Los Angeles film fans! Make some plans to experience a unique piece of cinema history. "Big Trouble in Little Tokyo" presents The Curse of Quon Gwon: When the Far East Mingles with the West, a silent black and white film directed by Marion Wong. Produced circa 1916-17, The Curse of Quon Gwon is the earliest known film by an Asian American director, and one of the earliest works directed by a woman.
The evening will include a screening of the film, plus a talk with Mai-Lon Gittelsohn and Dr. Greg Mark, descendants of the film's star Violet Wong, and filmmaker Arthur Dong, who facilitated the restoration of the only known remaining portions of the historic film by the Academy Film Archive. It's happening Wednesday, May 13 at the Japanese American National Museum in Little Tokyo.
Here are some more details about the event:
Big Trouble in Little Tokyo presents:
The Curse of Quon Gwon: When the Far East Mingles with the West (1916-17)
Wednesday, May 13, 2015
7:00 PM
In honor of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, JANM presents a rare screening of The Curse of Quon Gwon: When the Far East Mingles with the West (1916–17), a silent black-and-white film directed by Marion Wong.
The Curse of Quon Gwon is the earliest known film directed by an Asian American, and one of the earliest directed by a woman. Reflecting the filmmaker’s desire to present authentic Chinese culture to a Western audience, the movie features an all-Chinese cast and Chinese-style interior décor. The melodramatic storyline, which is typical of Western films from that era, is filled with romance and intrigue.
The evening will include a talk with Mai-Lon Gittelsohn and Dr. Greg Mark, descendants of star Violet Wong, and filmmaker Arthur Dong, who facilitated the restoration of the only known remaining portions of the historic film by the Academy Film Archive.
Pre-sale: $8 JANM and Visual Communications members, $10 general.
At the door (if available): $12 JANM and VC members, $15 general.
This should be a really interesting screening. Get your tickets here.
Here's some more information on the film: How Good Luck Saved The Curse of Quon Gwon
