24th Annual Asian Pacific Film Festival...Ping Pong Playa, a delightful comedy offered up by Jessica Yu.

PING PONG PLAYA, which kicked off the 24th Annual Asian Pacific Film Festival this year, is a delightful off-beat comedy offered up by the Asian Community.

Essentially, the low-budget farce is about an Asian male still chasing pipe dreams - in particular, a shot at the big leagues in pro basketball - unable to hold down gainful employment or even conjure up any meaningful direction in his life.

Through a quirky set of circumstances, C-dub (his nickname) - played with great aplomb by actor Jimmy Tsai - is forced to teach ping pong at the family business to a handful of lovable, but hapless kids in the neighborhood.

As the little darlings astutely lament to each other - what choice is there otherwise?

Violin, piano, or dreaded choir - go figure!

Yes, early on - the film takes a wild jab at the Asian American culture and its values - in a light-hearted, upbeat way.

Director Jessica Yu (SOUR DEATH BALLS) was in a jovial mood at the premiere.

"Jimmy and I both saw in C-dub the chance for some healthy self-mockery in our generation’s navigation of the ethnic American experience. From the oversensitivity of the politicized to perceived racist slights, the impulse to dismiss ethic stereotyping, while simultaneously mocking those who fit the stereotypes, to the resentment of the non-model minority."

That's quite a mouthful!

On occasion, PING PONG borders on the edge of controversy in this regard.

If a big-budget Hollywood production poked fun at the Asian Community (and other diverse groups represented in the film) the way Yu did - it is wholly possible - there may have been an outcry in the community.

At the Q & A session - when I asked Yu and the cast if the underlying message (in light of all the glaring racial issues raised in the media in recent days on the campaign trail) signaled a need to "lighten up", "have a sense of humor", and "get real" - the response was amusing.

"Actually, we did get accused of white-bashing," Yu chortled.

"Because of some of the comments we made about people in Encino."

But, none of the quips in respect to "race" in PING PONG PLAYA are particularly mean-spirited or offensive, to be sure.

But, I have to take note for the record.

Last year, at the Los Angeles Film Festival, there was a panel discussion about diversity in Hollywood which focused on how Asians, Blacks, and others were portrayed by the industry.

Some of the stereotypes the panel objected to there, run rampant here.

And, a handful of politically-correct individuals, might put forth the proposition that films like "Ping Pong" may perpetuate those myths.

I guess that old adage is true.

It's okay for any ethnic group - or person of a certain religious or sexual persuasion - to make fun of members of their own.

Just don't anyone else dare!

For the most part, there's a lot of side-splitting shtick and odd-ball humor, with a big satirical thrust on the annual Ping Pong tournament that C-dub must win to ensure the family honor is upheld in the community - and, of course - that sign-ups for lessons on the hot little table keep filtering in.

Enter the competition.

A couple of wacky ping pong enthusiasts (who take the rules of the game "to the max") sashay in and throw a curve ball into the mix.

Peter Paige and Scott Lowell (Queer as Folk) are wildly amusing as a couple of players out to win the tourney at any cost.

Paige goes all out here, explores new ground as a comic actor, and succeeds admirably in a break-out role.

No doubt, both the gay community - and the straight one - will get a kick out of his characterization of a man who is noticeably "gay" to everyone but himself.

In the classic tradition of a closeted man, he puffs up his manhood, and all-the-while crows unconvincingly about chicks.

Wink! Wink!

To divert attention elsewhere, 'ya think?

There's a lot of visual humor in PING PONG, too; shots of tight shorts on wiggling butts and kids with odd-ball expressions on their silly mugs which bring a smile to the face.

All the broad character reactions are right on the money, by the way, and keep the hilarity running throughout at a fast pace.

A thumbs up!

24th Annual Asian Pacific Film Festival..."Queer as Folk" stars turn out for splashy Gala reception!

Queer as Folk star appeared at Festival Gala!

The Gala reception for the Pacific Asian Film Fest was a big splash on Thursday night, attracting a host of well-heeled celebrities, along with an eclectic mix of media artists and curiosity-seekers.

The liquor flowed at the open bar, as the effervescent film enthusiasts chatted each other up to a fever pitch over scrumptious rounds of tasty beef and chicken, succulent mouth-watering fruit of the season, and delectable finger pastries.

As I scanned the room, I was enthralled with the fashion presence.

A number of slender Asian women were smartly dolled-up in chic, sheer, body-hugging party dresses - in distinctive eye-pleasing colors - like coral, turquoise, blood red, cerulean, and canary yellow. A handful of the trendy ladies turned out in full-length designer gowns that skirted the plush carpet below and hugged their elegant chins above with exquisitely-designed high-collar flourishes.

One pretty young gal with porcelain skin wore an outfit based on a traditional Chinese design - "but modernized" - she noted, with a sweet engaging smile. A silk shawl draped about her shoulders embossed with a Chinese character on one side, with intricate embroidery and delicate detailing, accented just right.

The men took the occasion to dress up, too.

Many of the fashion savvy males were turned out sharply in understated designer suits - usually in solid colors - such as black, slate grey, and navy blue. Into the mix, a posse of adventurous dressers ably matched up sport jackets with silk vests and designer jeans. A few wore caps, slouchy hats, and - as was the case with a couple of the artists in the crowd - sported braided pony-tails.

Basically, the high-energy room was packed with a young, lively, with-it crowd; although the attendees ranged throughout the upper generations, which was refreshing on this festive occasion.

In fact, one of the Directors of the Festival, David Magdael - a pleasant, easy-going man with a great personality - noted there has been a surge of younger participants at the annual event in the past couple of years as viewers and as participants in the creative arena.

"A lot of the youth today are not interested in pursuing careers as Doctors or Dentists, as was the norm previously; but rather, are inclined to go into the visual artists and filmmaking as serious career endeavors, now."

The films also took a new turn this year from the formal class-focused bill-of-fare to celluloid pieces that are - "gritty and real" - which he saw as a plus.

"The Machine Girl" is an example of one, which screens tonight at the Director's Guild at 9:30 p.m. (see poster below)

In considering projects for the festival, he was quick to add that the Asian Film Festival is always seeking "new voices". And, work need not always be perfect from a production-value point-of-view, but must show originality and potential.

Obviously, it's an artful question.

He also was thrilled to inform me that 2008 was a big year for female directors.

"Ten directors will be showing their work during the course of the Festival, ongoing May 1st through May 8th at a handful of venues about the city."

There also was a big interest in Filipino entries this year. In fact, one director was also accepted into the Cannes Film Festival which signaled to many that the Asian Pacific Festival is a great springboard for emerging talent across the board.

In conjunction with the Gala opening reception, PING PONG PLAYA screened to a very enthusiastic full-house.

In fact, the red carpet was packed with many of the stars featured in the film - who turned out for the festive event - including high profile "Queer as Folk" stars - Peter Paige and Scott Lowell.
Mr. Paige and Mr. Lowell - to the delight of filmgoers - were quite accessible and strolled through the room ready to engage in chit-chat with fans and film connoisseurs present.

PING PONG PLAYA was a delightful comedy which was well-received by a wild, enthusiastic audience. A review follows in a day or so.

Upcoming highlights include "Kissing Cousins" on May 4th and the "Home Song Stories" to screen on May 8th.

But, there is a lot to choose from - 160 entries in all.

In addition, there will be a number of seminars and panel discussions. And, as usual, many of the films screened will include thought-provoking Q & A sessions after; so, if you're pining to have a chat with a star, or a real live film director, check the schedule to pinpoint an event to actively pursue those intentions.

By the way, if any seniors are interested in learning about Visual Communications, take notice there will be a couple of seminars held later in the week that may be up your alley. For those of us born in a "different" era - who weren't weaned on computers (I remember an archaic device known as the typewriter, for instance) it may provide an opportunity to catch up with all the rich media and technology proliferating in the marketplace today

So, a special thanks to the Film Festival for recognizing this, and offering up the chance to get on board and become part of a vital creative community.

Info: http://www.vconline.org/festival

http://www.julianayrs.com

24th Annual Asian Pacific Film Festival...Visionary filmmakers, to inspire and uplift!

The 24th Annual Asian Pacific Film Festival kicks off tomorrow with a VIP Reception and Gala Soiree to follow.

The Festival runs - May 1st through May 8th - at a handful of accessible venues - the DGA, Laemmle's Sunset 5 Theatres, ImaginAsian Center, The National Center for the Preservation of Democracy, and the Aratani/Japan America Theatre. (Los Angeles)

The annual event - formerly known as the VC Film Fest - has been resurrected as the Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival.

Known globally as Southern California's largest and most prestigious film festival of its kind - the fest launches the annual celebration of "Asian Pacific Heritage Month" through an exciting slate of 160 films and videos from both Asian Pacific American and Asian international directors.

A bumper crop of features by Asian American female directors will be prominently unveiled throughout the festival which kicks off - PING PONG PLAYA - directed by Oscar® winning Jessica Yu.

"THE HOME SONG STORIES" - a feature-length drama by Australian Director Tony Ayres starring Joan Chen - will screen at the closing night festivities.

Notes on the Highlighted films:

PING PONG PLAYA (May 1st)
The premiere of PING PONG PLAYA marks filmmaker Jessica Yu's comedy feature debut starring Jimmy Tsai, Roger Fan, Elizabeth Sung, Smith Cho, and Andrew Vo.

KISSING COUSINS (May 4th)
Filmmaker Amyn Kaderali brings his debut film to this year's festival. It's an intriguing tale about an enterprising "relationship termination specialist" who provides "dumping services" for his lovelorn clients.

The much-anticipated feature stars Samrat Chakrabarti, Rebecca Hazlewood, Gerry Bednob, Zack Ward, Jaleel White and David Alan Grier.

THE HOME SONG STORIES (May 8th)
Australian-based director Tony Ayres presents a captivating family story with a distinct twist. Joan Chen shines in one of her most powerful performances as a glamorous Shanghai nightclub singer (and mother of two) who migrates to Australia in search of a better life for her family.

In addition to the centerpiece films noted above, the Festival staff have scheduled a dazzling array of shorts, documentaries, and features throughout the Festival Calendar.

In addition, there will be a handful of exciting seminars and panel discussions.

For example, at the "MEDIA MESSENGERS" forum, Eric Byler and Annabelle Park (along with a handful of other guests) will engage in a dialogue about how filmmakers and actors can activate the Asian-American voter bloc - by embracing innovative media tools and the Internet - with the ultimate aim of leveling the playing field.

A writing seminar - SUCCEEDING AT SCREENWRITING - is sure to be a big crowd-pleaser, as well.

In this informative session, two Chinese Professors who specialize in screenwriting, return for a second year to present a writer's boot camp where attendees will be guided through a 90-minute version of a 10-week workshop normally conducted in the scholarly environs at UCLA.

Included in the package: how to pitch, rustle up script ideas, fathom structure and outline, submit treatments to production companies, and so much more!

A third session - Art of Visual Storytelling - pertains to the actual "art of cinematography" and appeals to filmmakers in particular. Since cinematography has developed into a highly-developed aesthetic form, the focus here is on how to achieve that end - through the use of lenses, angles, lighting, color - you name it.

A guest Director of photography will share secrets on how he turns his visions into dynamic realities on the silver screen.

Personally, I am inclined to participate in what is sure to be a wild adventure:

"THE XIN LU BUS TOUR OF L.A."

The Bus Tour is a large-scale media project which explores the intersections between autobiography, travel, tourism, exile and displacement.

Ming-Yuen S. Ma - the brainchild of the Festival fave - will team up with the organizers to present his four-part series the way that it was intended to be shown: as a mobile bus tour of Los Angeles in which the similarities and differences between the media and real life are referenced, compared, and experienced.

On the trip, there will be screenings of four films:

MYTH(S) Of Creation (USA 1997); MOTHER/LAND (USA 2000); MOVEMENTS EAST-WEST (USA 2003), and (OSL)(USA 2008)

Tickets include a box lunch!

This year the National Spotlight is on the Philippines, therefore, six films from Filipino International artists (including 2 Filipino American directors) will be screened.

According to the organizers, these new filmmakers are fast becoming the "new wave of modern cinema" and the festival has cultivated some of the best from these new visionaries.

And finally, as a special treat, the curious may want to join the writers/directors of:


HAROLD & KUMAR:
ESCAPE FROM GUANTANAMO BAY

Jon Hurwitz and Hayden Scholossberg - along with actor John Cho - discuss the films and its franchise which has now achieved "classic" status amongst a new generation.

All in all, the 24th Annual Asian Pacific Film Festival appears to have widespread appeal - so I expect - there will be a large turnout to support the talented filmmakers and the Asian Pacific Community, as well.

No doubt the experience will be a rewarding, uplifting one.

As Ingrid Bergman once said,

"No form of art goes beyond ordinary consciousness as film does, straight to our emotions, deep into the twilight of the soul."

Ping Pong Playa...delightful comedy. Race stereotypes may stir up controversy!

PING PONG PLAYA, which kicked off the 24th Annual Asian Pacific Film Festival on Thursday, is a delightful off-beat comedy offered up by director Jessica Yu.

Essentially, the low-budget farce is about an Asian male still chasing pipe dreams - in particular, a shot at the big leagues in pro basketball - unable to hold down gainful employment or even conjure up any meaningful direction in his life.

Through a quirky set of circumstances, C-dub (his nickname) - played with great aplomb by actor Jimmy Tsai - is forced to teach ping pong at the family business to a handful of lovable, but hapless kids in the neighborhood.

As the little darlings astutely lament to each other, what choice is there otherwise? Violin, piano, dreaded choir - go figure!

Yes, early on - the film takes a wild jab at the Asian American culture and its values - in a light-hearted, upbeat way.

Director, Jessica Yu (SOUR DEATH BALLS) joked,

"Jimmy and I both saw in C-dub the chance for some healthy self-mockery in our generations navigation of the ethnic American experience. From the oversensitivity of the politicized to perceived racist slights, the impulse to dismiss ethic stereotyping, while simultaneously mocking those who fit the stereotypes, to the resentment of the non-model minority."

That's quite a mouthful!

On occasion, PING PONG borders on the edge of controversy in this regard.

If a big-budget Hollywood production poked fun at the Asian Community - and other diverse groups represented in the film the way Lu has - it is wholly possible there may have been an outcry in the community.

At the Q & A session - when I asked Yu and the cast if the underlying message (in light of all the racial issues discussed in the media in recent days) signaled a need to "lighten up", "have a sense of humor", and "get real" - the response was amusing.

"Actually, we did get accused of white-bashing," Yu chortled. "Because of some of the comments we made about people in Encino."

But, none of the quips in respect to "race" in PING PONG PLAYA are particularly mean-spirited or offensive, to be sure.

But, I have to take note for the record. Last year, at the Los Angeles Film Festival, there was a panel discussion about diversity in Hollywood which focused on how Asians, Blacks, and others were portrayed by the industry.

Some of the stereotypes the panel objected to there - run rampant here.

And, a handful of politically-correct individuals might put forth the proposition that films like "Ping Pong" may perpetuate those myths.

I guess that old adage is true...

It's okay for any ethnic group - or person of a certain religious or sexual persuasion - to make fun of members of their own, but don't anyone else dare!

For the most part, there's a lot of side-splitting shtick and odd-ball humor, with a big satirical thrust on the annual Ping Pong tournament that C-dub must win to ensure the family honor is upheld in the community - and, of course - that sign-ups for lessons on the hot little table keep filtering in.

Enter the competition.

A couple of wacky ping pong enthusiasts (who take the rules of the game "to the max") sashay in and throw a curve ball into the mix.

Peter Paige and Scott Lowell (Queer as Folk) are wildly amusing as a couple of players out to win the tournie, at any cost.

Paige goes all out here, explores new ground as a comic actor, and succeeds admirably in a break-out role.

No doubt, both the gay community - and the straight one - will get a kick out of his characterization of a man who is obviously "gay" to everyone but himself. In the classic tradition of a closeted man, he puffs up his manhood, and all-the-while crows unconvincingly about chicks. Wink! Wink!

To divert attention elsewhere, ya think?

There's a lot of visual humor in PING PONG, too; shots of tight shorts on wiggling butts, kids with odd-ball expressions on their silly mugs which bring a smile to the face, and broad character reactions - right on the money, by the way - that add a lot of hilarity throughout to keep the laughter rolling.

A thumbs up!