Filipinx talent threads throughout 11-day CAAMFest 2023

CAAMFest 2023 had its opening night May 11  and the local film community is still buzzing about the laughs induced by the movie Joy Ride. There's 10 more days of the largest and oldest Asian American film festival.

One of exciting aspects of the film festival is the sheer number of Filipino American filmmakers compared to just a few years ago.

The 41st Center for Asian American Media (CAAM) Film Festival is featuring a number of Filipinx films and filmmakers, including a performance reviving the first Filipina American rock band, Fanny,  and a sneak peek of musical about union organizer Larry Itliong.  

CAAMFest 2023, will run through May 21 in San Francisco and Oakland venues. With the need for  COVID health restrictions, festival events will be a fully in-person celebration of Asian and Asian American stories in gathering. 

All programming with Filipinx talent can be found below. 

FOOD PROGRAMMING 

Futurist Flavors: Abaca and Animae Tuesday,
May 16, 5 p.m. / 8 p.m.

Abacá An interstellar collaboration with these two chef-visionaries is serving all the stars in our eyes and the stories of a familiar future on a plate with a fork and spoon. Executive Chef Tara Monsod of Animae and James Beard nominated Chef-Owner Francis Ang of Abacá’s menu promises unique untold flavors of possibility, designed to transport us into and beyond diaspora, time, and place. 

Gone are the days of punching down flavors to appease the unseasoned palette. We’ll be calling these culinary wayfinders in for a spirited conversation, learning firsthand how chefs are paving the way towards a future that’s rich in collaboration, bold profiles, and unapologetic swag. Filipino American chefs Francis Ang and Tara Monsod will be dishing up indulgent courses family-style amidst the backdrop of sonic beats so pull up a chair, we want you there! 

MUSIC

Directions in Sound: Fanny and Friends
Saturday, May 20, 1:00 PM | Yerba Buena Gardens

CAAMFest’s fresh music showcase, returns once more to the SOMA Pilipinas Filipino Heritage District for a renewed collaboration with the Yerba Buena Gardens Festival. Tearing up the stage will be the legendary Fanny, the first all-female rock band – co-founded by two Filipina American sisters  Jean Millington, andJune Millington – to release an LP with a major record label in the US. They will be joined by Filipino Americans Ruby Ibarra and Peaboo and joined by the Catz. Directions in Sound is made possible with support from AARP. 

Larry The Musical
Sunday, May 14, 6:00 PM | Great Star Theater

CAAMFest audiences will get a sneak peek of Larry The Musical, based on the book, Journey for Justice: The Life of Larry Itliong by Dr. Dawn Mabalon and Gayle Romasanta. Join members of the production team as they take us through the journey of bringing to life the story of Filipino labor organizer, Larry Itliong, who fought for dignity in the fields and united for the first time with the Mexican community in Delano, California. executive producer Gayle Romasanta, and director Billy Bustamante along with other FilAm members of the production team are expected to be present.

FEATURES 

Fanny: The Right To Rock, directed by Bobbi Jo Hart. Documentary. Friday, May 19, 5:30 PM | SFMOMA Phyllis Wattis Theater 

Fanny: The Right to Rock is about a band formed by Filipina Americans from the Central Valley in the 1960s. The film explores Fanny’s uphill battle to complete and release their new album, with the fascinating herstory of the band’s improbable journey during their 70s heyday. This screening is made possible with support from Mona Lisa Yuchengco. Expected guests: Filmmaker Bobbi Jo Hart and Fanny members Brie Darling, Alice De Buhr, Jean Millington, June Millington, and Patti Quatro. 

In the 1970s, the Filipino American rock band, Fanny, made history.

Nurse Unseen, directed by Michele Josue. Documentary. Friday, May 12, 7:15 PM | Great Star Theater 

Nurse Unseen by Filipino American filmmaker Michele Josue explores the little-known history and humanity of the unsung Filipino nurses risking their lives on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic while facing a resurgence of anti-Asian hate in the streets. 

This Time, directed by Sebastien Tobler. Narrative Feature. Sunday, May 21, 6:30 p.m. | New Parkway Theater, Oakland 

Long lost high school sweethearts, Laela and Colin, unexpectedly reunite in Los Angeles 23 years after being separated during the 1998 riots in Jakarta, where they were torn apart without notice, unable to say goodbye, and flown away to different countries. When they see one another again, the temptation to reconnect with a kindred spirit is irresistible despite Laela’s looming deadline and Colin’s impending move to Pennsylvania. As the star-crossed lovers examine the choices that led them down their separate paths and back again, Laela and Colin must decide if they’re still in love or just nostalgic for the past. Directed by Sebastien Tobler.

Swiss Topline, directed by Romeo Candido. Narrative Series. Sunday, May 21, 3:30 PM | New Parkway Theater, Oakland 

Topline is a musical dramedy about the world of professional songwriters for young adults. It is a series about growing up. About how relationships can bend and break in the wind of ambition. About finding the strength to overcome obstacles and finding the true value of your own voice. Director Romeo Candido is Filipino Canadian. 

Unseen, directed by Set Hernandez. Documentary. Sunday, May 14, 12:15 PM | Roxie Theater 

Most people dream of a better future. Pedro, an aspiring social worker, is no different. But as a blind, undocumented immigrant, Pedro faces political restrictions to obtain his college degree, secure a job in his field, and support his family. As he finally graduates, uncertainty looms over Pedro. What starts as a journey to provide mental health care for his community ultimately transforms into Pedro’s path toward his own healing. Through experimental cinematography and sound, "unseen" reimagines the accessibility of cinema, while exploring the intersections of immigration, disability, and mental health. Director Set Hernandez identifies as Pilipino.

SHORTS

Kapwa Texas, directed by PJ Raval. Part of the shorts program:
Community Care. Saturday, May 13, 11 a.m. at the San Francisco Public Library (Main)

As the world grapples with an emerging global pandemic, three young Filipino women forge unexpected connections with their families and discover themselves in the process. A self-documented time capsule during turbulent times, Kapwa Texas captures the unbreakable bond between Filipino family and community. 

Lahi, directed by Reina Bonta Part of the Shorts Program:
The Mourning After, Saturday, May 20, 9:00 PM | Roxie Theater

While visiting O'ahu to sell her late Grandmother's house, a young Filipina American woman must confront her disconnection from her cultural identity. Directed by Reina Bonta.

Overdue, directed by Abigail Pañares. World Premiere - Part of the Shorts Program: Mama Trauma, Sunday, May 14, 3:15 PM | Roxie Theater 

Left to her own devices a week before her c-section, a first-time mother begins to spiral when confronted with the impending change. Directed by Abigail Pañares

Perry And A Pause, directed by Tess Paras. Part of the Shorts Program: Companion Pass,  Thursday, May 18, 5:30 PM | Roxie Theater 

A divorced gig worker gets a new lease on life when she is sent to assist a free-spirited elder who lives life by her own rules. Directed by Tess Paras.

Scene from "Reality Dad" screening at CAAMFest 2023.

Reality Dad, directed by Charlene deGuzman Part of the Shorts Program: REALITY BITES Thursday, May 18, 8:30 PM | Roxie Theater 

Obsessed with finding love on reality tv, a single father must explain to his young daughter why he hasn't found her a "new mommy." Directed by Charlene deGuzman.

The Resemblance, directed by Derek Nguyen Part of the Shorts Program: Out/Here, Sunday, May 14, 12:30 PM | Castro Theatre 

A grieving couple hires an actor to role-play their dead son only to discover their evening of remembrance is more than they bargained for.  Produced by Ernesto Foronda is.

The Van, directed by Bernard Badion Part of the Shorts Program: The Mourning After, Saturday, May 20, 9:00 PM | Roxie Theater 

A man has trouble moving his stubborn father unless a broken-down van comes with him. Stars Eugene Cordero and directed by Bernard Badion.

When You Left Me On That Boulevard, directed by Kayla Aduba Galang. Part of the Shorts Program: Companion Pass, Thursday, May 18, 5:30 PM | Roxie Theater 

Teenager Ly and her cousins get high before a boisterous family Thanksgiving at their auntie’s house in southeast San Diego in 2006. Directed by Kayla Galang.

Winston, directed by Melanie Lim. Part of the Shorts Program: JAM SESH Saturday, May 20, 3:30 PM | Roxie Theater 

A prolific composer of Philippine cinema, septuagenarian Winston Raval continues to strive for brand new sounds, for musical perfection.

FYI:

• For the complete CAAMFest schedule of films and events, click here.
• General admission tickets $15; seniors and students, $13; not including special events. Click here for box office information.

EDITOR'S NOTE: In keeping with the policy of Views From the Edge, we allow people to identify themselves  as they wish to be identified. CAAMFest prefers the use of Filipinx, but this blog interchanges its use with Filipinos. For additional commentary, news and views from an AANHPI perspective, follow @DioknoEd on Twitter or at his blog Views From the Edge. 

The comedic feature film 'Joy Ride' kicks off the 41st CAAMFest 2023

JOYRIDE

The stars of "Joy Ride" hold nothing back in the raucous comedy.

CAAMFest 2023, the world’s largest showcase for new Asian American and Asian film, food and music programs, annually will be presenting over 100 works in San Francisco and Oakland starting May 11. 

The 41st CAAMfest featuring movie features, shorts, documentaries and celebration of AANHPI dance and food will be in-person for the first time since the beginning of the pandemic in 2020.

Kicking off the festival on May 11 is a screening of is the stereotype-busting, raunchy comedy Joyride, which could be as impactful among Hollywood studio heads as 2018's Crazy Rich Asians.

Often described as a female Hangover, the movie is a hilarious and unapologetically explicit story of identity and self-discovery centers on four unlikely Asian American women who embark on a once-in-a-lifetime international adventure. It stars Ashley Park, Sherry Cola, Sabrina Wu and Oscar-nominated Stephanie Hsu and directed and co-written by Crazy Rich Asians screenplay writer Adele Lim.

After the Joy Ride screening at the funky Castro Theater, the Opening Night Gala will follow at the ornate Asian Art Museum.

“The recent Oscars was a historic night for Asian Americans,” says Stephen Gong, CAAM Executive Director, referring to the Oscar wins of Everything, Everywhere All at Once, including best picture. 

“We hope to continue seeing more of our stories not only just represented on the big screen, but present throughout our communities. Since our first film festival over 40 years ago, CAAM has been working to lift these stories and change perceptions about our ever-evolving Asian American narratives.”

CAAMFest screenings, receptions, and events will be held in San Francisco and Oakland, including venues in neighborhoods rich with Asian American history, such as San Francisco’s Filipino Heritage District in the South of Market and Chinatown. This 11-day festival will be more experiential than ever.

Some of the other highlights include:

• The Accidental Getaway Driver, a feature that was awarded the director's award for Sing J. Lee at Sundance Film Festival. An elderly Vietnamese American driver picks up nightmare passengers who kidnap him. Set in an unnerving tone, intensity is punctuated by moments of humor and warmth. Less a crime film, but a stirring portrait of this lonely, old man. It screens at the Castro Theater, May 12, 6 p.m. The director is expected to be in attendance for a Q&A after the screening.

• The highly-anticipated Disney series, American Born Chinese, fresh off a special screening at the White House, will be shown at the Castro Theatre on May 13 at 3 p.m. Gene Yang, whose graphic novel is the inspiration for the series, will be in attendance along with the show creator Kelvin Yu , an Emmy-award winning writer for a question and answer session following the screening.

• Sneak Peek: Larry the Musical on Sunday, May 14, 6 p.m. at the Great Star Theater. Larry The Musical is based on the book, Journey for Justice: The Life of Larry Itliong by Dr. Dawn Mabalon and Gayle Romasanta. Join members of the production team as they take us through the journey of bringing to life the story of Filipino labor organizer, Larry Itliong, who fought for dignity in the fields and united for the first time with the Mexican community in Delano, California.

• 

  "The Right to Rock" is about the historic Filipino American female band of the 1970s

  
  

• Fanny: The Right to Rock is a documentary about a band formed by Filipina Americans from the Central Valley in the 1960s. The film explores Fanny’s uphill battle to complete and release their new album, with the fascinating herstory of the band’s improbable journey during their 70s heyday. It will screen on May 19, 5:30 p.m. at the SFMOMA Phyllis Wattis Theater. Expected guests include filmmaker Bobbi Jo Hart and Fanny members Brie Darling, Alice De Buhr, Jean Millington, June Millington, and Patti Quatro.

• The band Fanny will give a live performance the next day, May 20, 1 p.m. at Yerba Buena Gardens for Directions in Sound: Fanny and Friends, Saturday, May 20, 1:00 PM | Yerba Buena Gardens Directions in Sound, CAAMFest’s fresh music showcase, returns once more to the SOMA Pilipinas Filipino Heritage District for a renewed collaboration with the Yerba Buena Gardens Festival. They'll be joined by rapper  Ruby Ibarra and Peaboo and the Catz

“All of our communities have been so completely transformed these last few years. As we emerge from a place of isolation, CAAMFest becomes a necessary space and practice in how to gather once again,” says Festival and Exhibitions Director Thúy Trần. 

“CAAMFest is a call to gather, an open invitation to everyone to join us in reimagining how we connect through acts of joy, healing, advocacy, and discovery.”

FYI:

• For the complete CAAMFest schedule of films and events, click here.
• General admission tickets $15; seniors and students, $13; not including special events. Click here for box office information.

EDITOR'S NOTE: For additional commentary, news and views from an AANHPI perspective, follow @DioknoEd on Twitter or at his blog Views From the Edge.