The Wedding Palace...Christine Yoo comedy hilarious! Cross-over market in the cards!

One of the highlights of the Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival this year was a comedy feature – The Wedding Palace – which resonated with audiences from start to finish.

When the flick – directed by Christine Yoo - first sputtered to life on the wide-screen in the plush environs of the DGA on Sunset Boulevard in Hollywood, the rapt audience immediately settled in for a madcap night of zany comedy.

In the opening scenes, as the upbeat fast-paced story unfolded on the wide-screen, filmgoers learned that Jason (the lead character) was an advertising executive pining for love.

Aren't we all?

But, the handsome bachelor’s yearning to get hitched to the woman of his dreams is constantly thwarted by overzealous matchmaking parents, bent on pairing their handsome charismatic son with a suitable bride from a good family with a financially secure bakground.

Such is the Asian American tradition!

“You’ll learn to love each other over time,” his parents wisely counseled him about the ways of the world, when he voiced his disapproval over the young lady chosen by his parents to be betrothed to.

When an unsuitable bride sashays into the picture (from his family's point of view) and captures Jason heart, his conniving mother's plots to nix what appears to be an ominous union arising from an ancient curse on the family.

Oh yes, the young Lothario's parents are a superstitious lot!

The delightful love story– sparked with quite a bit of funny dialogue (and hilarious sight gags sprinkled in for good measure) - is vastly entertaining,

And, true to Hollywood filmmaking, ends happily.

But, not before a bumpy turn-of-events threatens to prevent Jason from finding true love.

At an informative Q &  A after the screening, Ms. Yoo noted that the film was a labor of love, and several years in the making.

Yoo is a petite pretty Asian American (refreshingly shy and down-to-earth) who was raised in the heartland of America.

Understandably, the first-time director's project has a lot of appeal for the Asian-American community.
..
However, because comedy is universal - as is the subject of love - filmgoers in the mainstream of American will find this well-crafted flick appealing, too.

“I was striving for a frothy dream-like quality in keeping with the theme,” the stylish beauty (with a bbeautiful flower headdress weaved into her lustrous locks) underscored in so many words when I quizzed her at the DGA about the cinematography which was outstanding.

Yoo achieved that goal in spades.

Although there were a couple of awkward amateurish moments onscreen – delivered up by a couple of hams in the cast – for the post part "The  Wedding Palace" cruised along without a hitch.

Until the young couple - through thick-and-thin - finally gets hitched, of course!

In spite of the fact the comedy is solid bill-of-fare, the director has yet to land a distribution deal.

I expect that technicality will pan out in the near future - at which point - Ms. Yoo's funny flick will be in a theatre near you soon!

Catch it if you can.

http://www.thetattler.biz



Fast Five...dazzling premiere at Asian Pacific Film Festival! Sung Kang & Sandra Oh hit red carpet!

Sandra Oh trots red carpet at Asian Pacific Film Fest!

Sung Kang

I'm in the Mood for Love

When Sung Kang strolled down the red carpet last night for the premiere of "Fast Five" at the Director's Guild of America, he was definitely the man of the hour!

The handsome actor who stars in the just-released "Fast Five" (the sequel to "Fast & Loose) was literally mobbed with well-wishers at the annual Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival.

When a local interviewer (Jocelyn Wang @ 8 Asians) asked Mr. Kang what film made him cry, he was quick with an answer that was a surprise.

"Pippi Longstalking," he beamed.

"That's you're only question," he wondered aloud.

Uh-huh!

When I cornered the charismatic star, he noted he was pretty much content with his career.

In response to my own question about what kind of flick he would like to sign on for in the future, he was quick on the uptake.

"A comedy," he grinned ear-to-ear.

Meanwhile, the wine flowed, the tony guests snacked on delicious finger food, and a posse of up-and-coming stars mingled and chatted each other up to a fever pitch 'til the witching hour when the curtain finally fell on the first night of the Asian Pacific Fest.

Dapper PR man - David Magdael (sporting a well-tailored dark suit with an orchid in the lapel) - excitedly noted that this year's film outing was "bursting at the seams".

"Within two days, both the opening night and closing night galas sold out."

A big draw this year turned out to be the "Fast Five" (starring Paul Walker & Vin Diesel) screening - a flick that was directed by an alumni of the festival - Justin Lin.

"Justin premiered a film nine here years ago," Magdael pointed out for the record.

"We called him up and asked if he would like to premiere "FAST FIVE". He jumped at the opportunity. He has never forgotten his roots."

Mr. Lin recently launched a Short Film Competition which has been well-received also.

The popular web site - "You Offend me You Offend my Family - was set up to launch that altruistic effort.

http://www.YOMYOMF.com

Actually, it was quite a night for the Asian Film Community.

Danny Pudi (NBC's "Community") - who acted one of the MC's at the glittering gala (alongside Parvesh Cheena of NBC's "Outsourced") - gushed that the opening night launch was just "fabulous".

"The Asian community is so together. It has been such a rewarding experience for me to attend," he excitedly blurted out as he greeted a posse of fans in the DGA lobby after the screening.

Obviously, Danny was floating on a cloud, judging by his animated presence as he courted attendees at the glittering celebration.

There was quite a stellar turn-out  - which not only sparked the night - but set the tone of glamour for the week-long event.

The arrival of Archie Kao (CSI) on the red carpet triggered screams from adoring women. 

Yes, he's single, ladies!

Archie whispered in my ear that he will be featured in a big-budget feature later in the year.

Kelvin Han Yee was beaming with pride over the fact he helped raise 1.6 million dollars at a fundraiser for victims of the Japan disaster.

Mr. Yee is starring in an episode of "Hawaii 5-0" (he plays a Police Chief) which will broadcast on May 16th.

Karin Anna Cheung who I interviewed last year when she appeared in "People I've Slept With" looked stunning in a chic understated red cocktail dress.

I also spied (and said hello to) Director Quentin Lee - quite a character in his own right - who flitted among the guests quipping jokes and having a gay old time.

Randall Park - on his way to stardom - is currently appearing in "Supah Ninjahs" on cable.

When I quizzed the outgoing down-to-earth actor about future plans, he confided he was open to meatier roles.

"I would like to be the first Asian romantic leading man."

A tall order to fill, but he has what it takes - the looks, the talent, the "it" quality - to achieve that goal in my estimation.

Parvesh Cheena (who co-hosted the event's premiere) was excited about a voice-over role in an upcoming "Transformer" project.

Gillian Jacobs (NBC "Community") caused quite a stir when she posed for the paparazzi on the electric red carpet, too.

Sandra Oh (Grey's Anatomy)  - was fashionably late (she was the last star to trot in and dash off to catch Fast Five in the packed DGA Theatre) - but no one seemed to be miffed.

Shooting late on set, perhaps?

One of the actresses that stood out was Monique Cumen.

Ms. Curnen (Fast & Furious & The Dark Knight) was effervescent and glowed in her tasteful black cocktail dress.

Actually, it was quite the night for fashion statements all round.

Gowns ran the gamut from floor-length (and body-hugging) to short short - and more-often-than-not - were awash with pretty floral motifs or dazzling mood-uplifting pastels.

The men - a few Asian males actually sported orange "do's" (which jelled well with their trendy hip street-wear) - were sharply turned-out, too.

Some wore black dress slacks or jeans, teamed with ubiquitous t's etched with a smattering of designer logos and off-beat stylish etched prints on their face.

Fedoras and Berets added a European flair to the aura of the night's festivities.

I also was blessed with the opportunity to meet up-and-coming talent which is always a plus for me.

The Director of  - "I'm in the Mood for Love"  (who was in attendance last night) - chatted me up.

Jason Karman's short film - a gay love story - screens on Monday May 2nd at the Festival.

The young actor playing one of the leads is certainly "on the rise" in respect to his eventful career.

Kyle Toy has a charismatic appeal that is sure to take him far in the biz!

A synopsis of the film?

A singing telegram worker meets his ex-boyfriend while having hot pot and learns to embrace his new found bachelorhood through popular song

Catch it if you can, especially in view of the fact it is slated to screen in Toronto in the near future, and has also garnered several awards that single it out as quality film that deserves a following!

By the way, what a blast last night's premiere proved to be!

The Disc Jockey spun danceable upbeat tunes that rocked from the get-go.

I ecstatically blurted out to Mr. Magdael that he really outdid himself this year!

Indeed, tony guests packed the local venue - and lit up the prestigious home for the local chapter of the Director's Guild - as the "faces" of legendary stars peered down from the walls (such as Elizabeth Taylor, Montgomery Clift, Jack Lemmon, Orson Welles, to name-a-few).

Well-heeled waiters in elegant uniforms floated through the crowd offering up a glut of treats - such as delectable chocolate sweets- yummy cream-filled-cake, delicious finger food, and exotic cocktails provided by a host of sponsors (KeKel Vodka, for one).

In particular, a handful of merchants sprinkled around the charged keyed-up foyer, satiated any-and-all pangs of hunger by virtue of mouth-watering offerings that were gulped down in one full swoop.

Hot Stuff Cafe's finger foods were sensational (to say the least).

http://www.hotstuff.cafe.com

"The Candy Chef" was on hand to treat the film fans with hard candy, delightful Asian sweets, and chewy snacks that really hit the spot.

I was asked to inform folks that their specialty is Candy Arrangements.

Check them out!

http://www.TheCandyChef.com

I also got hooked on a coconut ball (on a stick) which was - well - just yummy.

Kudos to THE SWEETER THINGS

http://www.TSTCHOCOLAT.com

I didn't even wake up with a hang-over this morning - in spite of the fact I also caught the Royal Wedding - and did not tuck in until I actually heard a rooster crow in Hollywood at about 5 a.m. (

No kidding, folks!

Tonight, I expect to trot down to the DGA to catch The Wedding Palace (feature) and Saigon Electric.

See 'ya there!

Tickets & Info

www.vconline.org

http://www.thetattler.biz

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Director Justin Lin premiered Fast Five!



Director Quentin Lee in high spirits!

Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival...FAST FIVE premieres at Gala Opening Night! Directors Guild of America!

 

Fast Five to premiere @ Asian Pacific Festival!

One of the classiest cutting-edge film presentations in the country - the Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival - kicks off  at the end of the month at the Directors Guild of America on Sunset Boulevard in Hollywood (CA) April 28th – May 7th.

PR Rep - David Magdael - excitedly informed me over the weekend that this years's offerings will feature World Premieres, Sneak Previews, a James Wong Howe Retrospective, a C3 Digital Conference, thought-provoking Documentaries, and Narratives focusing on the voices of Asian Americans and Asian Peoples from around the globe.

For instance, JUSTIN LIN’s Newest Action-Thriller  - "FAST FIVE” (starring Vin Diesel, Paul Walker, Jordana Brewster, Sung Kang and Dwayne Johnson - premieres on opening night at the ten-day festival.

“LOVE IN DISGUISE” - directed by Mando-Pop Star Leehom Wang (who also stars opposite respected actress Joan Chen) will premiere at the lavish closing night Gala.

In addition to the Director's Guild - other venues include - Laemmle's Sunset 5 Theatres and the CGV Cinemas (situated in culturally-rich Koreatown in downtown Los Angeles).

The prestigeous LAAPFF is also slated to launch the Asian Pacific Heritage Month  Festival which unveils and celebrates 180 films from both Asian Pacific American and Asian International Directors from over 20 countries.

“We are excited and proud to present the Los Angeles premiere of FAST FIVE as our Opening Night film,” enthused David Magdael (Film Festival Co-Director).

“Justin has been a part of our festival family since he was making short films back in his UCLA days. We remember when we premiered "BETTER LUCK TOMORROW" nine historic years ago and now to have his newest Hollywood action-thriller open the Fest is only fitting."

"Under Justin’s helm, 'The Fast and the Furious' franchise continues to make film history, as he continues to create some of the most ethnically diverse Hollywood blockbusters. This night will be a celebration of Justin as one of our directors who continues to excel through the industry and one who remains a true inspiration for our aspiring filmmakers.”

Lin and fellow bloggers from the web site - “You Offend Me You Offend My Family” - launched a film initiative (2010) to support aspiring Asian American filmmakers entitled “Interpretations".

“You Offend Me You Offend My Family” is the Fest's opening night community presenter.

INFO:

www.YOMYOMF.COM

Targeting the burgeoning online community of API filmmakers, “Interpretations” was designed to encourage and support this emerging talent pool, and give these artists a chance to share their unique perspectives and have their work seen by industry experts.

The response was phenomenal.

In fact, hundreds of films were submitted for consideration, of which - a handful were selected - for screening.

For opening night -YOMYOMF.com - will screen the premiere of “CAR TALK 2” (on a double-bill with FAST FIVE) which is a short film starring Sung Kang and R & B singing sensation Tyrese.

Danny Pudi, star of the hit NBC TV comedy - COMMUNITY - will host the opening night gala after the screenings. 

Another LAAPFF alum -  filmmaker Bertha Bay-Sa Pan (FACE) - offers up her latest hit romantic comedy (ALMOST PERFECT) as a Centerpiece Presentation (Saturday April 30 at the DGA).

 Director Pan-and her cast - Kelly Hu, Ivan Shaw, Edison Chen, Christina Chang and Kristy Wu - are expected to be in tow (schedules permitting).

“Bertha Bay-Sa Pan is a great example of the auteur who can write and direct and tell meaningful stories,” according to Abraham Ferrer, Festival Co-director.

“Her first feature - FACE - had its Los Angeles premiere with us after her Sundance breakthrough in 2002. She has since gone on to direct, write and produce features and at the same time establish her own production shingle – Slew Pictures," Ferrer noted fo the record.

"As our centerpiece film, we celebrate Bertha’s vision and her amazing talent.”

The Festival turns a spotlight on filmmakers - Wesley Chan, Ted Fu and Philip Wang (aka Wong Fu Productions) - and their own curated festival program.

WONG FU PRESENTS FAST FORWARD on Saturday April 30 at the DGA.

These filmmakers have been making viral videos since 2003 before You Tube existed.

Through the constant embracing of new methods of creating and distributing their work, these innovative artists have created their own path outside Hollywood's traditional means.

Wong Fu Productions has millions of followers from around the world and boasts of 600,000 subscribers on You Tube (where fans and filmmakers screen their work daily).

Other World Premieres include the following:

WEDDING PALACE

A romantic comedy directed by Christine Yoo
Written by Yoo and Robert Gardner
Starring Brian Tee, Margaret Cho, Hye-jeong Kang, and Steve Park.

(Friday, April 29, 8:00 PM DGA)

THE LULU SESSIONS

A documentary directed by S. Casper Wong
Written by S. Casper Wong and Luara Minnear

(Saturday, April 30, 7:30 PM DGA)

ENFORCING THE SILENCE

A documentary directed and written by Tony Nguyen

(Saturday, April 30, 5:00 PM Sunset 5)

HEART BREAKS OPEN

Drama directed by Billie Rain
Written by Rain and Basil Shadid
Starring Maximillian Davis and Brian Peters

(Monday, May 2, 9:15 PM CGV)

BANG BANG

Drama directed and written by Byron Chan aka Byron
Starring David Hunyh, Jessika Van and Walter Wong

(Tuesday May 3, 9:00 PM CGV)

AMONG B-BOYS

A documentary directed by Christopher Woon

(Wednesday, May 4, 9:15 PM CGV)

LOVE IN DISGUISE

Directed by Leehom Wang and
Starring Leehom Wang, Joan Chen and Crystal Liu Yi-fei
(Director Leehom Wang & cast to attend a Q & A)

(Thursday, May 5 at 7 PM at the CGV Cinemas)

CELEBRATION OF JAMES WONG HOWE

A special retrospective tribute to the late great James Wong Howe (award-winning cinematographer).

The Festival will present two works from the visual genius on Sunday May 1st.

Special support for the retrospective tribute to James Wong Howe is provided by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences; home movie footage courtesy of the Academy Film Archive and the James Wong Howe Estate

C3: THE CONFERENCE FOR CREATIVE CONTENT

Presented In partnership with The Coalition of Asian Pacifics in Entertainment (CAPE).

New Media has provided a playing field in which Asian-Americans are no longer the minority, but engaged at its forefront and often leading the charge.

With a market that has enthusiastically embraced digital platforms, the Asian-American audience has found a unified voice for visibility.

With leaders in the digital world as panelists and participants, C3 will shed light on the changing nature of media and allow audiences to connect with Asian American talent through an array of panels approaching new media from all angles.

C3 will run Saturday and Sunday.

(April 30 and May 1 at the DGA).

THE FLIP SIDE 10TH ANNIVERSARY

In 2001, Rod Pulido became the first Filipino-American writer/director to premiere at Sundance.

Pulido set up his own self-distribution of the film and went on to wake up audiences to new talent and new voices. The film will screen on April 30 at the Laemmle’s Sunset 5 preceded by a tribute to the late Faustino “Peping” Bacling (one of the film’s stars and a local community hero).

The 2011 documentary line-up includes the following projects:

THE BENGALI DETECTIVE
(Phil Cox)

THE HOUSE OF SUH
(Iris K. Shim)

ENFORCING THE SILENCE
(Tony Nguyen)

THE LULU SESSIONS
(S. Casper Wong)

WHERE ARE YOU TAKING ME?
(Kimi Takesue)

ONE BIG HAPA FAMILY
(Jeff Chiba Stearns)

WORKING GIRLS
(Sammaria Simanjuntak, Sally Anom Sari, Yosep Anggi Noen)

FINDING FACE
(Patti Duncan and Skye Fitzgerald)

RESILIENCE
(Tammy Chu)

AMONG B-BOYS
(Christopher Woon)

One of the ongoing objectives of the LAAPFF is to support and present the best

With that in mind, the Festival organizers hand-picked the following films to screen which were directed and/or prodced by filmmakers based in the US (filming both in the US and overseas).

FAST FIVE
Justin Lin

SAIGON ELECTRIC
Stephane Gauger

WEDDING PALACE
Christine Yoo

ALMOST PERFECT
Bertha Bay-Sa Pan

LIVING IN SEDUCED CIRCUMSTANCES
Ian Gamazon

WHERE THE ROAD MEETS THE SUN
Mun Chee Yong

ONE KINE DAY
Chuck Mitsui

HEART BREAKS OPEN
Billie Rain

BANG BANG
Byron Q

BOY
Taika Waititi

Sponsors of the 2011 LAAPPFF include:

PREMIERE
Directors Guild of America; CGV Theaters
PLATINUM
Coca-Cola; NBC Universal / Comcast; Wells Fargo; GOLD – Toyota; Solair;
SILVER
Verizon Wireless; Sony Pictures Entertainment
BRONZE
CBS Diversity; SAG; SAG Indie; STAR – Motion Pictures Editors Guild; Writers Guild of America, west; Morgan Stanley Smith Barney; Boeing; California Bank & Trust; Taipei Economic & Cultural Office; Ketel One; Shiftboard
AWARDS
Entertainment Partners
RECEPTION
Solair; Kyochon Chicken; Jinro; LA18 KSCI-TV; Stella Artois; Ketel One; Madang the Courtyard; Candy Chef
MEDIA SPONSORS
AngryAsianMan.com; LA 18 KSCI-TV; MNet; Glocal; LAWeekly
GOVERNMENT SUPPORT
National Endowment for the Arts; Los Angeles County Arts Commission; Department of Cultural Affairs/City of Los Angeles
FOUNDATION SUPPORT
California Community Foundation; James Irvine Foundation; Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences
C3 SPONSORS
California Arts Council; SAG Producers-Industry Advancement & Cooperative Fund

ABOUT THE LOS ANGELES ASIAN PACIFIC FILM FESTIVAL

The Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival presented by Visual Communications is the Southland’s premier showcase for the best and brightest of Asian Pacific cinema. Since 1983, the Film Festival has presented over 3400 films and videos by Asian international and Asian American artists, and additionally features seminars and panels, in-person guest appearances, and filmmaker awards.

ABOUT VISUAL COMMUNICATIONS

Visual Communications (VC), the nation's premier Asian Pacific American media arts center, was established in 1970. The organization has established a lengthy track record of pioneering achievements in producing, presenting, and preserving more honest and accurate representations of Asian and Pacific Islander communities in America. Visual Communications is also recognized as an incubator of emerging Asian Pacific American cinematic talent. The organization's works have been exhibited in numerous venues and broadcast outlets around the world. The mission of Visual Communications is to promote intercultural understanding through the creation, presentation, preservation and support of media works by and about Asian Pacific Americans.

See 'ya there!

http://www.thetattler.biz



A premiere screening!