Tag: movie

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AABANY Partners with AAIFF to Promote AAPI Short Films at its 46th Film Festival

AABANY is pleased to announce that it will be resuming its long-time partnership with AAIFF, promoting six short films showing online under the title of “Fire & Water: Shorts in Your Element.” These films include:

“Skin Can Breathe” by Chheangkea

Soda, a Cambodian teenager living in America seeks refuge from his volatile surroundings through swimming. Navigating his relationship with his family, as well as the awkward and erotic nature of his swim team, Soda’s story of self-discovery enthralls viewers. “Skin Can Breathe” is an award-winning short film, bound to catch the audience’s attention.

“Inheritance” by Erin Lau

Kelsey Akioka spends his days photographing the Kalapana lava fields, selling his photos in a pop-up tent to apathetic tourists to support his son and elderly father. Upon receiving news that his friend is sacrificing his passion to better his family’s life, Kelsey must balance his inner conflict with his home life. Directed by Erin Lau, a Native Hawaiian filmmaker with experience working with Sundance Institute, Tribeca Studios, MTV, the Points North Institute, Nia Tero, and Film Independent’s Project Involve program and Episodic Directors Intensive, this short film is a must watch.

“Honolulu” by Maya Tanaka

12-year-old Yuki’s Hawai’ian beach vacation is threatened by mundane family tensions that threaten to boil over, leaving unforgettable memories. Supported by the 2021 Tribeca Studios x Chanel Through Her Lens Female Filmmaking Grant, Maya Tanaka tells an intricate tale of family and culture through Honolulu.

“The Ocean Duck” by Huda Razzak, My Anh Ngo

During a flood, a woman’s visit to her ailing grandmother in a hospital triggers nostalgic memories and fantastical visions of an ancient tale coming to life. “The Ocean Duck,” an animated short film by Huda Razzak and My Anh Ngo, beautifully merges ancient poetry with a modern story of family bonds.

“Rooted (防己)” by Yi-Wei Wu

Rescued by a lifeguard who mistook him for drowning, a teenager grapples with newfound desires that have long been suppressed. Wu Yi-Wei, a writer exploring the complexities of gender, body, and family crisis, transitioned to film direction after earning his M.F.A. in RTF from Shih Hsin University, with “ROOTED” marking his debut short film.

“The Roaring of the Carabao” by Angeline Meitzler

A daughter, born in the United States, travels to the Philippines, her mother’s homeland, and is met with a volcanic eruption on the night of her arrival. Enchanted by the turbulent landscape, she embarks on a haunting journey through the past, present, and beyond, illuminated by the glow of an ember. Incorporating elements of hauntology, “The Roaring of the Carabao” explores the Taal Volcano, one of the Philippines’ most active volcanoes, and its ongoing activity as a symbol of Filipino Americanism.

To receive a 25% off discount code, exclusive to AABANY members, please register here at least two days prior to the showing. To buy tickets to “Fire & Water: Shorts in Your Element”, click here. To learn more about the other films and events exhibited at this festival, click here.

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AABANY Partners with AAIFF to Promote Feature Film “RAGING GRACE” During AAIFF’s 46th Film Festival

This year, AABANY is partnering with AAIFF to promote the film, “RAGING GRACE,” screening in-person on July 30th in Quad Cinema, at 34 W 13th Street. 

“RAGING GRACE” is a bold coming of age tale, telling the story of Joy, an undocumented Filipina immigrant, struggling to make a living as a housekeeper in London. A single mom, Joy fights to support her young and mischievous daughter, Grace. Joy hopes to save up for an overpriced visa that will allow the two of them to stay in England and build a new life. When Joy is offered the perfect position as elderly Mr. Garrett’s caretaker, she accepts, despite suspicions about the estate and the Garrett family simmering beneath the surface. “RAGING GRACE” defies conventional horror movie tropes while tackling powerful social commentary, illustrating a vibrant narrative of exploitation often faced by many new immigrants. 

The film will be followed by a filmmaker Q&A, allowing panelists to answer any questions attendees may have about the film and the shooting process. Furthermore, attendees have the opportunity to attend the closing reception at Project Farmhouse, located on 76 East 13th Street.

Tickets for this screening and closing reception will be available for $70.00 on the AAIFF website. To receive a 25% off discount code, exclusive to AABANY members, please register here at least two days prior to the showing. Click here to purchase tickets for this gripping film. To learn more about the other films and events exhibited at this festival, click here.

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AABANY Partners with AAIFF to Promote Feature Film “Finding Her Beat” During AAIFF’s 46th Film Festival

This year, AABANY is partnering with AAIFF to promote the film, “Finding Her Beat,” screening in-person on July 30th in Quad Cinema, at 34 W 13th Street. 

Amidst the icy grip of a Minnesota winter, an extraordinary collaboration unfolds between a Japanese drum master and a Korean adoptee from North Dakota. The two women are determined to gather the finest Taiko drummers worldwide, uniting to claim a cultural spotlight traditionally monopolized by men. Directed by award-winning directors Dawn Mikkelson and Keri Pickett, this documentary is not one to miss.

Tickets for this screening will be available for $16.00 on the AAIFF website. To receive a 25% off discount code, exclusive to AABANY members, please register here at least two days prior to the showing. Click here to purchase tickets for this amazing documentary. To learn more about the other films and events exhibited at this festival, click here.

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AABANY Partners with AAIFF to Promote Feature Film “Yaobikuni’s Love” During AAIFF’s 46th Film Festival

This year, AABANY is partnering with AAIFF to promote the film, “Yaobikuni’s Love,” screening in-person on July 29th in Quad Cinema, at 34 W 13th Street. 

The mockumentary tells the story of Yaobikuni, women of Japanese mythology that attained immortality through eating the flesh of a “ningyo,” a type of mermaid said to grant eternal life. Miike, the director for a documentary show, gives a smartphone to a Yaobikuni named Mizuki. She uses the phone to keep in touch with Miike, and to meet other Yaobikuni women. Upon installing a dating app, Mizuki is elated by the potential of a suitor in her life, only to have her hopes dashed when he fails to show up for a date. Miike comforts Mizuki after she is left in the cold, causing Mizuki to become attracted to the young documentarian.

The screening of the mockumentary will include the short film, “The Old Young Crow,” telling the story of an Iranian boy that befriends an old Japanese woman at a graveyard in Tokyo. The film, directed by Liam LoPinto, a filmmaker, and animator from New York City, serves as a fascinating appetizer that will be sure to charm and enchant viewers alike

General tickets for this screening will be available for $16.00 on the AAIFF website. To receive a 25% off discount code, exclusive to AABANY members, please register here at least two days prior to the showing. Click here to purchase tickets for this fascinating mockumentary. To learn more about the other films and events exhibited at this festival, click here.

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AABANY is a Proud Community Partner of the 46th Asian American International Film Festival

AABANY is excited to announce our community partnership with the 46th installment of the Asian American International Film Festival (AAIFF46), the first and longest running Asian American film festival in the US. Established in 1978 by Asian CineVision, a media arts nonprofit focused on AAPI interests, the festival is committed to supporting AAPI cinema as a tool for social change and inclusion in the media arts. This year, the festival is taking a unique hybrid format, screening films both in-person and online this July 26th to August 6th. 

The festival lineup includes a distinctive selection of feature films, such as “Yaobikuni’s Love,” “Raging Grace,” and “Finding Her Beat.” Additionally, you can look forward to a captivating assortment of short films, including “Skin Can Breathe,” “Inheritance,” “Honolulu,” “The Ocean Duck,” “Rooted (防己),” and “The Roaring of the Carabao.” Overall, AAIFF offers an enthralling experience, promising to immerse viewers in a world of fascinating stories that resonate with the Asian diaspora experience.

Aside from an outstanding selection of Asian American films, AAIFF will showcase exclusive panels, receptions, and other unique VIP events. Attendees will be provided with exceptional opportunities to mingle and connect with both industry professionals and fellow film enthusiasts. 

AABANY will be promoting these particular films for AAIFF26:

Feature Films 

Short Films

To receive a 25% off discount code, exclusive to AABANY members, please register at the embedded links above at least two days prior to the screening date. 
Tickets and passes are currently on sale on the AAIFF website— make sure to spread the word and confirm your attendance now by clicking here and securing your spot. To learn more, visit the AAIFF site by clicking here, or follow @asiancinevision to receive updates about this phenomenal event.

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AABANY at the Movies: Membership Committee Hosts Viewing of “Shang-Chi” at AMC Times Square in a Private Theater on Opening Weekend

On Friday, September 3, 2021, the Membership Committee hosted a private screening of “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings” for AABANY members and friends at AMC Times Square. Nearly 90 attendees came out to see the premiere of the latest Marvel movie, which featured the first Asian lead character in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Actor Simu Liu starred in the leading role as the superhero Shang-Chi alongside Awkwafina, Tony Leung, Michelle Yeoh and others. The Membership Committee is thrilled to have been part of a historic weekend in which “Shang-Chi” debuted to record-breaking box office numbers for Labor Day Weekend with the movie grossing an estimated $83.5 million domestic total in its four-day opening. Make sure to go out and watch the movie if you haven’t done so already. Highly recommended!

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Watch an exclusive clip from Justin Chon’s ‘Gook’

Watch an exclusive clip from Justin Chon’s ‘Gook’

From Angry Asian Man:

  • Heads up. Writer/director Justin Chon’s acclaimed indie drama Gook opens in theaters on August 18.
  • Set against the backdrop of the 1992 Los Angeles riots, the film follows two Korean American brothers, Eli and Daniel, who run their late father’s shoe store in a predominantly Black community. The pair strikes up a unique and unlikely friendship with a streetwise 11-year-old girl, Kamila. While Daniel has dreams of his own, Eli struggles to keep the family business afloat. But racial tensions in the neighborhood build to a breaking point, erupting into conflict that threatens their livelihood and tests the meaning of family.
  • Gook is a stunning, gut-punch of film, full of humor, heart and low-budget scrappiness. It also announces the arrival of one hell of a voice and vision – didn’t I see Justin Chin butt naked in 21 & Over? – and revelatory performances from its supporting cast, including comedian David So as Daniel, newcomer Simone Baker as Kamila, and even a dramatic turn from Chon’s own father.

    • For more information and to see the trailer, click the link in the title. Gook opens in New York City on August 25.

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    SUNDANCE SELECTS presents KAMPAI! FOR THE LOVE OF SAKE IN THEATERS & ON DEMAND AUGUST 19TH

    Opening in New York at the IFC CENTER

    Discover the art of sake. An age-old staple of Japanese culture and cuisine, the fermented rice wine has recently been winning fans all over the world. Kampai! For the Love of Sake journeys from rice paddies in Japan to breweries around the globe as it chronicles three passionate exponents of the increasingly popular beverage: a British ex-pat who has become Japan’s first foreign master brewer, an American journalist known as the “Sake Evangelist,” and a fifth-generation Japanese brewer determined to shake up the industry. Together, their stories form a fascinating snapshot of how ancient traditions are adapting to the demands of a growing global market.  

    (Source: https://www.youtube.com/)