The 33rd Asian American International Film Festival kicks off next week, starting July 15 in New York City, and will be running until July 24. The program consists of 23 feature films from filmmakers around the globe that span a wide variety of genres, from drama and horror to musical and comedy, so there is surely something for everyone.
“This year, the AAIFF10 looks especially forward to bringing several Southeast Asian films to our audience,” states Martha Tien, Program Manager of the AAIFF 2010. “Southeast Asia has such a dynamic cinematic community, but its movies still tend to be underrepresented in most film festivals.”
And now you can go to the festival to watch to your heart’s content ’cause we’re giving away a pair of tickets to the festival for our readers! Keep reading for details.
The July 15 opening night feature film presentation is Manila Skies directed by award-winning filmmaker Raymond Red, who was the first Filipino to have won the Palme d’Or in Cannes for his 2000 short film, Anino. In Manila Skies we follow Raul (Raul Arellano), a struggling day laborer who tries to cobble together some money for a trip back to his childhood home in Romblon, where he hopes to help his ailing father. The film was inspired by true events. Red, a pioneer of contemporary Filipino cinema, will be in attendance after the screening for a special Q+A session.
"Manila Skies," the opening film of AAIFF 2010.
Watch the trailer here:
Among other films to be screened are Au Revoir Taipei (to be screened as the Centerpiece Presentation on July 17) by second-generation filmmaker Arvin Chen, which was developed from his short film Mei. The Thai horror film Slice directed by Kongkiat Khomsiri is nothing short of frightening and will have horror film fans feeling very pleased. Director Freida Lee Mock will show her documentary Lt. Watada, which follows Lt. Ehren Watada who made headlines a few years back when he refused to deploy to Iraq, claiming it was an illegal war. And check out our review of the Malaysian film Woman on Fire Looks for Water here.
The horror film "Slice" from Thailand.
The film fest closing night presentation is the critically acclaimed The People I’ve Slept With directed by Quentin Lee. Angela (Karin Anna Cheung), is a woman with a heightened sexual appetite who suddenly finds herself pregnant with five possible candidates for the father. Check out our review here.
Archie Kao and Karin Anna Cheung in "The People I've Slept With."
Watch the sexy trailer here:
Aren’t you just dying to watch? You can, and Audrey Magazine is hooking you up with a pair of free tickets. Just comment below by Tuesday, July 13. (We’ll have two more pairs of tickets that you can only win by following our Facebook and Twitter pages, coming later in the week!)
The AAIFF is the first and longest running festival in the U.S. that is devoted to showcasing films created by filmmakers of Asian descent as well as films that explore new constructs of Asian and Asian American cinema. AAIFF 2010 includes selections from both a national and international pool of filmmakers, including works from Taiwan, South Korea, Malaysia, and the Philippines. Screenings will take place at various venues throughout New York including Chelsea Clearview Cinema, the Quad Cinema, and the Museum of Chinese America.
For tickets and a complete listing of films and screening dates, click here.
What would you do if America were a Third World country?
This is the question that the Asian American Theater Company‘s (AATC) new play Beijing, California hopes to provoke audiences to reflect on, along with their values and perceptions of other countries.
What would it be like if China took over the U.S.? Find out in this intriguing play, starting July 1.
The play is set in 2050 in an America that has collapsed due to Katrina-like disasters, its economy destroyed by a series of financial meltdowns (sound familiar?). The audience will follow three interwoven plots of characters and stories in the Bay Area over the span of 50 years.
The U.S. and Chinese presidents experience a shift in power as their long-term friendship is altered because of China’s rise over the rapidly deteriorating America. In the second storyline, a family struggles to cope with their economic problems. They find themselves trying to survive on a Third World income and eventually have no choice but to partake in a shocking business decision. The final storyline of Beijing, California deals with a Chinese American translator attempting to expose a terrible crime in a San Francisco that has been segregated into Baghdad-like militarized zones.
In the Year 2050, U.S. President James Cole (Garth Petal) faces off against his former Harvard Law School classmate, Chinese President Zhang Kai (Wayne Lee) in Asian American Theater Company's production of Beijing, California. Photo by Guy Stilson.
Beijing, California’s cast includes acclaimed actors Stephen Hu, Lisa Kang, Tom Lazur, Wayne Lee*, JanLee Marshall, Garth Petal*, Erika Salazar and Jennifer Vo Le. (*Members of Actors’ Equity Association.) Duy Nguyen, co-artistic director of AATC since 2008, is the play’s director.
The play premieres July 1 and will run through July 17, 2010 at Thick House Theater, 1695 18th Street, San Francisco, CA 94107. Tickets are on sale now at Asianamericantheater.org.
When I get ready for a night of dancing at a club here in Chicago, I always have a hard time choosing what to carry my essentials in. I can’t use a purse because how can I get my groove on when I have to lug around a clunky bag? A wristlet is out of the question because it’s impossible to fit my credit cards, lip gloss, compact mirror and iPhone into that tiny thing.
Navoh Handbags "Columbus" clutch in teal.
The Navoh Handbags “Columbus” clutch in teal makes the perfect girls’ night out accessory because of its convenient size, attractive design and number of compartments. You’ll have no problem fitting all of your essentials in this gem! And while the faux leather material gives it that chic rock star look, it also has a very cute, lady-like flower lining.
The “Columbus” clutch also features an adorable button and rouched detail on the fold-over flap and comes with three different straps (wristlet straps, 9-inch drop chain shoulder strap and adjustable messenger strap) so you can work a new look every night you go out if you wanted.
VAVA by Joy Han "Melanie" romper.
A couple of months ago I was out shopping with my 50-plus-year-old mother and she suggested I buy a romper telling me that it was “the newest trend.” Flash-forward to now, lo and behold, they are everywhere!
Joy Han’s designs for VAVA are meant to make women feel young, beautiful and confident. You will definitely feel young and beautiful and exude confidence with the “Melanie” romper. The top features a ruffle front neckline with very summer-ish colors. The shorts have a smocked elastic waist so you’ll be über comfortable while strolling along the beach or enjoying BBQ and lemonade on the patio.
The word “cluttered” usually carries a negative connotation with it, but there’s nothing bad about the IZESX cluttered button multi chain bracelet. It features an assortment of buttons and jewels and is a design you don’t often see. It’s something different and that’s what makes it so appealing.
IZESX cluttered button multi chain bracelet.
This charming bracelet comes in gold and silver so you can choose which color more fits your style or you can get both! IZESX strives to bring trendy jewelry that won’t hurt the wallet.
IZESX cluttered button multi chain bracelet.
Althea Harper native print leggings.
I didn’t quite understand the enthusiasm for leggings when they first started to gain popularity, but I have grown to like them very much and appreciate them. It’s no secret that the weather in my hometown of Chicago is unpredictable and it can go from being 40 degrees and snowing one day to being 70 degrees and sunny the next. Planning one’s outfits for the week can be a bit stressful in the Windy City.
Leggings are the perfect solution when you have a cute dress or mini-skirt on and you don’t want to sacrifice fashion for keeping your legs warm. The Althea Harper native print leggings are 100 percent cotton stretch fabric with a flat, elastic waistband and are sure to flatter any woman’s shape.
The bold print of these leggings make it super trendy and flirty; you’ll probably opt to wear them even if the weather is warm. What’s another great thing about these sexy leggings? You won’t just have to settle for one outfit with them because the various colors can go with just about anything in your wardrobe.
John S. Brana green patinated earrings.
I believe that the second best thing about having ears is being able to wear cute earrings (first, of course, is having the ability to hear). So go ahead and treat your ears to the nature-inspired John S. Brana green patinated earrings. These earrings are in a classic shape and will add a strikingly beautiful accent to just about any outfit. No two earrings are alike which will make these a truly unique addition to your jewelry collection.
John S. Brana is known for his one-of-a-kind pieces that he carefully handcrafts in his San Francisco studio using top quality materials. His jewelry is made to make you stand out in the crowd so if you love attention and enjoy receiving compliments these earrings are perfect for you!
Rachel Park multi print silk scarf with fringe.
A scarf can add a touch of sophistication to just about any outfit. Whether you’re rocking jeans and a T-shirt or a little black dress, a scarf is the best accessory to make an outfit stand out in the crowd without being over the top.
Like every one of Rachel Park’s scarves, the multi print silk scarf with fringe is uniquely designed with vibrant colors and a lively pattern. The great thing about any Rachel Park scarf is its versatility. You can wear it as a belt, a headband, or (the good old fashioned way) around the neck.
The silky texture of this scarf makes it a very classic piece and has a place in any fashionista’s wardrobe.
We may have Brangelina, but India’s got Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Bollywood’s reigning acting king and queen. And now the world-famous, real-life couple team up once again with director Mani Ratnam and Oscar and Grammy winning composer A.R. Rahman (Slumdog Millionaire, Guru) in the highly anticipated new feature film Raavan.
Real-life husband and wife team Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Abhishek Bachchan in Raavan.
Described as a modern day version and loose adaptation of the Indian epic Ramayana, Raavan follows Rai Bachchan as Ragini, a classical dancer, who falls in love and marries police officer Dev (played by Tamil actor and playback singer, Vikram). This classic tale of good versus evil pits Dev against Beera Munda (Bachchan), the unlawful tribal leader who is wreaking havoc on Lal Maati, a remote town in Northern India.
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan in Raavan.
Abhishek Bachchan in "Raavan."
Dev, knowing that if he wants to bring order to Lal Maati he must conquer Beera, sets off a chain of events that will ultimately claim lives and change fortunes. Dev, Beera and Ragini come face-to-face in a terrifying jungle where they must also confront their own truths. They embark on a journey that tests their beliefs, convictions and emotions.
A scene from "Raavan."
Check out the trailer here:
Raavan opens worldwide on Friday, June 18.
More photos after the jump, plus photos of the stars at the Cannes Film Festival. Continue Reading »
Who says big handbags are out of style? Certainly not me! Nowadays women (myself included) love to carry their entire lives in their bags and there’s nothing wrong with that. If you’re a woman on the go who likes to squeeze in a workout or two during the week, the Nicole Lee “Bowling” bag in red is a chic way of carrying your workout clothes and shoes along with your pocketbook and whatever else. For Pete’s sake, the word “chic” is on the bag itself!
This bag is, of course, very casual, but also fun and trendy. Whether you use it to carry around your workout gear or as a mini travel bag, you’re sure to catch some envious stares.
Nicole Lee red bowling ball bag.
