Friends, I've been enjoying the people and programs of the San Francisco International Asian American Film Festival, after a great Opening Night gala screening of West is West. And things are just getting started. There's a full schedule of exciting screenings and live events happening all weekend.
I encourage you to peruse the program and check out all the cool stuff going on, but I did want to throw out an extra plug for a panel I'm moderating on Sunday afternoon: The "Issues" Issue: Decoding Race and the American Immigrant Experience in Comic Books, featuring Hellen Jo, Greg Pak, Alex Rivera and Gene Yang. It's happening Sunday, March 13, 12:30pm at Superfrog Gallery at New People. Here are some more details:
The "Issues" Issue: Decoding Race and the American Immigrant Experience in Comic BooksShould be a really fun and interesting discussion, and there will be a signing with the creators afterwards. Want to go? Want to go for free? I've got ten free passes to give out. The first five people to email me (with the subject line ISSUES) will each get a pair of passes for the panel. Hope to see you there.
Sun 03.13 1230pm
Superfrog Gallery @ New People
One of the first published graphic novels illustrated deeply personal experiences against the backdrop of an immigrant community in the Bronx. More than 30 years later, the themes from "A Contract With God" still resonate with media makers and readers of comics. Race and racism, cultural melding, and generational conflicts continue to play an essential role in comic-book narratives. In this exciting panel, guests from multiple disciplines will discuss how the American immigrant experience has colored their own work, and how representation in comics is a crucial part of the media landscape at large.
Featuring:
Hellen Jo (Cartoonist and comic Book Writer, "Jin & Jam #1")
Grek Pak (Filmmaker and comic Book Writer, ROBOT STORIES, "Planet Hulk," "Vision Machine")
Alex Rivera (Filmmaker, Sleep Dealer)
Gene Yang (Illustrator and comic Book Writer, "American Born Chinese")