News | Film Schedule | Articles | Buzz Room: festival photos, videos, and blogs

Dennis Liu interviewed by Sam Chen

I was trying to make a branded viral video, that was innovative. After working at Saatchi & Saatchi, an ad agency, I realized I could not compete with commercial directors. There are too many of them, and their reels are too overproduced. Coming out of college, I don't have money, but I have good ideas. (Continued)

Nahomi Maki interviewed by Sam Chen

I did not realize that much, but several people told me my films are very feminine. My previous film, "Sinking Moon," is about the moon and female body, so I definitely had an advantage being a woman to be able to feel and find some special emotion. Also some of my imagery, such as opal flower forms, might come from the feminine part of myself. (Continued)

by Gene Huh, SDAFF Programmer

Before and during the San Diego Asian Film Festival, people are always asking me for film recommendations. However, the SDAFF contains so much variety and quality (over 140 films), that it is very difficult to give a film recommendation without knowing anything about a persons particular film tastes. Some people love the art house films and others are looking more for martial arts or romantic comedy. Hence, recommendations must be tailored to a persons preferences to be of any use. With that in mind, Ive come up with a list of 2008 SDAFF recommendations by connecting this year's festival films to popular films and television shows that you may have already seen. (Continued)

by Dr. Craig Reid

Many successful Chinese directors get wrapped up in over-the-top martial arts films because the heart pumping razzle-dazzle attracts Western audiences. Wayne Wang ("Joy Luck Club") has not been lured into this arena and his passion for slice of life films is about making the audience sit back and breath. (Continued)

Hein Seok interviewed by Lee Ann Kim

I learned about existence of comfort women fifteen years ago. And to this day, their stories are some of the most heart wrenching I have ever come across. Through various media outlets, I followed the survivors' constant and unsuccessful efforts to obtain a formal apology from the Japanese government. As I learned more, I became increasingly uncomfortable about the media's sensationalistic portrayal of their situation. I also felt uneasy about my passive consumption of that same media. I realized I could no longer be a spectator. (Continued)

by Dr. Craig Reid

At first glance chinlone ("cane-ball" in Burmese), a spiritual kicking art created by Burmese ancients over 1500 years ago, looks like David Beckham juggling a soccer ball with his feet while using martial arts contortions and spins. But in actuality, the driving force of this traditional game, this nationwide treasure that exists within the borders of Myanmar but outside the political boundaries of a country in turmoil, is that the challenge of chinlone is ultimately about beauty and elegance. (Continued)

Aaron Bates interviewed by Lee Ann Kim

During my childhood, I never really viewed myself any different than other kids...so I didn't worry about the silly name calling, racial comments, stress of money, etc. (Continued)