THE BEST IN ASIAN CINEMA

NOVEMBER 5–15, 2015 • REELASIAN.COM

presented by 2 CONTENTS

2 Credits 3 Welcome 4 Festival Map 5 Tickets 6 Schedule 8 Sponsors 10 Community Partners & Thank Yous 11 Letters 13 Jury 20 Opening Night Gala Presentation 14 Reel Asian:X 15 Canadian Spotlight 19 Marquee Programme 43 Vista Programme 61 Pulse Programme 76 Industry Series 15 Canadian Spotlight 80 Print Source

33 66 Centrepiece Presentation Youth Shorts

36 Toronto Reel Asian Toronto Closing Night Gala Presentation International Film Festival 401 Richmond Street West, Suite 309 Toronto, ON M5V 3A8 T 416 703 9333 | F 416 703 9986 [email protected] Cover images credits: Charitable registration Chinatown photo by The City of Toronto 76 Industry Series #87002 1383 RR0001 Dancer photo by Connie Tsang

1 CREDITS

Back (Left-Right): Lydia Li, Betty Xie, Chris Chin, Amanda Clarke, Aram Siu Wai Collier, Yang Zeng, Eva Ho

Front (Left-Right): Milica Dodic, Kristine Estorninos, Juliana Feng, Rebecca , Serena Lee, Stephanie Law, Jessie Lau

Missing: Shehzeb Iftakhar

Chair Emeritus Legacy Circle International Festival Marketing Marketing Committee Clips Reel & Festival & Founder CO-FOUNDER Programming Interns Eva Ho, Co-Chair Trailer Editor Anita Lee Andrew Sun Associates Rebecca Hong* Philbert Lui, Co-Chair Richard Torres June Kim Shehzeb Iftakhar† Jonny Bunning Chair, FORMER EXECUTIVE Copy Editors DIRECTORS Anderson Le Juliana Feng Board of Directors Volunteer Coordinator Tiffany Budhyanto Dilani Rabindran Shehzeb Iftakhar Jennifer Chen Grace Bai Amanda Clarke Jaime Chu Chi-hui Yang Alex Khotsiphom Sally Lee Sonia Sakamoto-Jog Vice-Chair, Sonia Sakamoto-Jog Betty Xie Office Volunteers Jessie Lau Board of Directors Stephanie Cheung Grace Xiaozhou Li Publicity Alka Sharma Programming & Film Joanna Miles Daniel Yee Michelle Luk Virginia Kelly, Caroline Sin Traffic Coordinator Kathy Hamilton Jennifer Martin VK & Associates Directors Deanna Wong Serena Lee Aashti Vijh Immanuel Lanzaderas FORMER BOARD CHAIRS Development Translators Industry & Youth Geoffrey Peers Committee Events Committee So-Jeong Choi Karla Bobadilla Outreach Coordinator Karthiga Jennifer Chen Milica Dodic, Chair Arisa Ogi Tierney FORMER BOARD MEMBERS Stephanie Law Ratnasabapathy Dave Wong Luke Bandara Yang Zeng Elliot Richmond Pablo de Ocampo Festival & Operations Finance Committee Barnett Chow Box Office Manager Evelyn Siu Kwoi Gin Manager Geoffrey Peers, Chair Kayo Homma-Komori Marco La Rocca Dave Wong Richard Kim Chris Chin Norm Lau Nadia Junaid Cheuk Kwan Front of House Festival Advisory Richmond Hill Marie May Denae Peters Du-Yi Leu Danielle Ayow Nobu Adilman Operations Assistant Terence Tam Simon Racioppa Programming Christina Barry Karla Bobadilla Jessie Lau Flora Wong Bobby Sanhi Committee Lori Campbell Linda Fong Henry Wong Phil Tsui Marketing Manager Serena Lee, Chair Anne Gallagher Michael Fukushima Danish Vahidy Eva Ho Ziyan Hossain Festival Campaign Harvey Lalonde Richard Fung Design FOUNDING STAFF Anita Li Karen Loftus Colin Geddes Marketing Coordinator Myung-Sun Kim Liz MacInnis Nicole McKechnie Carolynne Hew Ann Chiu Juliana Feng Nara Moon Unsung Voices Diang-Yee Iu Shelly Hong Stage Manager Development & Guest Vithiya Murugudas Facilitators Anita Lee Executive Director Scott Seetoo Services Coordinator Gina Rim Tony Lau Helen Lee (on leave) Betty Xie Leanne Wang Aram Siu Wai Collier Drivers Sally Lee Louanne Chan Shaun Brodie Keith Lock Guest Services Prescreeners Unsung Voices Interim Executive Pamela Yiu Winnie Luk Assistant Milica Dodic Mentors Director Yang Zeng Jessie Lau Sonia Hong VIP driver Kristine Estorninos Derek Chan Sonia Sakamoto-Jog Development Assistant Philbert Lui Jennifer Krick Ana Serrano Head of Programming Lydia Li Sabrina Spence Sacha Nastili * Rebecca Hong is an Arts Yang Zeng Management student at Victoria Shen Kristine Estorninos Albert Shin the Alice Shih Technical Coordinator Nathalie Younglai Scarborough supported in this Director of Eyan Logan Things I Can’t Tell You internship by a bursary from the Equity, Diversity and the Arts Programming Curator Design Volunteers Program in the Department of & Education Festival Photographer Tania Thompson Carina Niro Arts, Media and Culture. Aram Siu Wai Collier Michael Tjioe Mohana Sarmiento † Shehzeb Iftakhar’s internship funded with the financial support of Service Canada’s “Canada Summer Jobs” programme. 2 WELCOME

The festival has now turned 19, and our audience has grown with us in its appreciation for Asian cinema. This year we introduce our Marquee, Vista, Pulse, and X sections, as the scope of our programming expands along with the robust range of interest within the local diaspora. We’ve scoured the world again to showcase the best in Asian cinema, and with a record number of submissions received worldwide — an astounding 200% increase — we are proud to present 72 films from more than 10 different regions. In the heart of Toronto, we are showcasing 61 premieres, including: the International Premiere of Kirumi, an anti-hero Tamil movie by Anucharan Murugaiyan; the North American Premiere of Frankie Chen’s Our Times, a coming-of-age romantic comedy that is sure to make you reminisce of high school; and the Canadian Premiere of Initiation Love, a “date movie” set in 80s Japan that is sure to leave you wondering about cassette tapes. Our homegrown talent continues to astound international audiences by bringing Asian themes into the North American diaspora. Our Opening Night film Driving With Selvi, directed by Toronto documentarian Elisa Paloschi, follows a young Indian woman named Selvi, who overcomes an abusive, loveless marriage to become Karnataka’s first female taxi driver. Canadian-born Benson Lee takes the audience to 1980’s Korea for our Closing Night gala in Seoul Searching, a film where a government program that brings foreign- born Koreans to Seoul to learn about their motherland ends with hilarious results. This year, the Canadian Spotlight Artist Award has been given to Randall Okita, who has established himself internationally as an Asian Canadian artist with a unique voice. Relive the creative process with Okita as showcases the performance art and sculptures featured in his short films, having extricated them from the theatre screen to the gallery in his latest gallery exhibition, Things I Can’t Tell You. Reel Asian is proud to have 42% of its lineup featuring Canadian works. We travel once again to North York with premium screenings at the Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre and the Aga Khan Museum. Then, we return to Richmond Hill for the fifth year, bringing the best in cinema with Two Thumbs Up and Full Strike, which premiered earlier in the year in Asia. This festival could not have lasted 19 years without the tireless efforts of its staff, international programming associates, committee members, and Board of Directors. Together, they have watched hundreds of films, rallied supporters at fundraisers, and engaged with the local and international community to celebrate the best in Asian cinema in ten jam-packed days of films, exhibits, and galas. I could not be more grateful and proud of all the support. Welcome to the 19th annual edition of the Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival, presented by National Bank!

—Kristine Estorninos

3 13

FESTIVAL MAP ST YONGE MAY AVE

WELDRICK RD AVENUE RD AVENUE BLOOR ST W BLOOR ST W

CHARLES ST W 1

DEVONSHIRE PL DEVONSHIRE HIGH TECH RD

RED MAPLE DR HARBORD ST 6 16

GARDEN AVE EAST PEARCE ST

9 AVE HELENS ST YONGE ST YONGE AVE BAYVIEW LESLIE ST QUEEN’S PARK CRES QUEEN’S PARK HWY 7 LANSDOWNE AVE LANSDOWNE DUFFERIN ST

COLLEGE ST W ST GEORGE ST GEORGE ST RICHMOND HILL COLLEGE ST W CARLTON ST DUNDAS ST W

GERRARD ST 14 BATHURST ST BATHURST AVE SPADINA AVE BEVERLEY ST MCCAUL UNIVERSITY AVE UNIVERSITY WEST END ST BAY ST YONGE 4 8

TORONTO DUNDAS ST W 3 2 15

10 CT GARAMOND 5

WYNFORD DR QUEEN ST W

RICHMOND ST W

11 7 DON MILLS RD DR GERVAIS DON VALLEY PARKWAY EGLINTON AVE E. PORTLAND ST PORTLAND KING ST W 12 NORTH YORK WELLINGTON ST W

DOWNTOWN TORONTO

SCREENING & INDUSTRY VENUES GALLERY, PARTY & EVENT VENUES ACCOMMODATIONS

1 Isabel Bader Theatre 4 Kobayashi Hall 7 The Spoke Club 11 Momofuku Daisho– 14 Eaton Chelsea Hotel 93 Charles St W Japanese Canadian 600 King St W 190 University Av, 3rd Floor 33 Gerrard St W 416 585 4498 Cultural Centre 416 368 8448 647 253 8000 416 595 1975 7♿ ( ) 2 6 Garamond Ct (♿) ♿ ♿ ( ) 416 441 2345 2 Jackman Hall ♿ 8 Art Square Café 12 Luckee 15 Super 8 Downtown Toronto Art Gallery of Ontario 334 Dundas St W 328 Wellington St W 222 Spadina Av 317 Dundas St W 5 Aga Khan Museum 416 595 5222 416 935 0400 647 426 8118 (enter off McCaul) 77 Wynford Dr (♿) (♿) 416 979 6660 x 467 647 478 8650 9 Robert Kananaj Gallery 6♿ 6 6♿ 4 172 St. Helens Av 13 Mr. Congee 16 Holiday Inn Express & 416 289 8855 9712 Yonge St Suites – Toronto Markham 3 Weston Family 6 SilverCity Richmond Hill ♿ 905 237 6862 10 East Pearce St Learning Centre 8725 Yonge St ♿ Richmond Hill Art Gallery of Ontario 905 709 3199 10 Open Gallery 905 695 5990 317 Dundas St W 2♿ 2 Inclusive Design Institute ♿ (enter off Beverley) OCAD University 416 979 6660 x 454 49 McCaul St ♿ 416 977 6000 ♿

ACCESSIBILTY 4 ♿ fully accessible/4 seats available All our venues welcome service animals and guide dogs. 2 (♿) partially accessible/2 seats available Films not in English are presented with English subtitles. braille throughout venue For more information on accessibility, please visit our website, ( ) limited braille at venue email [email protected], or call 416 703 9333. maps not to scale 2 seating available for 2 support persons 4 FESTIVAL BOX OFFICE: TORONTO & RICHMOND HILL

REGULAR DISCOUNT BUYING TICKETS ONLINE TICKET PRICES PRICE PRICE* Online sales begin at 8:00PM on October 6 through reelasian.com (powered by Regular & Youth Screenings $12 $10 Universe). Online sales continue during the festival until one hour before the show. Tickets will be emailed to you and you can display them on your mobile device to be Opening & Closing Night Galas $20 $15 admitted to the theatre. Includes parties Universe is compatible with Passbook and all major mobile devices. No mobile Opening & Closing Night Parties $10 $10 device? No problem, just print out your tickets at home and bring them to the at the door theatre. Centrepiece & Richmond Hill $15 $12 Closing Night Presentations BUYING TICKETS IN PERSON Walk-up sales are available from venue box offices starting one hour before the first Canadian Spotlight Gala $20 $15 Incl. screening, shuttle, private reception show of the day at the following venues: Canadian Spotlight Screening $15 $12 Isabel Bader Theatre, November 5 & November 13 Only Jackman Hall, November 6-11 See pg 17 for full details and other pricing SilverCity Richmond Hill, November 14 & November 15 options Tickets are on sale until 20 minutes after the start of the last show of the day. Canadian Spotlight Private $15 $10 Please note that the Isabel Bader Theatre only sells same-day tickets. In Richmond Reception (at the door) Hill, please see the Reel Asian Box Office in the lobby. Festival tickets are not Japanese Canadian Cultural $12 $10 available through Cineplex. Tickets will be instantly transferred to your mobile device Centre Special Presentation via e-mail, or you can print them out at home. JCCC members also eligible for discount pricing For the special presentations on November 12 of Initiation Love at the Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre and Mina Walking at the Aga Khan Museum, ticketing is Aga Khan Museum $15 $15 Special Presentation being handled by our presentation partners. Tickets are not available through Reel Asian. Please visit our partners’ websites at www.jccc.on.ca and www.akdn.org/ Food On Film Special $17 $14 museum for tickets to these presentations. Presentation Includes screening & tasting reception Food On Film Screening Only $12 $10 See pg 53 for full details and other pricing options Visit reelasian.com/ticketingFAQs for more information. *Discount applies to students (with valid current ID), seniors over 65 (no ID required) or volume sales (more than 10 tickets to any one show). All ticket sales are final. No refunds or exchanges. Admission to all events is subject to availability. For pass items, please see the back of the pass for additional terms & conditions specific to their use. 5 SCHEDULE RA:X Canadian Spotlight Vista Screening Industry Series Marquee Screening Pulse Screening Special Event 10 am 11 am 12 pm 1 pm 2 pm 3 pm 4 pm THURS NOV 5

FRI Industry Series Visit our website for session details NOV 6 AGO Weston Family Learning Centre

FEATURE PRESENTATION FEATURE PRESENTATION SHORTS PRESENTATION SAT McDull: Me & My Mum Changing Season: On Retrospective NOV 7 (p. 27) The Masumoto Farm on Randall Okita AGO Jackman Hall (p. 45) AGO Jackman Hall (p. 15, 63) AGO Jackman Hall Industry Series Visit our website for session details AGO Weston Family Learning Centre

INDUSTRY SERIES EVENT FEATURE PRESENTATION FEATURE PRESENTATION SUN So You Think You Can Pitch? Bali Big Brother (p. 31) Zinnia Flower (p. 49) NOV 8 2015 Live Finale (p. 77) AGO Jackman Hall AGO Jackman Hall AGO Jackman Hall YOUTH SHORTS PRESENTATION CENTREPIECE PRESENTATION MON The World’s a Stage (p. 66) Our Times (p. 33) NOV 9 AGO Jackman Hall second screening AGO Jackman Hall Industry Series Visit our website for session details AGO Weston Family Learning Centre

YOUTH SHORTS PRESENTATION TUES Lucky Town (p. 70) NOV 10 AGO Jackman Hall

Industry Series Visit our website for session details AGO Weston Family Learning Centre

WED Industry Series Visit our website for session details NOV 11 AGO Weston Family Learning Centre

THURS NOV 12

FRI NOV 13

SAT NOV 14

SUN NOV 15

6 5 pm 6 pm 7 pm 8 pm 9 pm 10 pm 11 pm 12 am OPENING NIGHT GALA SPECIAL EVENT Driving With Selvi (p. 20) Opening Night Gala Party (p. 20) Isabel Bader Theatre The Spoke Club

FEATURE PRESENTATION FEATURE PRESENTATION Miss America (p. 23) The Royal Tailor (p. 25) AGO Jackman Hall AGO Jackman Hall

FEATURE PRESENTATION FEATURE PRESENTATION Kirumi (p. 47) Miss Hokusai (p. 29) AGO Jackman Hall AGO Jackman Hall

SPECIAL EVENT Things I Can’t Tell You Public Reception (p. 16) Robert Kananaj Gallery SHORTS PRESENTATION CENTREPIECE PRESENTATION Born To Run (p. 64) Our Times (p. 33) AGO Jackman Hall AGO Jackman Hall

YOUTH SHORTS FEATURE PRESENTATION PRESENTATION Siti (p. 51) Unsung Voices 4 (p. 69) AGO Jackman Hall AGO Jackman Hall

SPECIAL EVENT Unsung Voices Reception Art Square Café (p. 69)

FEATURE PRESENTATION FEATURE SHORTS PRESENTATION Zinnia Flower (p. 49) PRESENTATION Badlands (p. 72) second screening Off the Menu (p. 53) AGO Jackman Hall AGO Jackman Hall AGO Jackman Hall SPECIAL EVENT Food On Film Tasting Reception (p. 53) Open Gallery at OCADU SHORTS PRESENTATION FEATURE PRESENTATION Hungry Heart (p. 74) Port of Call (p. 35) AGO Jackman Hall AGO Jackman Hall

FEATURE PRESENTATION Initiation Love (p. 55) Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre

FEATURE PRESENTATION Mina Walking (p. 57) Aga Khan Museum

TORONTO CLOSING NIGHT GALA SPECIAL EVENT Seoul Searching (p. 36) Closing Night Gala Party (p. 36) Isabel Bader Theatre The Spoke Club

RICHMOND HILL OPENING NIGHT GALA SPECIAL EVENT Two Thumbs Up (p. 38) Richmond Hill Opening Night Gala Party (p. 38) SilverCity Richmond Hill Mr. Congee Chinese Cuisine

RICHMOND HILL CLOSING NIGHT RICHMOND HILL FEATURE PRESENTATION PRESENTATION I Am Somebody (p. 59) Full Strike (p. 40) SilverCity Richmond Hill SilverCity Richmond Hill

7 SPONSORS

GOVERNMENT FUNDERS

an Ontario government agency un organisme du gouvernement de l’Ontario

PRESENTING SPONSOR

PLATINUM SPONSOR MAJOR SPONSOR

PREMIER SPONSORS

SPECIAL AND SUPPORTING SPONSORS

FOUNDATION SPONSORS

8 MEDIA SPONSORS

THE WEEKLY VOICE

.com

GUEST HOSPITALITY SPONSORS

RESTAURANT PARTNERS

밥 이 맛 있 는 집 SONG OOK'S A U T H E N T I CC K O R E A N

INDUSTRY SPONSORS

FESTIVAL AWARDS The 2015 Festival Awards will be presented as the Industry Awards Reception on Sunday, November 8.

Animasian Award Menkes Audience Award All animated films and videos are eligible for this prize All feature films are eligible for this prize $500 cash prize $2000 cash prize Air Canada Short Film or Video Award Fasken Martineau Best Feature Film Award All Canadian short films and videos are eligible for this prize All feature films are eligible for this prize Opportunity to broadcast on Air Canada’s in-flight entertainment $2000 cash prize screens on international flights

CHCH Best Canadian Film or Video Award WIFT-T Award All Canadian works are eligible for this prize All films made by female GTA-based artists are eligible for this prize $500 cash prize $1200 programming pass and one-year membership from WIFT-T

National Bank Best First Feature Film Award Truth to the Power Truth to Power Documentary Award All first feature films are eligible for this prize All feature-length documentary films are eligible for this prize $500 cash prize $750 cash prize

9 COMMUNITY PARTNERS MEMBERS

Anime North Deloitte Korean Canadian Taiwanese Canadian Karla Bobadilla Lulu Liu Asian Community Aids Female Eye Film Festival Athletics Association Association of Toronto Dali Castro Thinh Lu (KCAA) (TCAT) Services (ACAS) Feminist Arts Conference Margaret Chan Tracey Meyer Association of Chinese Mosaic International Textile Museum of Filmi Toronto South South Asian Film Festival Canada Sally Chan Joanna Miles Canadian Entrepreneurs Asian Film Festival (ACCE) (MISAFF) Times Physiotherapy Louanne Chan Orest Olijinyk Hallyu North Bay Street BBS NAAAP Toronto The Reel Thing Andy Chau Geoffrey Peers Hong Kong Canada BollyStar OnRichmondHill.com Toronto After Dark Film Jennifer Chen Arunramaswamy Business Association Ramjiazhagu Canada Japan Society (HKCBA) Planet In Focus Festival Chris Chin Bobby Sahni Catholic Community Hot Docs POV Magazine Toronto Animation Arts Brad Duby Services of York Region Power Unit Youth Festival International Sonia Sakamoto-Jog Images Festival (TAAFI) Kristine Estorninos (CCSYR) Organization Victoria Shen Inside Out Toronto Korean Film Michael Fukushima Centre for Information & Premier Badminton Evelyn Siu Community Services of International Diaspora League Festival Manik Gunatilleke Film Festival Cynthia Tam Ontario (CICS) Reel Canada Toronto Youth Shorts Sam Ho Japanada Film Festival Brian Terry Chatime Regent Park Film Festival Yuxing Huang Chinese Canadian Youth Japanese Canadian TwitchFilm Eugene Keenan Quentin Thwaites Cultural Centre (JCCC) Scarborough Worldwide Athletic Association Film Festival Ultra 8 Pitctures Zach Klein Richard Torres (CCYAA) Jayu (North Korean Shorts Not Pants Welcome Centre Cheuk Kwan Philip Tsui Chinese Cultural Centre Human Rights Film Immigrant Services Festival) South Asian Visual Arts Immanuel Lanzaderas Frank Villanueva Greater Toronto (CCCGT) Women On Screen JETAA Centre (SAVAC) Doris Lau Martin Wasserman Cinema Studies Student Yo! Creative Union (CINSSU) Kapisanan Philippine St. Kitts Music Cherrie Lee Lori Willcox Terence Yoo Council of Agencies Centre Republic of China Kim Chee Lee Dave Wong Serving South Asians KC Badminton Student Association Why Not Theatre (CASSA) (ROCSAUT UTSG) Virginia Lee THANK YOU

Marj Andre Henry Chuang Erin Higgins Rundong Li Charles Pyne Lata Wadhwani Rebeka A Budrys Tim Chuang Maria Ho Emma Li Sarah Quinton Thomas Walden Leslie Ann Coles Patrycja Cieniewicz Sonia Hong Leo Lin Erin Ray Ling-Xiao Wang Nonna Aroutiounian Gilad Cohen Claire Hopkinson Chary Liu Dev Sainani Syrus Ware Jaynie Bae Keith Cole Joseph Hsieh Gloria Lo Helen Samimy Joanne Witt David Barnard Jonathan Culp Brian Hu Sasha Lontos Kate Scullin Dave Wong William Barron Teresita Cusipag Ben Hum Adam Lopez Dinesh Sachdev Deanna Wong Anne-Marie Beneteau Inga Diev Euan Hwang Michelle Lu Susan Shackleton Henry Wong Eric Birnberg Kadon Douglas Takashi Ishida Eli Lukawitz Neethan Shan Deanna Wong Pat Bradley Rich Duhaney Edward James Zoviguian Anya Mckenzie Joy Shen Greg Woodbury Maura Broadhurst Kat Estacio Sara Jones Lauren MacKinlay Osamu Shiohara R.C. Wu Bob Brown Cindy Fan Nicholas Jones Agnes Manasan Donald Simmons Tommy Xu Todd Brown Michael Fukushima Heather Keung Kazu Maruyama Dawn Siu Denise Yan Maria Capulong Florence Fung Arshad Khan Tim McLaughlin Pam Snell Dale Yim Angela Chan John Galway Danny Kim Johanna McLellan Meera Solanki Estrada Terence Yoo Kenton Chan Colin Geddes Heidi Kim Richie Mehta Illene Sova Tony Yu Rob Chan Dhruv Ghosh Mingu Kim Farah Merani Brian St. Denis Phil Yu Yingfang Chen Bianca Gomez Peter Kingstone Karen Ng Sher St. Kitts Loretta Yuen May Cheng Martin Harbury Jani Lauzon Yumi Nishio Shahram Tabe Angel Zhang Victor Cheung Jeff Harju Owais Lightwala Christian Pena Elliot Tse Yang Philip Cheung Mark Haslam Sally Lee Sergei Petrov Indu Vashist Michelle Zikovitz Hilda Chow Barb Hefler Clayton Lee Madi Pillar Risa Veffer Eui Yong Zong Clement Chu Paul Henderson Annabel Lee Titania Plant Adrienne Vigilanti King-Wei Chu James Heron Toro Lee Jonathan Prunier Haran Vijayanathan

10 LETTERS

I am pleased to celebrate the filmmakers and films showcased at the Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival. Since its inception, this festival has been telling stories that bring people together, spark discussion and entertain. The impact of Reel Asian on the community is impressive, as it encourages Canadians to be proud of our storytellers and of our creative country. This year’s entries will no doubt evoke a range of emotional responses from eager audiences, some of whom may be inspired to tell their own tales in the future. Thank you and congratulations to all the organizers for giving artists a platform upon which they can explore themes and share their works with Canadians.

David Johnston Governor General of Canada

11 LETTERS

On behalf of the Government of I am pleased to extend greetings and Ontario, I am delighted to extend a warm welcome to everyone attend- warm greetings to everyone attend- ing the 19th edition of the Toronto ing the 2015 Toronto Reel Asian Reel Asian International Film Festival. International Film Festival. Toronto is a wonderful venue for As the Minister of Tourism, Culture film and television production. It has and Sport, I greatly appreciate set the stage for music videos, doc- the power of cinema to help us umentaries, award-winning feature experience the world from new and films and a long-running, interna- different perspectives and strengthen tionally acclaimed television series of the bonds to unite us. which we are most proud of. Now in its 19th year, Reel Asian As one of the largest annual film continues to be Canada’s pre- festivals in Canada, the Toronto Reel mier venue for pan-Asian contemporary cinema. Through screenings and Asian International Film Festival is dedicated to presenting pan-Asian con- events in Toronto and Richmond Hill, the festival showcases fascinating temporary cinema while showcasing works from South, East and Southeast and thought-provoking works that reflect the richness and vitality of our Asian media artists including those working in the global Asian Diaspora. communities. Each year, the Festival places special emphasis on Canadian work and Thank you to the hardworking staff and volunteers at Reel Asian for making focuses on increasing an understanding and appreciation for our many diverse this event possible, year after year. Your contributions are enhancing the cul- communities. tural vibrancy of our province. I would like to thank everyone involved in making this event possible and Please accept my best wishes for a wonderful 2015 festival! for allowing our city’s residents and visitors to share in the wonderful culture of Sincerely, our Asian-Canadian communities. On behalf of Toronto City Council, please accept my best wishes for an enjoyable festival and continued success Yours truly,

Michael Coteau Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport

Mayor John Tory City of Toronto

On behalf of the members of Council Dear Friends, for the Town of Richmond Hill, I am Artists, Honoured Guests, Cinephiles, very pleased to bring greetings to and Neighbours it is with pleasure everyone attending the 19th Annual that I welcome you to the 19th annual Toronto Reel Asian International Film Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival. This festival aims to increase Festival. As you attend the screen- understanding and appreciation for ings, galas, workshops and forums diverse cultures and issues surround- you will encounter some of the best ing the Toronto area. contemporary Asian cinema and art- The Reel Asian International Film ists in the world. As Canada’s largest Festival places an emphasis on Asian film event, the Reel Festival building community and provides a provides an incomparable oppor- great opportunity to reflect on our tunity to discover a diverse range of community as we watch films from both emerging and veteran independent talent and creativity that will surely move and amuse. film makers of South, East and Southeast Asian descent. In celebrating the diversity of international cinema, the Reel Asian Film Fes- We are delighted to see the festival returning to Richmond Hill. We are tival enriches both our local as well as the international Film community. It is blessed with a rich diversity of ethnic cultures and celebrations. I am proud of truly an honour for our city to be host to the extraordinary work of among the the community we have built that embraces cultural traditions and allows all finest film practitioners the world over. to live together in peace and prosperity. I hope you will join me in thanking the hardworking artists, organizers, gen- Congratulations to everyone involved in coordinating this wonderful event. erous sponsors, and volunteers for their support of this festival, and congratu- Please accept my best wishes for a memorable evening and for every success lating them on another successful year. You are sure enjoy what is certain to be in the years to come. an unforgettable and stimulating festival! Yours very truly, Sincerely,

Mayor Dave Barrow Joe Cressy Town of Richmond Hill City Councillor, Ward 20 Trinity-Spadina

12 JURY INTERNATIONAL JURY CANADIAN JURY

James Heron has been the Executive Director of Toronto’s Japanese Canadian A graduate of the ’s Producer’s Lab, Lea Marin joined the Cultural Centre since 2000. He also founded and co-programs for the Toronto National Film Board of Canada as a producer in 2006. Her recent film credits Japanese Film Festival and writes film reviews for Nikkei Voice and Bento Box include My Prairie Home which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in Magazine. He is the president of the Chado Urasenke Tea Society of Toronto, 2014 and was nominated for a Canadian Screen Award, and The Portrait, holds a 2 dan in kendo and lived in Japan for 11 years. His wife Masayo is from directed by Oscar® nominated filmmaker Hubert Davis, which premiered on Kagoshima and is still trying to forgive him for Canadian winters. the BBC and won Golden Sheaf awards for Best Director and Best Documen- tary (Arts & Culture) in 2012. Nicole Mendes has spent the past six years working in Commissioned and Scripted Programming at the CBC. As Executive in Charge of Production Elisha Lim is a queer and transgendered artist whose goal is to effect social for the Drama Department, she oversees projects in both production and change. Elisha works through printed matter and video. Their work strives to development for dramatic one-hour series, limited series, miniseries, mov- investigate social issues around race, gender and sexuality by popularizing ies of the week and specials. She currently works on the beloved program creative alternatives (for example, the gender-neutral pronoun “they”). They have Murdoch Mysteries, and most recently worked on the hit series, The Book exhibited art and videos internationally, have lectured on race representation and of Negroes. gender neutral pronouns on panels, artist talks and United Nations conferences, and directed Montréal’s first Racialized Pride Week in 2012. A producer that focuses on films with international appeal, Sidney Chiu’s credits include: Coconut Hero, Three Days in Havana, and Bang Bang Baby, A Canadian Screen Award nominee for Best Leading Comedic Actress, which recently won the TIFF 2014 award for Best Canadian First Feature. Grace Lynn Kung has studied in England and Canada. She is a graduate of Chiu also worked on Edko Film’s Mandarin romantic comedy Finding Mr. the Ottawa School of Speech and Drama (Chancellor’s Trophy recipient), Right starring Tang Wei with director Xue Xiaolu, and producers Mathew Tang York University (two time awardee – Award for Acting) and holds two Certifi- and Shan Tam, which has grossed over US$80-million in China according to cates of Distinction for Speech and Drama from Trinity College London in Hollywood Reporter. the United Kingdom. DOCUMENTARY JURY PITCH JURY

Karla Bobadilla is an entertainment and media lawyer, practicing primarily in Albert Shin graduated from York University with a B.F.A. in Film and Video film, television and new media rights acquisition, production and distribution/ Production in 2006 and directed his debut feature, Point Traverse in 2010. exploitation. Previously, she worked at the Canadian Media Production Asso- He returned to the director’s chair for his second-feature, In Her Place (2014), ciation providing policy, regulatory, government relations, strategic planning, which premiered at TIFF and went on to receive seven Canadian Screen Award advocacy and lobby work. Before the CMPA, Karla was in-house legal counsel at nominations including Best Picture, Director, and Original Screenplay. Albert Astral Media’s Harold Greenberg Fund. Karla is also the former Chair of the Board was the 2015 recipient of the Jay Scott Prize for Emerging Artist by the Toronto of Reel Asian and is currently a Board Member of WorkInCulture which supports Film Critics Association. Albert was also a producer on Igor Drljaca’s Krivina the HR and development needs of Ontario’s arts and cultural community. (2012) and The Waiting Room (2015). Immanuel Lanzaderas is a bilingual criminal lawyer for Legal Aid Ontario. He Michael Fukushima is an award-winning filmmaker and producer at the currently works at various courthouses and locations around the city, providing National Film Board of Canada’s world-renowned Animation Studio. He support to the duty counsel program. Before moving to the public sector, has been making films since 1984, which is a lot of water under the bridge. Immanuel worked at a union-side labour and employment firm in down- Fukushima co-founded the NFB’s flagship emerging filmmaker program, Hot- town Toronto. He is a founding member of the Federation of Asian Canadian house, in 2002. He was appointed executive producer of the NFB’s fabled Ani- Lawyers, and served on their board of directors for five years. In his spare mation Studio in 2013. He now mostly produces and offers up sagacity, but he time, Immanuel plays as much tennis as he can. He is a fan of Fifth Generation continues to keep his hand in — this year with Oscar®-winners Alison Snowden Chinese Cinema. and David Fine on their first short film in two decades, and on Oscar®-winner Torill Kove’s next short film. Victoria Shen is a human rights and labour lawyer. She has worked with a range of union, non-profit, advocacy, government, and arts organizations. Lisa Valencia-Svensson is a Toronto-based documentary film producer. She She has volunteered extensively in the Asian community. Notably, she was has been working at the award-winning production company Storyline Enter- a board member of the Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival from tainment since 2007. She has a background in finance, community media, 2008-2014. She is a current board member of the Federation of Asian and research. Her passion is for film projects which explore issues of inequality Canadian Lawyers, and previously President of the Chinese Canadian National and social justice, and which encourage audiences to view their world through Council, Toronto Chapter. a constructively critical and creatively unique lens.

13 REEL ASIAN:X Reel Asian X is the variable. The unknown quantity that escapes the constants of screen, time, and space. Everything that is not everything else, is X. CANADIAN SPOTLIGHT Randall Okita REEL ASIAN:X

Portrait As a Random Act of Violence

Reel Asian has followed Randall Okita’s work as it has become progressively more ambitious, exhibited and awarded. Okita has established himself internationally as an Asian Canadian artist with a unique voice. His films and artworks are often intrinsically linked to one another, but each stands alone. In partnership with the Robert Kananaj Gallery, we are presenting Things I Can’t Tell You, an exhibition featuring three artworks that expand on three of Okita’s short films. Things I Can’t Tell You is a video loop related to Okita’s 2014 short film No Contract. The sculpture Portrait As a Random Act of Violence is from the short film of the same name. The third work is No Contract a new media installation commissioned by Reel Asian and inspired Born and raised in Calgary, Alberta, Randall Okita has lived and worked in Japan, by the layered visual explorations of Okita’s latest award-winning Vancouver and Toronto. His visual artworks have been commissioned and shown short film, The Weatherman and the Shadowboxer. Evident in group and solo exhibitions. His films have been awarded nationally and interna- tionally, broadcast on television and screened at festivals and theatres around the throughout these three artworks is Okita’s use of sculpture and world. His work has been supported by industry and artistic leaders such as The performance to create experiences that are at once weighted in the National Film Board of Canada, The Harold Greenberg Fund, Telefilm Canada, Can- real and transcendent in their rich imagery. ada Council for the Arts and Ontario Arts Council. Randall is a regular panelist and jury member for film festivals and arts organizations, has participated in the Direc- tors Lab at the Canadian Film Centre, The Berlinale Talent Lab, and the National Screen Institute’s Diverse Director Program. Okita is an active member of the film Be on the lookout for The Burn Suit as featured in No Contract on display community dedicated to exposing youth and young adults to filmmaking and culti- in the lobby of AGO Jackman Hall. vating the advancement of fellow filmmakers at all levels of experience.

AWARD SPONSOR PRESENTED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

15 GALLERY EXHIBITION NOV 8 – 28 11 AM – 6 PM (TUES – SAT) Things I Can’t Tell You ROBERT KANANAJ A gallery exhibition featuring three large-scale artworks that expand on the film work of Randall Okita. GALLERY Commissioned by the Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival and presented in partnership with Robert Kananaj Gallery REEL ASIAN:X REEL

Randall Okita working behind the scenes on Machine with Wishbone

Randall Okita’s gallery exhibition, Things I Can’t Tell You takes as its point of departure the performance art and sculptures featured in his short films, extricating them from the theatre screen to the gallery as a means to experience these works in their own right. Okita often employs complicated and intricately built artworks as key characters in his films, exposing their construction as a metaphor Portrait as a Random Act of Violence for the complexity of how conflict and struggles build within us, and exploring our desire to The title “Things I Can’t Tell You” describes an Things I Can’t Tell You is an exhibition understand how such complicated tensions inability to articulate something that wants to be by artist Randall Okita, curated by Tania Thompson, commissioned by come to be. Our curiosity in how the artworks communicated. Okita addresses the unspoken the Toronto Reel Asian International in Okita’s films are made reflects of our interest through spectacle as an alternate voice. His Film Festival and supported by the in understanding how our own challenging beautiful imagery, use of danger and violence, Canada Council for the Arts. experiences form and emotionally manifest. and the scale of his work all draw attention. They Robert Kananaj Gallery The process of the artworks’ manufacturing demand to be looked at. They are silent but still 172 St. Helens Avenue becomes a means for us to consider our internal loud, mirroring the disparity between our desire 416 289 8855 experiences and their complexity. By taking these and our ability to connect. robertkananajgallery.com works into the gallery, the viewer is given an Given the multitude of platforms available appreciation of the works’ detail and has a unique to us to control what and how we choose to opportunity to physically situate themselves communicate, the list of things we can’t tell each inside the visually rich and emotional world of other would seem to be shrinking. What happens Okita’s films. then, when we have thoughts and experiences we find unable to condense, package and share? Randall Okita’s work offers some solutions by creating alternative experiences to our editorialized public lives that still allows us our fascination with media’s spectacular images, motion and effects.

16 REEL ASIAN:X

No Contract

CANADIAN SPOTLIGHT EVENTS SAT NOV 7

Canadian Spotlight Gala Package 4:00 PM | AGO Jackman Hall & Robert Kananaj Gallery | $20 Spend your afternoon and evening with us as we present a multi-event gala programme in celebration of Canadian Spotlight Artist Randall Okita. The artist will present a series of short films, discuss the influences and processes involved, followed by a Q&A (see page 63 for screening details). Immediately following the Q&A, gala ticketholders join the artist aboard an exclusive shuttle bus that will whisk them across town to the reception venue. Gala Package includes screening, shuttle bus & private reception from 6:00 pm. Shuttle Bus service is only available to Gala Package ticketholders. The Weatherman and the Shadowboxer “Retrospective on Randall Okita” Screening 4:00 PM | AGO Jackman Hall | $12 or included in Gala Package The artist will present a series of short films, discuss the influences and processes involved, followed by a Q&A (see page 63 for screening details). Ticket price includes screening plus a drink ticket for the public reception beginning at 7:00 pm. Canadian Spotlight Gala Reception 6:00 PM | Robert Kananaj Gallery | $10 or included in Gala Package Join the artist for a private vernissage & walk-through of the exhibition to discuss the works and answer questions. Complimentary catered food and beverage is included with your admission. Things I Can’t Tell You Public Reception 7:00 PM | Robert Kananaj Gallery | Free The public is invited to meet us at the Robert Kananaj Gallery in the heart of Bloordale Village, Toronto’s burgeoning west-end arts enclave, to celebrate the opening of Randall Okita’s new gallery exhibition Things I Can’t Tell You. Light refreshments will be served with a cash bar. Drink tickets will be accepted from ticket holders of the Canadian Spotlight screening. 17 Carranza LLP proudly supports the 2015 Toronto Reel Asian Internai onal Film Fesi val. We praise the coni nued eff orts in sharing the richness of our diverse cultures through the art of cinematography.

Toronto: 416-633-1065 London: 519-266-6715 Toll Free: 1-877-633-1065 www.carranza.on.ca MARQUEE Roll out the red carpet, your festival crush is about to walk by. They might be a famous director, an up-and-coming actress, or an internationally acclaimed screenwriter. No matter who they are or what they’ve done, you are always entertained by their work. And really, it’s because of you that they’ve made it to who they are today. So sit back and relax — this is as much your night as it is theirs! OPENING NIGHT GALA PRESENTATION THU NOV 5 7:30 PM ISABEL BADER Driving with Selvi THEATRE MARQUEE

A remarkable journey, OPENING NIGHT GALA PARTY THU NOV 5 captured by Canadian 9:30PM – 12:30AM filmmaker Elisa Paloschi, THE SPOKE CLUB | 600 KING ST W $10 at the door or free with Opening on Selvi’s escape from her Night ticket stub

troubled past, to her success We’re back at our new gala party home, Toronto’s exclusive Spoke Club, to kick off Reel Asian’s 19th in retransforming her life, year. Join us in the heart of the entertainment district to celebrate with the director of our opening night becoming Karnataka’s first film, Driving With Selvi, and meet the remarkable female taxi driver. Selvi in person! Opening night ticket holders can enjoy complimentary valet parking at the Isabel Bader Theatre courtesy of National Bank.

20 MARQUEE

Canada 2015 Almost a decade ago, Selvi was forced to marry at the age of Elisa Paloschi is a documentary film- 74:00 14, and found herself in a violent and abusive marriage. In deep maker, producer and cinematogra- Kannada with English subtitles despair, she chose to escape, with the intention of throwing herself pher. She is the President of Eyesfull, a Ontario Premiere | PG Toronto-based, independent produc- under the wheels of a bus on the highway. Instead she got on the tion company, dedicated to making DIRECTOR bus, choosing to live… and went on to become Karnataka’s first non-fiction films with social relevance Elisa Paloschi (in attendance) female taxi driver. that reflect the diversity of the human CAST Canadian documentarian Elisa Paloschi follows Selvi as she voice. With more than 25 years experi- Selvi Kunjigowda (in attendance) ence, Elisa’s work has taken her around OFFICIAL SELECTION navigates through the harsh realities that millions of women the globe, from Palermo Roma camps Edmonton International Film Festival and girls in India face, breaking down the stereotypes too-often to deep under the Coral Sea of Austra- 2015 associated with those facing desperate circumstances. In a society lia. Her feature documentary Embrac- Raindance UK 2015 ing Voices (2012) explores depres- where women are often considered expendable or worthless, sion and the creative process as seen Selvi refuses to accept this estimation for herself, moving beyond through the eyes of Canadian Jazz the pain she’s experienced to create an entirely new life. Through luminary Jane Bunnett. Elisa is working Selvi’s eyes, the audience is taken on an intimate journey of healing, on an ambitious audience engagement and impact campaign in India for the overcoming obstacles, and fulfilling dreams. And throughout this film and developing an interactive doc- journey, her unwavering spirit shines through. umentary story site as a companion Wildly charming (without even realizing it), remarkably strong, piece to Driving with Selvi. and utterly courageous, Selvi shares important, hard-won secrets about happiness and life. Her refusal to surrender offers hope and the clear message that real change is possible. — KE

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Get tickets: factorytheatre.ca | 416.504.9971 FEATURE PRESENTATION FRI NOV 6 7:00 PM Miss India America AGO JACKMAN HALL MARQUEE

USA 2014 Beauty or brains? Lily Prasad is gifted with both, and she’s Ravi Kapoor was born and raised in 98:00 ambitiously planned out her life path, along with that of her Liverpool, England and studied at the International Premiere | PG boyfriend Karim’s. But the plan is thrown into confusion when East 15 Acting School in London. After graduating, he acted in film, TV, and DIRECTOR Karim becomes smitten by and runs off with the reigning Miss theatre in England and as far Tokyo and Ravi Kapoor India National beauty queen. Delhi. Ravi was series regular on ABC’s CAST Determined not to lose, Lily decides that she herself must Gideon’s Crossing and NBC’s Crossing Tiya Sircar, Kosha Patel, Meera Simhan, become the new Miss India National. Ever calculating, she sizes , for which he also directed. His Hannah Simone short films Victor Ramirez, Asesino and OFFICIAL SELECTION up her competition, pegging Sonia for her top competitor in the The 5 have played and won awards at CAAMFest 2015 field. If Lily is to triumph, however, she’ll have to do more than many national and international film Cinequest 2015 simply outsmart the other girls to demonstrate her commitment festivals. Miss India America is his fea- ture film debut. Indian Film Festival of Los Angeles 2015 to tradition — talents must be learnt, dresses must be stolen, lies Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival must be told and the competition must be crushed! 2015 Miss India America is a tale of ambition, and what it means to New York Indian Film Festival 2015 win in both the South Asian community and at large. In the end, Newport Beach Film Festival 2015 Lily will discover you’re not always a winner when you win, and Silk Screen Film Festival 2015 AWARDS there may be more to learn when you lose. Narrative Jury Award, CAAMFest 2015 — KE Best Screenplay, Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival 2015 Best Actress, Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival 2015

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23 Watch the Best TV Shows & Movies From Around the World Start your FREE trial www.DramaFever.com FEATURE PRESENTATION FRI NOV 6 9:15 PM The Royal Tailor AGO JACKMAN HALL

상의원 MARQUEE

South Korea 2014 After 30 years of serving the king, Dol-seok, the royal tailor, only Lee Won-suk is a graduate of Boston 127:00 has a few months left until his expected promotion. When a University and Art Center College of Korean with English subtitles new tailor, Gong-jin, a designer of hanboks (traditional garbs for Design. In 2013, his critically-acclaimed Toronto Premiere | 14A directorial debut How to Use Guys with courtesans), arrives at the palace and finds favor from the queen, Secret Tips appeared at Reel Asian and DIRECTOR Dol-seok is terrifed. numerous other festivals. The Royal Lee Won-suk Gong-jin’s avant-garde designs open the eyes of the royal family, Tailor is his second film. CAST and Dol-seok feels both envious and insecure. As the two tailors Han Suk-kyu, Ko Soo, Yoo Yeon-seok, Park Shin-hye duel to create masterpieces for two rival queens vying for the king’s OFFICIAL SELECTION favour, the audience is treated to a visual feast of gleaming golden New York Asian Film Festival 2015 embroidery and flowing gowns that bloom like flowers. Udine Far East Film Festival 2015 Unburdened by conventional historical elements, The Royal Fantasia International Film Festival 2015 Tailor is a thrilling story of struggles foreign yet familiar, with a Vancouver International Film Festival 2015 refreshing focus in style. AWARDS Audience Award, New York Asian Film — JK Festival 2015 Crystal Mulberry Award, Udine Far East Film Festival 2015 Internet Award, Udine Far East Film Festival 2015

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Online store: www.bubblicious.storenvy.com Fb: www.facebook.com/beautyinthebath | Insta: @beauty.in.the.bath www.beautyinthebath.com | [email protected] | Phone: 647.404.0409 FEATURE PRESENTATION SAT NOV 7 12:00 PM McDull: Me & My Mum AGO JACKMAN HALL

麥兜我和我的媽媽 MARQUEE

Hong Kong 2014 McDull (voiced by Zhang Zheng Zhong), Hong Kong’s most beloved Brian Tse is the original author, pro- 81:00 cartoon pig, is not the brightest kid on the block, but his mother, the ducer and creative director of the with English subtitles sensible Mrs. Mak (voiced by Sandra Ng), won’t let him off the hook. famous Hong Kong character McDull. North American Premiere | G Since 1990, Tse has been story writer, McDull: Me & My Mum is McDull’s story about his childhood children magazine publisher, script DIRECTOR and how his mother made him into who he is now — Bobby Mak, writer and producer of McDull anima- Brian Tse renowned detective and star in his own popular show. tion, and creative director of McDull’s CAST As a child, McDull watched as Mrs. Mak tried to make ends meet gift items and TV commercials. Sandra Ng, Anthony Wong, BabyJohn, Li Yundi, the pancakes, Zhang Zheng by working countless jobs, including appearing as a superheroine This is a special screening. Zhong in a traveling roadshow, where she dispensed handy lifehacks, and Free entry for children under 12 OFFICIAL SELECTION occasional suspicious trips to “astronaut training.” years of age. $5 regular admission. Hong Kong International Film Festival Of course, Mrs. Mak wasn’t really slated for a space flight. It was a 2015 bittersweet game of “pretend” to prepare McDull for her imminent death. Me & My Mum is a charming and nostalgic look into the strength of maternal love. — KE

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Centre for Immigrant and Community Services 27 print digital #ThinkFree mobile social

In print, online and mobile every week. NOW is also available in subways at over 65 Gateway locations. Your commute just got a little less boring. nowtoronto.com FEATURE PRESENTATION SAT NOV 7 9:00 PM Miss Hokusai AGO JACKMAN HALL

百日紅 MARQUEE

Japan 2015 It’s 1814, and Edo is one of the most densely populated cities in the Keiichi Hara was born in 1959. He 90:00 world, teeming with peasants, samurai, merchants, nobles, artists, worked extensively on popular family Japanese with English subtitles and courtesans. and children’s animated shows such as Toronto Premiere | 14A Doraemon. In 2015, he was awarded Accomplished artist Tetsuzo spends his days creating astounding the Anime d’or at the Tokyo Anime DIRECTOR works, from a giant Dharma portrayed on a 180-metre-wide sheet Award Festival. As a great Sugiura fan, Keiichi Hara of paper to a pair of sparrows painted on a single grain of rice. adapting Sarusuberi was a dream- CAST Short-tempered and with no passion for saké or money, he charges come-true for Hara. Anne Higashide, Yutaka Matsushide, Gaku Hamada a fortune for any job, and does it reluctantly. OFFICIAL SELECTION Behind the scenes, his daughter O-Ei, who has inherited her Fantasia Film Festival 2015 father’s talent and stubbornness, is often the real, uncredited Sitges Fantastic Film Festival 2015 painter behind his work. AWARDS Decades later, Tetsuzo will be known as Katsushika Hokusai and Jury Award, Annecy International Animation Festival 2015 his work, including the renowned The Great Wave off the Coast of Kanagawa, will reach recognition far beyond what he could have imagined. However, few today are even aware of the woman who assisted him and contributed to his legacy. Based on the manga Sarusuberi by Hinako Sugiura, Miss Hokusai is the untold story of O-Ei, aka Katsushika Oi, a free-spirited woman overshadowed by her larger-than-life father. — KE

WITH SUPPORT FROM COMMUNITY PARTNERS

C J S

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FEATURE PRESENTATION SUN NOV 8 1:00 PM Bali Big Brother AGO JACKMAN HALL

神様はバリにいる MARQUEE

Japan 2015 “You lack cool. And you have that ‘poor me’ look on your face.” Toshio Lee was born in 1964 in Nishinari, 107:00 When down-on-her-luck Shoko comes to Bali and encounters Japan. He is a Japanese Korean director Japanese with English subtitles “Big Brother” Aniki, she thought he was an expatriate Japanese and producer, known for Detroit Metal North American Premiere | PG City (2008), Time Trip App (2014) and gangster. In reality, he’s a middle school dropout who immigrated Box! (2010). DIRECTOR to Bali and worked to become a wealthy property magnate. His Toshio Lee eccentric life philosophy and philanthropic projects have made him CAST popular among the locals. Shinichi Tsutsumi, Machiko Ono, Naoto Inti Raymi, Hiroshi Tamaki But to Shoko, Aniki is just a blustering fool, even though it is Aniki who calls out the flaws of the Japanese and what’s really holding them back from success and happiness. Aniki has also been able to bring Japanese culture together with the warm, joyous nature and appreciative attitude of . Adapted from Sho Kuroiwa’s best seller If You Work Abroad You Can Become a Tycoon, Bali Big Brother is a charming comedy with an all-star cast that transports the audience to the tropical paradise of Bali, while reminding everyone that wealth requires responsibility and happiness is simply a state of mind. — KE

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CENTREPIECE PRESENTATION SUN NOV 8 MON NOV 9 8:00 PM 4:00 PM Our Times AGO JACKMAN HALL AGO JACKMAN HALL

我的少女時代 MARQUEE

Taiwan 2015 In present-day Taipei, Truly Lin (Joe Chen) is in her thirties and Frankie Chen Yu-shan has produced 134:00 stuck in a dead-end job. She cannot help but recall her high school over twenty hit Taiwanese dramas, Mandarin with English subtitles romance. The younger Lin (Vivian Sung), is a plain, clumsy girl including Fated to Love You (2008) and North American Premiere | 14A Prince of Lan Ling (2013). Our Times is who spends her days goofing around with friends and fawning over her directorial debut and is the high- DIRECTOR the most popular boy in school, Ouyang (Dino Lee). An unfortunate est-grossing film of the year in Taiwan. Frankie Chen Yu-shan (in attendance) incident leads Lin to become an errand girl for the school’s much- CAST feared troublemaker Taiyu (Darren Wang). It doesn’t take long, Vivian Sung, Darren Wang, Dino Lee, Joe Chen however, before Lin sees Taiyu for who he really is: a kind, smart, young man. As their friendship evolves, Lin and Taiyu both realize that something more than friendship is budding between them. Nostalgic and genuine, Our Times is a love letter to everyone who forever cherishes the bittersweet taste of first love. The ensemble cast delivers an outstanding performance that takes us back to the days when our dreams are still young. After a decade of producing popular TV dramas, Director Frankie Chen stuns us with an instant classic on love and coming-of-age wonder. — BX

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33 Where East meets West Our city is a fusion of East and West. Now, youngsters, both Chinese and Western are embracing one of the oldest performing arts: . A packed calendar of diverse cultural activities and events showcases our creative, cosmopolitan and innovative spirit. This is OUR HONG KONG. Why not make it yours?

More OURHONGKONG stories at www.brandhk.gov.hk

To find out more about Hong Kong’s many advantages, please contact: Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, Toronto Tel: (416) 924-5544 E-mail: [email protected] FEATURE PRESENTATION WED NOV 11 8:45 PM Port of Call AGO JACKMAN HALL

踏血尋梅 MARQUEE

Hong Kong 2015 A sex worker is found brutally murdered, and Detective Chong Philip Yung made his directorial debut 121:00 (Aaron Kwok) is set to solve the mystery with his partner Smoky in 2009 with Glamorous Youth. Pre- Cantonese with English subtitles (). Soon after, Chong identifies the dead as Jiamei viously, Yung worked as an assistant Toronto Premiere | 18A director, screenwriter and film critic in (Jessie Li), a young migrant from Hunan who stumbled her way into Hong Kong. He made his second fea- DIRECTOR prostitution. As the puzzle pieces start to come together, Detective ture May We Chat in 2014, and Port of Philip Yung Chong cannot deduce the killer’s motivation. The deeper he digs, Call is his latest effort to explore the CAST the more he becomes entangled in Jiamei’s last days as a lost theme of delinquent youth. Aaron Kwok, , Jessie Li, Patrick Tam youth searching for a glimpse of hope on the streets of Hong Kong. OFFICIAL SELECTION Loosely based on a real murder case, Port of Call is a crime Hong Kong International Film Festival thriller that underplays action in service of character development 2015 and social commentary. Stylized by the cinematography of Wong Udine Far East Film Festival 2015 Kar Wai’s favourite partner in crime, Christopher Doyle, the film New York Asian Film Festival 2015 seamlessly navigates the psyches of the cop, the victim and the Fantasia Film Festival 2015 killer, and exposes us to the darkest desires of human beings. — BX

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35 TORONTO CLOSING NIGHT GALA FRI NOV 13 8:00 PM ISABEL BADER Seoul Searching THEATRE MARQUEE

CLOSING NIGHT GALA PARTY FRI NOV 13 10:00PM – 2:00AM THE SPOKE CLUB 600 KING ST W $10 at the door or free with Closing Night ticket stub

After our raucous closing night screening of Seoul Searching, get on the free shuttle bus and Rock Down to Electric Avenue (aka King West) where our 80s-themed party will be going on All Night Long (All Night) at The Spoke Club. Dress You Up In Your Love alongside our Close out Reel Asian in special guests, actress Rosalina Toronto with the perms Leigh and director Benson Lee! Closing night ticket holders can enjoy and punks of the hit complimentary valet parking at the Isabel Bader Theatre courtesy of film Seoul Searching. National Bank.

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USA 2015 In the 1980s, the Korean government began a summer camp Benson Lee is an award-winning 105 mins for gyopo (foreign-born) teenagers to visit the motherland. The Korean-American filmmaker who has English & Korean with English subtitles government would re-establish ties with the diaspora, parents worked in drama, documentary, and Toronto Premiere | 14A commercial production for over 15 would get a sponsored trip, and teenagers would learn about years. In 1998, with his first feature DIRECTOR Korean culture. What could possibly go wrong? While the intentions film Miss Monday, Lee became the Benson Lee (in attendance) of the program were honourable, the activities of the teens were not. first Korean-American filmmaker to be CAST accepted into the Dramatic Compe- Justin Chon, Jessika Van, Cha In-Pyo, The program was eventually shelved after two years because the tition of the Sundance Film Festival Rosalina Leigh (in attendance), government could not control the teenagers. Seoul Searching is based where his film was awarded a Special Esteban Ahn, Crystal Kay on a true story of one of the summer camps that took place in 1986. Grand Jury Prize for Best Actor. His OFFICIAL SELECTION Canadian-born, Korean-American filmmaker Benson Lee first documentary, Planet B-Boy, Sundance Film Festival 2015 was one of the top-grossing theatrical (Planet B-Boy) returns to Toronto with Seoul Searching, a raucous Seattle International Film Festival 2015 documentaries of 2008 in the US. His Los Angeles Film Festival 2015 Sundance Film Festival selection that had audiences laughing, work has aired on HBO, MTV, the Sun- dance Channel, and has been theatri- AWARDS crying, and cheering on their feet in 2015 (while rocking out to a cally distributed to over 100 countries Audience Award - CAAMFest 2015 stunningly comprehensive 80’s soundtrack). Drawn from Lee’s worldwide. In 2013, Lee directed the Futurewave Youth Jury Award, own experience in the summer camp and cast in the mold of 3D Hollywood adaptation of Planet Seattle International Film Festival 2015 a John Hughes coming-of-age teen comedy, Seoul Searching B-Boy, titled Battle of the Year for captures the painful and hilarious journey of overseas youth Sony Pictures. returning to an unknown land with both nostalgia and freshness. And unlike a certain Hughes movie, Seoul Searching delivers a cast of global Asian characters that are complex and funny. The film’s archetypical characters — the punk, the adoptee, the tomboy, and the preacher’s daughter aren’t just familiar to us — they were us as we navigated our teen years, that time when we were all searching. — AC

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37 RICHMOND HILL OPENING NIGHT SAT NOV 14 7:00 PM SILVERCITY Two Thumbs Up RICHMOND HILL

衝鋒車 MARQUEE

Hong Kong screenwriter Lau Ho-leung RICHMOND HILL OPENING NIGHT GALA PARTY makes his directorial debut with SAT NOV 14 an action comedy of one 9:00PM – 12:00AM MR. CONGEE CHINESE CUISINE big heist gone wrong. 9712 YONGE ST $10 at the door or free with Richmond Hill Opening Night ticket stub

Celebrate our opening night in York Region with a sumptuous Cantonese buffet at Mr. Congee Chinese Cuisine. Just a short drive away with plenty of free parking!

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Hong Kong 2015 Following a sixteen-year stay in a Malaysian prison, Hong Kong Lau Ho Leung is a prolific screenwriter in 103:00 gangster Lucifer (Francis Ng) gathers his old crew together for Hong Kong. He has written the screen- Cantonese with English subtitles one last big heist. Disguised as police, Lucifer and his gang of plays of notable films including Painted Canadian Premiere | PG Skins (2008), The Great Magician (2011), four steal unused parts from abandoned police vans in order to and Kung Fu Killer (2014). Two Thumbs DIRECTOR create the perfect heist vehicle. Unfortunately for them, another Up (2015) is his directorial debut. Lau Ho Leung team of robbers has the same plan in mind. When two fake police CAST vans accidentally get into each other’s way, crossfire is inevitable. Francis Ng, Simon Yam, Patrick Tam, Leo Ku, Susan Shaw (in attendance) Brotherhood is also at stake, since Lucifer and his most trusted OFFICIAL SELECTION brother Chow Tai-po (Simon Yam) cannot agree on how to proceed. Hong Kong International Film Festival Will the gang of four save the day, or will their friendship falter in 2015 the face of danger? New York Asian Film Festival 2015 Featuring our favourite Hong Kong actors Francis Ng, Simon Yam and Patrick Tam, Two Thumbs Up takes us for a wild ride and embodies the unique charm of Hong Kong action comedies. Get ready to be captivated by the chase, the suspense, and the ridiculous humour. — BX

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39 RICHMOND HILL CLOSING NIGHT PRESENTATION SUN NOV 15 7:30 PM SILVERCITY Full Strike RICHMOND HILL

全力扣殺 MARQUEE

Badminton. Underdogs. Kung fu! Get ready to exercise your laugh muscles with Derek Kwok and Henri Wong’s Full Strike.

40 MARQUEE

Hong Kong 2015 Ten years after her victory, former Hong Kong badminton champion Derek Kwok is one of Hong Kong’s 108:00 Ng Kau-sau () is serving tables at her brother’s restaurant. most acclaimed young directors. In Cantonese with English subtitles Kau-sau, who once held the championship title seven years running, 2008, he made his name in his first Toronto Premiere | PG film The Pye Dog which won him the no longer competes after being disqualified for her volcanic temper. Best New Director award at the Hong DIRECTORS One stormy night, in an abandoned sports centre, she crosses paths Kong Film Awards. In 2011, he won Best Derek Kwok, Henri Wong with three ex-cons who are hoping to redeem their criminal pasts. Film at the Hong Kong Film Awards for CAST Badminton, they insist, is their only road to redemption, and fate his action comedy Gallants. In 2013, he Josie Ho, , , co-directed Journey to the West with Andew Lam, Susan Shaw (in attendance) has brought them together to form a new, indestructible team — Stephen Chau. He was most recently OFFICIAL SELECTION or so they hope. nominated in 2014 for Best Director at Osaka Asian Film Festival 2015 Stirring up more hysteria is “Suck Nipple Cheung,” Kau-sau’s the Hong Kong Film Awards. New York Asian Film Festival 2015 cousin and a local bully, who’s so bent on beating Kau-sau’s new Born in 1979, Henri Wong is one of Fantasia Film Festival 2015 team that he hires Kau-sau’s ex-teammate Lung as his coach. Hong Kong’s new generation young AWARDS With the help of coach Champion Chik and the silver-haired manic directors. Between 1999 to 2002, Best Asian Film, Neuchâtel he studied at the School of Creative International Fantastic Film jogger matron Aunty Mui (Susan Shaw), will Kau-sau’s team of Media, City University of Hong Kong. Festival 2015 misfits be able to reawaken a master and take home the new He is the Artistic Director of Parabucks championship? Co., specializing in action image, film production, advertising animation, and Reminiscent of Kwok’s action-packed Gallants (2010), Full music videos. He has been nominated Strike is sure to leave your laugh muscles fully exercised. No sports for Best Visual Effects for his work experience or knowledge needed. on Ip Man and Ip Man 2. Wong began — KE directing in 2013, with his first feature Hardcore Comedy.

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41

VISTA These fresh new names have been creating a buzz in the festival circuit, and they’ve already begun to astound the international world. Allow us to introduce you to filmmakers blazing new trails in Asian cinema, who have transcended cultures, languages, and genres to redefine what it is to be Asian. CANADA’S LARGEST BOARDING SCHOOL

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Dr. Patrick Deane “We are proud to partner with Columbia. Many President Columbia alumni study here and earn McMaster University scholarships in Business, Engineering, and Social Science.” Grades 7 to 12 ESL Summer Camp Columbia International College | Total Care Education® 1003 Main Street West, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada L8S 4P3 | Tel: +1 905-572-7883 ext.2713 | Fax: +1 905-572-9332 www.cic-TotalCare.com | [email protected] | Columbia International College | @cic_totalcare FEATURE PRESENTATION SAT NOV 7 2:00 PM Changing Season: AGO JACKMAN HALL On the Masumoto Family Farm VISTA

USA 2015 At the heart of this documentary are peaches and a family that Jim Choi is a 1.5 generation Korean- 57:00 has grown them for generations. In California’s Central Valley, American. Choi’s most recent directo- English the Masumotos grow fruit with their own brand of resilience and rial credit is Don’t Lose Your Soul (2012), International Premiere | G an intimate profile of Anthony Brown dedication; as David ‘Mas’ Masumoto says: “we plant stories.” and Mark Izu, the founders of the Asian DIRECTOR Originally arid and bought dirt cheap by Mas’ parents upon their American Jazz Festival. He served as Jim Choi release from WWII internment camps, the farm today is 80 acres the Director of Photography on the IFP CAST of Certified Organic land, famed for its sustainability, social Gotham Audience Award-winning doc- David ‘Mas’ Masumoto (in attendance), umentary Jake Shimabukuro: Life On Nikiko Masumoto, Marcy (Thieleke) responsibility, and magnificent heirloom harvest. But the farm is Four Strings (2012). His work on Lost Masumoto, Korio Masumoto undergoing major changes as drought looms, Mas’ 60th birthday and Found: Legacy of USS Lagarto approaches, and daughter Nikiko returns from college to learn the (2009) garnered an Emmy nomination in Cinematography. ropes and take over from her father. Changing Season follows Mas and Nikiko over the course of this pivotal year, as knowledge and memory pass from father to daughter. Far from Eden, this is the story of a family braving social injustice and the uncertainties of health and climate, and their celebration of labour, food, and home. — SL

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@RegentParkFilm facebook.com/RegentParkFilmFestival @RegentParkFilm FEATURE PRESENTATION SAT NOV 7 6:30 PM Kirumi AGO JACKMAN HALL VISTA

India 2015 Chock full of get-rich-quick ideas, but lacking in follow through, A design engineer, Anucharan Murugai- 97:00 Kathir is an irresponsible young man, stumbling through life in yan left for Australia to study filmmak- Tamil with English subtitles Chennai’s underworld supported by his loving wife and enabler ing from the masters at Pixar. His first International Premiere | 14A short Infinity (2010) played at Tropfest friends. After a night in jail that leads him to a new career as a top Sydney and sparked a stream of com- DIRECTOR police informant, Kathir’s ego soars to new heights, until it lands mercial work. He returned to Chennai in Anucharan Murugaiyan (in attendance) him and his loved ones in danger. 2013 to collaborate with friends on his CAST Combining elements of a commercial Indian action flick with a feature debut Kirumi. Kathir, Charlie, Reshmi Menon surprisingly deplorable protagonist and rare narrative on the hush- hush world of police informants, Kirumi is a complex, gritty, and PRECEDED BY: refreshing film. Featuring strong performances from both new faces Sudden Master and veterans, director Anucharan has shunned conformity and Canada 2015 | 6:00 World Premiere | PG chosen to show you the gray area outside of conventional villains and heroes. DIRECTOR Romeo Candido (in attendance) Kirumi embodies the new wave of South Indian independent When Alex Cheng reluctantly inherits her cinema that is expanding notions of archetypal Tamil movies and estranged father’s Martial Arts school, it is attracting new international audiences. up to her to defend the family legacy in an underground competition. Sudden Master is — DR a story about tradition, vengeance and love.

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47 Submissions for the 2016 edition of aluCine Latin Film+Media Arts Festival

aluCine showcases excellence and innovation in Contemporary Independet Film+Media Arts. Next year, the Festival will have a special focus on Indigenous Cinema and the Environment.

Entry fee: $20 | Deadline: January 15, 2016.

www.alucinefestival.com For information on how to submit your work, please visit alucinefestival.com/callforsubmissions FEATURE PRESENTATION SUN NOV 8 TUES NOV 10 3:15 PM 4:30 PM Zinnia Flower AGO JACKMAN HALL AGO JACKMAN HALL

百日告別 VISTA

Taiwan 2015 On the same day, in the same accident, twin tragedies: Wei (Stone) Tom Lin Shu-yu is regarded as one of 96:00 loses his pregnant wife while Ming () loses her fiancé. the most promising new filmmakers Mandarin with English subtitles Intercutting between two parallel storylines, the film follows the emerging from Taiwan. After receiving his Toronto Premiere | 14A MFA from the California Institute of the one hundred day journey that Wei and Ming each embark on to Arts in 2002, Lin started working in the DIRECTOR mourn for the dead. Sharing unbearable pain, Wei and Ming each Taiwanese Film industry. His previous Tom Lin Shu-yu have their own ways of saying goodbye and coping with loneliness. titles include Winds of September (2008) CAST Through virtuosic cinematography and set to the timeless rhythms and Starry Starry Night (2012) which Karena Lam, Stone, Nana Lee screened at Reel Asian. OFFICIAL SELECTION of Chopin, the film invites us to meditate on life, loss and death. Taipei Film Festival 2015 Karena Lam, acclaimed Hong Kong actress, and Stone, Vancouver International Film Festival member of the popular Taiwanese rock band Mayday, deliver 2015 heartbreakingly tender performances, allowing us to have an intimate encounter with those who have lost their loved ones. — BX

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A start that fits.

Women in Film &Television – Toronto is a member-based organization that offers professional development programming, mentorships and networking opportunities to women in the screen-based industries, at every level of their career.

Our cohort system is designed to meet the needs of women at every stage of their careers.

CONNECT All of our programming includes networking opportunities.

LEARN WIFT-T offers a range of professional development ADVANCE programs covering the Broaden your experience and build fundamentals of production, your resume through mentorship and practical career advice, digital volunteer opportunities. trends and much more.

To become a member, visit wift.com today. FEATURE PRESENTATION MON NOV 9 8:30 PM Siti AGO JACKMAN HALL VISTA

Indonesia 2014 Siti, a young and beautiful woman, must find a way to care for her Eddie Cahyono was born in Jogjakarta in 88:00 son, her paralyzed husband and her mother-in-law. By day, she 1977. He graduated from the Television Javanese with English subtitles sells snacks on the beach; by night, she sells herself in an illegal Department of the Indonesian Institute Toronto Premiere | 14A of Art in 2007 and founded Fourcolours karaoke bar. Her encounter with a policeman, who falls in love with Films. He directed a number of short DIRECTOR her, makes her life even more complicated. films, which won numerous awards both Eddie Cahyono There are no clear villains in the film — even the landlord at home and abroad. Siti is Cahyono’s CAST demanding the overdue rent seems to be justified in demanding debut feature film. Sekar Sari, Bintang Timur Widodo, Ibnu Widodo, Titi Dibyo what he’s owed. Instead, the camera focuses on Siti’s internal struggle OFFICIAL SELECTION and subsequent meltdown, which began a year before, when an Rotterdam International Film Festival accident at sea left her fisherman husband paralyzed and mute. 2015 Shot in black and white, we see Siti up close, and search for the Udine Far East Film Festival 2015 small pockets of light as darkness slowly consumes the frame. Taipei Film Festival 2015 When Siti’s world turns to darkness, we can only sit and wait — AWARDS Best Performance Award, which way shall she turn? International Film Festival 2014 — KE

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51 8 years of creative MEMBERSHIPS strategy & design with arts non-profi ts, like Reel Asian!

I can help your organization with: creative campaign strategy & development small business identity Save on Films. Support Hot Docs. publication design Join the Community. event promotion

Whether you see a few films or dozens of films Liz MacInnis each year, there is a membership tailored just for you. All memberships include savings, exclusive GRAPHIC DESIGNER invitations, free popcorn and a member newsletter. [email protected] lizmacinnis.com BECOME A MEMBER TODAY! WWW.BLOORCINEMA.COM FEATURE PRESENTATION TUE NOV 10 7:00 PM Off the Menu: Asian America AGO JACKMAN HALL VISTA

USA 2015 “I can’t speak the language, but I know the flavour,” declares 55:00 Chinese-American star chef Jonathan Wu, a sentiment echoed FOOD ON FILM TASTING English throughout this fascinating documentary on the tastes and RECEPTION Canadian Premiere | PG textures of Asian American food and identity. What does it mean to TUE NOV 10 DIRECTOR ‘eat local’? How does ‘hometown’ taste? How can the growing and 8:00 – 9:30PM Grace Lee sharing of food ensure the evolution of a culture and the future of PRODUCER a people? We follow award-winning Korean-American filmmaker OPEN GALLERY Eurie Chung Grace Lee as she savours courses, coast to coast: from Texan AT OCADU OFFICIAL SELECTION 49 MCCAUL ST CAAMFest 2015 tamales to octopus hunt-and-grill, the Hawaiian way. On her tour Chicago Asian American Showcase of mind-melting fusions, farms, and kitchens, Lee meets a diverse 2015 slate of Asian Americans who devote some aspect of their lives to Hungry for more? Buy a $17 Wisconsin Film Festival 2015 cuisine, and explores how authenticity, assimilation, and cultural “combo” ticket in advance — Sacramento Asian Pacific Film Festival memory surface and blend in the melting pot of contemporary includes both screening and a 2015 tasting reception! Sample food American society. Asian CineVision 2015 & drink from local exhibitors Milwaukee Film Festival 2015 Off the Menu: Asian America is a co-production between the showcasing innovative cuisine for Center for Asian American Media and KQED and is part of a larger every appetite. multi-media project that includes original stories and web content Limited number of reception that explore the connections between Asian American culture, tickets available separately from geography, and food. the Jackman Hall box office for $10 — SL before the screening or $15 at the door. Visit our website for details Born in Columbia, Missouri, and currently based in L.A., Grace Lee is a Korean- about the food exhibitors being American director and producer. Lee’s feature film, Janeane From Des Moines showcased. premiered at the 2012 Toronto International Film Festival. Lee’s documentary American Revolutionary: The Evolution of Grace Lee Boggs screened at Reel Asian in 2013.

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53

FEATURE PRESENTATION THURS NOV 12 7:00 PM JAPANESE CANADIAN Initiation Love CULTURAL CENTRE

イニシエーション・ラブ VISTA

Japan 2015 Set in Shizuoka City in the 80s, Initiation Love tells the story of Tsutsumi Yukihiko was born in Mie 110:00 awkward and overweight Yuki Suzuki. Invited as a filler on a konpa Prefecture in 1955. Before starting Japanese with English subtitles group date, he meets the pretty and disarmingly forthright Mayu his own production company, Office Canadian Premiere | 14A Crescendo, he directed commercials (Maeda Atsuko). After Mayu gifts him a pair of Nikes, Yuki promises and music promotion videos at Nihon DIRECTOR to take up running and get in shape. Television. A prolific director across Tsutsumi Yukihiko The newly fit and confident Yuki — who now goes by Takkun — platforms, his work includes the Trick CAST is transferred to Tokyo, where he soon finds his allegiance to Mayu series, 20th Century Boys series, and Maeda Atsuko, Matsuda Shota, The Mourner (2015). Kimura Fumiko seriously tested by sophisticated coworker Miyako (Kimura Fumiko). OFFICIAL SELECTION Takkun becomes torn between the woman who made him who he Tickets for this screening are sold New York Asian Film Festival 2015 is and the woman his new self wants. through the Japanese Canadian Japan Film Festival of San Francisco Kurumi Unui’s novel was a publishing phenomenon when first Cultural Centre. Visit jccc.on.ca 2015 released in 2004. The book was considered un-filmable until director Tsutsumi Yukihiko (Trick, 20th Century Boys) took up the Sushi bentos may be purchased and challenge. He delivers a stunning, off-kilter love triangle. enjoyed prior to the screening. Sushi — JH courtesy of Sushi Marché.

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55 The premiere magazine in Canada about documentaries and independent ilms in Canada and abroad.

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401 Richmond St. W., Suite 392, Toronto, ON M5V 4A8 Telephone: 647-639-0653 • www.povmagazine.com FEATURE PRESENTATION THURS NOV 12 8:00 PM Mina Walking AGA KHAN MUSEUM VISTA

Afghanistan/Canada 2015 Mina is a typical 12-year-old girl — feisty and energetic. But Mina Yosef Baraki’s exposure to filmmakers 110:00 lives in modern day Kabul, Afghanistan, and her circumstances are like Kiarostami and the Dardenne broth- Dari with English subtitles anything but typical. After losing her mother to a Taliban attack, ers gave him the understanding that Toronto Premiere | 14A cinema does not have to be driven by Mina is left alone to take care of the household, looking after her entertainment, but also by realistic por- DIRECTOR senile grandfather, while her drug-addicted father wastes away. traits of a particular society and culture. Yosef Baraki (in attendance) Eager to learn, Mina must skip school in order to earn a meager Following his studies at York University PRODUCERS living for the household, peddling souvenirs on the street. and Humber College, Baraki wrote and Andrew Korogyi (in attendance), directed his fifth short film Der Kandi- Asef Baraki Premiering at the Berlin Film Festival in 2015 where it was dat, recipient of the prestigious Norman CAST nominated for a Crystal Bear, Best First Feature Award, and the McLaren Award at the Montreal World Farzana Nawabi, Qadir Aryie, Safi Fanaie, Amnesty Film Prize, Mina Walking is a remarkable feature debut Film Festival in 2013. Massoud Fanaie, Hashmatullah Fanaie, Tickets for this screening are sold Marina Gholbahari from Toronto filmmaker Yosef Baraki inspired by street children of through the Aga Khan Museum. OFFICIAL SELECTION Kabul. Shot guerilla-style on city streets with mostly non-actors Visit www.akdn.org/museum Berlin International Film Festival 2015 utilizing improvisation, first-time director Baraki has crafted an Montreal World Film Festival 2015 immense achievement, telling a story that is both timeless and Mumbai International Film Festival timely about the lasting effects of the Taliban era and Coalition war 2015 from the perspective of a shattered Afghan family. AWARDS Jury Special Mention, Zlin International — AC Film Festival 2015 Best Actress Award, SAARC Film Festival 2015

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57 2015 Inside Out winner of the Bill Sherwood Award for Best First Feature, How to Win at Checkers (Every Time)

Inside Out Toronto LGBT Film Festival Rhymes with Pizza May 26 to June 5, 2016 Custom Nail Art by Millie PRESENTING SPONSOR

Join us us for the Canada’s largest celebration of international LGBT cinema featuring premieres, red-carpet events, parties, [email protected] artist talks and panel discussions. @rhymes.with.pizza 11 days • More than 175 fi lms • 35,000 audience members 647.220.3825 FEATURE PRESENTATION SUN NOV 15 4:30 PM SILVERCITY I Am Somebody RICHMOND HILL

我是路人甲 VISTA

Hong Kong/China 2015 When we talk about Chinese cinema, megastars like Maggie Derek Yee is a veteran Hong Kong 134:00 Cheung or Chow Yun Fat immediately come to mind. But do we director and screenwriter who achieved Mandarin with English subtitles ever remember the extras acting in the background of every film fame in the early nineties with films North American Premiere | PG such as C’est la vie, mon chéri (1993), we love? In this bittersweet dramatic feature, Derek Yee pays for which he won the Best Director at DIRECTOR tribute to the thousands of Chinese young migrants who flock to the Hong Kong Film Awards. In recent Derek Yee Hengdian, the Hollywood of the East, to pursue their dream of years, Yee has worked in both Hong CAST “becoming somebody.” The story follows protagonist Peng (Wan Kong and mainland China, continuing Wan Guopeng, Wei Xin, Wang Zhao to make films in a wide range of genres OFFICIAL SELECTION Guopeng), who arrives at Hengdian with high hopes for his acting and styles. Shanghai Film Festival 2015 career, only to find a reality much harsher than that of his rural hometown. The path to stardom is filled with uneasy laughter and joyful tears. As Peng encounters like-minded friends, the film moves from character to character to highlight each individual’s unique experience in Hengdian. The episodic depiction of these HengPiaos’ (migrant workers in Hengdian) everyday struggles poignantly reflects the fragility of dreams in contemporary China. Featuring extras that Yee handpicked from Hengdian and trained over the course of three years, I Am Somebody is truly Yee’s most passionate project to date. — BX

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59 Jennifer Kay Chan Sales Representative YOUR TORONTO REELTOR ABOUT TOWN

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presents RENDEZVOUS

WITH MADNESS FILM FESTIVAL NOVEMBER 6 - 14, 2015

TIFF Bell Lightbox Bloor Cinema Workman Theatre Full program info and ticketing www.rendezvouswithmadness.com PULSE

Great things come in small packages. Our eclectic short film programmes, like your favourite mix tapes, are sure to have something for everyone. Laugh, cry, sing, and shout with these powerful bursts of cinema.

SHORTS PRESENTATION SAT NOV 7 4:00 PM Retrospective on AGO JACKMAN HALL Randall Okita See page 17 for more details about our Canadian Spotlight events.

No Contract PULSE

Machine With Wishbone Portrait as a Random Act of Violence

Machine With Wishbone Randall Okita | Canada 2008 | 7:30 Machine with Wishbone is an entirely live action movie shot without special effects, featuring Fish in Barrel the work of internationally celebrated artist Arthur Ganson. No Contract Using innovative camera cho- Randall Okita | Canada 2011 | 8:20 reography, photo sculpture, and Combining elements of per- kinetic sculpture, Machine with formance, sculptural cinema Wishbone tells the tale of a stoic and documentary, this work mechanical wishbone on its explores themes of urgency, journey through a world of snor- isolation and escape, as well ing beds, paper birds, and places as the notions of torment and you have to see to believe. renewal, desire and destruction. The Weatherman and the Shadowboxer

Fish in Barrel Portrait as a Random The Weatherman and the Shadowboxer Randall Okita | Canada 2009 | 8:23 Act of Violence Randall Okita | Canada 2014 | 9:44 Fish in Barrel depicts a young Randall Okita | Canada 2013 | 4:23 This short animation presents the haunting story of man facing his demons as his Portrait as a Random Act two brothers who share the scars, though not the struggle erupts into visions of Violence incorporates memories, of an untold history that has driven them that question what lies below performance and sculpture to existential extremes. Combining high-speed cam- the surface. to examine themes of harm, erawork, striking art direction and intricate animation protest, and destructive and sequences, Okita crafts a poetic elegy to connected- restorative transformations. ness and survival.

*Director Randall Okita in attendance

63 SHORTS PRESENTATION SUN NOV 8 5:30PM Born to Run AGO JACKMAN HALL

All films rated G PULSE

Two Dosas

What’s the first thing you throw in your suitcase? Spanning continents and genres, this buffet of stories Balikbayans is a smiling wink and a Balikbayans Two Dosas Alex Humilde | Canada 2015 | 18:12 Sarmad Masud | United Kingdom 2014 knowing nod to cities, English/Tagalog/Cebuano with English 15:41 | English | Canadian Premiere subtitles | North American Premiere Geeky Pavan takes his ‘English cultures, and creatures This documentary shares the Rose’ on a date to the most experiences of three Filipinos liv- authentic Indian restaurant in on the move. ing in Ontario who have acquired the city. To his horror, she goes — SL “VIP” status as balikbayans — off-menu, in Hindi… those who have moved abroad Balikbayans Sarmad Masud studied film at the Hull with aspirations, and return to School of Art & Design in the UK. He the to share their previously made films in Kashmir and fortunes and experiences. Cambodia, winning awards at the Angel and Leeds International Film Festival, Alex Humilde graduated from Sheridan and was nominated twice for the Satya- College in Television and Film. He is cur- jit Ray Short Film Award. rently developing his next documentary and continues to address contemporary, Philippine-related issues.

64 A Rose, a Fisheye, and a Line PULSE

Go For Broke

Giap’s Last Day At The Ironing Board Factory

A Rose, a Fisheye, Giap’s Last Day At The and a Line Ironing Board Factory NU-LIFE Rekha Ramachandran | Canada 2015 Tony Nguyen | United States 2014 3:46 | World Premiere 25:29 | English | Canadian Premiere This Canadian filmmaker In 1975, a young, pregnant Viet- NU-LIFE Go For Broke focuses on her own name and namese refugee, Giap, escapes Lynn Kim | USA 2015 | 4:30 Aram Collier* | Canada 2015 | 23:00 those of her grandmothers, Saigon in a boat and, within Toronto Premiere English | World Premiere exploring their symbolism and weeks, finds herself working on Through stunning experimental Les Lee is a die-hard collector significance in relation to place an assembly line in Seymour, animation, NU-LIFE takes a viv- who never misses the annual red and identity, and her own Indiana. Thirty-five years later, idly intimate look at the family envelope convention. But this mixed-race family. her son, a filmmaker, documents dry cleaner. year, he needs to sell his entire Rekha Ramachandran is an artist based her final day of work at the last Lynn Kim is a Korean-American anima- collection. Go For Broke is an in Toronto. She holds an MA in Com- ironing board factory in America. tor and filmmaker from Queens, New Altman-esque look at red enve- munication and Culture from York and York. She is a dedicated fan of breakfast Tony Nguyen is a Vietnamese-American lopes, the world and characters Ryerson Universities, and a BFA from foods, good literature, and peculiar filmmaker based in California. He made that circulate them, and material Ryerson University. collisions between art and history. his directorial debut with Enforcing The culture in Chinese diaspora. Silence, a 2011 feature documentary about the first Vietnamese-American Filmmaker Aram Collier works across to be reportedly assassinated in the multiple genres including fiction, vérité United States. documentary, and multi-media. Collier studied film production at the University of California at Santa Cruz (BFA) and York University (MFA).

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* in attendance

65 YOUTH SHORTS PRESENTATION MON NOV 9 1:00 PM The World’s A Stage AGO JACKMAN HALL

All films rated PG The curtains part, and you find yourself in need of a performance. Are you ready to deliver? Check out these shorts as a source of inspiration! — KE The Lobster Kid PULSE

Impersonation

Way’s Favourite Machine Gian-Paolo Mendoza and Chris Cheung Canada 2015 | 8:15 | English Toronto Premiere When Wayland Chin first started playing Dance Dance Revolution at the arcade ten Agos: The Manila Dream years ago, he made a group of close friends. Today, the group The Lobster Kid Impersonation Agos: The Manila Dream has scattered, but dancing still Joseph Chen-Chieh Hsu | Taiwan 2015 Boyoung Kim | South Korea 2013 | 3:22 Lyka Gonzalez | Philippines 2015 | 10:00 gives him the same joy, and 20:00 | Mandarin | Canadian Premiere Tagalog with English Subtitles fond memories of days past. Impersonating someone or North American Premiere 13-year-old con artist Siang part- something may lead us to what Gian-Paolo Mendoza is a documentary Set in the rural Philippines, filmmaker and journalist, currently work- ners with a silent monk, hoping we desire — but be careful what Nina’s mother recounts her ing as a producer at CBC Television in that today is finally the day she you wish for! bygone ambition of moving Vancouver. He has had work published earns enough money for a train on CBC.ca, Al-Jazeera America, and ticket to Taitung. Who is the Boyoung Kim is a Korean animator, into the city. The film explores the Tyee. graphic designer and independent the plight of fulfilling fantasies greater con — Siang or the Monk? Christopher Cheung is journalist and filmmaker. Her works include animated through the surge of diaspora Joseph Chen-Chieh Hsu was born and shorts Replacement, Impersonation, photographer in Vancouver. He has raised in Taiwan. He is currently pursuing Prey, and The Heads. and urban migration. written for places like the Vancouver Courier and The Tyee.ca. He is finishing MFA in film production at NYU Tisch Asia. Lyka Gonzalez is a 21-year-old pho- his second year at the University of tographer, videographer and filmmaker British Columbia Graduate School of from the Philippines. She is currently in Journalism. finishing her BA in Communication Arts at Ateneo de Manila University.

66 Tanabata Undernourished? PULSE

Way’s Favourite Machine Sumo Road: The Musical

BAM Howie Shia | Canada 2015 | 6:00 A young boxer struggles to contain the rage that roils inside him. Howie Shia is a Toronto-based illustra- Flamenco tor, animator, writer, and director. His short films have won several awards, including the 2007 Grand Prix at the Tanabata Tokyo Anime Fair. He combines a love BAM for ancient mythologies with modern Annie Amaya | Canada 2014 | 2:44 urban environments. English Based on a Japanese legend, this Undernourished? Flamenco Sumo Road: The Musical animated short tells the story Judy Chu | Hong Kong 2015 | 17:12 Gloria Ui Young Kim* | Canada 2015 Ken Ochiai | Japan 2015 | 25:00 of two star-crossed lovers who Cantonese | North American Premiere 12:00 | World Premiere Japanese with English subtitles Toronto Premiere unite once a year on July 7th. Summer’s parents lost their Sparks fly between dance A lonely, heavyset exchange Annie Amaya is a student filmmaker, eyesight when they were young, partners and lovers Camilla and currently studying at Concordia Univer- but they filled Summer’s Alexander, as they prepare to student decides to join the sity for a BFA in Film Animation. Her childhood with happiness, wit perform Bizet’s famous work sumo team at a Japanese uni- short films have screened internationally and confidence. Armed with Carmen. Winner of the 2013 versity. But he must first face at festivals including Fantasia, Toronto Youth Shorts, Animafest Zagreb, and her parents’ positive attitude Reel Asian So You Think You the team leader in the ultimate Athens Animfest. towards life, Summer is able to Can Pitch? Competition. sumo match. view the world with a unique Gloria Ui Young Kim was born in Seoul. Ken Ochiai is an award-winning film- perspective. Her works have been awarded at numer- maker who has directed three theatrical ous film festivals. Her latest script Debra features and over 30 short films, com- Judy Chu graduated from The Hong and Mona won the 2013 Telefilm New mercials, and music videos. Kong Academy for Performing Arts Voices Award. in 2005. She has written a few plays. Undernourished? is her directorial debut.

YOUTH PROGRAMME SPONSOR WITH SUPPORT FROM COMMUNITY PARTNERS

* in attendance

67 Now shines the future.

Submission deadline: Early Bird: May 16, 2016 Final: June 1, 2016

Join us at the 17th annual imagineNATIVE Film + Media Arts Festival October 19-23, 2016 Connect with us: INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL www.imaginenative.org th @imagineNATIVE 20 edition July 2016 Montreal Facebook.com/imagineNATIVE www.fantasiafestival.com instagram.com/imaginenative YOUTH SHORTS PRESENTATION MON NOV 9 6:45 PM Unsung Voices 4 AGO JACKMAN HALL

2015 first-time filmmakers • All films rated 14A

UNSUNG VOICES RECEPTION MON NOV 9 8:00PM – 9:30PM ART SQUARE CAFÉ 334 DUNDAS ST W Free for Unsung Voices ticketholders PULSE

Meet this year’s cohort of Unsung Voices filmmakers after the screening! We’ll be across the street from the Art Gallery of Ontario at the Art Square Café, raising a glass and enjoying some tasty nibbles to celebrate the world premieres of these bright young minds.

Ayano In The Forest Teaching Taboo: Sex Ed Ntervw Door To Door Ammar Keshioda* | Canada 2015 | 8:00 and the South Asian Melissa Tran* | Canada 2015 | 6:00 Bruce Ravichandran* | Canada 2015 9:00 A young woman awakens in the Diaspora Sometimes life feels like all prepa- forest, confronted by a stranger. Lakshya Dhungana* | Canada 2015 | 10:00 ration and no action, but what The sort-of true-life story of two Can he help her find out how In 2015, Ontario proposed changes would that actually look like? bumbling door-to-door sales- men who must train a pair of she got there? to its sex education curriculum for Melissa Tran is a fourth year high school newbies, or else lose their jobs. Originally from Pakistan, Ammar Kesho- the first time in years. Teaching student in Toronto. dia is a Political Science graduate from Taboo looks at the issue from Bruce Ravichandran was named after the University of Toronto. inside the South Asian community. Bruce Lee and loves action movies. Lakshya Dhungana graduated from the International Development Studies Program at U of T, and is involved with Adult Children the Toronto Nepali Film Festival. “Cindy” Liquid Beings Camille Bertrand-Morel*, Veronica Tsui*, Anthony Tran* | Canada 2015 | 2:00 Seden Lai* | Canada 2015 | 9:00 Natalie Yiu* | Canada 2015 | 3:00 I’m Afraid Of You A young queer Asian Canadian He wakes up. He doesn’t know A daughter’s relationship with Leaving woman navigates her multiple who He is. He creates Her. But her father is strained when he Iris Ni* | Canada 2015 | 10:00 identities in this delightful stop- who created Them? can’t let go of work in this short Two cousins left alone in a Chi- motion animation. Seden Lai is a recent graduate of OCAD, animated film. nese megacity deal with their Anthony Tran is a Toronto-based young and is interested in understanding the Camille Bertrand-Morel, Veronica Tsui, feelings of abandonment. queer artist and muse to the Gods. world through spaces, objects, sounds, and Natalie Yiu are students at Seneca and experiences. Iris Ni is a graduate of University of College, currently in their first and Windsor and writes for stage and online. second years.

YOUTH PROGRAMME SPONSOR WITH SUPPORT FROM COMMUNITY PARTNERS

an Ontario government agency * in attendance un organisme du gouvernement de l’Ontario

69 YOUTH SHORTS PRESENTATION TUES NOV 10 1:00 PM Lucky Town AGO JACKMAN HALL

All films rated G

Across the street, across the ocean, key in hand or hand in hand, these films ask ‘in whose footsteps do you follow; what kind of world will you create?’ PULSE — SL Nayan and the Evil Eye

Golden Bird

Golden Bird Debraj Sarkar | India 2014 | 10:40 Bengali | North American Premiere A grandmother’s story of her Goong Goong childhood days in her Indian village contrasts sharply with Goong Goong The Ghost of Grandpa Nayan and the Evil Eye her grandson’s urban loneliness, Chloe Booher | USA 2015 | 3:38 | English Tong Shaleen Sangha* | Canada 2014 | 7:35 in this beautifully illustrated Canadian Premiere Celeste Koon* | Canada 2015 | 10:40 English animation. English | World Premiere A short documentary about a The Evil Eye is a superstition Debraj Sarkar holds a Bachelor of Fine grandfather’s immigration from Family pressure goes beyond held by people of many cul- Arts from Indira Kala Sangeet University China to the United States, this the grave in this comical tale of tures. It is believed that if some- in India. He has screened films interna- familiar story is animated with growing up between cultures. one looks at you with envy, they tionally and is based in West Bengal. elegance and charm. Celeste Koon is a Toronto-based writer, can cause you harm. A young Chloe Booher is an animator and director, and production designer who boy finds a mysterious glass eye designer based out of Los Angeles. works in children’s film and television. and discovers its strange power. She completed her MFA in Animation The Ghost of Grandpa Tong is Celeste’s Shaleen Sangha is a writer, director, at UCLA in 2015. She enjoys motion winning Emerging Filmmaker pitch at development executive and video artist. graphics and breakfast. Reel Asian’s 2014 So You Think You Can Pitch? competition. She has had a passion for storytelling, no matter the form, throughout her life.

70 The Ghost of Grandpa Tong

Tadaima PULSE

Chopping Onions Adinah Dancyger | United States 2015 15:39 | English/Korean with English Frank and Kass Chopping Onions subtitles | Canadian Premiere A six-year old girl spends the summer with her Korean grandmother in New York City. Cultural and language barriers complicate matters in this hon- est and compelling portrait. Adinah Dancyger holds a BA in film production from Bard College. She is currently in pre-production for her first feature film, Girl Props, a collaborative Ah Poh Mattress project which she will perform in.

Frank and Kass Tadaima Ah Poh Mattress Norbert Shieh | United States 2015 | 6:30 Robin Takao D’Oench | United States Kendra Legault* | Canada 2015 | 3:47 Michelle Kee | Canada 2014 | 9:47 English | International Premiere 2015 15:25 | English/Japanese with English | World Premiere English/ Mandarin with English English subtitles | Canadian Premiere subtitles | Toronto Premiere Frank returns to his parents’ Filmmaker Kendra Legault home after recently being laid After the closure of the U.S explores both her relationship After Little Boy Lee and his off, with his young daughter Internment Camps at the end with her Hakka grandmother family dump an old mattress in tow. With their lives packed of World War II, a Japanese and a family history she never in a dirty Strathcona alley, the up in a pickup truck, they drive American family returns home knew about. mattress sparks an all-out and must find the strength to suburban war. across the California desert, Kendra Legault is a film student hoping to make it to their desti- rebuild both their house and in Toronto. Michelle Kee lived in Singapore, the UK nation in one piece. family amidst the emotional and the USA before laying down roots in and physical destruction Vancouver. She has directed four short Norbert Shieh is a Taiwanese American caused by the war. films and has several awards under her filmmaker based in Los Angeles. His belt. Mattress was made in eight days films and cinematography work have Robin Takao D’Oench is a writer, for the Crazy8s Film Society. screened internationally at festivals. director, and producer working in film and television in New York City and Los Angeles area. Tadaima is Robin’s first short film.

YOUTH PROGRAMME SPONSOR WITH SUPPORT FROM COMMUNITY PARTNERS

* in attendance

71 SHORTS PRESENTATION TUE NOV 10 8:45PM Badlands AGO JACKMAN HALL

All films rated 14A Vishal Sumit Judge* | Canada 2015 | 9:30 Punjabi with English subtitles Toronto Premiere Vishal, a 22-year old international student, finds himself in a dingy, crowded basement, trying to balance work and school. While working at an Indian restaurant, both the cultural familiarity and hard labour exacerbate the doubts he has of studying in Canada. Sumit Judge is a first-time filmmaker PULSE who incorporates his political science background with film to create works that introduce mainstream audiences Vishal to under-represented issues.

Chasing after street- smart kids and wind- swept survivors, these films steer us through Wallas on Velos global junctions of Wallas on Velos Alton Valadares | Belgium 2014 | 23:00 hardships and dreams, Hindi with English subtitles | Canadian Premiere where traffic flows Sabir sharpens knives (churi Sun City walla), Abdul is a milkman without stop signs (doodh walla), Namdeo is a Sun City lunch box deliveryman (dabba and there is barely Qi Dong Peng | Taiwan 2015 | 3:06 walla), and Imran sells cold World Premiere drinks (cold drink walla). A a road to follow. Sun City is an absurd and poetic vivid portrait of Mumbai, India — SL tale of dystopian development, painted through the daily pat- where enlightenment is not terns of four men who make a way forward, but rather a their living on bicycles. blinding cycle. Alton Valadares was born in Mumbai. He studied Zoology, worked in Lakshadweep Qi Dong Peng is a Visual Commu- at a scuba diving center, and taught nication Design major at Chaoyang English in China. He currently lives in University of Technology. He is a fan of Antwerp, Belgium; this is his first film. science fiction and his favourite movie is The Truman Show. 72 Lucky Irani Circus Second Sun PULSE

Paradise Island Lifelines

The Animals Lifelines Mark Wee | Singapore 2014 | 6:18 Jane Dyson and Ross Harrison Canadian Premiere United Kingdom 2014 | 15:59 | Hindi with English subtitles | Toronto Premiere Influenced by early 20th century German Expressionist Life under the towering peaks woodcut prints and films by of Nanda Devi is one of hard Lotte Reiniger, Mark Wee retells agricultural labour. In a village the classic tale of disfigurement 2500 metres high in the and alienation, The Elephant Indian Himalayas, many of Man, in this short animation. the younger generation seek The Animals Mark Wee is an aspiring animator who to chart a new course. This is graduated in 2014 from the Nanyang one man’s story of juggling Technological University School of Art, Paradise Island Second Sun responsibilities and fighting for Design and Media in Singapore. Kat Jayme | Canada 2015 | 25:53 Leslie Supnet | Canada 2014 | 3:04 dreams, both for himself and English/Tagalog | World Premiere The rising sound of drums for his community. Lucky Irani Circus Filmmaker Kat Jayme travels to emphasizes flashes of lights, Anam Abbas* | Pakistan 2015 | 17:15 her family’s favourite vaca- images of the solar system and Ross Harrison is an independent film- maker who is passionate about using Punjabi/Urdu with English subtitles tion spot in the Philippines, a post-apocalyptic imagining of Canadian Premiere documentaries for social justice, climate but instead of holidaying, she the birth of our Second Sun. change (Beyond the Brink, 2010), and This short documentary offers a documents the everyday lives the rainforest of Borneo (Sunset over Leslie Supnet is a Montreal-based Selungo, 2014). glimpse of the raw yet whimsi- of local children who make moving image artist, originally from cal off-stage lives of child stars sandcastles for money. Winnipeg. Leslie’s work has screened Jane Dyson is an anthropologist at the and struggling families, and the internationally including at the Ober- University of Oxford who has worked Kathleen Jayme is an award-winning hausen International Short Film Festival, for over a decade in the village featured ups and downs of circus life in Canadian filmmaker based in Vancouver, Toronto International Film Festival, and in Lifelines. She has also written an BC. She is a Production Coordinator at Pakistan. Images Festival. academic book based on her work in the NFB’s Pacific & Yukon Studio and a Anam Abbas the village. studied Cinema at the graduate of the Film Production Program U of T and Sheridan College. Her first at the University of British Columbia. feature documentary, Zunn: Showgirls of Pakistan will be released in 2016.

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73 SHORTS PRESENTATION WED NOV 11 6:45PM Hungry Heart AGO JACKMAN HALL

All films rated 14A PULSE

Sun

Incisive films that have the effect of acupuncture: pin-pointing invisible tensions, and different L’Envol weights of gravity on L’Envol Sun Hajime Kimura | France 2014 | 4:20 Eui Yong Zong* | Canada 2015 | 11:04 powerful characters Canadian Premiere Korean with English subtitles World Premiere “In its cage, the bird dreams of and relationships. clouds.” Sun works at a hair salon at the — SL This film by Japanese director mercy of the salon owner. One Hajime Kimura is composed of day, she finds out the man 2400 images, created one by she has been secretly in love one with a digital brush. with is going back to Korea for military service. Toronto filmmaker Eui Yong Zong was born in South Korea, raised in China, and came to Canada at 16. His film My Grandpa won the Allan King Memorial Prize and screened at the 2012 Reel Asian Film Festival.

74 This Home is Not Empty Three Brothers PULSE

Bound Man on the Chair

Man on the Chair Dahee Jeong | France 2014 | 6:55 Korean with English subtitles Toronto Premiere Evocative and humourous, Man on the Chair is an exqui- sitely rendered rumination on existence. Dahee Jeong has a BA in Visual Com- munication from Hongik University in Seoul, and an MA in Animation from Quyen Ecole nationale supérieure des arts décoratifs in Paris. Bound This Home is Not Quyen Three Brothers Philip K. Liao | United States 2015 | 11:30 Empty Lucretia Stinnette | United States/ Aleem Khan | United Kingdom 2014 Taiwanese with English subtitles Carol Nguyen | Canada 2015 | 3:30 South Korea 2014 | 17:00 16:29 | English | Canadian Premiere Korean/Vietnamese with English In rural Taiwan, a man comes to The camera wanders through a subtitles | Canadian Premiere Hamid struggles to care for his terms with Confucian filial piety miniature house that has been younger brothers when their After the first week of her as he and his father work on an painstakingly constructed out father abandons them for arranged marriage in a foreign orchard, grafting the scion of a of white paper; the family is Pakistan. A story inspired by land, Quyen must decide how Japanese pear tree to the stock absent, questions linger. true events. of a Taiwanese pear tree. the next chapter in her life will Carol Nguyen is a 17-year-old film- be written. Writer-director Aleem Khan graduated Philip K. Liao is a Taiwanese American maker who is a student at Etobicoke in Film from the University of Westmin- writer, director, and cinematographer. He School of the Arts. Her films have Lucretia Stinnette was born and raised ster. Three Brothers was commissioned studied film at New York University Tisch screened internationally and have in Chicago and is currently pursuing her by Film London and the BFI, and was School of the Arts Asia in Singapore. His received numerous awards. MFA at UCLA. While teaching English in nominated for a BAFTA for Best British work has been screened at film festivals. South Korea, Lucretia began working for Short Film this year. an organization that provides resources to marriage migrants; their stories inspired Quyen.

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* in attendance

75 INDUSTRY Welcome to the 2015 Industry Series, where creative and industry minds come together. For more information on this year’s Industry Series sessions visit reelasian.com/industryevents NOV 6 – 11 VARIOUS 2015 Industry Programme LOCATIONS INDUSTRY

Industry Series Pass “SO YOU THINK YOU CAN PITCH” LIVE FINALE $45 (regular) SUN NOV 8 | 10:00AM – 12:00PM $35 (students with valid student ID) AGO JACKMAN HALL | FREE & open to the public Industry Series passes will be avail- able for sale online at reelasian. The 10th annual Pitch Competition goes live as finalists duel for incredible prize packages to finish their com beginning October 6th short films. A launching pad for emerging Asian Canadian talent, this popular showcase is not to be missed! Use your Industry Series Pass to: So You Think You Can Pitch? Awards • Attend and network during all Industry-designated sessions EMERGING FILMMAKER CATEGORY ESTABLISHED FILMMAKER CATEGORY and events • This award has a $3,000 value • This award has a $5,000 value • Redeem up to four screening (a $10,000 value at Industry rental rates) (a $18,000 value at Industry rental rates) tickets (one ticket per film; • Business affairs & legal consultation with Behind The • Business affairs & legal consultation with Behind The excludes special presentations) Scenes Services Scenes Services • Acting support (if applicable) from ACTRA Toronto • Acting support (if applicable) from ACTRA Toronto For more information visit including consultation, coaching, and more including consultation, coaching, and more reelasian.com/industryseriespass • Opportunity to screen work at the 2016 Toronto Reel • Opportunity to screen work at the 2016 Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival with full festival Asian International Film Festival with full festival Unless otherwise noted, all Industry accreditation accreditation Series events are free admission for • $2,000 cash • $2,000 cash Industry Pass holders, Festival Pass • Digital film and festival consultation with CineSend • Digital film and festival consultation with CineSend holders, and Reel Asian Members. including 1 DCP and festival strategy consultation and including 1 DCP and festival strategy consultation and Complete Industry Series guest inclusion in CineSend’s next beta registration inclusion in CineSend’s next beta registration speakers listing and bios available • A production workflow consultation with Charles • A production workflow consultation with Charles at reelasian.com. Street Video, which includes: Street Video, which includes: > $1,400 in edit suite access and/or production > $2,700 in edit suite access and/or production equipment rentals (including Red Epic camera). equipment rentals (including Red Epic camera) > $250 artist fee > $400 artist fee > 2 sessions with Charles Street Video’s in-house > 2 sessions with Charles Street Video’s in-house editor editor > One-year membership with Charles Street Video > One-year membership with Charles Street Video

PITCH AWARD SPONSORS

77 밥 이 맛 있 는 집 SONG OOK'S DINE-IN & TAKE-OUT A U T H E N T I CC K O R E A N

6-72 STEELES AVENUE WEST

647-678-8000 WWW.SONGCOOKS.COM ASIAN INSTITUTE PRESENTATION TUES NOV 17 6:30 PM Sacred Mountains INNIS TOWN HALL

China 2014 Join adventurer and renowned photographer, Ryan Pyle, as he spends Free admission for screening, English months exploring and photographing Western China’s remote Sacred but guests must register for the 14A Mountains in an effort to better understand these Tibetan regions. event through Asian Institute at sacredmountains.eventbrite.ca DIRECTOR His human-powered adventure is “one of the ages” as he explores the Ryan Pyle (in attendance) remote provinces of Qinghai, Tibet, Sichuan and Yunnan. The screening is to be followed by a Reception. Born in Toronto, Canada, Ryan Pyle spent his early years close to home. After obtaining a degree in International Politics from the University of Toronto in 2001, Ryan realized a lifelong dream and travelled to China on an exploratory mission. In 2002 Ryan moved to China permanently and in 2004 he became a regular contrib- utor to the New York Times. In 2009 Ryan was listed by PDN Magazine as one of the 30 emerging photographers in the world. In 2010 Ryan began working full time on television and documentary film production and has produced and presented several large multi-episode television series for major broadcasters in the USA, Canada, UK, Asia, China and continental Europe.

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79 2015 PRINT SOURCE

A Rose, a Fisheye, and a Line Go For Broke Miss India America Tadaima Rekha Ramachandran Aram Collier Megha Kadakia Robin Takao D’Oench [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] rekhalr.com tadaimathemovie.com Golden Bird Nayan and the Evil Eye Agos: The Manila Dream Debraj Sarkar Shaleen Sangha Tanabata Lyka Gonzalez Figment Films Evil Eye Films Annie Amaya [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] lykagonzalez.com nayanandtheevileye.com The Animals Goong Goong Mark Wee Ah Poh Chloe Booher NU-LIFE [email protected] Kendra Legault [email protected] Lynn Kim [email protected] chloebooher.com [email protected] The Ghost of Grandpa Tong kendralegault.com www.lynn-kim.com Celeste Koon I am Somebody Penny Farthing Pictures Inc. Bali Big Brother Miriam Cheung Off The Menu: Asian America [email protected] Yasushi Miyamae The Film Catalogue: Distribution Workshop Eurie Chung pennyfarthingpictures.com ColorBird Inc. [email protected] Flash Cuts [email protected] [email protected] The Lobster Kid Impersonation colorbird.co.jp flashcuts.com Joseph Chen-Chieh Hsu Boyoung Kim [email protected] Balikbayans [email protected] Our Times Alex Humilde animationk.carbonmade.com Sam Tzu-hsiang Yuan The Royal Tailor [email protected] MandarinVision Namyoung Kim Initiation Love [email protected] Finecut Bam Asuka Kimura mandarinvision-production.com [email protected] Élise Labbé Nippon Television Network finecut.co.kr National Film Board of Canada Corporation Paradise Island [email protected] [email protected] Kathleen Jayme The Weatherman and the Boxer nfb.ca [email protected] Danielle Viau Kirumi katjayme.com National Film Board of Canada Bound Anucharan Murugaiyan [email protected] Philip K. Liao [email protected] Port of Call [email protected] Winnie Chan This Home is Not Empty Lucky Irani Circus philipkliao.com Mei Ah Entertainment Group Carol Nguyen Anam Abbas [email protected] [email protected] Changing Season [email protected] meiah.com Donald Young othermemorymedia.com Three Brothers Center for Asian American Media Quyen Sean Richard Lifelines [email protected] Lucretia Stinnette The Bureau Jane Dyson caamedia.org [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] lucretiastinnette.com thebureau.co.uk Chopping Onions lifelinesfilm.com Adinah Dancyger Second Sun Two Dosas L’envol Halmuni Films Leslie Supnet Rachelle Constant Justin Pechberty [email protected] [email protected] Constant Productions Ltd Les Valseurs lesliesupnet.com [email protected] Dandecar makes a sandwich [email protected] Leena Pendharkar lesvalseurs.com Seoul Searching Two Thumbs Up Spicy Mango Productions Benson Lee Emily Kwok Man on the chair [email protected] [email protected] Emperor Motion Pictures Sophie De Charentenay www.seoulsearchingthemovie.com [email protected] Driving With Selvi Sacrebleu Productions emp.hk Elisa Paloschi [email protected] Siti Eyesfull Anne-Sophie LEHEC Undernourished Mattress [email protected] Asian Shadows Kevin Chu Michelle Kee drivingwithselvi.com [email protected] Ignite Productions Ltd [email protected] chineseshadows.com [email protected] Flamenco thisismichellekee.com ignite-pro-com Gloria Ui Young Kim Sudden Master McDull, Me & My Mum Gloryous Productions Samantha Wan Vishal Queenie Li [email protected] [email protected] Sumit Judge Bravos Pictures Ltd. [email protected] suddenmaster.com Blue and Everything Else Productions [email protected] [email protected] Full Strike bravospictures.com Sun Miriam Cheung Eui Yong Zong Wallas on Velos Mina Walking The Film Catalogue: Distribution Workshop [email protected] Alton Valadares Yosef Baraki [email protected] [email protected] Baraki Film Sun City Frank and Kass [email protected] Pei Shan Liu Way’s Favourite Machine Norbert Shieh [email protected] Gian-Paolo Mendoza Miss Hokusai S.K.Y Productions www.gpmendoza.com Francesco Prandoni Sumo Road- the Musical [email protected] [email protected] Production I.G Ken Ochiai norbertshieh.com [email protected] Photosynth Entertainment Zinnia Flower Giap’s Last Day At The Ironing Board productionig.com [email protected] June Wu Factory kenochiai.com Ablaze Image Tony Nguyen [email protected] [email protected] ablazeimage.com 80 IBC The best cast in banking brings you the Reel Asian Film Festival.