Spring Showcase, April 20-27, 2012
PROFILES
Cameron Chi | Stefan Nguyen | Sean Wang | Eric Lallana | Lyman Ng | Pete Futa | Jim Wade | Dominic Tong | Johne Chandler | Jeffrey Brosbe | Erika Hiramatsu | Mark Arbitrario | Rich LeeCameron Chi
What do you do for a living?
I'm a software engineer.
What do you like to do in your free time? (Any guilty pleasures?)
I'm a big lover of languages and music. I frequently attend various language group meet ups (French, Spanish, Italian, Vietnamese, Chinese). I'm not really fluent in any of them but I'm working on improving them. Additionally, I love to attend music concerts, mostly rock and pop.
Where is the coolest place you've ever been?
I'm a big fan of traveling though haven't had much chance in the past couple of years. It's really hard to pick one place as I find every place has something I love about it. I love the lush greenery of the Scottish Highlands. I love the architecture style of the houses in Greece (Santorini and Mykonos). I love the culture of Japan.
What is the last movie you watched and what did you think about it?
I don't remember the last movie I watched in the theater as I normally watch most movies on DVD. But a couple of movies I just saw were Salt and It's Complicated.
What is your favorite movie(s) and/or memories at SDAFF?
Well, I guess I'd have to say WHAT ABOUT DAD? That was the first time I'd gone to SDAFF and meeting the film makers and getting photos taken with them was memorable. From there on, I was hooked.
If you were stuck on a deserted island, and could only have one kind of food, what would that be?
This is a difficult one for me as I've always preferred variety. Never really liked eating the same thing too often, but I guess I'd have to go with sushi. And hey, if I'm stuck on an island, that's probably the easy thing to get. :-)
Why did you decide to become a SDAFF member? What does being a SDAFF member mean to you?
As with food I've always had a preference for variety. Same goes for culture. That's why I love languages and traveling. Movies are a great way to experience different cultures if you can't actually travel. Additionally, I think you get to see better story lines than in most Hollywood films. Being a SDAFF member is about being open to new and different things.
Any event or organization/business you want to promote for that you want our SDAFF folks to know about?
I'm currently the interim organizer for The San Diego Vietnamese Language and Cultural Exchange group on Meetup.com. My personal goal within the group is to learn and practice my Vietnamese. In addition to that it's for people who have an interest in the Vietnamese language and culture to get together.
Stefan Nguyen
What do you do for a living?
I do management/technology consulting. I also start and run companies.
What do you like to do in your free time? (or any guilty pleasures?)
Running, tennis, and, of course, good Asian films. I also love doing research on entrepreneurial business strategies, but that sounds really geeky.
Where is the coolest place you've ever been?
It would have to be the jungle on the island of Pulau Bidong in Malaysia while I was a Vietnamese boat refugee there. Even though the situation was dire, I was really moved by the pristine beauty of that uninhabited island (until it gets overcrowded by refugee camps, of course).
What is the last movie you watched and what did you think about it?
"Last Train Home." It really resonated with me. It reconnected me to the helplessness that I used to feel for my family and relatives back in Vietnam, as well as when I was trapped in Vietnam prior to coming to the US.
What is your favorite movie(s) and/or memories at SDAFF?
I would say "Last Train Home" is now my favorite movie at SDAFF. My favorite memories at SDAFF are 1) meeting Mye for the first time and 2) Mye yelling at me for being a troublemaker for not getting my ticket ahead of time.
If you were stuck on a deserted island, and could only have one kind of food, what would that be?
My mom's coconut pork stew.
Why did you decide to become a SDAFF member? What does being a SDAFF member mean to you?
I initially became a member to support Mye and Lee Ann and the volunteers that work countless hours to follow their hearts into the arts, perhaps not realizing fully how much, as a by-product of their pursuits, they have touched the lives of others in our community and how they have created a treasure that only San Diego possesses. Being an SDAFF member reconnects me to the arts, from which my line of work tends to draw me away. It also provides me with the rare privilege of seeing the incredible behind-the-scene creative endeavors of so many talented people and their passion. To top it all off, it is such a wonderful opportunity to socialize with people from all walks of life at the festival and its showings. SDAFF has truly created a community and perhaps even a family.
Any event or organization/business you want to promote for that you want our SDAFF folks to know about?
Perhaps when my book comes out I can promote it, but, alas, it is geeky business strategy stuff.
Sean Wang
What do you do for a living?
I own an engineering and business consulting company called FIR Consulting Inc.
We specialize in managing offshore engineering operations and product marketing activities in China.
What do you like to do in your free time? (or any guilty pleasures?)
I do salsa dancing in my free time. My favorite salsa clubs are La Jolla Marriott in San Diego, and Da Shanghai (near People Square) in Shanghai, China.
I also do photography and play tennis on the weekends.
Where is the coolest place you've ever been?
The coolest place that I have been is Venice. The gondola ride around the city with Champagne on board is a one of a kind experience.
What is the last movie you watched and what did you think about it?
I watched a martial drama last month in Beijing, called New Shaolin Temple, starring Andy Lau and Jackie Chan. I have watched the original Shaolin Temple by the 17-year-old Jet Li 30 years ago. New Shaolin Temple is just as good! KongFu monks from this 1,500-year-old Shaolin Temple have been featured in many movies and TV series, including an American TV show called The World of Dance. However, according to the news report, this movie is only the second to be authorized by the temple officials. This movie is not only packed with great action, but also an inspirational story of breaking through one's limitations to achieve greater happiness.
What is your favorite movie(s) and/or memories at SDAFF?
My favorite movie at SDAFF was The Warlord. I'm a Jet Li fan.
One of my favorite memories was a member mixer at a sushi restaurant in Carmel Valley. The food was excellent, and I met several interesting friends - a doctor, an artist, an entrepreneur, and an engineer. Our conversation was very enlightening.
If you were stuck on a deserted island, and could only have one kind of food, what would that be?
I would like to have tomatoes.
Why did you decide to become a SDAFF member? What does being a SDAFF member mean to you?
SDAFF organizes many fun year-round events, where I'm surrounded by a diverse group of people who share a common interest - Asian film. I share Lee Ann Kim's vision, and I treasure my friendship with Dominic Tong, Andy Arvai, and many SDAFF members.
Any event, organization, or business you want our SDAFF folks to know about?
I'm working with my friend Tom Boyd, Founder of ZuumCraft Inc., on bringing TV reality shows to China. I have had opportunities to work with Tom, who is a TV reality show star himself, and Chinese TV and movie producers on this fun venture.
Eric Lallana
What do you do for a living?
I am the Assistant Manager of Computer Operations for the UCSD Medical Center.
What do you like to do in your free time? (or any guilty pleasures?)
I watch movies and go to Disneyland.
Where is the coolest place you've ever been?
The Carlsbad Caverns in New Mexico. The formations in these caves are incredible!
What is the last movie you watched and what did you think about it?
I saw "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo." Some graphic violence that would make a few uncomfortable but it's a great story and that's why I loved it. I can't wait for the second one this summer.
What is your favorite movie(s) and/or memories at SDAFF?
I have quite a few greatest memories so I would have to say first off would be attending the 2nd Annual SDAFF in 2001 and the first program that I watched which was a short films program on Day 1. The next best memory I believe would be the following year in 2002, viewing Better Luck Tomorrow and Charlotte Sometimes. Finally, my third fondest memory would be opening night for 2008 SDAFF and seeing Ping Pong Playa.
If you were stuck on a deserted island, and could only have one kind of food, what would that be?
Any form of Pulled Pork, BBQ or Kalua style.
Why did you decide to become a SDAFF member? What does being a SDAFF member mean to you?
Finally putting my money where mouth is after constantly bugging my friends to attend SDAFF annually. It was the right time back in 2005 to step up to the plate financially and the perks are great! Being a member of SDAFF makes me feel more emotionally involved with everyone at the organization while promoting the Mission Statement.
Any Event or Organization/Business you want to promote for that you want our SDAFF folks to know about?
I run a group called San Diego Arthouse Movies on meetup.com where we check out movies that are usually in limited release or showing at film festivals.
Lyman Ng
What do you do for a living?
I am a Lead Analyst at Amylin Pharmaceuticals in San Diego. I support operational reporting initiatives for a variety of departments within Amylin.
What do you like to do in your free time? (or any guilty pleasures?)
I like to be outside and maintain an active lifestyle. San Diego is the best place I've found for that. I like to play basketball, racquetball and I am currently training for many races including the Rock ‘n' Roll Marathon in June. As for other "sports", I've enjoyed co-ed kickball and dodgeball. It makes me feel like a kid all over again.
Where is the coolest place you've ever been?
I went to Japan in the spring of 2009 and I absolutely loved the experience and culture. Due to their high-tech rail system, I was able to visit Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, and Nagano in one week. The highlight of the trip was visiting the Tsukiji Fish Market in Tokyo at the crack of dawn, watching the auctions of the huge frozen tunas and seeing the fish prior to getting shipped all over the world. The topper was eating sushi for breakfast at the fish market. It couldn't get any fresher than that.
What is the last movie you watched and what did you think about it?
I just saw, A Matter of Size, during the SD Jewish Film Festival. I liked the storyline about how a group of overweight Israelis deal with their own issues and their fat bodies through sumo. The dialog was humorous, but the ending was a little too predictable.
What is your favorite movie(s) and/or memories at SDAFF?
Out of all the movies I've seen at SDAFF, Juwan Chung's Baby in 2008 was my favorite. The entire cast really bonded and it showed onscreen. Getting to meet the cast after movie was exciting.
If you were stuck on a deserted island, and could only have one kind of food, what would that be?
I'm a total foodie and I love all kinds of food, so this is a toughy. If I was to have one kind of food on a deserted island, I'd choose pho. I can eat it every day and I would not get tired of it.
Why did you decide to become a SDAFF member? What does being a SDAFF member mean to you?
SDAFF has been a part of my life in San Diego since I moved here back in June 2005. In fact, I met George Lin through mutual friends my first night in SD at a group dinner. Through George's power of persuasion, I attended my first SDAFF in 2005. I had little knowledge of Asian movies besides what I saw when I was young so I was a little skeptical. After watching Saving Face, my mind was changed about Asian movies and I was a believer. In ensuing years, I became a volunteer and I met so many great people and formed so many lasting friendships. Since SDAFF has been such a big part of my life in SD, I wanted to give something back. I will always support SDAFF one way or another.
Any Event or Organization/Business you want to promote for that you want our SDAFF folks to know about?
My friend in SD, Eric Galvez, who is a cancer survivor, started his own organization called mAssKickers to help people diagonosed with cancer or cancer survivors and their loved ones to find out more information online. Eric is an inspiration to everyone that meets him for his determination and positive spirit. I am always in awe of Eric for how strong he is and how much of a difference he is making for other cancer patients and their loved ones. More information about Eric and his organization can be found at www.masskickers.com.
Mrs. Pete Futa
What do you do for a living?
Administrative Analyst/Specialist for San Diego State University Library
What do you like to do in your free time? (or any guilty pleasures?)
I began running in 2007. Since then I have run in (3) 5Ks, (1) 15K, (2) Stair Climbs, (8) Half Marathons, & (5) Marathons. I met my husband through running and he proposed to me after a marathon. The morning of our wedding, we held a 1-mile "race" with our wedding party in front of the Bellagio lake/fountains and then on our mini-honeymoon we ran the San Francisco Marathon (first half). We deferred our real honeymoon for two months so that we could run the Kauai Marathon. Before the end of 2009, I will run in at least two more marathons and participate in my first triathlon. [Note: I am still learning to ride a bike and swim.] My two racing goals for 2010 are to qualify for Boston Marathon and complete at least a half Ironman (70.3). My long term goal is to complete a full Ironman, hopefully in 2011.
Where is the coolest place you've ever been?
I've done a lot of camping: desert, mountain, and beach.
I love the outdoors, but my penchant for food causes me gravitate towards cities. There are a lot of places that I love to "visit," like San Francisco, Santa Barbara, D.C., and Seattle. But I have never considered living anywhere other than San Diego. Until Kauai. I can't wait to go back! There are certain races that I plan to run every year: Surf City (engagement marathon), San Diego Rock n Roll (first marathon), and Long Beach (PR marathon). Kauai (honeymoon marathon) might have to be another one we do every year.
What is the last movie you watched and what did you think about it?
Park Chan-Wook's Thirst. I absolutely LOVED loved, yes loved, it. The vampire genre is not my forte, although I do enjoy a good slasher/thriller flick. Since I am not a purist, I actually enjoyed the departure from some of the vampire conventions. I think the rules it broke did not detract from the film since time was not wasted on explanation of ceremony. Thirst was the perfect balance of romance, humor, passion, and gore.
What is your favorite movie(s) and/or memories at SDAFF?
My first memory of SDAFF was watching Justin Lin's Better Luck Tomorrow and subsequently attending the panel for the film. Surprisingly, SDAFF may have provided my first boba tea experience. (I love free stuff!!) Better Luck Tomorrow is an awesome movie and learning about the process from the crew helped me appreciate it even more. I was really glad when the panel for Justin Lin's Finishing the Game came to SDSU. (Do you see a trend?) I was able to meet and get pictures with some of the actors, which is always exciting. More than that, I was hopeful that holding the panel on campus provided more exposure to SDAFF. This year, my favorite SDAFF movies are Departures and Thirst. (Hm, I hope death isn't the new trend... The only way to break the cycle might be to have Justin Lin and his panel come back to SDAFF!)
If you were stuck on a deserted island, and could only have one kind of food, what would that be?
Any kind of noodle, pasta, or rice. I carbo-load for the race of life. But I am assuming that I could find some coconuts and some wild boars on the island and there's always more fish in the sea…
Why did you decide to become a SDAFF member? What does being a SDAFF member mean to you?
I enjoy the opportunity to watch movies that I normally wouldn't be exposed to via mainstream marketing. Ever since my first SDAFF experience, Better Luck Tomorrow panel, I realized how important it is to support Asian American actors, directors, writers, etc. That movie proved that being an Asian American actor did not mean having to play a stereotypical role in a film. It is important to see more Asian Americans representing the human condition.
Movies are stories and Asian American stories should be told. I think the world is a better place when we listen to each other's stories. It doesn't help if we are the only ones listening to our own stories. I hope that as a SDAFF member, I can help Asian American stories be heard by others.
Jim Wade
What do you do for a living?
I am a scientist with a biofuels start-up company.
What do you like to do in your free time? (or any guilty pleasures?)
Working for a start-up and traveling leaves me with little time, so finding free time is too often a challenge. Movies have always been a big interest; wood and glass working are others.
Where is the coolest place you've ever been?
The private technology museum at the former central research labs of EMI records in London. In their day, they were the Bell labs of Europe. Apart from the orginial master recordings of the Beatles, they have a prototype color TV from the 1920's; the first stereo sound system, which they invented in the 1930's; the first airborne radar systems, which helped to win the Battle of Britain in 1940, and made them a top target of the blitz; and the first working CAT scan machine, invented by Godfrey Houndsfeld. (He is the only Nobel prize winner to never go to college.) The people there were the most creative I've ever met.
What is the last movie you watched and what did you think about it?
"Management" with Jennifer Anniston and Steve Zahn, which I mildly liked, despite some problems with the dialog. I think Jennifer Anniston is under-rated as a serious actress.
What is your favorite movie(s) and/or memories at SDAFF?
Several years ago, the wonderful Korean movie, "The Way Home," was shown at SDAFF, and SDAFF brought in a busload of Korean grandmothers for the opening. The movie was about a spoiled urban kid who gets a serious un-spoiling by spending a few weeks with his hardworking, rural grandmother.
If you were stuck on a deserted island, and could only have one kind of food, what would that be?
Either Vietnamese or Korean; Korean would be the most practical choice, as the pickling methods would probably cause the food to stay edible longer.
Why did you decide to become a SDAFF member? What does being a SDAFF member mean to you?
Movies used to be a vital means for learning about other cultures and hearing their stories; now they are only CGI entertainment products for teens, with the weekend gross being the only aspect that is reviewed. SDAFF is one of the few cultural institutions in San Diego which is making an effort to tell the vital stories of other cultures, and it is one the most effective, best-run non-profit movie organizations I've been associated with. Without their efforts, many great Asian films would receive no American audience whatsoever, and this would be a great loss to everyone.
Dominic Tong
What do you do for a living?
I had been a practicing physician in both internal medicine and diagnostic radiology for over 15 years before I migrated to an industry position with Johnson & Johnson in clinical development. I left Johnson & Johnson a few years ago and am currently involved in early stage technology development in the life sciences. My primary position is Chief Medical Officer with an MRI image technology company developing a stroke risk-assessment tool. Recently, I also served as a consultant for a Shanghai-based biopharmaceutical company developing a biologic drug for heart failure to be submitted to the FDA for clinical trial approval. I am also collaborating with a fellow medical school alumnus to launch a healthcare news and information cable channel. This last project has been quite challenging and advancing quite slowly, especially in this economy and funding climate.
What do you like to do in your free time? (or any guilty pleasures?)
I am a film buff, so I enjoy watching movies of all genres. I attended the 2007 San Diego Asian Film Festival which lead me to membership in the San Diego Asian Film Foundation.
Where is the coolest place you've ever been?
Hmmm...probably Venice, Italy. There is so much great history and art, and it is a city that is virtually underwater. There is a transitory or evanescent character to Venice. One can easily become lost even with a map; it is really a fantasyland with bridges and tiny shops! By the way, there is the Venice Film Festival - another perfect excuse to visit!
What is the last movie you watched and what did you think about it?
I recently viewed TransSiberian starring Ben Kingsley and Woody Harrelson and The International starring Clive Owen on DVD, movies with a great deal of intrigue, suspense, drama, and action. The last movie I saw in a movie theatre was the latest Harry Potter film, Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince. My wife, Kathy, and I attended the midnight showing with our son, Harrison. He is an ardent Harry Potter fan, but my wife and I were struggling to stay awake at that hour! I think I would have appreciated the movie more had I watched it at a normal hour! I enjoyed it nonetheless...good storyline. It is difficult to produce sequels because they are invariably compared to previous films in the series or the original, it is challenging to be innovative and creative.
What is your favorite movie(s) and/or memories at SDAFF?
There were so many great movies...Air Guitar Nation comes to mind, we were able to meet David Jung (lead actor) and his wife at the San Diego Asian Film Festival Gala! I appreciate 'indie' films and the film festival format.. the Q&A with the actors, producer, and director from the film...it is a unique personal experience. One highlight for me was the SDAFF 2007 interview of George Takei (Sulu of Star Trek fame) by Lee Ann Kim (Executive Director, SDAFF), which was unbelievably hilarious! This is really an invaluable component of the film festival because it allows the audience to gain a deeper insight into the creative professionals behind a film.
If you were stuck on a deserted island, and could only have one kind of food, what would that be?
Wow. Sushi. Dim Sum. Poi and LauLau...you get the idea.
Why did you decide to become a SDAFF member? What does being a SDAFF member mean to you?
A number of very good reasons: 1) SDAFF provides a forum for Asian filmmakers, 2) SDAFF is a nonprofit organization, and 3) an emphasis at SDAFF on education and awareness of the Asian and Asian-American experience, and, of course, 4) support for the Asian American film community.
I first discovered and attended the San Diego Asian Film Festival in 2007, thought it was a wonderful experience and decided to become (with my wife) a member to support the SDAFF organization. I encouraged my son, Harrison, who is interested in filmmaking as a career to apply for the Reel Voices internship in 2008. With advances in technology and lowered costs, almost anyone can become a filmmaker, YouTube is a good example. Harrison really benefitted from the Reel Voices experience, the education and mentorship from Mike Watson, Akira Chan, and, of course, the tireless energy and leadership of Lee Ann Kim. Therefore, our family has truly been involved with SDAFF.
Johne Chandler
What do you do for a living?
I am an IT consultant for Knowledge Solutions.
What do you like to do in your free time? (or any guilty pleasures?)
You name it! Snowboarding, surfing, checking out foreign films, volunteering, rock climbing, wake boarding....
I volunteer for Taste of Asia, which will take place in September. The event, held in Balboa Park, will host many different restaurants from around San Diego - dim sum, Korean BBQ, Vietnamese Pho, sushi, Indian food... It is $15 a ticket plus $1-$2 per tasting, so it's pretty affordable. There will also be entertainment from every culture. I am working on securing a Cambodian performance right now. Last year 1,500 people attended; this year we are expecting 3,000. We are trying to make this a signature event in San Diego and team up with the San Diego Asian Film Foundation by promoting eating out at an Asian restaurant before going out to the Festival. For example, if you're seeing a Japanese film go to eat sushi first! I see this as a gateway to the Asian community in terms of culture and heritage by helping to promote what is interesting and exciting about Asian culture. In the future we hope to welcome tourism departments from Asia and get some travel agents and language schools out there, too.
Where is the coolest place you've ever been?
Outside of Shanghai there is a place called Water Town, they call it the Venice of the East. There are historic buildings and so much cultural heritage. There are good and bad traditions there. For example, women never leave through the front door, only through the back door and through canals. The whole tour was in Chinese and I don't even speak Chinese! But they group I was with tried to translate for me as much as they could. I've also been to Thailand, Sumatra, Indonesia... While I was in the north of Indonesia I visited an orangatang reserve and literally got to hang out with the orangatangs in the trees! It was a three hour trek by car on a rockety road, and people drive like crazy in Indonesia!
What is the last movie you watched and what did you think about it?
The new Johnny Depp movie called Public Enemies. It was a pretty good remake of Bonnie and Clyde! It was more sophisticated than the original. Johnny Depp played a character who was jerked around by the legal system. He met his buddies in prison and continued to associate with them when they got out, like robbing banks at gunpoint. I didn't quite care for the subject matter, but it was done well and shed more light than the original movie. The original was more action packed, but this movie was more interesting in that it gave a behind the scenes look. It took place during the Great Depression, so there were issues with money and banks. If you were a gangster with money, you had a lot of friends.
What is your favorite movie(s) and/or memories at SDAFF?
I loved the Japanese movie sequal, Always 2. It was so touching with so many human factors to it. There was the dorky guy with questionable talents and a child helping to bring to bring those talents out. It was about creating human bonds. There were lots of heartfelt feelings. I also saw the first movie, so the second one was even more prevelant.
If you were stuck on a deserted island, and could only have one kind of food, what would that be?
Shrimp. Boiled or fried or curried. I love shrimp.
Why did you decide to become a SDAFF member? What does being a SDAFF member mean to you?
Well, Lee Ann Kim is awesome! It's a good foundation. I enjoy foreign films - Hotel Rwanda, The Red Violin, Life is Beautiful. I don't like the Hollywood stuff; it's lost all meaning for me. I'm only willing to suspend belief to a certain point. There are more meaningful messages in indie and foreign films, like passion and emotion. Also I help organize a Thai culture and meet up group and am involved with the Hong Kong Association of San Diego and the Asian Business Association.
Jeffrey Brosbe
What do you do for a living?
I am an artist. My medium is photography. You can see my work at www.jeffreyrbrosbe.com. BTW - I have offered a discount to members of the SDAFF, plus will hand deliver locally which saves on shipping costs too.
What do you like to do in your free time? (or any guilty pleasures?)
I am an avid reader, but most of all I love to travel. Experiencing, and hopefully learning from, different cultures and life styles has always been a passion since I ran away from home as a teen ending up in Far West Asia And if I do not get out of the US at least twice a year, I think I lose perspective.\
Where is the coolest place you've ever been?
Now that is a tough one having been to Ein Geddi when one had to hike through the Negev to reach it & to Bali before Sanur was little more than a couple of surf shops, 3 Aussie bars, a 2 hostels. But in this century (lol) I would have to say Kyrgyztan.
What is the last movie you watched and what did you think about it?
UP, and I loved it. I was expecting the entertainment. I was not expecting the fantastic script.
What is your favorite movie(s) and/or memories at SDAFF?
I could not isolate one film from even one festival year, since there are always experiences where I go home and immediately look to put the film I have just seen on my Netfix list. But my favorite memories revolve around the times when, after a screening there has been the opportunity to meet the filmmaker, especially at the reception held upstairs last year.
If you were stuck on a deserted island, and could only have one kind of food, what would that be?
Fruit, any kind of fruit, all kinds of fruit.
Why did you decide to become a SDAFF member? What does being a SDAFF member mean to you?
To me this is a no brainer. I know that my meger contribution is but a droplet in the sea, but it is my way of saying that I admire and deeply appreciate the hard work that goes into this great annual event. And the move to make the [SDAFF] a year round experience is just fantastic. This festival is another way I can, in some small way, learn about the entire world. May be, after the success of a year round cultural experience is recognized this staff, or an off shoot, can get the media to report on Asia, Africa, South America, and the rest of the unrecognized world on a regular basis instead of only when there is some disaster or scandal or worse. Sorry about the soap box last remark & I expect you should strike it from the record.
Erika Hiramatsu
What do you like to do in your free time? (or any guilty pleasures?)
In my free time, I like to watch movies. Unfortunately, I haven't seen very many recently. Guilty pleasures: although I missed the last season, I like Heroes and BSG (Battlestar Galactica). I guess I'll have to get the DVD sets.
Where is the coolest place you've ever been?
I suppose I should come up with some exotic foreign location, but when I think of where I looked around and said, "Wow, this is cool!" I would have to say the labyrinth of tunnels under Disneyworld in Florida. It's a little city in itself, with a bank, beauty salons, cafeterias, and more. And along the way, you can take stairs up to the surface, where you'll pop up in some mystery location within an attraction.
What is the last movie you watched and what did you think about it?
I saw Monsters vs Aliens. As one couple several rows in front of us fussed over the infant they had carted in by stroller, their other kid was shining a halogen flashlight into everyone's faces and reacting like it was the greatest fun, ever. I probably shouldn't say what I was thinking.
What is your favorite movie(s) and/or memories at SDAFF?
There have been too many great movies to list them all, but of the top of my head I'd say Marathon, Water Boys, and Asian Stories were among my favorites.
If you were stuck on a deserted island, and could only have one kind of food, what would that be?
A crusty, extra-sour sourdough bread bowl with clam chowder.
Why did you decide to become an SDAFF member?
I became a member because I realized not only how fantastic Asian movies can be, but also how much I would miss the opportunity to see them if we didn't have the film festival. For my friends and I, the festival has evolved from a "movie night" into a bonding experience.
Also, I appreciate that rather than just complaining about the lack of Asians in the film industry, SDAFF is reaching out, providing inspiration and opportunity for young Asian-Americans, and making other proactive efforts to assist those interested in the industry.
Mark Arbitrario
What's his job?
Mark is an LA-based television producer and editor for many reality TV shows such as Survivor and Rehab Party at the Hard Rock Hotel. Lucky guy travels to Las Vegas nearly every weekend to shoot Rehab. (Check out last season's episodes on trutv.com!)
How he spends his free time
"In my free time... haha." Mark laughs as he realizes how sparing his free time really is. "I love to surf. I love to travel. I love to travel to meet more people and get more ideas about how lives are lived. The little idiosyncratic stories of people inspire me to make stories of my own."
Coolest place he's been?
After graduating with a master's degree from UCSD, Mark took a month-long backpacking sojourn throughout Europe. "There is actual culture in the world!" he exclaims. Mark grew up in the small town of Woodland, next to Davis, "where the biggest thing was Target!" "You realize [when traveling] there is so much going on."
In addition to backpacking Europe, Mark has traveled throughout Asia. He was on site in Singapore for five months while filming the popular reality show The Contender.
"I like to travel. I like to meet people. I like to hear stories... There are people like us all over the world. Creative people. It's hard to see because it's not really focused upon in the media. It's slowly changing. It's great!
Last Movie He's Watched:
A film from the '70s called Two Lane Blacktop. Mark heard good things about the movie and wanted to research it. "It's basically a very spontaneous movie about these guys driving from California all the way to Texas. When asked what he thought of it, Mark replied, "Loved it. It's amazing. You should watch it."
If stuck on a deserted island and could only have one kind of food, what would that be?
"One kind of food?!" Yes, just one. "I would have... haha... can it be a beverage?" First choose your food, Mark, and then you can reveal your beverage of choice. "Haha... I would have... I'm trying to think...um... ugh! I would have steak. Ha.
"And an unlimited supply of martinis."
Why join SDAFF as a member?
Mark has been involved with SDAFF since its inception ten years ago. Seeing as his experience with SDAFF dates to the beginning, Mark has plenty of reasons for being a member and continued supporter. He pioneered the movement to involve area high school students and mentor them in the process of filmmaking, a program now consolidated in our Reel Voices campaign.
In addition, he lent his filmmaker's perspective to prepare the Foundation for its annual gala awards ceremony. It "makes [the festival] so much more hyped. It was just great. At the time," Mark reminisces, "no other festival had a big gala awards. You gotta bring in the glitz and the glamour... that just brings so much to the table...you gotta get the red carpets, you gotta get the spotlight!"
Mark has observed SDAFF grow over the years. "The support that [SDAFF] gets from the community now - its enormous... The community has just embraced Asian film in San Diego." He is in awe that this year's festival - our ten-year anniversary - is two weeks long!
"You see that there are Asians not just in the spotlight but behind the camera... I am just so happy that it's so much easier now [for Asian Americans to become involved with film]. It's still a tough road, but there is definitely change. And I am so exited."
Rich Lee
What's his job?
Rich is in commercial real estate and represents business and organizations like the San Diego Asian Film Foundation in finding spaces for them to operate. In fact, helping SDAFF settle into our new office is how he discovered us in the first place! He was introduced to SDAFF through a contact at the Asian Business Association. "San Diego is a very small community," Rich explains. "The longer you live here, the smaller the community. Everyone is connected in some way."
How he spends his free time
"Free time?" Rich exclaims in mock disbelief. "I absolutely love spending time with my family. I just think there's not enough time in the day to spend with each and every one of them. I have a large family."
Rich sure does have a large family! One of Rich's favorite memories with them is when all of his brothers, sisters, and cousins squeezed into a 15-person van and drove up the coast of California, stopping off at such landmarks as San Francisco, the Monterey Bay Aquarium, and Hearst Castle. It was a "nice scenic tour of the California coast for the whole family" Rich blissfully recalls.
In addition to spending time with family, Rich loves to travel. "We love traveling and exploring new places... And when we get to do the two things together - traveling with family - that's the best!"
Coolest place he's been?
China. "We took a [three-week] tour through a couple of different cities. That was a pretty amazing trip. You know, thousands of years of history, and the people are capable of such things!" Rich traveled to both traditional and modern cities in the Middle Kingdom by way of train and plane. All in all, it was a fascinating history lesson and fantastic experience!
Favorite movie(s) and/or memories at SDAFF?
According to Rich, there are many fond memories with SDAFF. One of his ongoing experiences is "...being able to experience a film...[and] I wouldn't have been made aware of that film if it hadn't been for SDAFF. "
"The other favorite experience," Rich continues, "would be the whole staff comfortably situated in their new location [and] being a part of making that happen." Thanks for all of your help with that, Rich!
If stuck on a deserted island and could only have one kind of food, what would that be?
"Xiao long bao (Chinese soup dumplings). I'd probably put that in there...I don't get enough of those!" We can't get enough of 'em, either!
Why join SDAFF as a member?
Rich is a long time member of SDAFF and is one of our greatest supporters. "I think that it's a great organization because, [it allows us to] expose ourselves and [become] involved in various arts. It's really easy for us to lose touch with [the artistic] side of ourselves... We are so involved in our daily business lives and family lives that organizations like SDAFF help keep us more rounded... It keeps us from losing ourselves. And that's what's most meaningful to me, is that I see that there's a great group - a great staff - within SDAFF, and I am very, very happy to be a member.... Amazing. You can't really measure the impact. But there is a definite benefit to being a part of that."
* Interviewed by Jessica Ross