With Dada Chen at NYAFF 2013

With Dada Chen at NYAFF 2013
With Dada Chen at NYAFF 2013

Sunday, May 26, 2013

ACF 1910: NY Japan CineFest 2013, Program 1, Friday, June 7th, 2013

Sayonara, directed by Eric Bates
NY Japan CineFest 2013
Program 1: Short Films by US-based Directors
When: Friday, June 7, 2013 at 6:30 pm
Where: Asia Society
725 Park Avenue (at 70th Street), NYC

The NY Japan CineFest 2013 film series will consist of three programs at Asia Society NY on Friday, June 7th and Saturday, June 8th. The first night's program is devoted to short films by US-based directors. Ranging from drama, thriller, animation, to war films, these award-wining shorts offer rich insights into the creativity and imagination of filmmakers based in the US. Program attended by filmmakers. Reception to follow, sponsored by Sapporo Beer.

Program 1:

Hypnocus-Pocused
Dir. Victor Tadashi Suárez. 2011. 11min38sec.
Two brothers, one car, and a strange Japanese friend are perfect ingredients for a thriller about a hypnotism that goes awry.
Columbia University National Undergraduate Film Festival--Best Picture, Best Acting, Audience Choice
Naperville International Film Festival--Best Student Film

Usagi-san
Dir. Patrick Dickinson. 2013. 23min54sec.
The peaceful life of an elderly Japanese couple in Los Angeles is interrupted by Alzheimer’s disease. Can they hold on to the cherished past and find solace and hope again?
Ivy Film Festival--Best Graduate Film, Grand Jury Award
2013 Student Emmy Awards--Outstanding Drama-Silver Award 


SVA is... 
Dir. Who-Fu. 2012. 1min27sec.
As a promotional video for the School of Visual Arts, this interesting animation uses different styles to explore the theme of “idea.”

Once More
Dir. Hiroo Takaoka. 2010. 24min.
Using the technology of human cloning, a man pushes the ethical boundary to be reunited with his deceased wife.

The Bridge
Dir. Sheldon Schwartz. 2008. 10min.
A young Japanese American soldier joins a small squad on a dangerous mission in Italy during WWII. The film explores issues of allegiance and identity.

Sayonara
Dir. Eric Bates. 2011. 3min40sec.
After losing his home due to a natural disaster, a little boy befriends a sea turtle on a small island. But it’s time to say goodbye.

Mojave’ 43
Dir. Thomas Takemoto-Chock. 2013. 20min.
A Japanese American schoolteacher prepares a treat for his students as a reward for good behavior but they will soon have to confront an ugly truth.

The Hirosaki Players
Dir. Jeff Sousa. 2010. 19min21sec.
The opening night of a Japanese play in New York becomes a tug of war between an up-and-coming Japanese playwright/director and his famous and aging father who is the uncooperative lead actor.
Beijing International Movie Festival--Golden Duck Award for Best Short Narrative
Sonoma International Film Festival-Best Dramatic Short Film

The other two programs are: 

Program 2: Sapporo Short Fest Selection
Saturday, June 8th, 4:00 - 6:00 pm 

Program 3: Miyoko (Miyoko Asagaya Kibun)
Saturday, June 8th, 6:45 pm - 8:45 pm  

New York Japan CineFest is supported in part by Redac, Brother International Corp. and Sapporo U.S.A.