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March 23rd 2005: Issue 30
After numerous one-off screenings the past several months, Oldboy finally gets its theatrical release in New York City at the Angelika Film Center and the AMC Empire 25 next Friday, the 25th. If you still don't know about Chan Wook's Parks masterpiece, check out the trailer. And its not a Korean film, but Saving Face takes place in Flushing and isn't that good enough? Asian American Alice Wu's directorial debut is about Wil (Michelle Krusiec), a successful surgeon and closet lesbian and her forty-eight-year-old mother (Joan Chen), who shows up on her doorstep and announces she is pregnant. Sounds juicy! Saving Face, which premiered at the Toronto Film Festival last year is set to open in theaters in New York City on May 27th.
And since we are on the topic of Asians in the movies, how about some controversy? Apparently, theres been some debate surrounding the decision to cast non-Japanese actors, among them Zhang Ziyi in the title role, in Rob Marshall's upcoming Memoirs of a Geisha. Sony, a Japanese company, is concerned about non-Japanese actresses being able to capture the Japanese essence. Korean actress Kim Yoon-Jin, who was offered, but turned down, a supporting role in the film said "Even if it is Hollywood, I don't want to start by playing a Japanese geisha...It's a matter of pride." The three neighboring countries share a history of invasion, occupation and brutality over the past century. What pan-Asian fun!
Does anyone know if this Korean Friendship Association, which organizes delegations to North Korea, is for real?
—ubn
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PERFORMANCE
International Sejong Soloists 10th Anniversary Celebration with Guest Artist Cho-Liang Lin, Violin
International Sejong Soloists (ISS) is having their 10th Year Anniversary Celebrating concert at Zankel Hall at Carnegie Hall on Thursday, March 24th. International Sejong Soloists is a conductor-less string ensemble comprised of today's leading young soloists. ISS has been acclaimed for its gorgeous sound, fresh interpretations and broad range of orchestral and chamber repertoire for strings. The New York-based ensemble performs internationally under the artistic direction of Hyo Kang, a renowned violin professor at The Juilliard School. Praised as a top notch conductor-less string orchestra by The Washington Post, ISS was created in 1995 and met with immediate success. The ensemble has continually performed to capacity audiences at such venues as Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, Suntory Hall in Japan and the Seoul Arts Center in Korea. Presented by the Korean Cultural Service and the International Sejong Soloists.
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SCREENING
Sanggyedong Olympics and Repatriation
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New York University Department of East Asian Studies
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Saturday, March 26th, 1:00pm
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The Pioneer Theater
155 East 3rd Street
between Avenues A & B
New York City
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gsas.eas.graduate@nyu.edu
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The Department of East Asian Studies and the EAS Film Series present two documentary films by director Kim Dong-Won. The screening will begin promptly at 1:00pm. There will be a short intermission and a question & answer session with the director following the showings, if time permits.
This is a free event. RSVP Required. If you plan to attend please RSVP by sending an email to gsas.eas.graduate@nyu.edu.
Sanggyedong Olympics (1988, 27 min.)
In 1988, South Korea hosted Olympic Games cleared and launched "urban beautification" project to clear urban ghetto areas. The film records the lives and voices of the residents whose lives are threatened by the government's senseless development policy.
Repatriation (2003, 149 min.)
Hailed as a landmark documentary in South Korea, "Repatriation" chronicles the lives of "unconverted" North Korean spies who were captured and imprisoned for more than 30 years. The film-maker Kim developed a close bond with them as they moved to his neighborhood after their release from the prison. This friendship eventually leads him to a new film project, which spanned 12 years and 500 hours of videotaping. The film documents their
views on Korea's partition, daily hardship for adjustment in South Korean society as well as their struggle for repatriation. Through intimate portrayal, Kim offers a penetrating insight into the dreadful consequences
of Cold War that still persist in Korea.
Kim Dong-won was born in 1955 in Seoul, South Korea. He graduated from Sogang University, majoring in mass communication, and has since worked as an assistant director and as a documentary filmmaker. In 1991, Kim founded the documentary film collective P.U.R.N. Production and has since produced and directed around thirty documentaries.
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PERFORMANCE
An Intimate Acoustic Performance with Susie Suh
In 2003, Suh signed with Epic Records making her part of very rare club of Korean-American artists signed to a major U.S. label. "My mission has always been to create music that transcends boundaries; to make music that is universal," Suh explains. "I was born in America and I speak English, but I grew up with parents who speak a
different language and are part of a different culture. I've lived half of my life on the west coast and the other half on the east coast. My whole existence has been about transcending physical and cultural boundaries."
One of Epic Records' newest shining stars, Susie Suh has been compared to Fiona Apple, Aimee Mann, Tracy Chapman, and Norah Jones. On her West Coast residency tour, Suh left audiences wanting more of her warm and sultry vocals and delicate instrumentation.
"In an age of singers prematurely plucked from the nest and groomed to suit the pop music game, the appearance
of an artistically mature newcomer like Susie Suh is refreshing."
—Santa Barbara News-Press
Read the review of her music.
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SCREENING
The Game of Their Lives'
The Game of Their Lives' (2002)
United Kingdom, English, 80 minutes, Color /B&W
Directed by Daniel Gordon
Documentary
The 1966 defeat of Italy's star soccer team by a scrappy squad of North Koreans has been called the greatest upset in World Cup history. The full
story of this bizarre semi-final match is told for the first time in this heartwarming documentary by Daniel Gordon, who traveled to Pyongyang and
filmed surviving members of the fabled Korean team. The astounding interviews and archive footage are complemented by Gordon's images of North
Korea today, providing a rare glimpse behind the borders of one of the world's most mysterious places.
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SCREENING
Rewind (Videoreul Boneun Namja)
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The Korean Cultural Service
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Thursday, March 31st, 6:30 pm
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Korean Cultural Service
460 Park Avenue at 57th Street
New York City
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www.koreanculture.org | (212)759-9550
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Rewind (Videoreul Boneun Namja) (2002)
South Korea, Korean, English Subtitles, 100 minutes
Directed by: Hak-sun Kim
Starring Jang Hyeonseong and Bang Eunjin
This bittersweet romance is the directorial debut of Hak-sun Kim, who starred in Sang-soo Hong's 2002 Turning Gate. Divorced and tired of his life, a man retires from office life and runs a video rental shop, watching videotapes day in day out. His routine work includes soothing crying babies, drinking with friends, and giving counsel to his divorced wife, among others. One day, he finds a love letter delivered from a mysterious lady and starts to feel optimistic. He also mistakenly receives a secret videotape that portrays the happy but private life of a woman. Kim Hak-sun portrays the solitude and desire of a man and the struggles of a girl trying to overcome an empty life. Based on Im Yeong-tae's novel of the same title, the original film was invited to the Competition of Continents division at the 2002 Montreal World Film Festival. Praised for its score and cinematography, Rewind also screened at the Shanghai International Film Festival. Guest speaker Ms. Hyun-Ock Im will give a brief introduction to the film and lead a discussion session afterwards.
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LUNCHEON
Women Beyond Borders
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Asia Corporate Connection
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March 31st, Noon - 1:30pm
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The Asian Cultural Center
Asian Fusion Art Gallery, Second floor
15 East 40th Street
New York City
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$30, $25 members of ACC
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www.acclub.org | xuelan@acclub.org
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Asia Corporate Connection wishes you to join in this year’s Women's History Month celebrations and recognize the vitality, courage and contribution of women from all over the world in sustaining and transforming culture, history and politics.
Sung-Joo Kim: The New Role of Asian Women in the 21st Century Asian Economy
Pauline Chu: Asian Women in Business and America
Augusta Malacarne: Communication in the Workplace: “Did he really say that??
Denise Weiner: Spring Cleaning for the Right Side of the Brain
Moderated by Angela Cassel
Ms. Cassel is the President of Cross-Cultural Connection. For the past 15 years Ms. Cassel has developed a series of corporate seminars to expand cultural awareness and provide the practical skills for successful negotiation and conflict resolution. Her seminars have found favor with executives of Fortune 500 companies such as Royal Dutch Shell Oil, Daimler Chrysler, Pepsi and the World Bank.
Ms. Kim heads Sungjoo International Ltd. and Sungjoo Design Tech & Distribution Inc., South Korea’s largest luxury-goods retailers. The companies have exclusive rights to sell luxury brands such as MCM, Marks & Spencer and Veritas London45 in South Korea. Last year, the companies had sales of 60 billion won ($42 million). Their work force has grown to 350 people from 100 in 1990. And they have 90 outlets in South Korea.
Ms. Chu is the President and the founder of the Chinese-American Parents' Association (CAPA). Ms. Chu founded the organization in 1986 and has assisted thousands of immigrant families in assimilating and establishing homes in the Flushing area. CAPA's mission is to act as a liaison for families with the local schools. In this role she aids families whose English skills and familiarity with the Board of Education system is limited, with their children's school placement, course selection and daily activities.
Ms. Malacarne has been involved in the international education business for more than a decade. Ms. Malacarne has directed and created multimillion-dollar language and cross-cultural programs for institutions nationally and internationally.
Ms. Weiner’s journey from her successful career in corporate America to an art studio began eight years ago with a watercolor class at a spa, an unexpected place to spark a new career. Now Denise is living her dream life filled with art, travel and two new businesses, ‘Artscapes?and ‘Interactive Recess? Her workshops and retreats use the creative process to help adults improve their productivity, communicate across cultures and achieve a healthy work/life balance.
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FAIR
The International Asian Art Fair
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Friday April 1st - Wednesday April 6th
Daily 11:00am - 7:30pm, Sunday 11:00am - 6:00pm
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The Seventh Regiment Armory
Park Avenue at 67th Street
New York City
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Admission: $18.00
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www.haughton.com | www.koonewyork.com
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The International Asian Art Fair offers an outstanding selection of works of art from the Near East, Far East and South East Asia, from across history to the present day. An annual spring event in NYC since 1996, it brings together leading dealers from the United States, Europe and Asia and offers museums, private collectors and connoisseurs, an exceptional opportunity to view and buy examples of the finest Asian art currently on the market. Prices start at around $1,000. Items on view include furniture, sculpture, bronzes, ceramics, carpets, textiles, pictures, works of art and jewelry. Works are for sale under the strictest vetting conditions.
The 58 exhibitors are highly respected and knowledgeable in their fields and, as a further safeguard for buyers, each item for sale on the stands has been strictly vetted for quality and authenticity by other recognized specialists.
You can also attend a special guided tour of the Korean art at the 10th Annual International Asian Art Fair. The tour will highlight Korean artworks in the Lea Sneider Collection, the Kang Collection and Koo New York. Ms. Jiyoung Koo, former Director of Korean Art Department of Sotheby's NY for 10 years, is now a leading art dealer of high quality Korean art. RSVP required for tour. All RSVP must be received by Friday, April 1, 2005. Complimentary admission with RSVP.
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SCREENING
Joint Security Area (Gongdong Gyeongbi Guyeok JSA) (2000)
Joint Security Area (Gongdong Gyeongbi Guyeok JSA) (2000)
South Korea, Korean, English Subtitles, 110 mins
Directed by Park Chan-Wook
Starring Kang Ho Song, Byung Heon Lee, and Young Ae Lee
J.S.A, which broke all box-office records in Korea upon its release, announces the arrival of a major talent. Subsequent films, Sympanthy for Mr Vengeance and Oldboy (which won the Grand Prix at the 2004 Cannes Film Festival), firmly establish Park Chan-Wook as one of the most exciting and boldest filmmakers working today. Set at the demilitarized zone between North and South Korea, the mystery thriller follows a fatal shootout that leaves two North Korean soldiers dead and threatens to shatter the uneasy truce between the two sides. Park deftly explores the tenuous friendship between guards on opposing side of the divide, while sustaining a taut level of suspense and tension that drives the film toward its tragic denouement.
"A surprisingly moving, tightly wound thriller." — New York Times
"A highly atmospheric mystery-drama." — Variety
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FESTIVAL
a.k.a 5th Annual Culture Day
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Also-Known-As (a.k.a)
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Saturday, April 9th, 12:00 - 5:00pm
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Shin Kwang Church of New York
33-55 Bell Blvd
Bayside, Queens
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www.alsoknownas.org/cultureday
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Also-Known-As (a.k.a) is holding their 5th Annual Culture Day at at Shin Kwang Church of New York, 33-55 Bell Blvd, Bayside, Queens. Also-Known-As is an organization founded by a Korean-born adoptee for others touched by inter-country adoption life journey and open the possibility of inter-country and interracial adoptions for future generations. Each year, a.k.a. celebrates Culture Day to celebrate birth culture of adoptee. Culture Day is an annual event which aims to introduce, explore and promote our birth cultures to young international adoptees and their adoptive families. This is accomplished through the use of both traditional and modern performances, games, floor activities, and arts and crafts. Food that is representive of our birth countries is available for purchase, and vendors will be selling cultural and adoption-related products. The Culture Day committee is a diverse group of volunteers, many of whom are adult adoptees themselves. They come from various backgrounds and represent various countries. Volunteers are encouraged to help with set-up, arts & crafts, floor activities, games, food, and clean-up.
This year, Culture Day is based around the theme of "Myths and Legends." From generation to generation the grand tales of people's unique origins, traditional morals and beliefs and legendary figures of the past are passed down through a culture's myths and legends. This year come and celebrate the Myths and Legends of our birth countries - Korea, China, Vietnam and the Philippines - and the new legends we create as adoptive families!
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AUDITIONS
Flow Auditions
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Saturday, April 2nd, 4:00 - 6:00pm
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Dick Sheas Studio
104 West 14th Street
New York City
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groupflow@yahoogroups.com | Honey: 201) 310 - 3755
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Group Flow, the hot new New York based dance group, is looking for experienced dancers out there to join our growing, highly-talented hiphop dance troupe. We've just finished performing at the Elements of Hip Hop Dance Competition and won both our group and individual battles (Think You Got Served). We're looking to recruit new, stylish, versatile, talented members! Our performances are held at clubs, cultural functions, dance events/competitions, etc. You name it, we do it.
We're looking for dancers with hiphop/breaking/dance experience. Must be at least an intermediate level dancer, various background welcomed (tap, African, jazz,etc)!
Group Flow is a multi-cultural, hiphop focused dance troupe thriving on diversity of skills, character and performance personalities. Intertwining technical, underground, mainstream and native aspects of dance and interpretation are the basis on which this group is founded. We are colleagues and friends, ultimately looking to achieve mobility as one group with the need for individual achievement at heart and a group mentality in mind. The core of our existence lies in one common interest, one common love and one common mindset. Just dance and dance like somebody's watching.
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CALL FOR ENTRIES
2005 LA Korean Int'l Film Festival
The 2005 Los Angeles Korean International Film Festival (LAKIFF) is now accepting submissions! The LAKIFF is dedicated to the cinema of Koreans, Korean Americans, and other Korean diaspora. Its purpose is to bring about a greater knowledge and appreciation of the cultural richness, diversity, and artistic talent of Koreans worldwide. By presenting films, videos, and new media which educate and entertain media arts lovers, LAKIFF strives to encourage individual creativity, cultural exchange, and global communication.
The film festival will take place from September 16-18, 2005 at the Egyptian Theatre in Hollywood. With a large and diverse selection of films and thousands in attendance each year, LAKIFF is the prime festival for watching new and cutting edge films by and about Koreans. It's also the ideal festival to showcase your film!
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AWARD OPPORTUNITY
CAPE New Writers Awards
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The CAPE Foundation
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Submissions begin Friday, March 4th, 2005, and entries must be postmarked by Friday, May 27, 2005
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www.capeusa.org |
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This is the sixth year CAPE has been sponsoring the New Writers Awards, which promotes Asian and Pacific Islander Americans in the entertainment industry. We are especially pleased to announce that our 2001 screenwriting winner, Saving Face by Alice Wu was selected for competition at this year's Sundance Film Festival and subsequently picked up by Sony Pictures Classics, which will be releasing it this Memorial Day.
Tthe Foundation sponsors an annual writing contest in two categories: Screenwriting and TV Writing. Winners receive (i) a cash prize, (ii) writing software and (iii) an opportunity to pitch their winning script to a select group of entertainment executives. In addition, staged readings of the winning screenplay have been performed.
The Coalition of Asian Pacifics in Entertainment, Inc. (CAPE) is a non-profit trade organization addressing the interests of Asian Pacific Americans (APAs) in the entertainment industry. CAPE was founded in 1991 in Los Angeles, and in 1995 established a New York chapter. Today, CAPE reaches over 1000 studio and independent film executives, television and internet executives, film and recording producers, below-the-line talent, publicists, actors, writers, directors, and more. The founding of CAPE coincided with the emergence of Asian Pacific Americans as a force in the entertainment industry. APAs are now one of the best represented minority groups in the executive suites of the industry. Nevertheless, many APAs have experienced insularity from their fellow APAs in an industry in which relationships are key. CAPE has enabled APAs in entertainment to empower themselves, and serves as one of the most important meeting places for APAs in the entertainment industry.
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CALL FOR TV PRODUCTION OFFICE INTERNS
Cinema AZN
Cinema AZN, a new cable television series, is a magazine-style program devoted exclusively to Asian and Asian American movies (think Entertainment Tonight meets Ebert and Roeper) that will launch ationwide this Spring. Interns will have valuable exposure to and hands-on experience in the production of a non-fiction, serial television program. Internship is unpaid but transportation/meal stipend and school credit
will be provided. We are looking for part-time interns to:
Transcribe taped interviews of leading Asian and Asian American filmmakers, actors, and industry persons.
Carry out production office tasks and duties.
Assist with location and studio shoots.
Qualifications - Ideal candidate will have knowledge of and interest in Asian and Asian American movies, television production, and experience in office environments and be available to start immediately
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