Silk Screen Film Festival Announces 2012 Lineup
1/13/2012 Filed under Press Releases
Silk Screen Film Festival Announces 2012 Festival Line Up:
Aung San Suu Kyi biopic and Indian adaptation of Thomas Hardy novel among the highlights
Pittsburgh, PA – April 12, 2012 Silk Screen: Asian Arts and Cultural Organization will feature 25 films at its seventh annual Asian American Film Festival, May 11-20. The festival is a showcase of Asian films and filmmakers with origins in Asian cultures. There will be 48 showings at three locations in the city: The Harris Theater, the Melwood Screening Room and the Regent Square Theater.
Detailed information is available at www.silkscreenfestival.org
On Friday May 11, Silk Screen will kick of the festival with a star-studded Gala and Opening Night screening of “The Lady.” Directly after the 7pm screening at The Harris Theater, guests are invited enjoy exotic cuisines and performances by Pittsburgh’s premiere Asian entertainers at the Gala at the Rivers Club in Oxford Center. Manu Narayan, the star actor of the Indian film “Good Night, Good Morning,” will be one of the celebrity attendees of Gala.
On Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 13, all mothers who attend the film with their children will receive free admittance for their family.
There will be a Closing Night one-time screening of “Trishna” on May 20 at 4:30pm at the Regent Square Theater. The Festival Finale and Party on May 20 at the Melwood Screening Room will feature “Sunny” at 7:30pm followed by a reception with snacks and drinks.
Ticketing Information:
Film tickets are $9 each. Attendees may also purchase a 4-flim pass for $30 or an 8-film pass for $50. Tickets for the Opening Night Film and Closing Night Film are $20 each. Tickets for the Festival Final and Party are $25 in advance and $35 at the door. Festival passes will not be accepted for the Opening Night Film or the Closing Night Film. All tickets can be purchased online at www.silkscreenfestival.org, at the door, or by calling 724-969-2565.
Festival Guide 2011
Tentative schedule—films subject to change
The Lady (Opening Night)
Harris Theater: May 11 @ 7:00PM- OPENING NIGHT
2011 / France, UK / Dir. Bensson / 132 minutes
From director Luc Bensson, The Lady is an inspirational biopic of Myanmar’s (Burma) pro-democracy activist and Nobel Peace Prize winner, Aung San Suu Kyi. The film follows her triumphs, struggles and the love story with her husband, writer Michael Aris.
Trailer: http://youtu.be/SMYAzQC3UjI
Trishna (Closing Night)
Regent Square Theater: May 20 @ 4:30 PM- CLOSING NIGHT
2011 / UK / Dir. Michael Winterbottom/ 117 minutes
[Advisory: Sexual content and violence]
In this tragic drama starring Slumdog Millonare’s Freida Pinto, director Michael Winterbottom reimagines Thomas Hardy’s classic novel Tess of the d'Urbervilles in contemporary India. Through the fragile heroine, the cruelties of sexual double-standards are exposed.
Trailer: http://youtu.be/SMYAzQC3UjI
Sunny (Festival Finale and Party)
Regent Square Theater: May 17 @ 7:00 PM
Melwood Screening Room: May 20 @ 7:30 PM – FESTIVAL FINALE AND PARTY
2010 / South Korea / Dir. Hyeong Cheol/ 124 minutes
[Advisory: Strong language and violence]
Like a South Korean version of Now and Then, Sunny flows through the past and present of seven women that recall and relive their high school glory days. Na-Mi works to reunite the members of her high school girl gang, “Sunny,” before the death of her friend Choon-Hwa.
Trailer: http://youtu.be/GWE3Sc9CTvQ
Baikonur
Melwood Screening Room: May 15 @ 7:00 PM
Regent Square Theater: May 18 @ 7:30 PM
2011/Kazakhstan, Russia, Germany/Director: Veit Helmer/95 min.
[Advisory: some language and nudity]
A cross-cultural sleeping beauty tale with a twist, Baikonur is framed by the Kazakh proverb “Whatever falls from Heaven, you may keep.” So when a young radio operator named Iskander finds a beautiful French astronaut has fallen to the steppes from the Russian space station, Baikonur, he decides to claim her as his bride.
Trailer: http://youtu.be/RQ2_In_xDPY
Bardsongs
Melwood Screening Room: May 14 @ 7:00 PM
Regent Square Theater: May 19 @ 9:00 PM
2010/India, Mali, Netherlands/Director: Sander Francken/72 min.
Driven by his curiosity in other cultures and the mysteries of human nature, director Sander Francken delivers a captivating trilogy of folk tales. Each story is based on a folk song from a non-Western culture and shows that it is old wisdom which unites people.
Trailer: http://youtu.be/zz6dd9rLcIw
The Beetle Soldiers
Regent Square Theater: May 15 @ 7:00 PM
Regent Square Theater: May 20 @ 2:00 PM
2011/Indonesia/Director: Ari Sihasale/106 min.
A powerful and uplifting tale for young and old alike, The Beetle Soldiers, captures a child’s struggle to follow his dreams amidst a world of adversity. The film follows the young Amek who struggles at school and is bullied for his cleft-lip, yet has big ambitions to one day race his horse.
The Bow
Melwood Screening Room: May 12 @ 9:00PM
Melwood Screening Room: May 17 @ 7:00 PM
2011 / South Korea / Dir. Han-min Kim / 122 minutes
[Advisory: Violence]
Set during the Manchu War of 1636 in Korea, this trilling action film follows a brother’s courage and dedication to his sister as he fends off an invading army with nothing more than his wit and a bow and arrow. With its expansive cinematography and dynamic score, the action-packed film will be sure to pierce hearts and capture the indomitable spirit of Korea.
Trailer: http://youtu.be/W0pybtg5FJQ
Buddha Mountain
Harris Theater: May 12 @ 7:00 PM
Melwood Screening Room: May 18 @ 7:00 PM
2010/China/Director: Xiaogang Feng/104 min.
[Advisory: Sexual content]
In this coming of age story, three twenty-something friends in China are forced to leave their apartment only to find themselves homeless. A trip to a mountaintop Buddhist temple and an encounter with a retired opera singer named Madam Chang renews their outlook on life.
Trailer: http://youtu.be/QOcgxmuuLxk
Chronicle of my Mother
Melwood Screening Room: May 13 @ 5:30PM
Melwood Screening Room: May 19 @ 4:00PM
2011/Japan/Director: Masato Harada/108 min.
Directed by Masato Harada, Chronicle of my Mother, reflects the relationship between a man and his mother, whose health and mind are slowly fading. This heartfelt film comments on family roles in Japanese society while bringing together generations and rejoicing in the relationship between parents and their children.
Trailer: http://youtu.be/jJ-sE6yG0Sg
Dekh Indian Circus
Regent Square Theater: May 13 @ 4:30PM
Melwood Screening Room: May 20 @ 1:30 PM
2011/India/Director: Mangesh Hadawale/101 min.
In this comedic satire, a group of young children in the rural deserts of Rajasthan want nothing more than to visit the circus. But without a rupee to spare, the children must find a way to get to the circus on their own. Their aspirations and heartbreaks provide a metaphor of corruption in India’s government and economy.
Trailer: http://youtu.be/_tQHyYsyRPw
Delhi in a Day
Regent Square Theater: May 12 @ 7:00 PM
Regent Square Theater: May 18 @ 2:30 PM
2011/India/Director: Prashant Nair/88 min.
When Jasper, an idealistic British traveler, loses his wallet with all of his life savings while staying in a South Delhi mansion, he inadvertently causes chaos between the home and its servants. The sticky situation turns into comedic tale while also shedding light on stereotypes and class differences in modern Delhi.
Trailer: http://youtu.be/CNE6CI2Lr8w
Dilema
Regent Square Theater: May 12 @ 9:00 PM
Regent Square Theater: May 18 @ 5:30 PM
2011/Indonesia/Director: Adilla Dimitri/100 min.
[Advisory: Sexual content and violence]
A dark underworld of cops and criminals lies beneath the city of Jakarta, although no one knows, or wants to admit, the immensity of its vices. Through 5 short stories, Dilema brings to light Indonesia’s social problems of corruption, radicalism and gambling, and blurs the lines between good and evil.
Trailer: http://youtu.be/yOGAf_GWf90
The Front Line
Harris Theater: May 13 @ 5:00 PM
Melwood Screening Room: May 20 @ 3:30 PM
2011/South Korea/Director: Hun Jang/133 min.
[Advisory: Violence]
In Panmunjeon, Korea 1953, the dramatic Korean War has finally reached an armistice. Only a single hill remains up for debate. The war is over, but one battle still continues. Hours before the official agreement is to be signed, one last attack is launched. Both North and South must fight to the death to control where the borders of the two countries will lay forever.
Trailer: http://youtu.be/anfA7h4umLY
Good Night, Good Morning
Harris Theater: May 13 @ 3:00 PM
Regent Square Theater: May 16 @ 7:00 PM
2010/India, USA/Director: Sudhish Kamath/88 min.
A boy, a girl, and a telephone: Good Night, Good Morning is a recipe for good old-fashioned romance. After a wild night of partying with the guys, Turiya gathers the courage to call the room of Moria, a girl he met briefly at the hotel bar. Paralleled on a split-screen in black and white, the ordinary conversation is transformed into a dream-like experience.
Trailer: http://youtu.be/uL3YHCuNNpI
Halaw
Regent Square Theater: May 13 @ 2:00 PM
Regent Square Theater: May 19 @ 6:30 PM
2010/Philippines/Director: Sharon R. Dayoc/112 mins.
Halaw delves into the human trafficking operation between the seas of the South Philippines and Malaysia. Based on real life stories, the film chronicles the hardships of passengers who take the perilous crossing with hope for a better life amidst a world of uncertainty.
Trailer: http://youtu.be/Hw81WG88eNc
I am a Ghost
Melwood Screening Room: May 17 @ 9:30 PM
Melwood Screening Room: May 19 @ 9:30 PM
2012/USA/Director: HP Mendoza/74 min.
[Advisory: Some violence]
Something seems to be haunting the girl living alone in a giant Victorian mansion, who monotonously repeats the motions of her daily life in strange ways. In a spooky twist, the girl learns from an unseen medium that the real ghost haunting the mansion is herself.
Trailer: http://youtu.be/Kl8_momJbqA
Lovely Man
Regent Square Theater: May 16 @ 9:00 PM
Regent Square Theater: May 18 @ 9:30 PM
2011/Indonesia/Director: Teddy Soeriaatmadja/76 min.
[Advisory: This film contains adult themes]
When a 19-year-old devout Muslim girl goes searching her long lost father, she finds he is no longer the kind hearted man she remembers - instead, he is a woman in a red sequined dress and heels, working as a prostitute the streets. In this dark and compelling drama, the two must learn how to forgive and understand each other.
Trailer: http://youtu.be/9xT1HtxPNwE
Mourning
Melwood Screening Room: May 12 Prudential Event @ 4:30 PM , Movie Start @ 6:30 PM
Melwood Screening Room: May 16 @ 9:00 PM
2011/Iran/Director: Morteza Farshbaf/85 min.
Amidst a fight, Arshia’s parents flee into the night, leaving him behind in the care of his hearing impaired aunt and uncle. Using the sign language between the two as a narrative technique, the film builds suspense and dramatically relays the complex truth about Arshia’s parents.
Trailer: http://youtu.be/1ut3fgAez24
Patang
Melwood Screening Room: May 13 @ 3:30 PM
Melwood Screening Room: May 16 @ 6:30 PM
2011/India/Director: Prashant Bhargava/93 min.
A Delhi businessman travels with his daughter to his childhood home in Ahmadabad to show her India’s largest kite festival. The return forces him to confront his past and mend broken relationships. Through a kaleidoscope of color, music and food, Patang is a story of renewal that captures the vibrant spirit of India.
Trailer: http://youtu.be/HatnlNXUr90
Pearls of the Far East
Harris Theater: May 12 @ 5:00 PM
Regent Square Theater: May 15 @ 9:00 PM
2010/Vietnam, Canada/Director: Cuong Ngo/103 min.
[Advisory: Some Sexual Content ]
In his feature film debut, Vietnamese director Cuong Ngo captures the complexity of love from childhood to old age. Seven short chapters reflect moments of innocence, desire and heartbreak in the lives of different women.
Trailer: http://youtu.be/czg2NNPUFb0
Policeman
Regent Square Theater: May 14 @ 7:00 PM
Melwood Screening Room: May 19 @ 7:00 PM
2011/Israel/Director: Nadav Lapid/105 min.
[Advisory: Sexual Content and violence]
Chaos ensues when expecting father Yaron, an officer in an elite Israeli anti-terrorist unit, is faced with a hostage situation created by a group of young radicals plotting to bring class equality to Israel. The encounter forces him to face the realities of class war and confront his own internal battles.
Trailer: http://youtu.be/KNSX50NKCL8
Qarantina
Melwood Screening Room: May 14 @ 9:00 PM
Melwood Screeing Room: May 19 @ 2:00 PM
2012 / Germany, Iraq/ Dir. Oday Rasheed/ 90 minutes
[Advisory: Violence]
A shattered family in modern-day Baghdad lives in a state of baited breath while a mysterious hit man lives in the room above their house. From Director Oday Rasheed, Qarantina follows a family in tragic circumstances and what happens when they reach the tipping point.
Trailer: http://vimeo.com/38588252
Shala
Melwood Screening Room: May 13 @ 1:00 PM
Regent Square Theater: May 19 @ 4:00 PM
2011/India/Director: Sujay Dahake/105 min.
Shala, meaning “school,” follows four rambunctious ninth grade boys looking for answers about learning, life and love. Set against the backdrop of the 1970s Indian Emergency, the youth try to make sense of the turbulent political climate while also dealing with puppy love and growing pains.
Trailer: http://youtu.be/6IFxDCci564
Toll Booth
Melwood Screening Room: May 12 @ 2:30 PM
Melwood Screeing Room: May 18 @ 9:30 PM
2010/Turkey/Director: Tolga Karacelik/96 min.
Toll booth worker Kenan is a “robot” according to his coworkers and at home, his aging father ridicules his every action. Mentally drained from the monotony and criticism, Kenan starts to lose his connections to reality. With the perfect blend of beauty, self-deprecation and intelligence, Toll Booth, tells the story of an automated man about to explode.
Trailer: http://youtu.be/tc5Ctq6QUvo
Woman in the Septic Tank
Regent Square Theater: May 12 @ 5:00PM
Regent Square Theater: May 17 @ 9:30 PM
2011/Philippines/Director: Marlon Rivera/87 min.
[Advisory: This film contains adult themes]
Three independent filmmakers believe that they have what it takes to make an Academy Award winning film about poverty in the Philippines. Reminiscent of Groundhog Day, the film hilariously follows various repetitions on the same scene, revealing the real motives of the misguided filmmakers.
Trailer: http://youtu.be/vXy_jGaWEng
For more information and questions call: 724.969.2565
Or email: info@silkscreenfestival.org
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