From director Sharon Kon comes a new type of love story with an unexpected ending. “The Father’s Love”, which Kon both wrote and produced, is a full-length narrative film. In the movie, main character, Sarah, discovers that forgiveness is the key to true love while struggling to find fulfillment in relationships after moving to New York City.
Director, Producer, and Writer, Kon, was born in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Kon is passionate about producing films with not only aesthetic appeal but also thought-provoking and ultimately life-changing to each viewer.
“The Father’s Love” launched on April 3, 2012. A trailer can be viewed on its’ website at http://thefatherslovemovie.com/
I’ve never been more tempted to crash a party after watching Meeghan Henry’s newest video, ‘Crash A Party’, which premiered on March 24, 2012. Unfortunately, I might have to wait a few more weeks to grow my nails out to blend in with Henry’s girl posse.
18-year-old Henry, born in Jakarta, Indonesia, came to the US at the age of four. Henry made a name for herself in Hollywood following the release of her debut single, “When I’m 18”, along with her first album in 2010.
On March 27, Meeghan’s premiere party rocked the city of streets of LA until the break of dawn at Exchange LA. “Crash A Party”’ is the first single from Henry’s second album that is set to be released in a few months.
The gorgeous and ever-romancing city of London was the ideal spot for the star-studded red carpet world premiere of the upcoming motion picture, “The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel”.
The lavish event was held on February 7th at the legendary Burzon Mayfair Cinema and brought out the acclaimed cast and crew of the film.
Director by Academy Award-nominated director John Madden (Shakespeare in Love), the film follows a group of British retirees who decide to “outsource” their retirement to less expensive and seemingly exotic India. This is where Indian actor Dev Patel comes in, who is best known for his previous role in “Slumdog Millionaire”. The film also stars British actors Judi Dench (Shakespeare in Love, James Bond series), Bill Nighy (Harry Potter, Pirates of the Caribbean), and Tom Wilkinson (Michael Clayton, Batman Begins).
“The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel” is set to open in theaters in the US on May 4, 2012.
Many of us have experienced the feeling of living in the shadows of our parents. The charming romantic comedy, Cast Me If You Can, tells the story of Hiroshi, a perpetual supporting actor, living in the shadow of his famous playwright father. Helmed by award-winning director Atsushi Ogata (Eternally Yours), a graduate of Harvard College and MIT’s Center for Advanced Visual Studies, and known as “Japan’s answer to Woody Allen,” the film features a veteran star cast including Toru Masuoka, Hiromi Nagasaku, Masahiko Tsugawa, Keiko Matsuzaka, and Emoto Akira. Already an award-winner in numerous film festivals in major U.S. cities, as well as overseas in China, India and Germany, Cast Me If You Can was a hit in its native Japan where it has been turned into a novel.
If you missed the special screening last week in Los Angeles presented by the University of Southern California’s Japan Film Society, the film is now available on DVD here. Check out the trailer here:
You really can’t drag me to a scary movie.
But on the other hand, I can’t stop my eyeballs from watching one romantic comedy after the other.
So when I heard that the Korean flick, Spellbound contained both genres, I was intrigued. After all, a scary movie with romance in it can’t be that scary, can it? After all, how can mixing ghouls and spirits, blood and blood-pounding music with flowers and cute fashion, funny one-liners and sweet kisses leave me with nightmares? It can’t, right?
Spellbound was able to give me both. Continue Reading »
Seeing one music video from JIN Akanishi was all the test drive I needed to confirm that this top-selling Warner Music artist, Japanese vocalist, musician, and actor has taken the U.S. by storm.
Akanishi’s single, “Test Drive featuring Jason Derulo”, which debuted on November 8th, is currently at the #1 spot on the iTunes Dance Album Chart.
“I’m so grateful for all the overwhelming support from my fans,” says Akanishi, “It’s wonderful to know that they enjoy my new music.”
What sets JIN in the driver’s seat, aside from his good looks, luscious locks, and undeniable talent, is the apparent drive and determination that his character displays.
On the day of the debut of his single in the US, JIN arrived at The Beverly Center in Los Angeles where he was greeted by 300 eager fans gathered to help celebrate the release of his single hosted by KIIS FM On-Air personality, Jesse Lozano.
After a live performance of “Test Drive”, JIN was asked, “What kind of influence do you want to have on the kids in the U.S.?”
“I want them to pursue their dreams,” he responded. “Never give up, and smile, because we were born to smile.”
It looks like JIN’s fans will be smiling into the New Year, as he is currently working on a full English album set to be released in March of 2012.
Just in time for the season of giving and charitable events comes the 10th annual Unforgettable Gala. The gala will be hosted by the creators of KoreAm, the oldest and most widely circulated English-language monthly magazine for the Asian American community. Unforgettable is set to benefit the Mixed Roots foundation, an organization that serves as a resource to the adoptee community aiming to create more awareness of the adoption experience.
The event will take place on Saturday, December 3 at the legendary Park Plaza Hotel in Los Angeles; and hosted by actor/comedian Randall Park.
KoreAm is set to honor four individuals with achievement awards, including football player Hines Ward, Chef Roy Choi, actor Sung Kang, and director Jennifer Yuh Nelson. The evening will include performances by: Ameriie, Dia Frampton, Jay Park, I.AM.ME, and KINJAZ. An after party presented by Hite/Jinro will follow immediately after the gala with an open bar and Kogi BBQ Truck tacos.
This star-studded affair promises to be one of the premiere entertainment events of the year in the Korean American community.
The event is SOLD OUT, but we still have tickets for the after-party! For tickets and more even information, visit: http://www.iamkoream.com/unforgettable2011/
This Week’s Happenings 11.5-11.13
Seriously Mr. Calendar, how is it already November? You’re forgiven; though I may be a bit biased over November, because it is: my birthday month, the start of cozy holidays, and the beginning of Holiday Happenings.
11th Annual KOLLABORATION Show
When : Nov. 5, 2011
Where: Nokia Theatre L.A. LIVE on November 5, 2011
How: For ticket and event information, visit: http://www.kollaboration.org/
Kollaboration, the largest showcase for Asian Pacific Islander (API) talent in North America, announced 24-year-old South Korean singer G.NA as its headliner for its 11th annual show at the Nokia Theatre L.A. Live on Saturday, November 5.
“We’re excited to have G.NA at our largest Kollaboration show yet because she has been making headlines in South Korea since her debut in 2010,” said Roy Choi, executive producer and CEO of Kollaboration. “Like many of our competing performers, she started out young and is bold in sharing her talent with the world.”
Kollaboration will wrap up the 2011 series of nationwide shows with its 11th annual show in Los Angeles. Other special guest performers taking the stage include symphonic quintet Ensemble Memo, singer-songwriter Clara C, and comedian and founder of Kollaboration, Paul “P.K.” Kim. The eight finalist performers will be competing for the chance to win the grand prize of $2,000, and the audience choice prize of $1,000. Continue Reading »
One of my favorite movies of all time is Father of The Bride, specifically Martin Short’s character as an over-the-top wedding planner. Little did I know that Franck Eggelhoffer was based on the real-life inspiration of Korean American celebrity florist Kevin Lee.
Set to debut tomorrow night, October 28, Lee has teamed up with TLC and Renée Strauss, the no-nonsense owner of the Beverly Hills salon, Renée Strauss for the Bride, for the premier of The Brides of Beverly Hills.
The Brides of Beverly Hills is yet another matrimonial-themed show that TLC has decided to take down its programming aisle. The unscripted series is set in Strauss’ Beverly Hills salon that serves all sorts of high-end clients from the Los Angeles area. Lee is also no stranger to celebrity clientele, as he has previously done floral arrangements for Jennifer Aniston, Kendra Wilkinson, and Michael Jackson.
“TLC is the destination for wedding programming, and The Brides of Beverly Hills builds on the popularity of Say Yes to the Dress, Four Weddings, and our other successful series,” said Amy Winter, TLC General Manager, in a statement. “These brides and Renee’s business can only be found in one of the most talked-about towns in the country, and we know our audience will love this insider’s look at this premier wedding boutique.”
http://insidetv.ew.com/2011/10/06/brides-of-beverly-hills-video/
From music and movies to charity events and Halloween festivities, the last week of October is packed with happenings that will soothe your ears, warm your soul, and unleash your Halloween persona.
RACHAEL YAMAGATA, 2011 CHESAPEAKE TOUR
Beautiful Japanese-Italian-German American singer-songwriter, Rachael Yamagata, just began her 2011 Tour on October 24 in Portland, Main’s Port City Music Hall. The tour is in celebration of the release of Yamagata’s third album, Chesapeake.
Chesapeake features an eclectic collection of songs projecting Yamagata’s optimism and hopefulness, showcasing her sultry and smoky voice, rich, layered harmonies, striking ballads and soulful grooves. The tour will hit major U.S. cities and will finish off on December 22nd at New York City’s City Winery.
When : October 24, 2011- Dec 27, 2011
Where: In select U.S. cities Nationwide
How: To stream Chesapeake online, visit http://www.pastemagazine.com/blogs/av/2011/10/album-stream-rachael-yamagata-chesapeake.html
