in theaters: anna chi's dim sum funeral

Here's an interesting Los Angeles Times profile on filmmaker Anna Chi, whose indie comedy Dim Sum Funeral opened in Los Angeles this weekend: Anna Chi: A film career that came by special order.

She has a pretty fascinating personal story, having traveled a long, windy road from being a member of the Communist Youth League in China to becoming an expatriate film director in the United States. Once upon a time, she was Chairman Mao's biggest fan.

In Dim Sum Funeral, a group of estranged Chinese-American siblings reunite after the death of their mother. It stars Steph Song, Julia Nickson-Soul, Lisa Lu, Francoise Yip, Kelly Hu, Russell Wong... and Bai Ling. Ohhh yeah, baby.

To be honest, I haven't heard very good things about the movie. For instance, this fun write-up in Asia Pacific Arts: CliffsNotes for Dim Sum Funeral ("Asia Pacific Arts watches Dim Sum Funeral, so you don't have to.") No, not very flattering.

But hey, if you're interested in seeing it, and you're in Southern California, it's now playing at Laemmle's Sunset 5 and Laemmle's Pasadena Playhouse. For more information about the movie, go to the website here.