We caught up with Harry Shum Jr. and he told us all the details we need to know about his upcoming film White Frog.
Audrey Magazine: Can you tell us a bit about this film and then about your character specifically?
Harry Shum Jr : White Frog is about a suburban family who looks perfect on the outside, but isn’t perfect on the inside. They’re struck with this tragic death that rocks the whole family. Nick Young, who is played by BooBoo Stewart, suffers from Asperger’s Syndrome and has to try and piece things together that will hopefully bring the family back together. I play Chaz Young- the older brother of Nick and he’s basically the glue of the family. He’s kinda the perfect, athletic, older brother that seems to have it all together, but really he’s hiding something from his family that changes their lives forever.
Its a film about family, love, and friendship and how we need that to hold it together and deal with everything in life.
We’ve talked about the incredible cast in the upcoming film, White Frog.
BD Wong, Joan Chen, Harry Shum, Jr., BooBoo Stewart...talk about star power!
Here’s the trailer for the film.
White Frog follows an Asian American family dealing with the death of Chaz Young (Shum), a brother, son and friend. The story centers around young Nick (Stewart) who also has Asberger’s.
What are your thoughts on the trailer?
Who is the White Frog?
I don’t know either, but coming this fall from Wentertainment Productions and Chris Lee Productions is the new indie feature White Frog directed by Quentin Lee (The People I’ve Slept With). Written by mother-daughter team Fabienne Wen and Ellie Wen with playwright David Henry Hwang (M. Butterfly) as its script advisor, the film focuses on high school freshman Nick Young (The Twilight Saga‘s Booboo Stewart) who struggles with mild Asperger’s syndrome. The troubled and neglected teen idolizes his perfect older brother Chaz (Glee‘s Harry Shum Jr.), but his life takes a sharp turn and a leap after fate plays a hand in his brother’s life.
Not sure what to do for the upcoming weekends? Perhaps you want to take a break on a weekday after a long day at the office. Here are some fun alternatives — from poppin’ to boppin’ to art hoppin’ — to just going home and vegging out in front of the tube. Go out for a night of music, art and culture — or some good ol’ fashioned sex. (Keep reading to see what we mean.)
Clara C Tour
When: Saturday, March 19, 8 pm
Where: Hotel Cafe 1623 N. Cahuenga Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90028
How: claramusic.com
Kollaboration winner Clara C is going on tour!! If you don’t know who Clara C is, you are definitely missing out and need to go check out her YouTube page ASAP. Her first stop will be in L.A. at the Hotel Cafe. Pre-sale tickets will be $11 and you can get it at www.hotelcafe.com. It is a 21+ event, so if you’re under 21, sorry … maybe next time? If you know who Clara C is, you’ll be sure to make it there by 7 when doors open because there will definitely be a line.
Had your fill of turkey? Avoiding the Black Friday crowds? Escape some of the holiday stress with some fun, beauty and plain old comedy to lift your spirits. Make sure to check out some of these awesome events going on all over the U.S., in the upcoming week.
Celebration: The Birthday in Chinese Art
What: Works in various media from the Museum’s collection explore the pervasive themes of celebration and longevity in the art of the Ming and Qing dynasties.
When: Now through November 28, 2010
Where: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 1000 Fifth Ave., New York, NY 10028
CAPE Soiree 2010
What: The Coalition of Asian Pacifics in Entertainment (CAPE) presents its highly-anticipated CAPE Soiree. This year’s event features special appearances by not one but both of the Mr. Sulus of Star Trek: John Cho and the legendary George Takei. Also appearing are Academy Award nominee Iris Yamashita (Letters from Iwo Jima) and Quentin Lee, director of The People I’ve Slept With. Additional celebrity guests include Dancing With the Stars’ Carrie Ann Inaba, Twilight’s Justin Chon, and Gilmore Girl’s Keiko Agena. Honorees are Comedian Ken Jeong and CBS President of Entertainment, Nina Tassler.
Founded in 1991 in Los Angeles, CAPE is a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing diversity and creating social change by actively developing, promoting, and positioning Asian Pacific Americans for key artistic and leadership roles in the entertainment industry and media arts.
When: December 2, 2010; 6:30-11:00pm
Where: Vibiana, 210 S. Main Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012
How much: Tickets are $75.00 for CAPE Members; $95.00 for Nonmembers. A special Soiree Combo Ticket is also available.
More info: Ticket purchase and detailed information are available at www.capeusa.org.
Comedy Zen: Jokes of Fury
What: The multicultural troupe Comedy Zen presents Boston comedian Joe Wong, who has appeared on the Late Show With David Letterman, and stuntman Steven Ho, who holds the record for most appearances on the short-lived The Tonight Show with Conan O’Brien. Wong will demonstrate some of his stunt work on Comedy Zen’s lucky comedian volunteers. Hasan Minhaj will host.
When: December 3, 2010 @ 8:30 pm & 10 pm
Where: 251 S. Main St., Los Angeles, CA 90012
How much: $20
KHELEIN HUM JEE JAAN SEY
What: Based on the true story of the 1930 Chittagong Uprising in British India and shot mostly in Goa, this period thrilled is helmed by the award-winning director Ashutosh Gowariker and stars two of Bollywood biggest names, Abhishek Bachchan and Deepika Padukone.
When: December 3, 2010
Where: In more than 60 theaters across the U.S. Find a theater near you at www.kheleinhumjeejaansey.com/
THE DREAMS OF JINSHA
What: The most expensive animated film ever produced in China (it took five years to make), THE DREAMS OF JINSHA was released in China in July and is now finally going to be released in the U.S. The film follows Xiao Long, a modern day middle-school student who, after being transported 3,000 years back in time to the magical kingdom of Jinsha, discovers his true destiny. Together with the beautiful Princess Hau’er, he must draw upon all his resources to fight the wicked forces threatening the peace of the kingdom.
When: December 3, 2010
Where: Laemmle’s Music Hall, Beverly Hills, CA
Thi Cosmetics Holiday Luxe Event
What: Indulge in a new look just in time for the holidays. Check out celebrity makeup artist Taylor Pham’s must-have makeup line Thi — every purchase more than $100 comes with two complimentary foundation shades, a Sakura blush (my favorite), and a Quinn lipstick! RSVP in advance (there are only 18 seats available!) and get a complimentary 30-minute color consultation. And for the entire month of December and January, get 20% off all cuts and color!
When: December 4, 2010, 12 noon to 6 pm
Where: Mimi & Taylor Salon, 522 Bryant St., Palo Alto, CA
More info: 650-327-8880, mimi-taylor.com
Long Grove Holiday Festivities
What: Stuck in the Midwest? Make the most of the chilly weather and get into the spirit and enjoy the sounds, sights, and hospitality of a bygone era. Expect to see carolers, lighting of the holiday tree, Santa sightings, and magical chimes all over the historic village.
When: Now through December 31, 2010
Where: Old McHenry Rd. at Robert Parker Coffin Rd. Long Grove, Chicago IL
When Audrey Got Angry, an Awesome evening happened!
Thanks to everyone who made it out Saturday night to the opening weekend of The People I’ve Slept With for Audrey Gets Angry, a q&a and after party hosted by Audrey Magazine and Angry Asian Man. (And Lynn Chen for a blog shout-out afterwards, woot woot!)
We hope you had as fab an evening at Libertine on Sunset as we did!
Judging by the amazing turnout (packed house!), we’re pretty sure you did as well.
Karin Anna Cheung (left) and Lynn Chen (right)
Stars Karin Anna Cheung and Lynn Chen will also be part of our star-studded lineup on the catwalk for Audrey’s Night Out.
Audrey hopes to see you at our next event!
If you have any pictures or stories of the night or comments on how to improve on our events, let us know! Share a comment below. Photos by Helen Wong, Andrea Krauss (and my iPhone).
After making its way around the film festival circuit, Quentin Lee’s The People I’ve Slept With is finally coming to a theater near you. The film releases in New York tomorrow, Friday, August 13, at Clearview Chelsea Cinemas, and then in Los Angeles on August 27 at Laemmle Sunset Five Theaters, and finally in San Francisco at the VIZ CINEMAS on September 3.
Karin Anna Cheung and Keo Woolford in "The People I've Slept With."
The People I’ve Slept With is a sexy, romantic story about Angela (Karin Anna Cheung of Better Luck Tomorrow), a young woman with a very active and passionate sex life. After every sexual conquest she makes keepsake “baseball cards” of each of her male partners. One day, Angela finds out she is pregnant and together with her gay best friend and co-worker Gabriel (Wilson Cruz of He’s Just Not That Into You, My So-Called Life) goes on a comical and raunchy hunt through her past hook-ups and dates to find her “baby daddy.” As Angela examines her frisky past, the answers she has been looking for reveal themselves in surprising ways.
Cheung and Archie Kao.
Also co-starring with Cheung and Cruz are Archie Kao (CSI: Crime Scene Investigation), Lynn Chen (Lakeview Terrace, Saving Face) and screen legend James Shigeta (Flower Drum Song, The Crimson Kimono).
Cheung and James Shigeta.
The film has found strong support with sold out festival screenings including the Hawaii International Film Festival, San Francisco International Asian American Film Festival, and Outfest Fusion. It was also selected as the official Closing Night Presentation of the 2010 New York Asian American Film Festival this past July 21.
For more info, check out the website.
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.
For all you lovers of celluloid, the film fest love continues. The Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival kicks off tomorrow, April 29, and goes till May 8.
Some films we’ll definitely be watching:
The Actresses, May 8
Six big-time, multi-generational South Korean actresses come together on Christmas Eve for a once-in-a-lifetime Vogue magazine cover shoot. But with big entourages — and even bigger egos — in tow, anything can happen in this pseudo-documentary. Get a behind-the-scenes look at the Korean entertainment industry, touted as hallyu (or the Korean Wave), that is sweeping the world.
Starring Kim Ok-vin (Thirst), the ingénue du jour, and Choi Ji-woo (Winter Sonata), playing up her “ice queen” persona, The Actresses holds nothing back, from plastic surgery to alcoholism.
The Korean stars in "The Actresses," premiering at the Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival.
Au Revoir Taipei, April 29
Arvin Chen’s Au Revoir Taipei, starring Jack Yao and Amber Kuo, is an adventure-romance-caper film. Taking place on the streets and back alleys of Taipei, a lovesick dumpling vendor gets caught up in the eccentric and dangerous world of the Taipei mob.
The opening night film "Au Revoir Taipei."
Also playing is Ktown Cowboys and Quentin Lee’s sexy film The People I’ve Slept With. Read our posts on each film here and here.
And it’s not just films. There will be plenty of panels for those looking to break into filmmaking (or just to gawk at all the Asian American talent!).
Filmmaker Justin Lin (SHOPPING FOR FANGS, BETTER LUCK TOMORROW, FAST & FURIOUS, NBC’s COMMUNITY), along with other industry professionals, will be discussing the qualities they look for in filmmakers in a special panel called YOMYOMF.com’s Interpretations: So You Really Want to Make Films. Taking place on Sunday May 2, the panel will also be the launch of You Offend Me You Offend My Family’s INTERPRETATIONS, a short film initiative designed to put this knowledge to practical use, support emerging talent from the Asian American creative community, and give filmmakers a chance to share their unique perspectives and have their work evaluated by seasoned professionals with a breadth of experience in studio and independent film/television.
Get a complete schedule and ticket information here.
Filmmaker Quentin Lee and the Japanese American National Museum are putting on the third annual ID Film Festival this October, and now’s your chance to submit your short or feature length film!
The ID Film Festival is put on by Asian Pacific Islander filmmakers, for Asian Pacific Islander filmmakers. It will take place October 7 to 10, 2010, and will feature both shorts and features to be screened digitally at the Tateuchi Democracy Forum, a very cool, state of the art theater in downtown Los Angeles.
If you identify as Asian/Pacific Islander (hapa, American or otherwise), you qualify! There’s no submission fee, but you gotta get it in by July 1. Submit your film and video works, along with a one-page synopsis, contact info, bio and a DVD screener to:
Japanese American National Museum, Attn: Koji Steven Sakai, 369 E. First Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012.
Questions? Email Koji at ksakai@janm.org.
Good luck and hope to see your masterpiece at the ID Film Fest!
