Asian Pacific Film Festival...Japan Consul General Ihara attends closing night gala! The Tattler hob-nobs with the tony elite...

Sadly, the Asian Pacific Film Festival came to a close last evening.

But, the annual event did not go quietly into the night!

Indeed, the send-off proceedings were nothing short of dizzying.

Shortly after high-profile stars in the Asian Film community strutted the red carpet amid a flurry of blinding flash bulbs, Japan's Consul General put in a surprise appearance at the podium just prior to the premiere of "Departures" (Best Foreign Film Oscar-winner).

Mr. Ihara congratulated festival organizers for promoting the Asian culture by virtue of the medium of film.

Prior to his current appointment, Ihara served as Deputy Director-General of the Asian & Ocean Affairs Bureau and as a Minister at the Embassy of Japan in the United States.


After the upbeat speech, the distinguished diplomat took his seat to catch the much-anticipated screening, which had been causing a buzz on the festival circuit in recent days.

Just before the curtain fell and the credits rolled, Festival Officials announced the names of a handful of filmmakers who nabbed prestigious awards for their work.

"Children of Invention" (directed by Tze Chun) won the Grand Jury Prize hands down.

Justin Kwong was also singled out for the "Best Newcomer Award" for his performance in the comedy "White on Rice".

Video Interview:

http://ijulian.blogspot.com/2009/05/asian-pacific-film-festivaljustin-kwong.html

Earlier in the evening, director Dave Boyle (White on Rice) paid me quite a compliment when he noted that he'd been watching a video clip I shot at the "Rice" after-party which is currently being broadcast on YouTube.

http://ijulian.blogspot.com/2009/05/asian-pacific-film-festival-on-rice.html

"Quite good," he noted with sincerity.

Flattering, especially when you consider that Mr. Boyle's film also garnered a prize for filmmaking, in addition to the coveted acting prize snapped up by Kwong.

Hiroshi Wanatabe - the male lead in the film - was thrilled with my review.

http://ijulian.blogspot.com/2009/05/asian-pacific-film-festivalwhite-on.html

"I am sending a copy to my family and friends in Japan, " he beamed, as he gave me a polite little bow.

"Departures" (billed as a celebration of life) turned out to be a hit with the audience, by the way.

The cinematography and musical score were particularly outstanding.

A review follows.

Shortly after the lights went up, the well-heeled guests made a bee-line for cocktails (flowing freely from an open bar courtesy of Festival sponsors) then waited patiently in line - in some cases, up to twenty minutes - to gobble up succulent fresh fruit of the season, scrumptious mini-burgers, chicken kabobs, nutritious vegetables, a selection of tasty imported cheeses, and delectable sweets popular in the Orient.

An ongoing dialogue between filmmakers and fans continued on into the witching hour.

In sum, the Silver Anniversary Edition (25th year) of the Asian Pacific Film Festival was a resounding success.

'Til next year!

Dave Boyle, Justin Kwong & Hiroshi Watanabe

http://www.julianayrs.com

Asian Pacific Film Festival..."White on Rice" hilarious comedy! Hiroshi Watanabe star on rise...

Hiroshi Watanabe is on his way to becoming a major star - not just in the Asian coumunity - but in mainstream middle America, too.

Last night the face of the unlikely Hollywood hopeful flickered across the silver screen in an off-beat role in the hilarious comedy feature - "White on Rice" (roughly translated as "stuck on you") - and cinched it for me.

While Mr. Watanabe's comedic timing was impeccable, it was his instictive grasp of the complexities of the medium (and their potential) that I found mesmerizing.

And, that face!

Like the greats before him - Skelton, Gleason, and the Marx Brothers - his lovable mug won't soon be forgotten once the right role throws the spotlight in his direction.

The role of "Jimmy" may just be the launch I am referring to, once the independent feature secures distribution and worms its way around the country.

On the red carpet, Watanabe was outgoing and down-to-earth.

When I quizzed the talented actor about challenges he faced during the short fast shoot, he reflected on the question for about a secord or two, then recalled a curious phenomenon that unfolded beyond his control which was triggered by the two-language scenario foisted on him by the director.

"When I attempted to switch from my native tongue to English, I was forced to pause a second or two, shift gears, then switch into another mode of thinking before continuing with the dialogue," he noted in so many words.

The off-the-wall comedy - about a man-child traumatized by the thought of growing up and taking responsiblity for his life - was directed by Dave Boyd.

"Dave speaks better Chinese than I do," he chuckled.

Aw shucks, Boyd seemed to be grumbling as he stood on the sidelines, and humbly denied the claim.

There is a lot of side-splitting slapstick-style schtick in the independent feature which keeps the madcap screw-ball piece rolling along at a fast and entertzaining clip.

In fact, "White on Rice " is one of the funniest (slickest) films with mainstream appeal to come out of the Asian Community since the tennis spoof - "Ping Pong Playa" - premiered at the Festival last year.

I expect that due to films like "Dim Sum Funeral", "Departures", and "White on Rice" screening now at the Festival's Silver (25th) anniversay, Asian filmmakers (and stars) will be basking in the glow of success once the economy picks up.

Deserving!

http://www.julianayrs.com