5-27-05 Saving Face opens!

Asian lesbians & a naughty mom VERSUS star wars sith.

You decide!

Saving Face is a terrific movie! Speak Asian Americans highly endorses it!!

Saw this @ Sundance Film Festival and fell in love with it! Great story line... kinda like The Wedding Banquet meets The Graduate meets Joy Luck Club...

Dear APA FIRST WEEKEND FILM GOERS:

Below is a special note from director ALICE WU of SAVING FACE.
Her film opens in New York and Los Angeles this weekend and in San Francisco and Boston on June 3.
Show your face at SAVING FACE and vote Asian American at the box office this weekend.

View the trailer at the website:

http://www.savingfacemovie.com


Note from ALICE WU...

Hi there.


This Friday, SAVING FACE opens in theaters in New York and LA. [theater information below] That means that in less than 24 hours, it will be "go time" for us.


I am writing to you from a hotel room in Seattle where I am trying to psych myself up for a frothing email that will send you skipping to the theaters! But instead, I'm struck by how many of you have really embraced this film, helped get the word out, and said it so much better than I ever could.


So I will just leave you with this:


On my way out of Toronto last night, passing through Toronto immigration/customs, I had a nice chat with the guy at the desk. Our conversation ran thusly:


Canadian Customs Guy: So you're a filmmaker. What kind of films do you make?
Me: This one's sort of an old-fashioned romantic screwball comedy.
CCG: Bah. Romantic comedy. That's chick stuff. My wife will probably go.
Me: You might like it actually. The three leads are all beautiful women.
CCG: (considers this) I do like beautiful women. But no male leads? Where does the romantic part come from?
Me: Two of them are lesbians.
[beat]
CCG: Something for everyone then.


Even the damn Canadian customs officials can say it better than I can.


In any case, I really hope to see you in theaters this weekend. (Remember, Star Wars will still be there weeks from now. My film may not. Asian lesbians or Siths. You decide.)


THEATER INFO:


New York:
Angelika (in Soho) Times: 11:00am I 1:00 I 3:15 I 5:30 I 7:45 I 10:00 I 12:00am

AMC 25 (on 42nd Street near 8th Ave) Times: 11:30am I 1:40 I 3:55 I 6:10 I 8:25 I 10:40


Los Angeles:
Laemmle Sunset 5: 12:00 I 2:30 I 5:00 I 7:30 I 10:00 I 12:00am

Landmark Westside Pavilion: 11:30am I 2:00 I 4:45 I 7:30 I 9:40
Pasadena Playhouse: 12:50 I 3:10 I 5:30 I 7:50 I 10:10
Costa Mesa Edwards Univ Town Center 6
and I believe a theater in Encino.


We will be opening in SAN FRANCISCO and SAN DIEGO on June 3, with Boston, Seattle, Chicago, etc following soon after. (the later dates are tentative depending on how well we do in the first few cities.)


Thank you!



Alice Wu

5-25-05 TOMORROW! SD in da HOUSE!

Asian Pacific American Heritage Month!

May is Asian American Pacific Heritage Month and there's no better way to celebrate than a night of fun! SDAFF is proud to support RAISING MAY, a display of Hip Hop and Rock from some of the best artists in So. Cal.


Featured artists include the Korean Amaerican pop rock band Nemo, the six member R&B group Monroe Street, and the hard hitting rock band Burning Tree Projekt. Also playing is a special video compilation by the 705 boys (www.sevenohfive.com). The event features a club environment with a DJ and a large dance floor. FREE after-party at Pearl Lounge with ticket stub.

Where: Porter's Pub at UCSD www.porterspub.com

When: Thursday, May 26th, 7pm

Who: All Ages. 21+ w/ drinks.

Click on the graphic to see the film! FUTURE ROCK STARS OF AMERICA by Grace Su embodies all the reasons for an Asian American concert in San Diego.

Tickets are $10 at the door. Go to www.sdaff.org for directions and artist info.



And Vote Kal Penn and John Cho for the MTV Movie Awards

John Cho and Kal Penn have been nominated for two MTV Movie Awards for their performances in "Harold & Kumar Go To White Castle" – BEST ONSCREEN TEAM and BEST MUSICAL PERFORMANCE. They need your votes to get awarded. Let's really stuff the MTV box by voting on www.mtv.com. Go under the Movies section then to the Movie Awards.

5-20-05 APAs & Public Policy = One hot conference

Asian Pacific American Heritage Month!

~ Speak.AsianAmericans is going!

2nd Annual California Asian Pacific Islander Legislative Caucus Policy Summit

“Unity In Action”

Sponsored By
California Asian Pacific Islander Legislative Caucus Institute

Summit Chair
Assembly Member Judy Chu, Ph.D.
Monday - June 6, 2005
Sheraton Grand Hotel, Sacramento, California
8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.


Registration

Early Bird Registration deadline is Monday, May 23, 2005 (Cost: $50 early bird / $75 after May 23rd). Refer to the registration form attached to this announcement and fax or snail mail back to us with your payment.

Overnight Accommodation

There are currently less than 30 rooms remaining at the Sheraton Grande Hotel where the Summit will be held. To book at the group rate of $149/night, please call Sheraton Reservations at 1-800-325-3535 by Friday, May 20, 2005. Cite “API Policy Summit” to get this room rate.


Agenda

Conference Registration and Breakfast (8:00 a.m.-9:00 a.m.)

Welcome Remarks from State Legislators and Constitutional Officers (9:00 a.m.-9:30 a.m.)

Opening Plenary Session (9:30 a.m.-10:45 a.m.)

Building Alliances (10:45 a.m.-11:30 a.m.)

Lunch (11:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m.)

Workshops - Track One (1:00 p.m.-2:30 p.m.)
ü APIs and Mental Health
ü APIs and Education
ü API Youth Violence
ü Hate Crimes, Civil Rights and Voting Rights

Workshops - Track Two (2:45 p.m.-4:15 p.m.)
ü APIs and Media Portrayal
ü Legislative and Budget Advocacy
ü Leadership Development and Appointments
ü API Problem Gambling


We hope to see you there!

Further Inquiries
Pam Chueh, Staff at the API Caucus
Telephone: (916) 319-3686
E-mail: pam.chueh@asm.ca.gov

We <3 Angry Asian Man!

Who is Angry Asian Man? ;-)

thanks for the shotout! ! !:

"05.20.05 Just a reminder... it's still May, thus it's still APA Heritage Month (but you know it's always APA Heritage Month right here). So stay attuned to all the cool events and celebrations still going on in your area. Support APA arts/activist/awareness organizations! While I'm at it, let me throw a plug out for Speak. Asian Americans. It's a blog dedicated to the latest APA events and happenings going on in Southern California. Check it out, and get involved. (Props to my man, Jack)" ~ AngryAsianMan.com

AngryAsianMan.Com

5-19-05 SDAFF in the news!

Asian Pacific American Heritage Month!

San Diego Asian Film Foundation eNews - May 19th, 2005

1) Call for Entry - DEADLINE EXTENDED to May 31st

2) High School Film Review Competition - DEADLINE EXTENDED to June 3rd

3) Asian American Showcase @ UCSD, Thursday, May 26

4) Students Selected for the Reel Voices Documentary Project

5) SDAFF Review of the Filipino American Film CAVITE

6) Vote Kal Penn and John Cho for the MTV Movie Awards



SDAFF News:

1) Call for Entry - DEADLINE EXTENDED to May 31st

The SDAFF is extending the final deadline for its 2005 Call For Entries to May 31st. This is a postmark deadline and the online entry system is still available to use. We're looking for the best in Asian American cinema and award in the following categories: experimental, animation, music video, short documentary, feature documentary, narrative short and narrative feature. The festival is September 29 through October 6.

Join hundreds of award-winning filmmakers like Justin Lin, Greg Pak, Grace Lee, Ham Tran and Victor Vu who have screened their work at our film festival. Winners in each category will be honored at a spectacular Gala Awards ceremony on Friday, Sept. 30, 2005.



2) Deadline Extended for High School Film Review Competition!

Applications must now be submitted by June 3rd! (Final Deadline) Click here to learn more about SDAFF's High School Film Review Competition.

The San Diego Asian Film Foundation supports and promotes the diverse Pan Asian experience through the media arts. We are seeking student candidates for our film review competition, in partnership with The San Diego Union-Tribune and the Asian American Journalists Association of San Diego, to promote careers in arts journalism. The winning review will be published in The San Diego Union-Tribune during the week of the San Diego Asian Film Festival, Sept. 29–Oct. 6, 2005. The winning student will receive a $500 scholarship, VIP Pass to the festival and two complimentary seats at the SDAFF Gala Awards Dinner on Friday, Sept. 30, at the Doubletree Hotel Mission Valley.



3) Asian American Showcase @ UCSD, Thursday, May 26




May is Asian American Pacific Heritage Month and there's no better way to celebrate our Asian Americaness than a night of fun! SDAFF is proud to support RAISING MAY, a display of Hip Hop and Rock from some of the best artists in So. Cal.


Featured artists include the Korean American pop rock band Nemo, the six member R&B group Monroe Street, and the hard rock Burning Tree Projekt. Also playing is a special video compilation by the 705 boys (www.sevenohfive.com). Guest performances by Emcees Krin and Park, DJ KMA, and Ascension Hip Hop dance team. Go to www.sdaff.org for more details.

Where: Porter's Pub at UCSD www.porterspub.com

When: Thursday, May 26th, 7pm

Who: All Ages. 21+ w/ drinks.



4) Students Selected for the Reel Voices documentary project

Please join the San Diego Asian Film Foundation in congratulating the following students selected for the first ever Reel Voices Project. We look forward to working with them and viewing their documentaries at the 6th annual San Diego Asian Film Festival, Sept. 29-Oct. 6, 2005. Students are listed below in alphabetical order:


Rebecca Christian (Coronado High School)
Adrianna Chuh (Academy of Our Lady of Peace)
Darris Cooper (Crawford High)
Azalea Ebbay (Westview High School)
Alvin Fenner (Monte Vista High School)
Timothy Khuu (Mira Mesa High School)
Vincent Phathanak (High Tech High International)
Thien Truong (Herbert Hoover High)

For more information on the San Diego Asian Film Foundation's education programs, click here.



5) SDAFF Review of the Filipino American Film CAVITE


San Diego-based filmmakers, Ian Gamazon and Neill Dela Llana, overcame odds and obstacles to complete their latest feature-length thriller shot in the Philippines. The creators of CAVITE spoke to SDAFF writer, Jamie Lynn Paranal, about the benefits of not taking the easy way out. Read the article at www.sdaff.org.


6) Vote Kal Penn and John Cho for the MTV Music Awards
John Cho and Kal Penn have been nominated for two MTV Movie Awards for their performances in "Harold & Kumar Go To White Castle" – BEST ONSCREEN TEAM and BEST MUSICAL PERFORMANCE. Vote for them on www.mtv.com

5-16-05 East West Players Presents

Asian Pacific American Heritage Month!

Savory Talks at East West Players

Join us on Sunday, May 22 at 11 am for a free discussion with the creative team of IMELDA: A NEW MUSICAL. Sachi Oyama (Book Writer), Nathan Wang (Composer), Aaron Coleman (Lyricst), Tim Dang (Director) and Elise Dewsberry (Dramaturg) will be on hand to speak about the 2-year process of bringing IMELDA: A NEW MUSICAL to life.

Afterwards enjoy a catered lunch in the courtyard with Sachi, Nathan, Aaron, Tim and Elise for only $12.

Finish up the afternoon by attending the 2 pm performance of IMELDA: A NEW MUSICAL. Tickets for the show are half price at only $19 for people who attend Savory Talks. (Valid only at the time of sale and may not be applied to previously purchased tickets; cannot be combined with any other discount offer.)

To reserve your spot for the Savory Talks Series on Sunday, May 22 please call (213) 625-7000 x20.

More information on IMELDA: A NEW MUSICAL.

Asian Pacific American Heritage Month!

Thursdays in Chinatown Farmers' MarketEvery Thursday from 2-6pm, the Chinatown Farmers' Market takes place at Hill & Alpine bringing fresh fruits and produce by California Farmers to the Chinatown Community. We invite you to come and experience the Chinatown Farmers' Market. Free parking with purchase.

Friday, May 13 - CACA celebrates 93rd AnniversaryThe Chinese American Citizens Alliance will be celebrating their 93rd Anniversary at Empress Pavilion, 988 N. Hill Street, 2nd Fl. For more information, please call (323) 735-1331.

Friday, May 13 - The Sonic Fonics at Chow Fun RestaurantEntertainment by The Sonic Fonics on Friday, May 13, 2005 from 8pm - 12am at Chow Fun, 686 N. Spring St., LA 90012. Cost: $25 Dinner & Performance or $5 Show only. Call for reservations at (213) 626-1678.

Monday, May 16 - BID Design Committee MeetingThe next Design Committee meeting will take place at the BID office (727 N. Broadway, #208) from 12-2pm. For more information, please contact the BID office at (213) 680-0243.

Wednesday, May 18 - APAHM Celebration at CAMCome celebrate Asian Pacific American Heritage Month with the Chinese American Museum and OCA-GLA from 6pm - 9pm. Admissions is $8 including Dine al fresco-style on a delicious multi-course dinner, enjoy free guided museum tours and explore two new exhibits: Impressions: "Milton Quon's Los Angeles" by artist Milton Quon and "A Portrait of My Mother" by Sam Boi Lee. For more information, please call (213) 250-9888.

Saturday, May 21 - Fusion: A Trunk Show & Sale at Gallery 990Join us this weekend, May 21 & 22, from 11am-5pm at Gallery 990, 990 N. Hill St. #180, L.A., CA 90012. An alternative Fine Art and all-handmade Fashions and Accessory Trunk Show & Sale. 15 local fine artists and designers were gathered for this 2 day event. Sat night Artist Reception from 7-10pm with Refreshments served & dj entertainment. Contact contact@questionetc.com for additional information.

Saturday, May 21 - Concurrent Art Gallery ExhibitThe upcoming concurrent art gallery opening will be May 21st from 6pm-9pm. Visit the individual galleries for specific details.

Thursday, May 26 - BID Board MeetingThe next BID Board meeting will take place at the CSC Youth Center (727 N. Broadway, #212) from 12-2pm. For more information, please contact the BID office at (213) 680-0243.

Saturday, May 28 - Chinatown Health FairThe Asian Pacific Health Corps and Asian American Tutorial Project at UCLA is organizing a health fair at Castelar Elementary School (840 Yale St, Los Angeles, 90012) from 9am-1pm. Free Health Screenings for Vision, Dental, Mammograms, Cholesterol, Blood Pressure, Blood Sugar and Health Information Booths & Fun Children Activities. For more information, email ucla.cchf@gmail.com.

UNLEASHED!

Asian American Heritage Month!

UNLEASHED! Starring JET LI, MORGAN FREEMAN, BOB HOSKINS!

in theaters TODAY! MAY 13th, 2005

go to www.movies.yahoo.com for your local listings!

J Li or J Lo?! Go for J Li... and then maybe J Lo ;-)

5-12-05 Imelda the new musical ROCKS!

Asian Pacific American Heritage Month!

Just came back from the Imelda: The New Musical opening last nite. It is absolutely awesome. Please go check it out. You do not have to be a pinoy/pinay to get the story behind the lady with 20,000 shoes. (btw, Imelda Marcos got big feet...)

Now playing. @ the David Henry Hwang Theater...

5-11-05 Proclaimation from President Bush

For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
May 3, 2005

Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month, 2005
A Proclamation by the President of the United States of America

Millions of Americans proudly trace their ancestry to the many nations that make up Asia and the Pacific islands. For generations, Americans of Asian/Pacific heritage have strengthened our Nation through their achievements in all walks of life, including business, politics, education, community service, the arts, and science.

This month we honor Asian/Pacific Americans for their contributions to our Nation's growth and development and to the spread of freedom around the world. This year's theme, "Liberty and Freedom for All," honors the sacrifices of Asian/Pacific Americans in the defense of freedom and democracy. We remember the bravery of soldiers of Asian/Pacific descent who have served in our military. These proud patriots stepped forward and fought for the security of our country and the peace of the world, and they will always hold a cherished place in our history. As we confront the challenges of the 21st century and fight the war on terror, Americans of Asian/Pacific descent continue to serve in the Armed Forces and are working to secure our homeland and promote peace and liberty around the world. Their dedication and patriotism uphold the highest ideals of our country.

To honor the achievements and contributions of Asian/Pacific Americans, the Congress by Public Law 102 450 as amended, has designated the month of May each year as "Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month."

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim May 2005 as Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month. I call upon the people of the United States to learn more about the history of Asian/Pacific Americans and their many contributions to our Nation and to observe this week with appropriate programs and activities.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this third day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand five, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty ninth. GEORGE W. BUSH

5-09-05 Vote Harold and Kumar

Asian Pacific American Heritage Month!

"Is that Kumar with 2 U's or 4 O's?"

VOTE FOR HAROLD & KUMAR AT:
www.mtv.com
Follow the links for the 2005 MOVIE AWARDS

>
> PLEASE SPREAD THIS TO ALL "HAROLD & KUMAR"
> FANS!!!!!!!!!!
>
> Hey Everyone,
>
> John Cho & Kal Penn have been nominated for TWO MTV
> Movie Awards for their work in
> the movie "Harold & Kumar Go To White Castle!"
>
> They're nominated for Best Onscreen Team as Harold
> and Kumar, and Best Musical
> Performance for singing "Hold On." This is a pretty
> big deal considering their competition
> all comes from movies that were huge box office
> hits.
>
> Help support John and Kal by voting at...
>
>
http://www.mtv.com/onair/movieawards/ma05/#votehub/ost
>
> and
>
>
http://www.mtv.com/onair/movieawards/ma05/#votehub/bestmusical

5-09-05 OCA-GLA invites you to ....

Asian Pacific American Heritage Month!

Come Celebrate Asian Pacific American Heritage Month with Organization of Chinese Americans-Greater Los Angeles chapter at the Chinese American Museum


May 18, Wednesday
6 pm to 9 pm
Admission: $8.00


OCA-GLA and The Chinese American Museum invite you to dine and tour 2 new exhibits at the Museum.


Co-sponsored by:
AJC -American Jewish Committee
KAC -Korean American Coalition
JACL-PSW -Japanese American Citizens League - Pacific South West


Dine al fresco on a delicious multi-course dinner prepared by Chef Wang


Free Guided Museum Tours
7 pm and 8 pm (30 to 45 minutes in length)
Exhibits:
*Impressions: Milton Quon's Los Angeles
* A Portrait of My Mother by Sam Boi Lee




Please for more information or to RSVP to cchiu@ocanatl.org or Phone 213-250-9888. www.oca-gla.org or www.camla.org

5-06-05 LA Mayor's office...

Asian Pacific American Heritage Month!

The Fusion 2005 Committee presents an open air market in the Fletcher Bowron Square
(Main & Temple, Downtown Los Angeles) on:

Wednesday, 5/11 and 5/12
from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

The event will feature entertainment, food, arts & crafts and a host of non-profits and LAPD & LAFD Recruitment booths.

Sponsored by the Office of Mayor Hahn, Fusion 2005 Committee and the City Council Offices.

5-05-05 Last Day & Better Luck Tomorrow with APA Bar Association

Asian Pacific American Heritage Month!

-Last day for VC Film Festival! (Join VC tonite, 7pm @ the Aratani/Japanese American Theatre)

-Asian Pacific American Bar Association of Los Angeles County hostss "Better Luck Tomorrow: Asian Pacific Americans in Hollywood"
May 18th, 2005
Aratani/Japanese American Theatre
Tick: $10 for members, $15 for non members. ligh dinner will be served
sounds like a great event... How DO WE increase representation of APAs in the entertainment industry?

5-04-05 CLOSING NITE (TOMORROW!) Visual Communiations Film Festival

ASIAN PACIFIC AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH!

TRIBECA AWARD WINNING "RED DOORS" FROM GEORGIA LEE TO CLOSE VC FILMFEST 2005 - THE LA ASIAN PACIFIC FILM FESTIVAL ON MAY 5 FILMMAKER LEE AND The CAST WILL JOIN VISUAL COMMUNICATIONS TO CELEBRATE 8 DAY FILM FEST OF ASIAN AMERICAN/INTERNATIONAL FILMS

LAST CHANCE TO HANG OUT WITH THE AWESOMELY COOL FILMMAKERS, ACTORS, PRODUCERS, INDUSTRY GROUND SHAKERS! VC FILM FESTIVAL NOW!!

MAY 3, 2005 - LOS ANGELES Direct from winning the Tribeca Award for Best Film Made in NY, first time feature filmmaker Georgia Lee will present the West Coast premiere of "RED DOORS" starring Jacqueline Kim, Tzi Ma, Elaine Kao,Kathy Shao-lin Lee and Mia Riverton on Thursday May 5 as the closing night gala film for the VC FilmFest 2005. The event will take place at the Aratani Japan America Theatre located at 244 South San Pedro Street in Little Tokyo in Downtown Los Angeles beginning at 7:00 PM.

On May 5, audiences in Los Angeles will have the first chance to see what all of Gotham was raving about last week. In addition to the screening of RED DOORS, the gala closing night will also feature the festival award ceremony, a silent auction and a dessert celebration following the film's premiere. Join filmmaker Georgia Lee and her cast along with all of the VC FilmFest 2005 filmmakers on this very special evening.

Tickets for the event are going fast and are available at the Aratani Japan America Theatre box office or by calling (213) 680-3700. Ticket prices are $15 for general and $12 for students, seniors, and members of Visual Communications/DGA/ and the JACCC. For more information log on to www.vconline.org

Tzi Ma in a scene from Georgia Lee's award winning film "RED DOORS"
For press info Contact: Winston Emano at (213) 624-7827, ext. 5 or wemano@tcdm-associates.com

5-3-05 KCET APA Heritage Month

ASIAN PACIFIC AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH!

KCET invites you and a guest to the Local Hero of the Year Awards

in celebration of APA Heritage Month

Tuesday may 17th, 2005
6-9pm
KCET STudios 4401 Sunset Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90027

Honorees include:

Chun-Ten Huang Chen
Executive Director, Asian Pacific Women's Center

Hamid Khan
Executive Director, South Asian Network

Sharon Sugiyama
Co-Founder/Director, Asians for Miracle Marrow Matches

Teddy Zee
Producer

MUST RSVP @ 323.953.5245

2005 Asian Pacific American Heritage Month!

Celebrate 2005

Asian Pacific Americans Heritage Month!

This month, Speak.AsianAmerican will post relevant events/activities around Southern California everyday relating to APA Heritage month.

Get involved. Stay atuned. Be active.

It is APA Heritage Month, every month!

2005 Visual Communications Film Festival!

If you live in Southern California, and you have NOT gone to the 2005 Visual Communication Film Festival... then I really do not know what to say to ya...

please go to www.vconline.org

Openin nite was awesome! Joan Chen from Saving Face, Last Emperor was there.

SpeakAsian Americans highly recommends the following films:

RICE RHAPSODY: a mother with 2 gay sons, desperately tries to save the third son from becomin the rainbow squad...so can this family be individuals and connected at the same time?

Ethan Mao: Directed by Quentin Lee. (go Bears!) Ethan gets kicked out for being gay. Evil step mother. obsessive compulsive father. and a break-in. Thriller. Dark comedy. Pure E. ;-)

Once Were Warriors: Cant believe this film has been out for almost 10 years. Beautifully shot and raw! Straight from New Zeland, Once Were Warriors deals with soul searching, domestic abuse & violence, and cultural identity. AWESOME film for something that is in your face.

VC Film Fest 2005 closes on Thursday, May 5th, 2005 at the Aratani/Japan America Theatre. 7pm

244 South San Pedro St.
Downtown LA, CA
Between 2nd & 3rd St. Los Angeles, Little Tokyo