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2008 Chinese American Film Festival
A Link to Eastern and Western Culture; A Bridge of Sino-US Friendship
James Su
Chairman, CAFF and President, EDI Media Inc.
From October 30th to November 30th, the 2008 Chinese American Film Festival (CAFF for short), a magnificent annual cultural event in promotion of China-US culture exchange was in session in full force in Hollywood, Los Angeles, San Francisco and San Diego simultaneously. This even, created and organized by EDI Media, is a joint efforts with other entertainment and media companies such as Shenhart Entertainment, Ruddy Morgan, Dot Media, World TV, Sun Media Investment Holdings Group of Companies; The theme of this event: using film as a media, to promote film exchange, and to enhance communications and understandings between China and the United States.
Recognitions and Supports from Officials of Both Governments
President of United States Wrote Second Letter to Congratulate
The Festival this year received recognitions and supports from government officials at all levels. They include: Dr. Hope White-Davis, President of WAFUNIF of United Nations, Madam Zhao Shi, Vice Minister, The State Administration of Radio, Film and Television of China, Mr. Zhou Wen Zhong, Ambassador of China to the United States of America, Ambassador Zhang Yun, Consul General of China to Los Angeles. Meantime, congratulation and recognition letters were received from: George Bush, President of United States, Madam Elaine Chao, Secretary of Labor Department, and Arnold Schwarzenegger, Governor of California. The list of officials includes numerous Congress Members, State Assembly Members, Major of Los Angeles, Major of San Francisco, and majors of several Southern California cities.
Two years in a row, President George Bush wrote to congratulate. In this year’s letter he wrote: I send greetings to those gathered for the 2008 Chinese American Film Festival. Film reflects the creativity of the human spirits, capture the imaginations, and brings joy to countless audiences. This year’s festival provides Chinese filmmakers a forum to showcase their talents and share their passion. By promoting artistic openness and expression, film can draw us together and bridge the barriers of language and culture. I appreciate the participants and organizers of the Chinese American Film Festival and all those who support the arts. Your efforts help enrich lives and lift spirits around the world. Lauran and I send our wishes.
Madam Zhao Shi, Vice Minister, The State Administration of Radio, Film and Television of China wrote: “The Chinese American Film Festival has grown into an interactive platform that filmmakers from both China and the United States may use to exchange and to cooperate. And it offers a chance for the local people to understand Chinese film, history, culture and society.”
In his letter of congratulations, Mr. Zhou Wen Zhong, Ambassador of China to the United States of America wrote to emphasize that the 2008 Chinese American Film Festival makes a friendly and festive atmosphere in celebration of the 30th Anniversary of the founding of China-Us diplomatic relations whereas Mr. Zhang Yun, Ambassador, also Consul General of China to Los Angeles wrote to wish that Chinese American Film Festival continues to act as a platform for film exchange and development.
The 2008 CAFF Rocked Hollywood
16 Sub-events and 45 Film all in a Month
This year’s CAFF was announced open simultaneously in Hollywood, Los Angeles, San Francisco and San Diego. In one month, 16 sub-events and 45 film were shown in 15 theaters for altogether more than 150 shows.
10/30, California Institute of Technology, as a starting item, “Special Screening for Shanghai Movies”, a sub-event jointly arranged with Shanghai Film Group was first presented after a cocktail party. Film presented:“The Dream is Alive”，“Gun of Mercy”，“Shanghai Rumba”，“Shanghai Red”;
11/2, California Institute of Technology, a presentation in memory of the Sichuan Earthquake was held, a specially featured documentary “Stand Tall” was premiered;
11/2, a welcome banquet was given in honor of more than 500 guests from all over the world. Dr. Elizabeth Wang, an icon in the Hong Kong entertainment circle was present and her reserved song “May Love Last the Mountains and Waters” added emotional colors to the banquet;
11/3, Headquarters of Directors Guild of America (DGA), more than 1,000 guest walked on the red carpet; The 2008 CAFF opening ceremony was held in the City of Hollywood. The Gold Angel Award was given in honor of 10 best films; 9 special awards were presented to recognize those who made outstanding contributions to the course of filmmaking. The premier film was “Champions”, a Hong Kong film directed by Tsui Siu Ming, starring Dicky Cheung and Priscilla Wong, Producer, Amy Li who arrived from Hong Kong in the afternoon;
11/4, Directors Guild of America, a forum on Chinese American film was held at the DGA, and in the afternoon, another forum of same nature in 20th Century Fox;
11/5, San Gabriel Hilton, CAFF Night Fashion Show where a world renowned French fashion designer Yves Castaldi showcased his designs and his fashion team;
11/6, Santa Monica College, “Marriage Trap” was screened and a forum was held after the show. Mr. Zhang Cheng, director and Mr. Zhou Zhi Yong, screenwriter were present and they exchanged their opinions with many professors and students;
11/7, San Diego, the CAFF Charity Week was kicked off, several hundreds were present at the kick off party;
11/8, San Francisco, the CAFF Northern California Grand Opening, premier film was “Gonglamedo”, Miss Dai Wei, director and her colleagues flew from Los Angeles to meet with the audiences;
11/9, Hilton Hotel, Downtown San Francisco, Center of Chinese Culture co-organized the 2008 CAFF film opening. “Toy Train” was screened. Producer Miss Cao Lin Lin and her colleague were present;
11/10, California State University Fullerton, a premier from a group of films in the student series was screened;
Starting 11/8, in Laemmle Theaters and many other theaters and film organizations of the mainstream, a series of Hollywood selection was presented: “West Side Story”，“My Fair Lady”，“Giant” and “Casablanca”;
Starting 11/9, in Edwards and Harkins theaters, a series of children film was put on screen: “Wall E”, “Ratatouille”,“Tabarnak”and “Toy Train”;
11/15, Baldwin Performing Art Center, the Community Screening was announced open. “High Tower”, Rusty Trevino, director and Nina Zuo, leading actress were present;
11/10, Los Angeles College, “Gerald” was premiered. Marc Clebanoff, director and his crew were met by the audiences;
11/24, Mt. San Antonio College and Walnut Community Screening Began;
11/29, Pasadena Civic Auditorium, the CAFF Closing Concert was put on stage, features singer Adam Cheng，a Hong Kong vocal artist;
From 11/3 to 11/30, in 16 theaters such as Laemmle, Edwards, Harkins, Marina and Four Star, 45 participating film were screened, and the total number of shows went over 150.
Grand Opening at the Directors Guild of America
Over 1,000 Witnessed the Gold Angel Award
The Grand Opening of the 2008 Chinese American Film Festival and the Gold Angel Award Presentation were held at Headquarters of Directors Guild of America (DGA) in the City of Hollywood. More than 1,000 film workers, VIPs and government officials from Mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Hollywood and European Countries walked on the red carpet to witness the moment of international film workers reunion.
Film Artists from Hong Kong, Mainland China, and Taiwan, who gathered on the red carpet to celebrate the annual event included, Dr. Elizabeth Wang, Tsui Siu Ming, Dicky Cheung, Liu Pei Qi, Russell Wong, James Hong, Priscilla Wong, Chen Da Ming, Li Yi Xiang who met with audiences in waiting for hours.
Many Oscar and Amy Award winners together with founders and executives of major film organizations were present to witness the historical moment, Honorary Chairman of CAFF, Mr. Andre Morgan, producer of many Oscar winning masterpieces, such as “God Father” and “Million Dollar Baby”; Advisory Board Member of CAFF, Mr. Mike Medavoy, a multi-winner of Oscar and producer of “Rocky”, “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest”, “Philadelphia” and “Amadeus”; Advisory Board Member of CAFF, Mr. Richard Anderson, a multi Oscar winning sound and effect engineer for “Indiana Jones”, “Shrek” and “Star Wars”;
Member of CAFF Committee, Mr. Mark Harris, an Oscar winning producer of “Crash”; Member of CAFF Committee, Mr. Paul Ottosson, an Oscar winning music producer for “Spiderman”; Member of CAFF Committee, Mr. Omar Kaczmarczyk, distributor of “Super Man”; Member of CAFF Committee, Mr. Dino Herrmann, an Emmy Award winning producer; Mr. Rod Minkoff, Director of “Forbidden Kingdom” and “Lion King”;Mr. Tec Kotcheff, director of “First Blood”; Mr. Marcus Glasgow, director of “Lost and Found” met with each other on the red carpet in a festive mood;
Amongst the VIPs, many well known figures were recognized by the audiences. Only to name a few, Gilles Marini, starring in “Sexy and the City” and Jimmy James Louis, starring in “Hero Series”. Also present at the red carpet opening were famous Hollywood fashion designers who were said to be leading our times. They were Christian Audigier and Yves Castaldi.
The 2008 CAFF was announced open by Mr. James Su, Chairman of CAFF and President of EDI Media Inc., the organizer. Ambassador Zhang Yun, Consul General of China to Los Angeles and Consultant of CAFF, Mr. Andre Morgan delivered their congratulatory opening remarks to CAFF respectively. Many government officials and local elected officials were present at the opening ceremony. They were: Mr. Xu Chao You, Vice Consul General of China to Los Angeles, Mr. Chen Huai Zhi, Counselor of Culture of China to Los Angeles, Madam Wang Luo, Consul and Head of Dept of Press, Dr. Judy Chu, Chair of California Board of Equalization, Mr. Curt Hagman, Assembly Member of California, Mr. Michael Antonovich, Supervisor of Los Angeles County Board, Mr. Stephen Sham, Council Member of City of Alhambra, Mr. J. Gomez, Council Member of City of El Monte, Mr. Lozano, Mayor of City of Baldwin, Mr. Peter Yao, Mayor of City of Claremont, Madam Laura Lee, Council Member of City of Cerritos, Mr. David Lau, Council Member of City of Monterey Park, Mr. Anthony Wong, Council Member of City of Monterey Park, Mr. John Tran, Major of City of Rosemead, Madam Polly Lau, Council Member of City of Rosemead, Mr. Albert Huang, Council Member of City of San Gabriel, Mr. Eugene Sun, Council Member of City of San Morino, Madam Judy Wong, Mayor of City of Temple City, Mr. Joaquin Lim, Major of City of Walnut, and Madam Mary Su, Council Member, Mayor Pro-tem of City of Walnut.
Reporters from Mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan and local correspondence surrounded the red carpet. Following a splendid cocktail reception, a list of Gold Angel Award winners were announced. In order to recognize contributions by the Hong Kong, Taiwan and Chinese Americans to the mainstream society and to the world civilization, Honorable Mr. Michael Antonovich, Supervisor of Los Angeles County presented the first Golden Angel Award to Dr. Elizabeth Wang, an Iron in the entertainment circle of Mainland China, Hong Kong and Taiwan for her outstanding contributions during the past 4 decades. Mr. Omar Kaczmarczyk, distributor of “Super Man” presented the Gold Angel Award to the Outstanding Mainland China Actor Mr. Liu Pei Qi starring in his award winning film “Gun of Mercy”. Mr. James Hong a Senior Hollywood star presented the Gold Angel Award to Mr. Russell Wong, a Hollywood Chinese American, well-loved for his outstanding performances in countless of films and Television series.
The Gold Angel Award in recognition of the best screenwriter advocating culture exchange between China and Us was presented by Mr. Rod Minkoff, director of “Lion King” and “Forbidden Kingdom” to Madam Wang Xiao Ping, known for her masterpieces of “A Native of Beijing in New York”,“The Treatment”; The Gold Angel Award in acknowledgment of young director for his “Tabarnak”was presented to Mr. Hou Liang by Mr. Paul Lo, The Former President of Columbia College of Hollywood, and the Gold Angel Award in recognition of Ambassador of Culture Exchange was co-presented by Mr. Steven Shen, President of Shenhart Entertainment and Mr. Skwall, a French director to fashion designer Yves Castaldi.
The Best Documentary was won by “The Milk Dream”, and the award was presented to Mr. Zheng Fu Jin, the producer, by Mr. Keith Cavele, Co-Chairman of CAFF and a screenwriter and director. The Outstanding TV Movie was won by Producer Miss Cao Lin Lin for her “Toy Train” and the award was presented to her by Mr. Mark Harris, producer of his Oscar winning film “Crash”. A special award in symbolism in appreciation of his exceptional contribution in last century to the course of film was given in honor of Mr. Xie Jin, a deeply eulogized Chinese director who has just passed away.
At the Ceremony, 10 best films won the Gold Angel Award. They were: “Champions”, award co-presented to Mr. Tsui Siu Ming director, and Dicky Cheung, the leading actor and Priscilla Wong, the leading actress, Amy Li, producer, by Mr. James Su, President of EDI and Chairman of CAFF and Mr. Zhang Yun, Ambassador, also Consul General of China to Los Angeles.
The Gold Angel Award to “The Warlords” was presented to Mr. Andre Morgan, producer, by his friend Mr. Mike Medavoy, a multi-winner of Oscar and producer of “Rocky”, “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest”, “Philadelphia” and “Amadeus”.
The Gold Angele Award won by “The Assembly” was received by Mr. Chen Huai Zhi, Counsul of Culture of China to Los Angeles on the producer’s behalf, by Mrs. Christine Hu Antonovich.
Mr. Chen Da Ming, director, and Mr. Li Yi Xiang, the leading actor won the Gold Angel Award for “One Foot Off the Ground” and the award was presented by Mr. Richard Anderson, a multi Oscar winning sound and effect engineer for “Indiana Jones”, “Shrek” and “Star Wars”.
“Marriage Trap” too, won the Gold Angel Award which was received by Mr. Zhou Zhi Yong, the director, and the award was presented to him by Honorable Judy Chu, Chair of California Board of Equalization.
“Gonglamedo” a film based on a Tibetan story won the Gold Angel Award, Miss Dai Wei, director and Producer Wang Yi Bing received the award presented by Mr. Paul Ottosson Oscar winning music producer for “Spiderman” and his wife Karen Han whose Erhu music was adopted in one of the Hollywood recent release “Kungfu Panda”.
Paul Lo, Former President of Columbia College of Hollywood and Mr. Miichael Tse presented the award in recognition to Miss Cathy Lee, producer of “Waiting in Beijing” and Mr. Marcus Glasgow, director of “Lost and Found”.
“Shanghai Kiss” won its Award of Gold Angel, and Mr. Denton Chiang, Deputy General Manager of The China Press presented to Mr. Kern Konwiser, director.
Mr. Jimmy Zhang, First Representative to the United States of 2010 World Convention in Shanghai presented the Golden Angels Award to Mr. Marc Clebanoff, director of “Gerald”.
Mr. Dino Herrmann, an Emmy Award winner and Madam Lianne Hu，producer of “Prince of the Himalayas” co-presented the Gold Angel Award to “Loach is Fish”.
“Champions” was premiered at the Ceremony. Long after the screen went dark, Tsui Siu Ming, Dicky Cheung, Priscilla Wong, Amy Li, the team of “Champions” was surrounded by directors, producers, actors, actresses and the overwhelmed audiences for photo opportunities.
Merging into the Mainstream to Develop
To be Interactive in Building Positive Cycles
Compared with the last few years, 2008 CAFF has five basic characters that are worth mentioning.
A. More films participating. In selecting 45 films out of more than 100 submissions, it emphasized on allowing the American audiences more chances understand Chinese culture, history and development;
B. Added features to the different forms of screening. In addition to mainstream theaters, added to this year were the multi leveled screenings that include the “Shanghai Film Screening”, “Children Film Screening” and many interactive screening in coalitions with World Disney and selected families;
C. Number of screening theaters substantially increased. In addition to Laemmle, the 2008 CAFF activated other mainstream theaters such as Edwards, Harkins, Four Star and Marina. In more than 15 theaters plus those at universities and colleges targeting professor and students on the line, more than 150 shows were arranged and well received;
D. More forums arranged in the field of cinematography and theatrical study for film workers from all over the world to share and exchange their experiences. Locations too were stretched to cover California Institute of Technology, Santa Monica College, Los Angeles City College, Mt. San Antonio College, California State University Fullerton as well as Directors Guild of America and 20th Century Fox.
E. Thanks to the past years during which CAFF enjoyed its privilege of fast growing, CAFF 08 was better supported by many world-class brand names which in addition to financially supporting, promoted towards worldwide marketing.
The 2008 CAFF had overwhelming recognitions and support from both Chinese and the American Government, and as well as local government, such as from the State Administration of Radio, Film and Television of China and from Consulate General of China to Los Angeles; and from the United States, 2008 CAFF received recognitions and support from government officials at all levels. Their support and guidance were the foundations of successes.
Our successes also lay in the highly increased participations of film workers from all over the world. From mainland China, from Hong Kong, from Taiwan, from Europe, and from United State as the country of host, more than 1,000 outstanding film workers attended the 2008 CAFF. In addition, the involvement of film companies and organizations, such as Directors Guild of America, Walt Disney, 20th Century Fox who not only helped organizing but participating in the many forums on issues of cinematographic and theatrical projects or subjects played an integrative part that helped the CAFF go in depth.
Obviously, the philanthropic support of various world-famous brand names played an important role in the successes of 2008 CAFF. Sponsors such as East West Bank, China Airlines, Courvoisier, Bentley Motors, helped deliver a message that the Chinese American
Film Festival was starting to enjoy a positive cycle that brought it on a healthy track of going toward worldwide commercialization. And this explained why media attentions from more than 100 news agencies and press organizations such as Variety, Hollywood Report, Reuters, San Francisco Chronicles，San Gabriel Tribune，Sing Dao Daily, ABC News，LA Fashions, China CCTV， Chinese News Agencies，People’s Daily, China News Correspondence, Beijing TV, Shanghai TV, Hong Kong Jade TV，Cable TV, Ming Pao News, and also Sina and Yahoo. Their focuses were given to the event and some even followed it throughout the entire month.
Interactivity was another character of the 2008 CAFF. To make that a highlight, the organizers emphasized the following 4 aspects:
A. To build a forum system with major film organizations such as the Directors Guild of America, 20th Century Fox, and etc., for film worker from Mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Europe and United States to meet among themselves face to face on relatively fixed schedules, sharing and exchange being the objects;
B. To promote and enhance the understanding of Chinese culture by the younger generation, the CAFF created a system and coalition with colleges and universities, especially with those that administrated film departments and classes, that specially featured screenings or screenings of film done by young artists were arranged on campuses followed by discussions where Q&A were conducted;
C. To mobilize the interest of more audiences in seeing films screened during the Festival, the organizers in partnership with major sponsors, such as China Airlines, launched a promotion “campaign” that offered the audiences to “Watch and to Fly Free”, which enrolled submissions at the time of ticket purchasing and winners were later drawn and announced to the public;
D. The Organizing Committee attracted more involvement and participations by major filmmakers, producers and many Oscar winners who either became a member of the Organizing Committee or offered their time and support in helping organizing. And what was even more worth mentioning was the involvement and participation of many State Leaders of California whose role modeling activities summoned more influential participations of the 2008 CAFF.
Reciprocations to Society
Concerns to the Less Fortunate
Using film as a media, the CAFF Organization since its early days has been paying special attention to it obligations to society in the form of reciprocations and concerns to the less fortunate. Taking 2007 CAFF for an example, with thorough preparation and cross-board advertising, it mobilized audiences of close to 1,000 to “Charity Nights” and the proceeds went to Gansu, China, for children from the less fortunate families to go to school, and for children who were Aids victims through an UN organization WAFUNIF.
The 2008 CAFF in particular, charity activities became its first sub-even. Within the week of 5.12, a day symbolizing the Sichuan Earthquake, an emergency donation campaign was mobilized by CAFF using film as a media. “The Warlords”, a Hong Kong Film Award best film winner premiered even before its scheduled release was shown to audiences who in less than two hours donated US$48,000 that was tele-transferred to the Earthquake stricken area with the assistance of China Consulate General in Los Angeles. And following that, shortly after CAFF 08 was announced open, its sub-event in San Diego and in San Francisco organized their own charity nights respectively, also for the Earthquake stricken people in Sichuan, China.
In addition, EDI Media and Shenhart Entertainment, the two organizers of CAFF jointly produced a specially featured documentary about a British girl named Lauren Irwin, who wrote many encouraging songs for the Sichuan boys and girls and in spite of countless aftershocks, went to the rubble piled areas to sing in person, site by site, day in and day out. Mr. Keith Cavele, Co-Chairman of CAFF covered the touching moments with his courageous crew and rushed the post production to make it presentable for CAFF. It was such a vivid live scene where Lauren went to help yet ended up having learned a lot in how to overcome difficulties from the boys and girls who she wished to encourage, and the documentary was so convincing to the Los Angles audience that a great number of them showed up at the charity fundraising activities thereafter.
The 2008 CAFF in over, yet our appreciations sustain. As we inform the public that in the coming year our exchange activities shall continue throughout the year, we also want to express our thanks to friends who have helped us and to the participating film workers and organizations. But most of all, our thanks extends to our audiences without whom CAFF won’t be possible.
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