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

"In most circumstances, I actually enjoy the rehearsal and preparation process so much more than the performance itself. I think I would be totally satisfied to research and prepare a role for a year or however long it would take to discover a character and never to actually have to perform it." (Continued)

"Yeah, it started after I saw Ernie Reyes Jr. on 'Ninja Turtles 2.' I asked my parents if I could take martial arts classes, and they told me if I could do the center splits by the time 4th grade was over that they would sign me up." (Continued)

"Having my mom's support in this whole venture was really important to me. I felt and still feel a sense of wanting to protect her from people judging her. I can't control that though and can only hope that we've succeeded in showing that behind the addict was a mother. A person. All of the characters in the movie are people with histories, personalities, dreams and demons." (Continued)

Some of the best films in the festival are documentaries, where we get an intimate look at reality. Each documentary reveals a story most of us have never seen before. They also represent countless hours of dedication from filmmakers who capture real people in real situations. (Continued)

The heart and soul of every indie film festival are the short film programs. If you've never watched short films, there's no better time than this year! We are offering 13 different short film programs made up of nearly 80 different films, packaged into different themes such as love, family, war, urban tales, youth stories, animation, the Filipino experience, the Chinese experience, and films from the "dark side." (Continued)

If you are new to the festival, or have attended in the past (but only watched a film or two), then this insight is for you. Attending a film festival can be overwhelming; we've compiled some tips on how to maximize your experience. (Continued)

"Through my personal experience, I've come to the realization that what happens in a real altercation is 1) most of the time, happens in seconds, 2) is much sloppier than in Hollywood films and 3) that I'm fortunate I didn't get my ass handed to me by a proficient boxer or wrestler in close quarters back in the day." (Continued)

"I do not have any regrets whatsoever in searching for my biological parents. There were times that I completely doubted myself and my decision to search but it was the love of my friends and family that truly helped me to get through this time of my life." (Continued)

"I always believe that being nude as an actor is one's personal choice. No one should ever pressure you to do it. You can always be nude when you're ready, but you can never take it back if you weren't." (Continued)

"At my sister's wedding, my mother pulled me to the side and said she had saved some money for my wedding too. I told her I didn't want to get married - I wanted to make a movie!" (Continued)

"Many Kung Fu students thought I would just film some cool-looking forms and breaking bricks over the head, like the majority of Shaolin documentaries. Instead, I would interview these kids and ask them very personal questions, like why their parents sent them to Shaolin. Most kids at Shaolin don't want to admit that their parents are poor farmers who don't want their kids to follow in their footsteps." (Continued)