Dim Sum Funeral...Anna Chi's new offering opens in limited release Friday! Sensuous Bai Ling sizzles...

Bai Ling is a lesbian seeking a sperm donation from pries

Landing a distributor in the past few months has been tough for Independent filmmakers - what with the state of the economy being the way it has been - and due to shifting norms in the Film Industry widespread.


On the festival circuit - in my exciting colorful travels from AFI Dallas in cattle country, to the Newport Beach Festival in the OC, to CineVegas (Sin City) - I've crossed paths with frustrated (but ingenuous) filmmakers forced to blaze their own trails in respect to distributing their product.


And, the heck with the major studios, thank you very much!


For example - in spite of the fact "Skin" is a quality thought-provoking drama (about apartheid) garnering accolades and a bevy of prizes around the country - no takers.


Even with a bankable star like Sam O'Neil turning in a stellar performance!


Rock Slyde, which I caught at AFI Dallas (starring Andy Dick) was - at times - side-splitting fun and definitely a popcorn movie. But, the off-beat comedy is still dangling in the wind waiting for the big brass ring to swing its way.


Review (Rock Slyde): 04/06/2009


http://ijulian.blogspot.com/2009/04/afi-dallasrock-slyde-spoof-on-film-noir.html

"Children Of Invention" (Asian Pacific Film Festival) won top prize when it screened a few weeks ago at the Director's Guild of America - but nevertheless - is still out-in-the-cold when it comes to sweet movie deals Hollywood-style.


Handsome Tze Chun, the director, wasn't inclined to sit on his butt and wait for suitors to come calling, though.


No Sir!


So, the dynamic filmmaker fathomed up a novel approach to plugging and flogging his film.


The visionary director sprang into action and utilized the Festival Circuit to promote the charming"family oriented" film.


Outside in the foyer on the Festival grounds, after the curtain for the big show fell, savvy handlers were at-the-ready to hawk the DVD's.


In my interview with Mr. Chun (a friend on facebook now), he noted that he intends to log all the data pertaining to promotional costs, expenses, and sales - at which point - he'll painstakingly post the specifics on the Internet so that other filmmakers will have a guide to either follow or set their compass by.


Review (Children of Invention): 05/10/2009


http://ijulian.blogspot.com/2009/05/asian-pacific-film-festivalentertaining_10.html
 "Moscow Chill" finally got afloat in the mainstream just recently with their espionage thriller (starring Norman Reedus of "Boondock Saints") although it was a tough sell.


Over the past year since I first took a gander at it, and wrote a positive review, I have followed their progress.


For a million bucks, director Chris Solomine turned out a quality entertaining action-adventure film.


As I said at the time, Hollywood should sit up and take notice!


Review (Moscow Chill) : 02/28/08


http://ijulian.blogspot.com/2008/02/moscow-chillentertaining-low-budget.html

In a way, I feel like the films I became enchanted with or entertained by over the past year or so, are kind of like my "children" now out in the world fending for themselves.


I've got to cheer 'em on from the sidelines, at least.


A few others Indies worth mentioning:


"Before the Music Dies" (Rock Documentary), "The Perfect Age of Rock "N" Roll" (Jason Ritter starring), "Train Master" (well-crafted Disney-style children's flick by Phil Bransom), Inalienable (Richard Hatch starring and direction by Star Trek actor Walter Koenig).


Review (Before Music Dies): 08/29/07


http://ijulian.blogspot.com/2007/08/thomas-carlyle-wordsworth-said-who-is.html


Review (Perfect Age of Rock "N" Roll): 04/27/09


http://ijulian.blogspot.com/2009/04/newport-beach-film-festivaljason-ritter.html

Review (Train Master): 04/14/08


http://ijulian.blogspot.com/2008/04/train-mastercharming-family.html

Review (Inalienable): 04/02/2008


http://ijulian.blogspot.com/2008/04/inalienablewalter-koenig-script.html


And, there is good news to report for "Dim Sum Funeral", too!


Although I originally interviewed the stars (Bai Ling & Curtis Lum) and Director (Anna Chi) on the red carpet at the AFI's prestigious annual Festival (3 years running) in Dallas, scheduling conflicts prevented me from catching it on the silver screen.


Same thing happened in Newport Beach when the well-crafted offering premiered there.


Finally, when "Dim Sum Funeral" was booked into the Asian Pacific Film Festival just a scant few weeks ago, I was able to plunk myself down in a comfy seat in a packed house at the DGA and drink up every rich celluloid moment.


I was bowled over by the performances, storyline, and original thought-provoking themes.


Third-time lucky for both the film and moi.


On the heels of the last screening, "Dim Sum Funeral" scooped distribution.


So, here I am to proudly announce that "Dim Sum Funeral" will be gracing the screen of two legit Theatrical venues in the Los Angeles mainland, commencing Friday June 12th.


*Laemmle Sunset 5 (West Hollywood)
*Laemmles Pasadena Playhouse


Since it is crucial that an Independent film gain a solid footing at the box office the first weekend, I am urging all the locals (and those willing to travel far and wide from the outskirts of the town and county) to take "Dim Sum Funeral" in.


Since Bai Ling, a sexy little darling I've struck up a good relationship with on the Festival beat, is starring in the role of a lesbian - and Dim Sum is opening in West Hollywood on Pride weekend in Gay Gulch (WeHo) - I trust there will be a strong showing of hopeless romantics gays ratcheting up the ticket sales, for starters.


Then again, maybe an even more diverse crowd will be inclined to take a daring enthusiastic theatrical leap, after perusing the reviews!


The film was directed by a sweet lady, Anna Chi.


When an individual first crosses paths with the celebrated director (Joy Luck Club) it is evident from the get-go that she's a gentle loving soul- in spite of the fact - her own life wretchedly twisted here and there over the years, scarring her, undoubtedly.


For example, Ms. Chi unwittingly first stumbled into the nasty glare of the public eye when she was a naive a young girl during the Cultural Revolution in China.


In one impulsive moment in her life, she was inspired to write a letter to her father asking him to consider following the political views and philosophies of Chairman Mao and the Party.


The government used the correspondence to popularize their ideologies and Anna soon became a symbol of the Communist party.


In fact, her name (steeped in tradition) was changed from Shaoai (Forever Spring) to Yong Hong (Forever Red).


High drama, indeed!


Later on when the excitement died down, Anna saw the light at the end of the tunnel, and enrolled in film school


Chi had a good eye - and so - became an editor.


In the throes of this career endeavour, Ms. Chi was forced into an arranged marriage that resulted in a messy divorce and a departure from the philosophy of the Party.


Eventually, after she immigrated to Los Angeles, she learned how to speak English.


From humble beginnings, she raised herself up to loftier climbs due to the dedication to her craft and the innate ability to focus on the essentials in a humanistic way.


When I noted that her cast & crew were greatly impressed by her kindness and understanding on the set, she calmly responded:


"If you treat people with respect, you get respect back."


Her numerous credits include the "Joy Luck Club"(Wayne Wang), NIXON (Oliver Stone), and the anime film "The Three Kingdoms" (John Woo).


Currently, Ms. Chi is writing MERMAID for famed producer, Xu Ligong.


Cast
Dim Sum Funeral


Bai Ling, Lisa Lu, Talia Shire, Julia Nixon, Russell Wong, Kelly Hu, Francoise Yip, Steph Song.


Review (Dim Sum Funeral): 05/04/2009


http://ijulian.blogspot.com/2009/05/asian-pacific-film-festivalanna-chis.html


HD Video Interview: 05/09/2009


http://ijulian.blogspot.com/2009/05/asian-pacific-film-festivalcurtis-lum.html


*Curtis Lum discusses his role as a sperm donating priest with lesbian character Bai Ling. (pictured above)


Well, as they say at Warner Brothers.

That's all folks!

 http://www.thetattler.biz

Julian Ayrs...reference link to feature film "DIM SUM FUNERAL" post launches raunchy porn site! Don't blame moi...

Well, it looks like the naughty mischievous flesh pots are at it again!

While the cat is away, the mice will play.

Yesterday, I was searching for some pertinent reference material on the Internet, when I came across a link to a "Dim Sum Funeral" post (google search) that was allegedly written by moi.

Since I have reported on the Independent film (which just nabbed distribution) no alarm bells went off.

Naturally, I was curious as to which post it was referring to, so I clicked on the link.

Whoa Nellie!

I quickly scrambled to minimize the screen before any acquaintances lolling about within eyesight could get a gander at the PC.

Why, pray tell?

For starters, an unexpected barrage of uncontrollable pornographic images flooded the screen, at whim!

But, the diabolical sex acts proliferating before me - in no way, shape, or form - matched up with any of the publicity stills I uploaded in tandem with the posts for the red carpet interviews or the critique drafted for the Indie film shot in Vancouver (B.C.)

After an investigation, I determined that some scoundrel hi-jacked my name (Julian Ayrs) and manipulated a google reference with the express intent of transporting unsuspecting web surfers (in search of my material) to a porn site outside of the realms of my own blog and personal web site. (http://www.julianayrs.com/)

A similar incident occurred last year.

When the bogus site came to my attention, I duly penned a post to forewarn - readers, media hounds, and the paparazzi - that I had no association with that graphic porn site.

I surmised at the time that the web site owner concocted the scheme to trade on my rising fame, and the popularity of my blog site, in a deceitful bold-faced effort to direct traffic to his or her porn site.

Shortly after I posted a "disclaimer", though, the link disappeared off the Internet.

Hence, I assumed that the little rascals got tired of their merry chase and found greener pastures elsewhere to chow down on.

Now, it would appear that the same purveyors of the skin trade (or a nefarious other few, as yet, unknown to me) are trying to cash in on my high-profile name and heavily-trafficked blog site once again.

Oh well, that's life.

Ironically, I'm not even a fan of porn.

In the aftermath of the last fiasco, I laughed it off to friends.

"I'd rather be part of the action, than sit on the sidelines jerk**g off," I guffawed wildly.

Wouldn't you?

When it gets right down to the nitty-gritty, I'm flattered by all of the titillating - um - exposure.

But, I'm not surprised.

After all, no one has ever complained about my athletics in bed, yet!

Yup, there's a lot to be said about a big swinging di** in Hollywood, I expect.

Kitty Porn

http://www.julianyrs.com

Asian Pacific Film Festival...feature film "Dim Sum Funeral" a celebration of life! Bai Ling plays lesbian with zest...

Anna Chi stumbled across a cache of dog-eared documents one day and was suddenly thrust headlong into the ancient customs of her ancestors - a handful of which inspired her to shoot the poignant film - "Dim Sum Funeral".

"The tradition of honoring a parent with a seven-day funeral is the highest honor a child can give."

The idea of the long-held tradition piqued her curiosity.

On the heels of the revelation, she started up a collaboration with her writing partner, which resulted in a final draft on the subject matter ripe for her insightful lens.

In the opening scenes of "Dim Sum", four siblings - three daughters and one son - are summoned to the family residence by a longtime confidant to commence with arrangements for their mother's last rites in the wake of her untimely death.

When it is revealed that their mother desires that they respect her wishes for a week-long ceremony, the angry four balk at the notion.

As the story unfolds, it is revealed that each of the children were not only "at war" with each other, but were unanimously out-of-sorts with their strict unfeeling mother, too.

Essentially - each harbored a grudge based on their hurtful perception that the grand Dame (to the Manor born) was selfish, overly critical, and incapable of public or private displays of affection.

Once the seven-day "ordeal" commenced, however, many startling revelations unfolded.

The wise "elders" of the Ancient Societies were obviously cognizant of at least one fact.

The painstaking rituals would surely give rise to reflection - and ultimately - lead to a cry for forgiveness.

Such was the case here, after a dramatic - and unexpected turn of events - ultimately healed.

In addition to the underlying themes of love and relationships, Chi's scripted words underscore how much Asian-Americans appear to have one foot in the "old country" and the other in the ever-changing frontier that is America.

Will the two that tug at each other split the community asunder?

In a sort-of sub-pot, Bai Ling appears as the lesbian lover of one of the daughters.

"I represent the modern Chinese woman who is bold and not afraid to let go of traditions," she stressed in a deliberate tone.

She was inclined to philosophize a little, too, on the issues that raise their ugly head in the thought-provoking drama.

"There is a glass wall. We know it's there. But, it's difficult to break through."

Gosh, that's twice this week that Ms. Ling has taken me by surprise with her profound thoughts.
At "premieres", Ms. Ling - the "sexy" spitfire - often sashays onto the carpet with a big splash as two-dozen-or-so media hounds snap away furiously from the sidelines.

But, at the kick off ro4 the - "Rally for Kids with Cancer Scavenger Cup" - Ms. Ling was low key.

"Children are our future and we must give for their best welfare."

As Shakespeare would opine:

"I have never seen such a young body with such an old head."

For those of you interested in production matters, at the Q & A post-screening, it was noted that in spite of all the intricacies of the storyline and a difficult shoot, the movie was wrapped without any delays or snafus.

A remarkable accomplishment, no?

"But, I should point out that Anna (the director) used to be in the Red Guard, " one of the producers laughed.

"Each day she marched onto the set ready to deal with production problems with military-style precision."

It worked.

"Dim Sum Funeral" is an insightful and entertaining film without any "fat" dragging it down.

Maybe that's why Ms. Chi and her team were able to secure a distribution deal so quickly out-of-the-gate.

"Dim Sum Funeral" is being released on June 12th (2009) at Laemlle 5 in West Hollywood and Laemlle 7 in Pasadena.

Enjoy!

http://www.julianayrs.com

Newport Beach Film Festival...Bai Ling makes big splash at Dim Sum Funeral after-party!

When Bai Ling - dazzling star of "Dim Sum Funeral" (which screened at the Festival last night as a centerpiece film) sashayed into the after-party at the Sports Club - the paparazzi went into a wild frenzy!

Within minutes, the stunning actress - dressed-to-the-nines in a chic Royal Blue cocktail dress with beaded accents one one shoulder - was writhing to the catchy beat of the pulsating music amid the glare of a media blitz which descended upon her with a vengeance.

The mood became quite infectious as a handful of well-heeled guests joined into the boisterous fray and mugged non-stop for the ubiquitous cameras that swooped in to capture the festive outburst on celluloid like it was manna from heaven.

A few brave studs swaggered in to get up-close-and-personal with Ms. Ling - at which point - the midnight soiree got a little wild and woolly as they romanced the sensual beauty under a picturesque canopy of stars lighting up the sky overhead.

In one brief moment, when Bai Ling gyrated within arm's length, I hollered "hi" and reminded the sexy actress that I interviewed her on the red carpet at the AFI last fall.

In response, she gave me a sly smile, then beckoned me to trip the-light-fantastic by her side.

Suddenly, there I was in the midst of her erotic charms, with a gaggle of media hounds snapping away furiously.

If I end up on the cover of The Globe, or on TMZ, you heard it here first.

"Were just acquaintances."

On the same occasion at the AFI screening at the Arclight last November, I had the opportunity to chat with the director of "Dim Sum Funeral" - Anna Chi - about her creative process.

"It's like cooking a good meal. You toss in a bit of this 'n that. Take a taste, see what else it needs. Add a little spice, if necessary."

Chi is a beautiful woman who radiates an inner glow and aura of spirituality that one seldom encounters in the film industry.

The cast on hand that glittering night noted that Ms. Chi was a dream to work with on the set.

When I complimented her on that, her humble response spoke volumes.

"If you treat people with respect, you get respect back."

Compared to the Bai Ling entrance, the bash - for the most part - was on the tamer side in respect to overt displays of human sensuality.

In respect to appearances, though, the woman went for broke.

Pretty statuesque ladies strutted about the party circuit in chic cocktail dresses and coiffed do's with subtle come-hither looks.

Surprisingly, the dudes turned out in well-tailored suits, teamed with trendy accessories such as eye-catching ties, slouchy hats, and even stylish Fedoras.

The setting for the blow-out was appropriate for the occasion.

Downstairs, party-goers posed around a reflecting pool as they sipped exotic cocktails provided by Festival sponsor Absolute Vodka.

Farther back on the patio, caterers from Taste Catering Cafe and Luscious Organic Desserts served up delectable "pure, decadent, vegan" cupcakes and a wide-array of scrumptious snacks that hit the spot just right.

Upstairs, in a more intimate setting, guests rubbed shoulders and chatted each other up without much pretension as they stood patiently in line for a morsel or two of the delectable hot Hors d'ouevres which were plentiful.

Actually, there was one sour note.

A pushy bottle-blond who introduced herself as a reporter from KNX tried to butt in line ahead of other guests.

"I'm from KNX, so I'm ahead of you," she rudely hissed to one startled newsie she thought was lower on the food chain.

To paraphrase Gertrude Stein:

"A line is a line is a line."

Was she there to report on the event or just wolf down the goodies?

Notwithstanding, guests handled the situation with amazing grace.

After all, they have impeccable manners in Orange County.

Gabirol said it best:

"The test of good manners is to be patient with bad ones."

(The Choice of Pearls)

http://www.julianayrs.com

AFI FEST...Tilda Swinton causes sensation at career tribute! Kathleen Quinlan radiates at star-studded premiere...

Tilda Swinton strode in the door and a ripple of electricity streaked through the room, Kathleen Quinlan wowed the press with her beauty and grace, and the cast of Black & Sexy were a high-energy delight.

"Tilda! Tilda!"

Yes, that was the excited battle cry last night, as the frenzied paparazzi lunged forward to nab their best shot of the "WOMAN" of the hour - Tilda Swinton - who was being honored by the AFI with a career tribute.

Of all the events this past week at the 11-day Fest, this was undoubtedly the highlight.

Shortly after Ms. Swinton alighted next to me to have a few words with a couple of gushing female reporters - it was evident within a few minutes - that Ms. Swinton was my kind of gal.

For instance, when one of the newsies asked Ms. Swinton who inspired her as an actress, she was quick on the uptake.

"Do you know Margaret Rutherford?" she quizzed the newsies almost reverently.

When their faces went blank, I was inclined to pipe in and lend a hand.

"Yes! Great English character actress," I noted with a Cheshire grin on my face.

Then, she surprised me again.

"Particularly, in the Ms. Marpole series."

Oh my God!

One of my favorite series - along with Hercule Poirot - of course!

A few minutes later, Ms. Swinton was standing before me, gazing deeply into my eyes.

"This woman is intense," I made a mental note to myself.

And there, before me, the depths of her soul sang out in beautiful harmony.

When I asked Ms. Swinton if it was difficult for her in the beginning of her career - what with her distinctive look 'n all - she reacted like a tightly-wound-spring that had just been released.

"They didn't know what to do with me," she fluttered, with a slightly exasperated tone in her voice.

After noting she obviously had to believe in herself, I asked if she was ever inclined to quit the business because of the frustration of dealing with casting's limited perceptions.

"I don't know that I've begun, yet."

I laughed out loud.

Tilda's quick, and bright, with a refreshing deadpan sense of humor.

Later, I was invited to the AFI Fest Tribute - a series of clips highlighting Ms. Swinton's remarkable career to date - and was astounded by the versatility of the woman on the silver screen.

A Festival organizer made a surprise announcement at this juncture.

"Tilda's new film - Julia - will be unveiled for you tonight as a special treat. It's a world premiere."

A review will follow on the new release and Ms. Swinton's remarkable performance in this dark, offbeat, transformative character piece.

Undoubtedly, this was her most challenging role to date.

And, she snagged it.

Kathleen Quinlan, who first broke onto the feature-film scene years ago in the thought-provoking - "I Never Promised You a Rose Garden" - was dazzling.

Ms. Quinlan wore a chocolate brown pant suit, punched up with a neckline trimmed in understated sprays of soft glitter, which caught the light now and then.

The understated choice was a classy outfit which suited her to a "T".

Hillary Clinton, take note!

What struck me most about the fifty-something woman (surely she's not older?) was her flawless skin. So much so, that I was inclined to ask her to share her beauty secrets with my readers.

"Leave your face alone. Don't touch it. Do Yoga."

For additional pointers - check out my blog post on "Faces at 50" - for tips on how to make your skin radiate like Ms. Quinlan's.
(Post: 02/03/08)

When I asked the enduring star which film was a highlight in her long-distinguished career, she was at a loss for words, though.

A true diplomat, she focused on her new film - POUNDCAKE - as the one she was quite proud of it.

It's about a couple going through a divorce - urged by family - to try to make the long-term union work.

"We live in a disposable society. If something doesn't work, get rid of it," she astutely noted to one reporter.

"That's our society. Why not try to salvage something for a change?"

The most rambunctious energy-charged entourage on carpet last night was the cast of "A Good Day to be Black & Sexy".

At one moment, I thought I'd suffer from a chronic case of sensory overload!

A few of the ladies wore elegant cocktail dresses - bolstered just-so with tasteful designer accessories such as - oversize hoop earrings, one-of-a-kind broaches, and flourishes here and there that individualized their looks. Heels tended to be on the dizzying high side, ladies.

The guys made me stand up and take notice, too!

"We want to have our own individual style. That says who we are."

T-shirts were spruced up with touches of glitter, etched with motifs, and often form-fitting.

"I work out. I want clothes that show-off my build."

When the director walked up and he was asked how he felt, he didn't hesitate to utter up a quip.

"After last night (the Obama win) it was a great day. We walked down the street and people moved aside. 'Cause we're in style now," Dennis Dortch responded.

The film was shot over an extended period for a couple of reasons - noted Producer Layla Sewell - who captivated me with her beaming outgoing personality.

There were location problems to deal with, cash-flow demands which needed to be met, that sort of thing.

A show-stopper was definitely Bai Ling who first broke into the spotlight in "Red Corner" playing opposite Richard Gere.

An exquisite dress - with a smattering of Art Deco leanings - exalted her lithe sensuous body and was crowned with a dramatic flat-pressed "do" sparked up with a tasteful headband and elegant bow.

The young "Dim Sum Funeral" star has an instinct for style and a flair for the dramatic.

"We shouldn't be slave to designers. They are here to serve us."

The cast of "DIM SUM" raved about their low-key Director - Anna Chi (Joy Luck Club) - who was on hand to take questions and share some of her noble thoughts.

To me, it appeared the talented auteur took a spiritual approach to her work, in view of the comments that the performers were offering up at the Cinerama Dome.

"It's all about respect," she asserted.

Ms. Chi loves to futz about in the kitchen, by the way. And, the charismatic woman, was quick to draw an analogy between the art of cooking and filmmaking.

"You gather up your ingredients. A bit of this, a bit of that. And, go from there."

The director of the animated feature - "A Day at the Beach" - noted that she was hopeful that "Sundance" might call.

To draw attention to her fictional work - which focuses on all aspects of "love" - her and the producer strode along the carpet with a sprightly-colored promo to tout the foreign production which boasts a score of tantalizing Brazilian music.

Another short film - "Two Owls in Love" - looks to be a clever creation which I intend to take in, if possible.

Check it, and all the other offerings out, at the AFI Fest site.

www.afi.com