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INTERPRETATIONS: ‘How to Greet the Dead’ by Aldous Davidson

  • November 4, 2010 12:10 am

(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.  Read more...

INTERPRETATIONS: ‘Shine’ by Kha Do

  • November 3, 2010 12:01 am

(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.  Read more...

INTERPRETATIONS: ‘Viewpoint’ by Andrew Oh

  • November 2, 2010 12:15 am

(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.  Read more...

INTERPRETATIONS: ‘Struck At First Sight’ by Keith Eng

  • November 1, 2010 12:15 am

(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.

 Read more...

Life After Interpretations

  • October 27, 2010 12:30 am

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!  Read more...

INTERPRETATIONS Update 10-26: SDAFF Recap

  • October 26, 2010 12:01 am

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).

 Read more...

INTERPRETATIONS UPDATE 10-24: The Final Five Revealed!

  • October 24, 2010 10:57 pm

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:  Read more...

The Most Ridiculous (or Awesome) Edited-For-TV Movie Lines

  • October 22, 2010 12:02 am

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)!

 Read more...

INTERPRETATIONS Update 10-19: All Roads Lead To San Diego

  • October 19, 2010 12:01 am

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.  Read more...

INTERPRETATIONS Update 10-1: The Kids Are Alright!

  • October 1, 2010 12:01 am

All the submissions to our INTERPRETATIONS Film Initiative have been logged in and are now being reviewed by our illustrious industry jurors. Of the 240 or so entries we received, we were happy and pleasantly surprised to receive so many submissions from young filmmakers (defined in this case as 18 or younger). I want to acknowledge some of our youthful, up-and-coming directors who fall into this category (and apologizes to anyone I left out):

Ali, Brian Chen, Conculture Productions, Minhngoc Do, EJ and Alex, Mimi Elestwani, Terry Guan, Michelle Kwong, Eugene Lee, Gene Lee, Reynolds Lee, April Li, Alice Liang, Lin Wen Ma, Doci Mou, Anthony Nguyen, David Nguyen, Nu Vision Productions, Scott Shima, Haran Sivakumar, Christian Staev, Christian Suarez, Josephine Suen, Darren Syu, Beverly Wu, Ryan Yang, Evan Yee, James Yin

When I was their age, I certainly didn’t have the drive, creativity and resources to create something as ambitious as a film. Hell, I could barely walk and talk at the same time. And while now it’s up to our jurors to decide if any of our young auteurs will make the final five, I know I speak for everyone here at YOMYOMF when I say how impressed we were by their accomplishments and we want to encourage all of them to continue making films, work hard and pursue the filmmaking path if this is indeed their dream. Keep it up!  Read more...

INTERPRETATIONS Update 9-16: Now What, or The Day After

  • September 16, 2010 11:46 am

As I’m sure everyone knows, yesterday was the deadline to submit to our INTERPRETATIONS Film Initiative. Thanks to everyone who participated! We were projecting that we’d receive around 50 entries, possibly close to 100 if we were lucky. Well, we received close to 250 entries including just 100 from yesterday alone! And from what we’ve seen so far, there are a LOT of strong contenders so it won’t be easy for the jurors.

So…what now?

Some of you have been asking us questions about what’s happening. Most of your questions are addressed on our INTERPRETATIONS site in the rules. I know there’s a lot to get through there so you can also check the FAQ section which should answer many of the questions you have, but I’ll go over some of the basic ones below.  Read more...

INTERPRETATIONS Update 9-12: Deadline Is This Wednesday, Sept. 15

  • September 12, 2010 12:01 am

You heard that right! The deadline to submit your short film to our INTREPRETATIONS Film Initiative is this Wednesday, Sept. 15 by 11:59 PM PST. This is it, no more extensions, so get your film in or…uh…don’t.

Once we have your films, our jury of distinguished industry professionals will view the entries and select the five that they think are the most interesting. We’ll be announcing the five finalists at this year’s San Diego Asian Film Festival during their star-studded gala dinner on the evening of October 23. Then, the following afternoon at 2 PM (Oct. 24), we’ll be screening the winning shorts for FREE (thanks to Lee Ann Kim and all the SD peeps) plus presenting a few other surprises. More info to come, but if you’re anywhere near San Diego that weekend, plan to come by and join us.

In the meantime, thanks to everyone who has submitted already and we look forward to seeing more of your work by Sept. 15. We’ve already received more than double the entries we were expecting so INTERPRETATIONS is already a huge success, but we know we can do even better. Check out all the great entries here and once you submit your film, don’t forget to let all your peeps know so they can visit your page and comment on your work. We’ll also be launching a redesign of the INTERPRETATIONS site to put more of the focus on your films so check back later this week for that.

 Read more...