The American Cancer Society's Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Los Angeles Event & Kickoff

This past weekend, I emceed the American Cancer Society's Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Los Angeles Event and Kickoff which was held at the Gene Autry Museum.  I've attended their kickoff event for the past several years and to be an emcee this year, was a a huge honor. It was a little more casual, this time around, since it was held outdoors at the museum, and the theme was cowboy/western...fitting for the venue - and of course, to wear pink.

As always, it was a morning filled with honoring inspiring women who have battled, been diagnosed, or are fighting breast cancer To hear their amazing stories was bittersweet.  Listening to their stories of survival was beautiful, touching, and heartwarming.  But the fact that they had to fight this nasty disease made me so angry, at the same time.  I hope that we will find a cure to fight breast cancer.  This is exactly what part of the kickoff event was all about - to support the American Cancer Society's Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk which is happening on October 21st.  To be a team leader, start your own team or group, and to help raise money.  

There is so much that the American Cancer Society is doing in terms of research, support and patient programs.  But they can't do it without us.  For more information, on the American Cancer Society, you can head to:

https://www.cancer.org/about-us/local/california.html

Fore more information on the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk happening on October 21st, the website is:

http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR/MakingStridesAgainstBreastCancer/MSABCCY17CA?pg=entry&fr_id=84622

Linkin Park - RIP Chester Bennington

I can't believe how long it's been since my last blog.  As I sit here and see what my previous entry was, I am heartbroken.  For those of you who know me, I am a Linkin Park fan and have been for several years. I've seen them many times in concert and have watched them perform more than any other band out there.  I was drawn to their music.  They just had a special and beautiful way of expressing how I was feeling.  Growing up, they would sing about things that I would oftentimes be too afraid to verbalize and explain things in a way no one else could. It's difficult for me to expound and for once in my life, I am at a loss for words.  

A couple of weeks ago, my sister (who first introduced me to the band's music) and I made our way to a couple of memorials for Chester Bennington. I was just going through those pictures, so I've decided to share them with you as well.

at the back alley of the Seventh Letter Art Gallery - 346 N. Fairfax Ave in Los Angeles

Artist Owen Dippie adding the finishing touches - www.owendippie.com

by Artists Jonas Never, Kryst, and Mr Kub at the Rock'n Pies Pizza in Sherman Oaks - 12920 Riverside Drive

at Warner Bros Records in Burbank

RIP Chester.  Prayers go out to you and your loved ones.

2017 Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival

The 33rd annual Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival kicked off on April 27th with the screening of Justin Lin’s film, “Better Luck Tomorrow”. It’s hard to believe that it was 15 years ago when I first saw this movie.  So much has happened since then, and it’s at the same time, interesting to see that not much has changed.  We can still relate to the characters of the film as well as their storylines.

I have been a huge supporter of the LAAPFF for several years and am always thrilled to see which movies will be screening.  The films being showcased are always some of the best and do a wonderful job in representing the talented filmmakers, directors, writers, and actors in our APA community. This year was no different.  

One example of this was Justin Chon’s movie, and Sundance Audience Award winner “Gook” which takes place during the 1992 LA Riots. “Gook” has received numerous positive reviews, including a 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and 8.7 rating on IMDB. Samuel Goldwyn also picked up the North American rights for the film, which is scheduled to be released sometime in August. “Gook” is screening at the LAAPFF Orange County on Wednesday, May 10th.

I’ve had the pleasure of interviewing Justin Chon throughout the years - from his “Twilight” roles to “Seoul Searching” and his other directorial debut movie, “Man Up.”   It’s such a thrill to see him go from talented actor, to director and writer. I cant wait to see what else Justin has in store for us.

I had the opportunity to be a juror for the Shorts Documentary competition; which was also the first time this category was created.  What an honor!  Each of the short documentaries in the competition was told in their own beautiful way. The other jurors and I had a difficult time reaching a decision. 

In the end, The Grand Jury Prize was awarded to Alisa Yang for her documentary, “Please Come Again” which centered on her story and the history of the love hotels in Japan.  After watching the short, I was completely speechless.  “Please Come Again” incorporated only text and visuals of the love hotels and the different meanings each room has held throughout the years.  It was not only a documentary on Alisa’s life, but also used the love hotels as a metaphor for the female body.

The Best Cinematography award was presented to “Forever, Chinatown”.  “Forever, Chinatown” follows the life of 81 year old artist, Frank Wong, who, for the past 40 years has recreated memories of his childhood, living in San Francisco’s Chinatown, through miniature models.  The cinematography for the short captured every intricate detail of the film, including Wong’s touching, nostalgic and some times bittersweet memories, the miniature models he created and was able to lucidly encapsulate the tone of the documentary. 

Jennifer Zheng won for Best Director for her documentary “Tough”.  Zheng’s choice in creating an animated documentary was an interesting but well told one.  “Tough” tells the story of a Chinese mother and British born daughter who openly talk as adults for the first time and honestly discuss growing up in their respective backgrounds and the cultural issues they struggled with.

Congratulations to all of the winners.

The Orange County portion of the Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival is still going on until May 11th.  For more information and for tickets on the movies currently screening, you can head to www.vconline.org