NORTHWEST ASIAN AMERICAN FILM FESTIVAL JANUARY 25-28, 2007 | SEATTLE, WA
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This weekend at Seattle theaters...


Support Asian Americans in film! Check out these films opening this weekend:

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PLANET B-BOY
Best Documentary - San Francisco International Asian American Film Festival
One week only!

LANDMARK VARSITY THEATRE
4329 University Way N.E.
Seattle, WA 98105

Fri, Apr 25: (12:40 2:50 5:00) 7:10 9:30
Sat, Apr 26 - Sun, Apr 27: (12:40) 2:50 5:00 7:10 9:30
Mon, Apr 28: 7:10 9:30
Tue, Apr 29: (7:10 9:30)
Wed, Apr 30 - Thu, May 1: 7:10 9:30

Official site: www.planetbboy.com

"Planet B-Boy" documents breakdancing revival
Reuters - Apr 3, 2008
Combining performance footage, first-person interviews and archival materials, "Planet B-Boy" pays fitting homage to both breakers' impressive dance skills ...

ASIAN POP - To B or Not to B
Jeff Yang, SF Gate, 03/26/08
With Asian American hip-hop dancers Kaba Modern and Jabbawockeez recently grabbing the limelight on MTV's hit reality show "America's Best Dance Crew," Jeff Yang talks with Benson Lee, director of the newly released feature documentary "Planet B-Boy" on...

angry asian man

All right, everyone go watch Benson Lee's Planet B-Boy, opening in theaters starting today from Elephant Eye Films. It's a fantastic documentary set in the international world of B-boying, following crews from all over the world competing and colliding at the "Battle of the Year," where the winner will walk away with title of World Champion. It's an engaging, hugely entertaining documentary with a lot of heart, and deserves to be seen by as many people as possible. I can't recommend it enough.
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HAROLD & KUMAR ESCAPE FROM GUANTANAMO BAY
[Editor's note: Having seen this in sneak preview on Wednesday, I'll say this--if you liked the first one, you'll enjoy this one too.]

Wide release - check local listings

'Harold and Kumar' push the limits of multiculturalism
Los Angeles Times, CA - 21 hours ago
By Mark Olsen, Special to The Times It was hardly an auspicious start. In 2004's "Harold and Kumar Go to White Castle," two friends, one Korean American, ...

'Escape From Guantanamo Bay': What's it about?
Newsday, NY - Apr 20, 2008
BY LEWIS BEALE | Special to Newsday April 20, 2008 Here's the thing about the "Harold and Kumar" films: They're raunchy and profane, filled with almost ...

'Harold and Kumar': dopey, smart, timely satire
MSNBC - 7 hours ago
By Alonso Duralde The powers that be, it would appear, get the satirists they deserve. Boss Tweed got Thomas Nast. The cold warriors of the US and the USSR ...



 

Justin Lin's FINISHING THE GAME opens tonight in Seattle at the Varsity!


A letter from Justin Lin, director of FINISHING THE GAME:

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Dear Friends, Colleagues and Supporters:

FINISHING THE GAME, our new independent film, has been an opportunity to revisit our indie roots and reunite with many in the BETTER LUCK TOMMOROW family. The challenges of making a no-budget film are harsh and demanding, but at the same time, it is filmmaking in its purest form. Clearly, passion on the part of the cast and crew made this film possible. Now we are hoping to share FINISHING THE GAME with you as it comes out in theaters and into your homes.

When BETTER LUCK TOMORROW was released, we showed Hollywood that we are a viable audience. In an industry governed by box office receipts, there is strength in numbers. The turnout for the film sent a clear message that we demand to see ourselves on screen as multi-dimensional characters. Five years later, we are asking for your support again. At this point, we need to demonstrate that BETTER LUCK TOMORROW was not a fluke; we are a vital consumer community that will no longer be ignored. However, out of respect for your time, energy and taste, we don’t want you to come see the film simply because it’s an “Asian American” project. Rather, we want you to connect to the work itself and let the film stand on its own. We welcome you to take a look at the FINISHING THE GAME trailer on our website:

http://www.youoffendmeyouoffendmyfamily.com

Among other things, it features a behind-the-scenes look at our journey from BLT to FTG that was made by film student Anson Ho.

We are happy to announce that IFC Films, our supportive partner, is distributing FINISHING THE GAME. However, this “platform release” is merely an opportunity and, in certain ways, an uphill battle. The lifespan of a truly independent film is determined on a week-by-week basis. Every weekend could be its last.

Through making studio films, I have learned that “word of mouth” is the most important aspect of any film’s release. A big budget movie could buy up every billboard and flood TV with commercials in order to generate audiences. An indie film does not have the budget or the platform to do that. But, the great equalizer is the viewer. Good or bad, every film is ultimately subject to “word of mouth.” It’s simple: if you like the film, tell your friends. And if they like it, they should do the same.

We are also excited the film has also been made available ON DEMAND in 42 million homes in the United States through every cable and satellite TV distributor. This is something we are extremely excited about because it could potentially bring more of us together and build a distribution model for future Asian American films.

By supporting projects with representation and elements that you want to see, you are sending a clear message to the decision makers in Hollywood. If we can get enough people to do the same, then we will truly have a voice. So please share this with your friends and family. Thank you for your time.

Sincerely,

JUSTIN LIN

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Note – If this is something that inspires you and you wish to support, please copy and paste this letter and email to your friends and family and ask them to consider doing the same. Thank you.


 

FINAL REMINDER: JOURNEY FROM THE FALL & THE CATS OF MIRIKITANI opening Friday 4/20!


Don't forget to catch JOURNEY FROM THE FALL and THE CATS OF MIRIKITANI on the big screen in Seattle this weekend!

JOURNEY FROM THE FALL
Official website: www.journeyfromthefall.com

SEATTLE (DOWNTOWN), WA: Regal Meridian 16
SEATTLE (COLUMBIA CITY), WA: Columbia City Cinema

APRIL 20-26 Fri-Thurs at 7, 9pm
NORTHWEST FILM FORUM, 1515 12th Ave, Seattle WA 98122
Official website: www.thecatsofmirikitani.com

Buy tickets: www.brownpapertickets.com/event/11048


 

NWAAFF update, April 13, 2007


Lots going on in the next couple weeks (see below for details):

  • Tomorrow, April 14: A free screening of the powerful documentary SENTENCED HOME at Northwest Film Forum
  • Friday, April 20: Seattle theatrical premieres for our two most popular films from NWAAFF 2007, JOURNEY FROM THE FALL and THE CATS OF MIRIKITANI

If you were unable to watch JOURNEY or CATS at our festival, here's your chance to see what you missed!

Other news of note:

Also, lots of great pictures from NWAAFF 2007 on flickr.com. (Follow the link or search for the tag "nwaaff2007.")

P.S. Save the date: NWAAFF 2008 takes place January 24-27, 2008. Call for entries coming soon!

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APRIL 14 Sat at 4pm
NORTHWEST FILM FORUM, 1515 12th Ave, Seattle WA 98122
ITVS COMMUNITY CINEMA AND NORTHWEST FILM FORUM PRESENT:
SENTENCED HOME
(Nicole Newnham & David Grabias, USA, 2006, DVD, 73 min.)

Filmed in Seattle and Cambodia, SENTENCED HOME tells the stories of three young Cambodian refugees who each made a rash decision as a teenager that irrevocably shaped their destiny. Now facing deportation back to Cambodia years later, they find themselves caught between a tragic past and an uncertain future by a system that doesn’t offer any second chances. Local participants will attend. Admission free with RSVP to rsvp@communitycinemaseattle.org or (800) 930-6060.

Outreach website: www.itvs.org/outreach/sentencedhome

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JOURNEY FROM THE FALL

Inspired by actual events, JOURNEY FROM THE FALL follows one family's fight for freedom in the wake of war-torn Vietnam, communist political prison camps, and the mass exodus of boat people.

On April 30th, 1975, Long Nguyen chooses to stay in Vietnam against his wife's wishes and fight for his beloved country. Knowing that his decision may separate him from his family forever, he asks his wife, Mai, to leave their homeland for safer shores. Together with her son and mother-in-law, Mai reluctantly boards a tiny fishing boat bound for America and they begin a perilous journey across the sea, with nothing but hope to keep them alive.

Meanwhile, as the city of Saigon falls under communist rule, Long is captured and imprisoned in a series of re-education camps. There, he endures solitary confinement and witnesses the death of his friends, spiraling him downwards into a deep despair. Believing his family is dead, Long's faith is revived when a mysterious visitor brings news of their survival in the new world. In one moment his fate becomes clear, and he sets in motion a dangerous plan to escape and join his family in freedom.

Special Jury Prize, Newport Beach Film Festival • Audience Award, San Francisco International Asian American Film Festival • Grand Jury Award, San Diego International Film Festival

Official website: www.journeyfromthefall.com

STARTING 4/20/2007

SEATTLE (DOWNTOWN), WA: Regal Meridian 16
SEATTLE (COLUMBIA CITY), WA: Columbia City Cinema

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APRIL 20-26 Fri-Thurs at 7, 9pm
NORTHWEST FILM FORUM, 1515 12th Ave, Seattle WA 98122
SEATTLE THEATRICAL PREMIERE
CATS OF MIRIKITANI
(Linda Hattendorf, USA, 2006, 35mm, 74 min)

Unsentimental and frequently funny, CATS OF MIRIKITANI shows how individual goodness can mitigate against greater evils. “Make art not war” is Jimmy Mirikitani's motto. He’s a fiercely independent octogenarian artist. By 2001, however, he was living on the streets of New York City. Filmmaker Linda Hattendorf first noticed him bundled against the weather, concentrating on his colorful drawings. She began documenting their meetings. On 9/11/01, she found Jimmy still outdoors, coughing in the toxic dust. Bringing him to her apartment, they become impromptu roommates. The unassuming filmmaker and elderly artist explore Mirikitani’s painful past and seek out his long-lost relatives-aided and abetted by Hattendorf's pet cat. Mirikitani even travels back to the camp where he was interned, to make peace with the past. But most importantly, he shares his story with someone who listens.

After the Friday 7pm screening, special guests Linda Ando (2006 Tule Lake Pilgrimage Participant and Seattle CATS rep) and Cassie Chinn (Wing Luke Asian Museum Deputy Director of Programs and organizer of Jimmy Mirikitani's Seattle art exhibit in July 2006) will be available for Q&A.

After the Saturday 7pm screening, special guests Stan Shikuma (Tule Lake Pilgrimage Committee Member and Northwest CATS rep) and Linda Ando, (2006 Tule Lake Pilgrimage Participant and Seattle CATS rep) will be available for Q&A
.

Official website: www.thecatsofmirikitani.com

Buy tickets: www.brownpapertickets.com/event/11048

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New DVD from the 18 Mighty Mountain Warriors!

"… biting, incisive, devastating comedy …"

—Ossie Davis, activist/actor, Do the Right Thing, Get on the Bus

Female Circumcision. Dancing Testicles. Bruce Lee Cooking. Chinese Geishas. These subjects are the basis for an average day of side-splitting sketch comedy from the 18 Mighty Mountain Warriors, an audacious pan-Asian comedy troupe from California. Hailed as one of the most devastatingly funny acts of the past decade, most of America has never heard of them. Mighty Warriors of Comedy provides a rousing introduction to the members and a thoughtful exploration of whether or not after twelve years of performing, the group will break out. The film traces the struggle that fringe artists face, and how that battle is complicated further by cultural identification.

To purchase:
http://catalog.asianamericanmedia.org/film/249

Official website: www.mightywarriorsofcomedy.com

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KOFIC Filmmakers Development Lab


For filmmakers from the Korean diaspora...


Wanted: Overseas Korean Filmmakers

KOFIC(Korean Film Council) continues 2 nd Filmmakers Development Lab in Association With the Academy for Creative Media at the University of Hawaii.

March 26, 2007 (Los Angeles) - In a major initiative to nurture and encourage emerging Overseas Korean filmmakers to bring their stories to the screen, the Korean Film Council (KOFIC) announced today KOFIC Filmmakers Development Lab 2007.

After the sensational success of the first Filmmakers Development Lab in 2006, the KOFIC Filmmakers Development Lab will this year broaden its reach to include not only North American but to all international Korean filmmakers around the world. The Lab will be held in Hawaii from August 26 th to September 2nd, in partnership with the ACM(the Academy for Creative Media) at the University of Hawaii in Honolulu; CAAM(Center for Asian American Media) in San Francisco, and the IFP in New York. Following in September and October, the Lab Fellows will attend the IFP in New York and PPP (Pusan Promotion Plan) in Pusan International Film Festival in Korea to meet with relevant film industry representatives and organizations whom could potentially produce their projects.

"Through this incubator type of project, we will be able to promote a sharing and a merging of ideas between Korean and filmmakers of Korean descent around the world," states Ms. An Cheong Sook, KOFIC's Chairperson. "It is important to us that through this cross cultural experience, these filmmakers will be able to bring their talents and stories to markets and audiences around the world."

"Following the tremendous success of last year's inaugural KOFIC Filmmaker's Development Lab in partnership with the Academy for Creative Media (ACM) at the University of Hawaii, all of us at the ACM are thrilled and honored to continue our association with the Korean National Film Council's 2007 Filmmaker's Development Lab. We look forward to hosting old friends and new ones this year in Hawaii and the opportunity to discover and nurture emerging Korean filmmakers from around the world." said Chris Lee, Director of the Academy for Creative Media at the University of Hawaii.

Stephen Gong, Executive Director of CAAM adds "The Center for Asian American Media is absolutely thrilled to be part of KOFIC's 2007 Filmmaker Development Lab. This is one of KOFIC's many groundbreaking activities that illustrates their visionary leadership in the development of artists in international cinema."

Selected participants will be paired with industry mentors from both Korea and the United States, in an intensive week-long retreat. The goal of the Filmmakers Development Lab is to enable participants to develop a high quality script that could be presented to financiers and production companies. In addition, KOFIC is announcing that one of five Filmmaker Development Lab projects this year will be awarded USD 40,000 from KOFIC's Production Subsidy fund.

"These are exciting times for filmmakers and films from non-traditional sources," expresses KOFIC Filmmakers Development Lab director, Roger Garcia, a well-regarded international film consultant and producer. "(The Lab) not only looks to identify the talent but also to present real-world scenarios to participants in developing and presenting their projects."

"While this project is an ambitious one, we believe the talent is there throughout the Korean diaspora," adds Garcia. "And through this incubator program, we hope to develop the next generation of great new filmmakers."

"IFP applauds KOFIC in its smart approach to developing Korean talent worldwide, irrespective of national borders," says Michelle Byrd, Executive Director of IFP. "We are pleased to welcome the Lab participants to this year's IFP Market Emerging Narrative program, a talent showcase which provides forty diverse screenwriters and writer/directors a forum to present new feature projects, meet with producers, and network with industry professionals who can help accelerated the development of their work, as well as their filmmaking careers."

The Korean Film Council is based in Seoul , Korea with a satellite office in Los Angeles. Its mission is to raise the standard of Korean films, and to promote the Korean film industry at home and abroad. KOFIC provides and supports programs to develop creative filmmakers, improve the production of low-budget films, raise the profile of Korean cinema, and create a network between filmmakers in the Korean, overseas Korean and international communities.

The Academy for Creative Media at the University of Hawaii, founded just three years ago, emphasizes digital cinema, computer animation and videogame design, and critical studies. Its student films have been screened at major national and international festivals. It is developing a Center for Indigenous Filmmaking, which will embrace story-tellers from Hawaii, the Pacific and Asia.

The Center for Asian American Media (CAAM) is a non-profit organization dedicated to presenting stories that convey the richness and diversity of Asian American experiences to the broadest audience possible. CAAM do es this by funding, producing, distributing and exhibiting works in film, television and digital media.

IFP is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to building the community for a full range of independent film. Headquartered in New York City, its year-round and annual programs offer education, mentorship and worldwide industry access to members and the independent film community at large. The IFP Market is a five-day national program connecting close to 200 projects with financiers, producers and programmers before they're completed and on the festival circuit.

Information on the KOFIC Filmmakers Development Lab, and how to apply is available online at http://fdl.kofic.or.kr

The deadline for submissions is April 30, 2007.

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Info on series coming up in January on KCTS


Info from KCTS on a series coming later this month. It will air on two consecutive Wednesdays, 1/10 and 1/17 from 9:00-11:00 PM each night (two episodes per night).

CHINA FROM THE INSIDE is a series of documentaries, shot in high-definition, that explore China through Chinese eyes to see how their history has shaped them — and where their present is taking them. Few programs have gone beyond China's economic miracle to deal with the issues that this series takes on: governance, women, nature and freedom. Filmmaker Jonathan Lewis was granted access to regions deep inside China where few, if any, Western journalists have been permitted.

Episode descriptions:

101 "Power and the People"--How do you run China? Do it successfully, and you have a hugely prosperous, innovative and powerful empire to rival any the world has seen. Mess it up, and the chaos is vast and terrible. Today, the Communist Party faces a range of challenges. How is it dealing with corruption and rural unrest as well as the ideological by-products of burgeoning capitalism?

102 "Women of the Country"--"Women hold up half the sky," Mao said. Yet for centuries their feet were bound and their horizons were narrow. Deprived of opportunities, China's women suffered terribly. Today, Chinese women are starting to witness changes. The young in the cities have opportunities unimaginable to their grandmothers, who survived the Great Leap Forward, and their mothers, who denounced parents and teachers in the Cultural Revolution. Yet for millions of women in rural China, change remains painfully slow.

103 "Shifting Nature"--Episode three of CHINA FROM THE INSIDE deals with nature and the environment. The challenges of health, pollution and nutrition are mind-boggling. The Chinese are nearly a quarter of the world's population, yet they only have 7 percent of the world's arable land. Two hundred years before Christ, the Qin emperor built a one thousand-mile-long canal. Now the Chinese have proposed re-routing the Yellow River. At what price can China control nature?

104 "Freedom and Justice"--Can China have freedom without chaos? Capitalism without democracy? Education without independence of mind? What price do people pay for acting and thinking as individuals? China has a history of sometimes brutal repression. Religious belief affords a refuge from official dogma, but some faiths are seen as dangerous. The series closes with an exploration of this interlocking conflict between personal freedom and governance.


 

2007 festival schedule is live! Tickets on sale now!


Dear NWAAFF friends,
The 2007 festival schedule is finally online! Go to www.nwaaff.org for complete information about the entire festival line-up. Advance tickets and festival passes now available for purchase as well!
See below for the press release, or just go to www.nwaaff.org for the most up-to-date information. See you at the theater!
Best,
NWAAFF
-----Original Message-----

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NORTHWEST ASIAN AMERICAN FILM FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES PROGRAMMING FOR 2007 FESTIVAL

Seattle, WA -- January 8, 2007 -- Northwest Asian American Film Festival announces its official selections for the 2007 edition of the festival taking place January 25-28, 2007. The largest showcase for Asian American films and videos in Washington, this year's lineup includes eight feature films and over three dozen films from the United States and Canada. Screenings will be at the Theatre Off Jackson in Seattle's International District except for the opening night features which will take place at Northwest Film Forum on Capitol Hill.

The festival will open with two films that were featured at the Sundance Film Festival in 2006 and have since received numerous awards and critical raves: EVE AND THE FIRE HORSE by Vancouver, BC director Julia Kwan, and JOURNEY FROM THE FALL by Vietnamese American filmmaker Ham Tran. These films will be presented in glorious 35mm film at Northwest Film Forum, a first for NWAAFF.

Other features include the family drama RED DOORS (dir. Georgia Lee), the underground film SCUMROCK (dir. Jon Moritsugu), and the Asian American musical COLMA: THE MUSICAL (dir. Richard Wong). Feature documentaries include MIGHTY WARRIORS OF COMEDY (dir. Sung H. Kim), THE CATS OF MIRIKITANI (dir. Linda Hattendorf), and THE SLANTED SCREEN (dir. Jeff Adachi).

Other programming highlights include the following:

  • A program of short films exclusively showcasing works by Pacific Northwest filmmakers
  • A program of award-winning short films curated by the Media That Matters Film Festival
  • A special animation showcase curated by the San Diego Asian Film Festival
  • A mid-festival party featuring CINEOKE (karaoke set to movies) hosted by Three Dollar Bill Cinema, producers of the Seattle Lesbian & Gay Film Festival

Other special events include a pre-festival kickoff party which will feature a preview of the entire festival program and a closing night party.

SCHEDULE: Complete film listings are available at the festival's online schedule at www.nwaaff.org/schedule.

TICKETING: Advance tickets are now available for purchase online at www.nwaaff.org or by phone at 1-800-838-3006. Ticket prices are $10 for evening programs and $7 for afternoon shows with discounts available for students and seniors. Full festival passes good for all festival screenings and events are also available for purchase.

SPONSORS: Sponsors of NWAAFF 2007 include the Mayor's Office of Arts and Cultural Affairs, Northwest Film Forum, Screaming Flea Productions, Theatre Off Jackson, Arts Engine, San Diego Asian Film Festival, Three Dollar Bill Cinema, Colors NW Magazine, Georgetown Brewing Company, Scarecrow Video, and Theresa Pan Hosley and Associate Travel.

The festival is a co-production of Theatre Off Jackson.



 

30th AAIFF accepting films now


In other Asian American film festival news...

---------- Forwarded message ----------

AAIFF now accepting entries
Deadline (postmarked): Feb 9, 2007

Calling all filmmakers of Asian descent! The AAIFF is turning 30! Come celebrate with us July 19-28, 2007 this momentous occasion. We are now accepting film and video works for both features and shorts. Narrative, documentary, new media, animation, experimental, music video -- we consider all. We accept works produced, written and/or directed by media makers of Asian descent from any nationality. Deadline is Feb 9, 2007 (postmarked).

Submit your film online here, http://www.withoutabox.com/login/5751

Or you can also download the entry form here, http://www.asiancinevision.org/pdf/07AAIFF_CFE.pdf

Founded in 1978, the AAIFF is proudly known as the "First Home to Asian American Cinema." It was the nation's first festival dedicated to screening works by media artists of Asian descent and, 30 years later, the festival continues to be a leading showcase for Asian and Asian American film and video. The festival has many showcase categories, including Features, Shorts, Screenplay, Music Video, Works-in-Progress and For Youth By Youth.

For more about the festival and call for entries, go to http://www.asiancinevision.org/festival.html#cfe


 

See COWBOY VERSUS SAMURAI and support NWAAFF!


SiS Productions has made a great offer to friends of Northwest Asian American Film Festival -- come see their production of Michael Golamco's play "Cowboy Versus Samurai" and mention NWAAFF when you purchase/reserve your tickets, and SiS will donate part of the sale to NWAAFF! Support two great Asian American arts orgs at the same time!

For more information about the show, visit http://www.sis-productions.org/cowboy.html.

[NWAAFF director's note: Saw the show myself -- definitely worth the ticket price! Go see it!]


 

Entries, sponsors, other news


LATEST NEWS

We're busy reviewing entries for this year's festival and will be posting our program lineup in November. Stay tuned!


SPONSORS WANTED!

Help support our mission to bring the best Asian American films to Seattle -- be a festival sponsor! Read our sponsorship information guide (pdf | doc) or email sponsorship@nwaaff.org for more information.


OTHER NEWS

JOB OPENING: MAYOR'S OFFICE OF FILM AND MUSIC

Looking for a job in the city's film department? Check out this job listing:

MAYOR'S OFFICE OF FILM AND MUSIC
RECRUITING For
ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT ASSISTANT

Salary: $17.99/hour - $20.12/hour DOE, plus full benefits

Location: Seattle Municipal Tower

Primary Duties: Provide the full range of administrative support for
the Director of the Mayor's Office of Film and Music.

Complete job listing at http://www.seattle.gov/jobs/view.asp?j=OED-701920

SEE A SHOW: COWBOY VERSUS SAMURAI AND GO EAST, YOUNG HAM!

The SiS Productions run of Michael Golamco's Cowboy Versus Samurai continues at the Richard Hugo House through November 18. Full show details at http://www.sis-productions.org/cowboy.html.

Also, Pork Filled Players opens their new comedy show Go East, Young Ham! on October 27 also at the Richard Hugo House (right after the Cowboy Versus Samurai shows). More information at www.porkfilled.com.




northwest asian american film festival is a production of northwest asian american theatre