in selling cookies have in common? Nothing, until we brought them together for Slant! This program of experimental and narrative films weaves together the humorous and the poetic. Some films tackle stereotypes, while others travel through memory and longing.

Getting to Nobu - May 31 @ 8pm
Join Slant veteran and our favorite TV personality, Nobu Adilman, for a special show-and-tell screening of his short films and television shows. Nobu is the co-producer of Food Network Canada's Food Jammers and Invention Nation. His career has included writing for network television (Emily of New Moon, Cold Squad), acting (Trailer Park Boys, Parsley Days), hosting CBC’s Smart Ask! for two years, guest hosting CBC’s late night program, ZeD, and pop culture reporting on CBC Newsworld’s Play.

Documentary Showcase - June 1 @ 8pm
In this program of documentaries, family members hold on to each other and their memories even when outside forces try to tear them apart.

Here's what you can expect from Slant 8. Watch the teaser for Slant Volume 1 DVD - Asian American Short Films

Happyslip and KevJumba attending Houston YouTube Gathering

Happyslip and KevJumba will be attending the Youtube Gathering on June 15 in Houston. (That's Father's Day weekend.) The gathering is expected to take place from about 12 noon til 5pm. No location is set yet 'cuz they need a headcount of how many people will go. Let's see Happyslip subscribers + KevJumba subscribers = 300,000+ subscribers. So if you are in the Houston area for Father's Day weekend, join the gathering. You can RSVP here.

Happyslip wrote a song about it. Wanna hear. Well hear it goes:

Plano ASIAFEST 2008

We are rounding out our Texas events with the 5th annual Plano Asian American Heritage Festival taking place at Haggard Park in Downtown Plano from 11 am to 5 pm. Activities will include demonstrations of Asian culture including Chinese calligraphy, Asian painting, traditional dances, fashion shows, musical instruments and other cultural arts. Talented artists from the local Asian community will showcase their culture and heritage to the public. This event celebrates the diverse artistic and cultural experiences of Asian-Americans. ASIAFEST ‘08 is about understanding the different spices that make up the wonderful American Melting Pot. ASIAFEST ‘08 is supported by the City of Plano, the Mayor, City Council, and their sponsors.

Dallas Asian American Youth Orchestra (DAAYO), a 35 piece string orchestra, will be performing classical music at AsiaFest. Here's a concert performance by DAAYO a few months ago:

18th annual Asian Festival in Dallas

The 18th Annual Asian Festival in Dallas is the largest celebration of Asian culture in Texas, attracting over 15,000 visitors a year. This fun, colorful and festive event will unite Asian cultures while creating a diverse marketplace featuring native arts & crafts, music, dance, food, martial arts and children’s activities. Unique cuisine from Indonesia, Korea, China, India, Laos, Vietnam, the Philippines and other countries will be sold by independent vendors. As many as 17 different Asian cultures as well as communities will be represented in the festival. The children’s area, Passport to Asia for Kids, will provide activities culturally relevant to the traditions of the arts of Asia such as origami, face painting, henna painting, jewelry making, and many more. Organized by the Greater Dallas Asian American Chamber of Commerce.

Event date: Saturday, May 3, 2008
Location: Dallas City Hall Plaza
1500 Marilla Street
Dallas, TX, 75201
Time: 11:00am -5:00pm

This event is partial sponsored by the Crow Collection of Asian Art:

8th Annual Dragon Boat Festival in Houston

In another part of Houston, they have the 8th Annual Dragon Boat Festival going on. Over 30 teams racing throughout the day with colorful entertainment, educational cultural booths, delicious cuisine, and fun games for kids and adults alike. The festival continues its 8th year paddling at the birthplace of Houston – Allen's Landing in downtown.

8th Annual Dragon Boat Festival
Saturday, May 3, 2008
9:00am - 4:30pm
Allen's Landing - Downtown Houston

Here's what to expect in the thrilling sport of dragon boat racing in Houston Texas with a 2006 clip:

We can hear the banging of the dragon boat drums already.

APA Heritage Festival in Houston

Join the Asian/Pacific American Heritage Association (APAHA) and over 5000 annual attendees at the Asian/Pacific Heritage Festival this May 3 at Miller Outdoor Theatre in Hermann Park in Houston, TX! In addition to the vibrant array of cultural performances, vendors, and booths highlighting the ethnic Asian/Pacific American diversity of Greater Houston that APAHA is known for, this year's festival will feature headlining performances by:

- JUNOON: South Asia's biggest rock bad, Junoon has sold over 25 million albums worldwide. Founded in 1990 by Salman Ahmad, a doctor by training and a rock musician by profession, Junoon was the first rock band invited to perform at the United Nations General Assembly. Prior to forming Junoon, Ahmad performed with one of Pakistan's first pop bands, Vital Signs; and now serves as a United Nations Goodwill Ambassador on HIV/AIDS.
- Lirio Vital: Internationally renowned Filipina stage, recording, and concert star and Aliw Award Winner (Best Female Vocal Performer)
- Bao Han: Celebrated Vietnamese pop star with "Lien Khuc Paris By Night" (Thuy Nga Productions)

Watch Junoon's music video Bulleya:

Here's perfomance the Bao Han din in Seattle eariler this year:

Have fun out in Houston, TX!!!

AsiaFest Austin 2008

Come and join the celebration of National Asian Pacific American Heritage Month at AsiaFest Austin 2008 on May 3, 2008 with fun, food and entertainment. AsiaFest Austin 2008, hosted by the Network of Asian American Organizations (NAAO) with the support of City of Austin, Austin Parks & Recreation Department, and Capital Metro, is part of the National Asian Pacific American Heritage month.

The event will be held from 11:00 am to 9:00 pm at the future home of Austin Asian American Resource Center at 8401, Cameron Road, Austin, TX 78754. Admission to Asia Fest Austin 2008 is FREE.

AsiaFest Austin 2008 will have a number of activities, including:
Cultural Activities - Live music, dance and cultural performances, and a mini Asian Film Festival showcasing a variety of Asian cultures.
Educational Activities – Workshops and instruction on Asian arts & crafts (face painting, henna, origami, etc.); and basic Asian language skills (learn 20 common words and phrases).
Children’s Activities – Sudoku contests; games; and Reading corner.
Food - Pan-Asian Cuisine featuring traditional Chinese, Filipino, Indian, Japanese, Korean, Vietnamese, and other Asian dishes.

Movies at the mini film-fest include Michael Kang’s wry teen comedy “The Motel,” the local premiere of Derek Shimoda’s “Killing of a Chinese Cookie” and Juli Kang’s musical “Damn the Past!” The film portion is sponsored by the Austin Asian American Film Foundation, which is hosting the Austin Asian America Film Festival in the fall.

Watch the trailer for "The Motel"