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

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!