No, I am not referring to the cheesy ’80s flick starring Bryan Brown. I’m talking about talented graphic artists and computer animators who showcase their cool shit online. During our Interpretations industry panel last year, Hollywood producer Dan Lin (TERMINATOR SALVATION) mentioned that the best way to get noticed is to just release your demos online. He referred to the then just released short PIXELS by Patrick Jean that was making the rounds on computer screens all over Hollywood. It got the talented computer animator noticed and an outpouring of jobs, and perhaps a movie deal as well. Check out the Galaga-inspired short, to refresh your memory. 
Uruguay-based filmmaker Fede Alvarez, is perhaps most famous, for securing a $1 Million film deal with Sam Raimi (EVIL DEAD, SPIDERMAN) and his genre production shingle Ghost House Pictures, just from his homemade alien invasion short, PANIC ATTACK (Ataque de Pánico!).
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Cool FX Demos – Where are the Asians?
I WOULD, AND I DO
In the celebration of St. Valentine’s and flava flav Romance week, I’d like to spotlight an Interpretations entry that might have flown under everyone’s radar. I personally thought this was in my top ten, if not five list. It may not have won the judge’s hearts but it’ll win yours. This 3 minute video was filmed in San Francisco where people are much more open minded. And if you were lonely over Valencrappytine’s day, then perhaps it was fate you watch this.
I WOULD, AND I DO
JOSH CHUCK – i made “i would, and i do” with my friends casey and morgan, totally for fun. i heard about the contest and thought about it for a bit, thinking of different ways to say those four lines, especially the first one. is anyone else sick of those damn lines? anyways, i tried to emphasize different words, and laughed when i thought of saying it like “not something id DO.” like do, as in “id do her if i was drunk enough.” So i thought of things i had never done but what others may have, and came up with my co-star.
INTERPRETATIONS: The Necklace
We’re spotlighting another INTERPRETATIONS entry that made an impression on the jurors, but didn’t make the final five: Michael Aki’s THE NECKLACE. We asked the filmmakers to share their experiences working on the project.
KARIN, ROBERT, PRYOR, BILL, ERIC
Karin Anna Cheung (actor) is an actor, singer/musician and artist who loves every form of art. She made her acting debut in Justin Lin’s BETTER LUCK TOMORROW and currently has a new film with director Quentin Lee called THE PEOPLE I’VE SLEPT WITH (due March 22 on DVD). Robert Burke (actor) has worked at the craft of screenwriting for a number of years since transplanting to Los Angeles. He worked as a co-screenwriter on Cine Hous’ feature film STRANGERS, and is working on directing a low budget thriller titled CLEAN. Pryor Praczukowski (DP) is a graphic designer, photographer, hobbyist filmmaker and Cine Hous founder. Bill Poon (Executive Producer) feels film has the ability to change, shape and create the ideology of a person’s perception of their surrounding. He considers himself a fan of the process and its end result. Eric Nakamura (Executive Producer) is the founder of GIANT ROBOT.
How we got involved in the film:
KAC: I was hoping to write/direct my own Interpretations short, but between a painful accident in July and promoting TPISW in festivals and its theatrical release, I couldn’t get my head in the right space to create. So when I was approached by the team to be a part of THE NECKLACE, I said yes. I love the idea of having a female lead who’s a hitman. And I’m always game to be a part of anything related to Giant Robot. I feel blessed to have the chance to work with a great team.
RB: Through knowing Michael Aki. I previously worked with him on a film called STRANGERS.
PP: The director Michael Aki and I have been working together on projects for what seems like 10 years now, and when this opportunity came along it seemed like an interesting challenge.
BP: Michael and I have known each other since our days of turning would be routine singles into outs. He called me one night and said, “Do you know of this contest through YOMYOMF? Write something.” After pitching five or six different ideas, two days later, Michael chose his story.
INTERPRETATIONS: Wishful Thinking Edition
As we say hello to a new year and new possibilities, here are three more INTERPRETATIONS submissions our jurors had high praise for, but that didn’t make the final five. They’re all very different films, but each in its own way speaks to this theme of possibilities and wishful thinking. Whether dealing with the consequences of a horrible act or seeking a dream that’s probably way out of reach, the characters in these shorts find themselves in the all too real, human dilemma where the thing that they so desperately wish for, seems out of reach. Enjoy:
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME
Xiao Li Tan
“Xiao Li Tan really took advantage of the three minute format and told a complete, original (with a nod to homage) and entertaining story. I laughed, I cried, I watched it twice. Bravo!” — MATT HOLLOWAY (Screenwriter, IRON MAN)
INTERPRETATIONS: Eternal Piece by Ryan Yang
As part of our series of shorts that caught our attention during the Interpretations Film initiative last year, I wanted to give some kudos to ETERNAL PIECE by Ryan Yang from Rolling Meadows, Illinois.
While this short film is quite accomplished for a filmmaker of any age, we were particularly struck by the fact that it was directed by a 17 year old. Guided by the elegant cinematography of Justin Capadocia of Kinema Group, Ryan created a touching tribute to those in his life who were struck down by cancer. His approach – juxtaposing the subject as a child playing piano with the melancholy sequences of him dying as a young man effectively create a moving little short. The performances are subtle and the use of the script is effective in punctuating the dramatic beats. My only critique would be that the vocals were not necessary as the simple piano arrangement and images alone were quite powerful to carry the emotions of the film. Much like the way it feels to mourn and remember the life and death of a loved one, this film evokes both the painful and bittersweet.
INTERPRETATIONS: Macabre Edition
The Interpretations Film Initiative may be over and the winners already announced, we’ve still got a plethora of worthy entries. The sheer amount of quality short films were too good to pass up, so for the next several weeks, we Offenders will be presenting our personal favorites. There were tons of thematic threads throughout our entries and I’d like to highlight three distinct short films that had a macabre bent, from straightforward horror to biting dark comedy.
Edward Kim
This dark comedy has a great mix of mundane slacker vibe with zany and vintage Woody Allen tropes. It’s a suicidal Waiting for Godot meets Cheech and Chong riff of a film that plays out ingeniously. They even pull of a convincing and very cute Grim Reaper! In the end, this short is darkly funny and had me in stitches throughout its succinct three minute running time.
INTERPRETATIONS: The Family Edition
Today, we feature three more of the short films that were submitted to our INTERPRETATIONS Film Initiative and received praise from our judges, but didn’t make the final five. Since Christmas is almost here and our flavah of the week topic is “family,” here are three submissions that touch on that theme. And yes, still more INTERPRETATIONS films to be featured here so keep your eye out…
THE DESPERATE
Jae-Ho Chang
“Really well directed, and acted. The way the script was used was the most natural and most inventive. The way human emotion was conveyed, the depth of the characters, and the tension between the three – how these were all done in three minutes was really incredible.” – LAURA KIM (publicist/distributor, founding member of Red Flag Releasing & Warner Independent Pictures)
Short Film Spotlight: MIRACLE FISH
Since I was busy working with my fellow Offenders with the Interpretations Film Initiative, I’ve kind of neglected the Short Film Spotlight here on the blog. Well, it’s back again and perfect timing, because this edition showcases one of my favorite short films from the past couple of years. MIRACLE FISH, directed by Luke Doolan, is one of those rare gems. Here’s the plotline:
8 year old Joe has a Birthday he will never forget. After friends bully him, he sneaks off to the sick bay, wishing everyone in the world would go away. He wakes up to find his dream may have become a reality.
The film was Oscar nominated last year and is just another example of great, atmospheric film work coming from Australia. A film editor by trade, Doolan recently cut the Aussie crime drama Animal Kingdom, which is another film to add to your Netlfix queue. Enough chit-chat and watch this amazing film after the jump….
Raiders of the Lost Interpretations
FEODOR
Feodor Chin is an actor, writer, producer, director, and bon vivant. Recently, he teamed up with some fellow INTERPRETATIONS filmmakers to screen their shorts at Michael McCarthy’s El Cid Short Film Night in Los Angeles (read about the first “MISINTERPRETATIONS” event here). This Thursday, November 18, they’ll be doing it again, screening 16 Interpretations shorts on the big screen. Here, Feo explains why the INTERPRETATIONS Initiative was as important to him as the Ark of the Covenant.
In the summer of 1982, two young friends from southern Mississippi set out to film a shot for shot remake of Raiders of the Lost Ark. Chris Strompolos and Eric Zala were not at all deterred by the fact that they had no filmmaking experience, no budget, no equipment, and at 10 and 11 years old, respectively, they had yet to even hit puberty. What they did have was an audiocassette version of the film (clandestinely recorded at the local movie theater) which served as their script, a pair of very understanding and supportive mothers, and a shared love of the film that bordered on obsession. Ambitious? Oh, yes. Foolhardy? Perhaps. Inspired? Most definitely. In 1989, seven years after they began, Raiders of the Lost Ark: The Adaptation would finally have its premiere.
I first read about Chris and Eric’s fascinating story in an issue of Vanity Fair. And while I’ve never had the pleasure of seeing their film, I understand it to be not only an impressive and faithful homage to the original, but a genuinely engaging and inspiring tribute to the art of filmmaking itself. With little more than their own creativity and enthusiasm, these kids managed to successfully “interpret” one of the most beloved action-adventure films of all times. Decades later, as grown men sitting in his office, Spielberg himself reportedly told them, “I watched it. Then took it home and watched it again. And yes, it inspired even me.”
INTERPRETATIONS: And Then There was ‘Misinterpretations’…
Last week, we highlighted the five winning finalists of our INTERPRETATIONS Film Initiative. We said that in coming weeks, we’d also spotlight some of the other “worthy” entries. Well, one of our INTERPRETATIONS filmmakers, Feodor Chin (along with fellow filmmakers Deborah S. Craig and Timothy Tau), has already taken it upon himself to bring attention to some of the other shorts at an event dubbed MISINTERPRETATIONS which took place this past Wednesday. The five shorts screened included many of the juror favorites so we thought it’d be fun to spotlight them here as well as have Feo and company blog about the MISINTERPRETATIONS experience. So below, you’ll find Feo’s MISINTERPRETATIONS recap with photos by Mark Nilsen (including info on how your short can be a part of a future screening) followed by the five MISINTERPRETATIONS films with a few words from each filmmaker. Enjoy and look for more INTERPRETATIONS shorts to be featured here in the coming weeks.
On Wednesday, November 3, five INTERPRETATIONS shorts screened at the El Cid Short Film Night, a monthly program that is the brainchild of Los Angeles event producer, Michael McCarthy. After a mutual friend showed Spice It Up! to Michael, he contacted me to see if I’d like to screen it. Naturally, I said yes.
He also asked me if I knew of any other comedy shorts he could program as he had some time to fill for the November show. So in addition to some other comedian/filmmaker friends I sent his way, I asked him to take a look at Randall, Dave, and Neil’s WWJD, Deborah S. Craig’s White Out, and Jolene Kim’s Cafe on a Staircase. WWJD and White Out are terrifically funny and while Cafe… is not a comedy, I thought it was a lovely film that might round out the evening nicely as well as give the audience an idea of what else could be done with the same four lines.
Not long after announcing the screening, Timothy (whom I met through the INTERPRETATIONS contest) asked about screening his film, The Case. I definitely enjoyed Tim’s stylish, neo-noir take and with that we had our “final” five. Deborah cleverly coined the moniker “MISINTERPRETATIONS” and while that’s how the event was advertised, I really must say, these films and these filmmakers are absolutely winners in my book.
INTERPRETATIONS: ‘Bottled Up’ by Joey Yee
(In the upcoming weeks, we’ll be highlighting other INTERPRETATIONS entries that caught the jurors’ eyes but didn’t make it to the final five. But each day this week, we’ll spotlight the five winning finalists in their own words, followed by a few words about their films from a few of the jurors. Last but not least, Joey Yee.)
JOEY
Born and raised in the city by the bay, Joey Yee is among the last few non-Italian people over the age of 12 with the name Joey. Though he’d never admit to enjoying the hamstring-crippling hills or the fierce wind and fog, Joey Yee takes great pride in his hometown of San Francisco. He loves the city so much that he even decided to stay there for college (a decision totally not influenced by the awesome bachelor pad in his parents’ basement). Nowadays, he divides his time between editing until his fingers fall off and being carded everywhere alcohol is served. see Joey’s INTERPRETATIONS profile page here.
Perhaps one of the most appealing aspects of the Interpretations Film Initiative was the fact that my biggest shortcoming was already taken care of. Really, when it comes to writing dialogue, I suck. So when I had gotten word that the script was already laid out for me (and couldn’t be changed, for that matter) I was stoked. I didn’t need to worry about any of these complicated things like “beats” or “rewrites” or “character development” All it took was that one idea and blammo, I could start shooting.
Although I did eventually think of a story to compliment the dialogue, it wasn’t until I finally decided on a title did I begin to get really excited about it. I guess I’m just one of those people who feel the title is just as important as any other part of the movie. Yeah, I’m just weird like that.
INTERPRETATIONS: ‘How to Greet the Dead’ by Aldous Davidson
(In the upcoming weeks, we’ll be highlighting other INTERPRETATIONS entries that caught the jurors’ eyes but didn’t make it to the final five. But each day this week, we’ll spotlight the five winning finalists in their own words, followed by a few words about their films from a few of the jurors. Next up, Aldous Davidson.)
ALDOUS
Aldous Davidson is an NYU film graduate who has been acting and directing for the past 10 years. He has numerous short films and comedy sketches under his belt, some of which can be seen on his website. Besides filmmaking, some of his interests include chess, scrabble, and freestyle rapping. He is also a member of the hip hop / rock fusion band, ESP. See Aldous’ INTERPRETATIONS profile page here.
Re-watching my Interpretation film, I’m pretty stunned by how personal of a film it turned out to be. I never planned it to have deep meaning but it’s there and pretty evident now, at least to me. A therapist friend of mine told me that my subconscious made this film and it’s a statement I agree with. A lot of folks might not see all the personal meaning in my piece so I’ll try to explain.
The film is really about the deceased woman in the bathtub. She died while giving birth to the two young men. In real life, my mother is not deceased but left my family when I was very young. Our current relationship is very strained and borders on non-existent – something I struggle with every day. In the film, the clearest character arc is hers and she is the character I most sympathize with. Trapped in limbo, she finally gets to meet her son after decades in the afterlife. At first she is overjoyed – he is someone she has yearned to see for so long and still feels connected to (hence the umbilical cord). She touches his face, and then touches her own. She sees the similarities and is filled with joy. However, she soon becomes angry and resentful and pulls away. She realizes his birth is responsible for her own life ending – a life that had quite a bit of promise. This is not unlike my own mother, who had to give up quite a bit upon marrying my father and giving birth to me and like the character in the film, decided to pull away.
INTERPRETATIONS: ‘Shine’ by Kha Do
(In the upcoming weeks, we’ll be highlighting other INTERPRETATIONS entries that caught the jurors’ eyes but didn’t make it to the final five. But each day this week, we’ll spotlight the five winning finalists in their own words, followed by a few words about their films from a few of the jurors. Next up, Kha Do.)
KHA
“I am a child of the desert, residing in Phoenix, Arizona. If my parents knew that I was going to aspire to become a great filmmaker, they probably wouldn’t have raised me in an uncultured wasteland that was scorching sunshine 8 months out of the year, plagued with dust storms, and jejune suburban living. But perhaps it’s in the uniformity that I sought to find a distinct voice. One of my favorite movies is INTO THE WILD. I love movies that depict the epic story of man and nature. I find myself frequently venturing out into the desert with a camera as if to prove that life can grow out of the most barren places. If I make it out of the desert alive, I hope to end up on the coast composing, capturing, and telling stories.” See Kha’s INTERPRETATIONS profile page here.
When I saw the script, I heard in my head like fragments of dialogue, and I began thinking about how to tell pieces of a story with the dialogue and have it come together as one. The story came to me really in a coffee shop (I know…SOOO CLICHE, but this is the truth. Inspiration comes with the muse, and for me it was a public setting and a glass of iced gunpowder green tea). With my headphones on listening to the sounds of Max Richter, fragments of which you hear in the short video, I began thinking about a story about memories. And I thought about how memories define us and I knew that though I have these painful memories of my own, the redemptive journey in forgiveness and moving on was one worth telling about.
And since I’m being honest, I did not originally want to do this contest. The initial deadline had passed and I hadn’t made a short in a few years. But a friend, Paul Sun, told me the deadline was extended and urged me to do it, and not with winning or a cash prize in mind, but with simply seeking the journey in myself to create and tell a story again, I set out to do it…with one day before the deadline! (I am not bragging about this, I’m just being honest, and I am truly humbled to have this privilege). So I rounded up some friends, with a camera and balloons we set out to tell this story. Basically you see two contrasting stories–one with a character struggling with loss in a gloomy lit room, small, dark tones, and the other of two characters in a field, it’s bright and warm and dreamy. These two stories unify as our character enters into his own memories and psyche as he wrestles with letting go.
INTERPRETATIONS: ‘Viewpoint’ by Andrew Oh
(In the upcoming weeks, we’ll be highlighting other INTERPRETATIONS entries that caught the jurors’ eyes but didn’t make it to the final five. But each day this week, we’ll spotlight the five winning finalists in their own words, followed by a few words about their films from a few of the jurors. Next up, Andrew Oh.)
ANDREW
Writer/Director Andrew Oh’s 2007 short film ILLEGAL premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival and was nominated for a Golden Reel Award at the VC Film Festival. Oh and his writing partner, Myron Kim, have developed scripts for several notable Hollywood Production Companies and are working together on getting Oh’s first feature off the ground. See Andrew’s INTERPRETATIONS profile page here.
Participating in this year’s inaugural Interpretations Film Initiative, put on by the creative minds of You Offend Me You Offend My Family (YOMYOMF), was one of the most exciting experiences in recent memory. Yes, the prize money was certainly tempting, but that wasn’t why I wanted to participate. It was the jury, a panel that appears to have been assembled in a filmmaker’s wildest, wettest fantasy… a list of Industry giants that even the most prestigious film festivals would be envious of – truly an [THE] EXPENDABLES type cast for the 80’s action junky. How often do aspiring filmmakers get the chance to showcase their work in front of such an esteemed panel? Never. “Snowball’s chance in hell,” jaded and bitter ex-industry veterans would say. But somehow (by what torturous means, I do not know), Justin Lin and his crew have made it possible.
I really liked how everyone had to start from the same place… with those four vague lines that fail to evoke an emotion and confuses the audience if not set up properly in context. But that was why it was so genius. And it resulted in a myriad of films with varying tones and messages. It was definitely a sight to behold as evidenced by some of the incredible films showcased on the Interpretations Film website.
INTERPRETATIONS: ‘Struck At First Sight’ by Keith Eng
(In the upcoming weeks, we’ll be highlighting other INTERPRETATIONS entries that caught the jurors’ eyes but didn’t make it to the final five. But each day this week, we’ll spotlight the five winning finalists in their own words, followed by a few words about their films from a few of the jurors. First up, Keith Eng)
KEITH
As a little boy, when asked what he wanted to do when he grew up, Keith Eng either said a restaurant waiter or a fireman. In all honesty, he never really knew for sure what he wanted to do except for knowing he’d love to spent the rest of his life watching Godzilla marathons. After barely escaping alive from being raised in New Jersey, Keith studied hard partying at Pratt Institute. Now living in Brooklyn NY, he’ll once in a while make a moving picture. See Keith’s INTERPRETATIONS profile page here.
As an Asian American filmmaker, INTERPRETATIONS was an opportunity for me to join an event with like minded artists who understand the challenges working for and against our demographic in the film industry. Because the Asian American film community is so small (so add me on facebook), I knew I couldn’t pass on an opportunity to not only help put on display the massive talent and potential that we hold, but also address some of my many personal concerns regarding our place in the media.
I’ve always felt the Asian male image needed much work in film and TV. Many know they’re heavily stereotyped and type casted into martial arts; a role they seem to even be losing now with films like Last Airbender, King of Fighters, Dragonball, and The Weapon. I also feel that there is a forced movement towards interracial love happening with Asians in the media. While interracial relations are a part of what makes the US great, I feel as if on-screen pairing with non-Asians have become more appealing or perhaps considered more American in appearance. My INTERPRETATIONS submission aims at utilizing Asian American talent in non stereotypical roles while showing that an Asian American pair can still be just as progressive and positive as a mixed one.
Life After Interpretations
ON THE CHOICES
Though I was not a juror, I loved all the top choices of Interpretations. “Shine” actually brought tears to my eyes, which is a major accomplishment for 3 minutes. All the winners also really thought about the lines of the script and didn’t just throw them in without any real context.
There were many other shorts that I also loved and yes, there were some personal faves of mine that didn’t make it, but just think of trying to get 10 friends to unanimously agree on 5 pictures that should be nominated for the Oscars. And with 240 pictures to choose from, I think it would be close to impossible. Films are subjective. That’s their nature. Yes, perhaps next time, there can be more awards, but the organizers never anticipated this many entries. They thought they would get maybe 50 entries if they were lucky. Also, I understand that entries that didn’t win but had an impact on the judges will be focused on in the coming weeks. So check back for those.
FOR THOSE WHO DIDN’T WIN
Hollywood is a very difficult place that many people aspire to be a part of whether you are white, black, Asian, Hispanic or anything else. They don’t call it the “land of broken dreams” for nothing. If you want to make it in this industry, be prepared for lots and lots of rejection. Be prepared for lots of notes, criticism and general degradation. So in a way, not “winning” is a good preparation for Hollywood. This little film contest is a tiny dust mite in the landscape of disappointments, rejections and perceived injustices you are going to face in the biz, so if you don’t have the chops to take it, get out now! Run!
INTERPRETATIONS Update 10-26: SDAFF Recap
So as our readers know, some of the YOMYOMF crew headed down south this past weekend for the San Diego Asian Film Fest where we announced the five winning finalists of our INTERPRETATIONS Film Initiative: Aldous Davidson, Kha Do, Keith Eng, Andrew Oh and Joey Yee.
The finalists were announced at the fest’s big gala dinner on Saturday night. Guest Offender David Henry Hwang (Tony Award-winning writer of M. Butterfly) and INTERPRETATIONS commissioned filmmaker Danny Pudi (Abed on NBC’s Community) presented awards to the three finalists in attendance: Aldous, Andrew and Joey (Keith and Kha will receive their awards by mail).
INTERPRETATIONS UPDATE 10-24: The Final Five Revealed!
We had a great time this weekend at the San Diego Asian Film Fest! We’ll be posting photos and all the festival lowdown later this week, but in the meantime, check out the five winning finalists below.
You’ll hear more about these five films in the near future as well as some of the other entries that were singled-out by our jurors so keep an eye out for that.
Otherwise, I’m off to bed after a weekend of too much fun courtesy of Lee Ann Kim and all the SDAFF folks who know how to show their guests a great time. The fest is still going on until Thursday so go out and support if you’re in the area (info here). Here are the final five. Congrats to the finalists and everyone who participated:
The Most Ridiculous (or Awesome) Edited-For-TV Movie Lines
We all know that when films eventually make their way to television, some of the more “colorful” lines of dialogue are edited or changed so as not to offend the viewing masses. Well, check out the video below for some of the more ridiculous (or awesome, depending on your perspective) movie-to-TV editing jobs.
My favorite is Samuel Jackson’s memorable proclamation from Snakes on a Plane: “I have had it with these motherfucking snakes on this motherfucking plane” which has somehow morphed to “I have had it with these monkey-fighting snakes on this Monday to Friday plane” in the TV version. Makes perfect sense to me. Check out the rest below.
And on a separate note, I’m heading south today for the San Diego Asian Film Festival to speak on a couple of panels “celebrating web 2.0 filmmaking” (though I’m not completely sure I understand what that means) alongside other folks who are probably not as confused about this topic as me including Just Kidding Films and the dynamic duo of Artichoke & Peachies. That’ll be at San Diego State University’s Backdoor at Aztec Center today at noon and the University of California, San Diego’s Cross Cultural Center at 2 PM. Then, join us at the big gala dinner tomorrow night where our friends David Henry Hwang (Tony-Award winning playwright, M. Butterfly) and Danny Pudi (Abed on NBC’s Community) will announce our five winning INTERPRETATIONS finalists. Finally, come out to our FREE INTERPRETATIONS Panel on Sunday afternoon. It should be a fun weekend for all (especially for those of you kind enough to buy me a drink…or two)!
INTERPRETATIONS Update 10-19: All Roads Lead To San Diego
Our INTERPRETATIONS Film Initiative is about to come to a close this weekend during the San Diego Asian Film Festival. If you’re anywhere in the area, this is one festival you don’t want to miss. Guest Offender Lee Ann Kim and company always put on a great party and this year will be no exception.
We’ll be announcing the five winning finalists during the festival’s Gala Awards Dinner this Saturday night, October 23, at the Mission Valley Marriott. Tickets to this event are sold-out, but there’s a free after party immediately following the dinner, which is open to all.
Then, join us the following day (October 24) at 2:10 PM for our final INTERPRETATIONS event. We’ll screen the five winning shorts followed by an engaging conversation/Q&A about the art and business of filmmaking moderated by…uh…me, but with some very distinguished industry professionals including Tony Award-winning playwright David Henry Hwang (M. Butterfly), actor Danny Pudi (NBC’s hit show Community) and Academy Award-nominated screenwriter Iris Yamashita (Letters From Iwo Jima). There will also be some surprises that you won’t want to miss. And the best thing is this event is completely FREE thanks to the generosity of everyone at the San Diego Asian Film Fest and our title sponsor Toyota! You can pick up your free tickets at the festival box office starting today. Get all the info here.
