LAAPFF 2011: The Living Compilation Picks
I’ve been been lucky enough to be one of the features programmers for the Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival since 2008 and I think this is one of the strongest festivals since. Plenty of diverse and overall high quality films all throughout the schedule. Below are some of my favorites. I have not seen this year’s opening night film, FAST FIVE, but you pretty much know what your getting there and I’m sure Justin Lin and the gang will bring the high octane (insert more car reference here because that’s all I got) entertainment.
This may be my last year doing this, so hope you can come through and support a great event and something I’ve been passionate about for the last 4 years.
PERSONAL PICKS:
Excellent films that I have some real close connection to and has really struck a chord with me.
1. RAKENROL - I’m a sucker for movies about music, but a movie about Filipino indie rock music? No brainer! Still, a well made and refreshing film.
My Program Notes:
http://laapff.festpro.com/films/detail/rakenrol_2011
2. PINOY SUNDAY - Filipino migrant workers in Taipei. Subtle and magical. Plus, my cousin Epy Quizon is in it and he’s fantastic.
My Program Notes: http://laapff.festpro.com/films/detail/pinoy_sunday_2011
3. RESILIENCE - When you think you know a movie at face value, but the more involved you get the rewards become richer.
My Program Notes:
http://laapff.festpro.com/films/detail/resilience_2011
4. BOY - Set in the 80’s about a Michael Jackson loving wild child and his completely wacky father. And it’s in New Zealand! Reminds me of those great John Duigan films from Australia in the late 80’s with a touch of Luhrman and the Coens.
My Program Notes:
http://laapff.festpro.com/films/detail/boy_2011
EXCELLENT FILMS NOT TO BE MISSED:
1. THE LULU SESSIONS - On my short list of the best film I’ve seen this year.
Feng-Mei Heberer’s Program Notes:
http://laapff.festpro.com/films/detail/the_lulu_sessions_2011
2. HOSPITALITÉ - A complex metaphor is packaged in quirkiness and deranged lunacy.
My Program Notes:
http://laapff.festpro.com/films/detail/hospitalit_2011
3. SEESAW - I like movies about death. So do the Japanese!
Vera DeVera’s Program Notes:
http://laapff.festpro.com/films/detail/seesaw_2011
4. HEART BREAKS OPEN - Crushing and real.
Dara Kim’s Program Notes:
http://laapff.festpro.com/films/detail/heart_breaks_open_2011
5. THE HOUSE OF SUH - Completely gripping crime doc.
Dara Kim’s Program Notes:
http://laapff.festpro.com/films/detail/the_house_of_suh_2011
6. LIVING IN SEDUCED CIRCUMSTANCES - Violent and sick. Couldn’t take my eyes off of it. Amazing performances.
Vera DeVera’s Program Notes:
http://laapff.festpro.com/films/detail/living_in_seduced_circumstances_2011
Also:
GLOBAL PINAY STYLE (short film)
Check out homie, Mark Villegas’ latest short film about Hip Hop in the Philippines
http://laapff.festpro.com/films/detail/global_pinay_style_2011
THE TIGER FACTORY
http://laapff.festpro.com/films/detail/the_tiger_factory_2011
THE FLIP SIDE (10 YEAR ANNIVERSARY SCREENING)
http://laapff.festpro.com/films/detail/the_flip_side_2011
FINDING FACE
http://laapff.festpro.com/films/detail/finding_face_2011
ENFORCING THE SILENCE
http://laapff.festpro.com/films/detail/enforcing_the_silence_2011
WHERE ARE YOU TAKING ME
http://laapff.festpro.com/films/detail/the_flip_side_2011
FOR THE REST OF THE SCHEDULE CHECK THE LAAPFF SITE:
