Hey Chicagoooo! This is your chance support some cool-ass independent Asian American cinema. The Foundation for Asian American Independent Media (FAAIM) presents the 14th Annual Asian American Showcase, happening April 3-16 at the Gene Siskel Film Center in Chicago.
The 2009 Asian American Showcase spotlights film and videos, along with music and visual art, produced by Asian American artists from across the United States and Canada, in a varied range of format and genre. Highlights include:
Dirty Hands : the art and crimes of David Choe, by Harry Kim, opening night spotlight, Friday April 3All film programs will be at the Gene Siskel Film Center. You know I'm a sucker for Asian American film festivals. This particular one holds a special place place in my heart because it was the first one I ever attended, way back during its early years. Sounds like they've got another solid program. For more information about the Showcase, and full list of films and events, visit the FAAIM website here.
Treeless Mountain, by So Yong Kim, closing night spotlight, Thursday April 16
The First Breath of Tengan Rei, by local directors Ed Koziarski and Junko Kajino
Also featuring Dim Sum Funeral, a comical 7day traditional Chinese funeral; the beautifully crafted coming of age drama Half-Life; and Fruit Fly, a flashy, trashy, and brazenly fun musical.
Don't miss Sarba Das's charmingly chaotic comedy about a Hoboken Hindu family in Karma Calling, or Hein Seok's documentary, The House of Sharing about an education center where four surviving Korean comfort women now live. Passing Poston: An American Story, Origns of Now: Stories of the Chicago Nisei, and The Dwelling is a documentary program about the struggles in which the Japanese and Japanese Americans historically and currently face.
Declare INDIEpendence! 2009: A Showcase of Asian American Music
Celebrate the diversity of independent music in the Asian American community with performances by: Spark*Shop, Lanialoha & Kupono, Cynthia Lin and Wallet-Sized Photo. Hosted by Narciso 'Seeso' Lobo with DJ Huu T. Ly and special guest Dawen. April 15th, 2009 at Subterranean, 2011 W. North Ave. Show starts at 8:30pm. Doors open and DJ set at 8pm. 17 and over. $10 cover.
Encounter with Distance - a visual art exhibition at the Gene Siskel Film Center Gallery/Cafe