Video: An Interview with HAMILTON’s Eddy Lee and Opening Night of The Classical Theatre of Harlem’s TWELFTH NIGHT, Airs on MNN on July 27 and July 28

Oct. 29: Messeret Stroman Wheeler and Ed Wheeler’s Award Winning Short Film, KEEPERS OF THE FLAME, to Screen in Black Bottom Film Festival at August Wilson African American Cultural Center

October 23, 2023 Lia Chang Leave a comment

On Sunday, October 29, Messeret Stroman Wheeler and Ed Wheeler’s Award winning short film, Keepers of The Flame, will screen at 11:00 am in The Black Bottom Film Festival at August Wilson African American Cultural Center, 980 Liberty Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15222. Click here for tickets.

Keepers of the Flame is a short historical drama when on the eve of the 1913 inaugural Women’s Suffrage parade, the formidable activist Mary Church Terrell, along with two leaders of historic African American Sororities, Alpha Kappa Alpha and Delta Sigma Theta, confront and challenge parade organizer Alice Paul in order for black suffragettes to participate in the parade.

Executive Produced by husband and wife team, Messeret Stroman Wheeler and Ed Wheeler, Keepers of The Flame is their passion project and a love letter centering black women and their sisterhood in the fight for the right to vote in 1913, noting unsung women who should be remembered. Helmed and produced by Shari L. Carpenter, with producer Tia Dionne Hodge, Keepers of the Flame is adapted from Judy Tate’s one act play, In the Parlour, and features Messeret Stroman Wheeler, Noelle Ramsay, Celestine Rae and Montana Lampert Hoover.

“Marianne Eggleston’s Orlando Urban Film Festival was a huge celebratory time for us,” shared Messeret Stroman Wheeler. “We were nominated, received Awards for Best Actress and Runner-Up for Best Short Film and it was incredibly meaningful that we got to see family and friends who live in my home state of Florida.”

Keepers of The Flame was also an official selection of Kevin Sampson’s DC Black Film Festival . Click here for more about the film.

Check out the full slate of programming below for The Black Bottom Film Festival.

The Black Bottom Film Festival (BBFF), proudly presented by Citizens, returns for its sixth edition, illuminating and celebrating the rich tapestry of African American cinema. This dynamic event, scheduled from October 27th to October 29th, 2023, promises to be a radiant beacon for cinema enthusiasts and cultural aficionados alike.

President of the AWAACC, Janis Burley “When we started embarking on a film festival program six years ago, we knew there was endless potential to give artists a voice to share perspectives on the challenges and triumphs of Black life around the globe through film. This year, we start with the origins of Black people in front of and behind the camera with Oscar Micheaux to the future with graduate students at Howard University Film School. We are grateful to Citizens for sponsoring the 6th edition of the Black Bottom Film Festival.”

In a unique collaboration with the Micheaux Film Festival, the AWAACC has curated 3 days of film screenings and panels. BBFF showcases a diverse array of films that encapsulate the essence of Black life. From timeless classics that have stood THE TEST of time to championing independent works, BBFF delves into profound themes such as spirituality, race, familial strife, honor, duty, and the relentless struggles of the working class. These themes resonate deeply with the narratives found in August Wilson’s American Century Cycle plays.

“We take immense pride in curating the 6th edition of the Black Bottom Film Festival, while also celebrating our partnership. It is both an honor and a privilege to collaborate with the brilliant minds at the Center, led by the visionary leadership of Janis Burley. Their invaluable contributions to preserving the legacy of August Wilson and nurturing emerging filmmakers, in conjunction with our joint efforts with the Micheaux Film Festival, serve as a true testament to resilience, pride, and the embodiment of black cinematic excellence.” said festival curators, Courtney L. Branch and Noel Braham

Furthermore, BBFF pays homage to the trailblazers of African American cinema, those who pioneered the way and carved out space for future generations. It serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of those who dared to dream and create in an industry that often sought to suppress their voices. We will be honoring the pioneer Jacqueline Stewart with the Black Bottom Film Festival Luminary Award.

This festival is not just a celebration of cinema; it is a vital platform for dialogue, reflection, and a deeper understanding of how Black filmmakers wield the power of art to inspire, challenge, confront, and reshape American culture itself. BBFF is a dynamic celebration of reclamation, a testament to the indomitable spirit of Black artists who represent a vibrant expression of the ongoing Black Renaissance.

Every film screened is a reaffirmation of our right to tell our own stories and a testament to the unyielding resilience of Black creativity. The festival week includes workshops, panels, and receptions, offering a comprehensive view of the evolving landscape of African American cinema. We are partnering with Howard University to present films by Howard alums and graduate students curated by professors in the film department.

A new addition this year, Citizens presents a panel discussion Reel Money: Building Pittsburgh’s Film Economy. This thought-provoking event aims to explore what it will take to elevate Pittsburgh to the ranks of cities with thriving film and television economies, such as Los Angeles, New York City, and Atlanta.

Join us for an insightful and free discussion around the challenges and opportunities for creating a world-class, diverse entertainment workforce. As we gather to exchange perspectives, we’ll also focus on identifying opportunities to attract more film projects to Pittsburgh, fostering a thriving creative economy, and igniting workforce development through impactful production initiatives. This event is an integral part of BBFF, aiming to amplify Black voices, inspire change, and build bridges within Pittsburgh’s burgeoning film community. Registration for this free event is required and available here.

Panelists:
Gregory Edwards – Dolly Grip & Pittsburgh Film Office Board of Directors
Dawn M. Keezer (Moderator) – Executive Director, Pittsburgh Film Office
Kevin M. Smith – Director of Undergraduate Studies – Broadcasting & Teaching Professor, University of Pittsburgh
Roger Guenveur Smith – Actor, Writer, Director & Educator
Festival tickets are available for purchase, including full weekend passes, single-day passes, and student tickets. AWAACC is generously providing 100 free tickets to students each day. For more information on ticketing and festival details, please visit awaacc.org or contact the Senior Ticketing Manager Abi Sarnacki asarnacki@awaacc.org.

The Black Bottom Film Festival presented by Citizens is more than a cinematic celebration; it is a cultural movement, a testament to the power of storytelling, and a vibrant expression of African American creativity.

Major support for AWAACC’s operations is provided by the Richard KING Mellon Foundation, Henry L. Hillman Foundation, Heinz Endowments, and the Allegheny Regional Asset District (RAD).

Citizens is the Presenting Sponsor for the Black Bottom Film Festival.

AWAACC’s programming, including the BBFF, is made possible by generous support from all of its donors. For a complete list, please visit awaacc.org.

Black Bottom Film Festival Schedule:
Friday, October 27th
4:00 PM – 5:00 PM – FREE Panel Discussion Spotlighting the Pittsburgh Film Industry: Reel Money: Building Pittsburgh’s Film Economy
5:00 PM – 6:00 PM – Opening Reception
6:15 PM – 8:05 PM – Film Screenings and Talkback, moderated by Emmai Alaquiva
8:30 PM – 10:00 PM – Film Screening of Warm December

Saturday, October 28th
9:00 AM – 11:00 AM – Morning Workshops
11:00 AM – 1:00 PM – MFF Curated Submitted Screenings
1:00 PM – 3:00 PM – Howard University Screenings & Panel
3:00 PM – 7:30 PM – MFF Curated Submitted Screenings and Talkbacks
8:00 PM – 9:00 PM – Fim Screening of Within Our Gates and Talkback with Jacqueline Stewart
9:05 PM – Presentation of BBFF Award of Excellence to Jacqueline Stewart

Sunday, October 29th
9:00 AM – 11:00 AM – Morning Workshops
11:00 AM – 12:30 PM – MFF Curated Submitted Screenings
12:30 PM – 1:15 PM – Special Talkback
1:30 PM – 4:15 PM – MFF Curated Screenings
4:30 PM – 8:00 PM – Film Screening of The Wiz, and Maya Cade Keynote
8:00 PM – 9:00 PM – Closing Reception
*Programming information is subject to change. Please check back regularly for updates!

ABOUT BLACK BOTTOM FILM FESTIVAL (BBFF)
The Black Bottom Film Festival is an annual event that celebrates African American cinema, exploring its rich tapestry from classic films to independent works. Hosted by the August Wilson African American Cultural Center, BBFF aims to amplify Black voices, inspire change, and foster dialogue within the film community.

ABOUT MICHEAUX FILM FESTIVAL
Oscar Micheaux was a visionary filmmaker whose trailblazing work challenged the boundaries of Hollywood during the early 20th century. From the shadows of adversity, Micheaux emerged as a pioneer, using the power of cinema to shed light on the black experience as he challenged norms and empowered communities. In homage to his groundbreaking contributions, the Micheaux Film Festival was born. A beacon of creativity, innovation, diversity, and inclusion.

Our annual event celebrates the indomitable spirit of Oscar Micheaux and his enduring influence on the world of film. Since our founding in 2018, The Micheaux Film Festival has become a vibrant tapestry of cultural expression, welcoming filmmakers from every background and showcasing a kaleidoscope of narratives that reflect the rich tapestry of human experiences.

From thought-provoking dramas to captivating documentaries and gripping comedies, the festival serves as a platform for underrepresented voices to shine. With a focus on fostering inclusivity and promoting emerging talent, the festival embraces a wide range of genres, styles, and perspectives.

ABOUT CITIZENS FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.
Citizens Financial Group, Inc. is one of the nation’s oldest and largest financial institutions, with $223.1 billion in assets as of June 30, 2023. Headquartered in Providence, Rhode Island, Citizens offers a broad range of retail and commercial banking products and services to individuals, small businesses, middle-market companies, large corporations and institutions. Citizens helps its customers reach their potential by listening to them and by understanding their needs in order to offer tailored advice, ideas and solutions.

In Consumer Banking, Citizens provides an integrated experience that includes mobile and online banking, a full-service customer contact center and the convenience of approximately 3,400 ATMs and approximately 1,100 branches in 14 states and the District of Columbia. Consumer Banking products and services include a full range of banking, lending, savings, wealth management and small business offerings.

In Commercial Banking, Citizens offers a broad complement of financial products and solutions, including lending and leasing, deposit and treasury management services, foreign exchange, interest rate and commodity risk management solutions, as well as loan syndication, corporate finance, merger and acquisition, and debt and equity capital markets capabilities. More information is available at http://www.citizensbank.com or visit us on Twitter, LinkedIn or Facebook.

ABOUT AUGUST WILSON AFRICAN AMERICAN CULTURAL CENTER
The August Wilson African American Cultural Center is a non-profit cultural center located in Pittsburgh’s cultural district that generates artistic, educational, and community initiatives that advance the legacy of Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright August Wilson. One of the largest cultural centers in the country focused exclusively on the African AMERICAN EXPERIENCE and the celebration of Black culture and the African diaspora, the non-profit organization welcomes more than 119,000 visitors locally and nationally.

Through year-round programming across multiple genres, such as the annual Pittsburgh International Jazz Festival, Black Bottom Film Festival, AWCommunity Days, TRUTHSayers speaker series, and rotating art exhibits in its galleries, the Center provides a platform for established and emerging artists of color whose work reflects the universal issues of identity that Wilson tackled, and which still resonate today.

Entertainment, Film, Film Festivals

BACKSTAGE PASS with Lia Chang: Inside the #AAIFF46 NY Premiere of THE HARVEST with Caylee So, Doua Moua, Perry Yung

August 8, 2023 Lia Chang Leave a comment

Quad Cinema in New York. Photo by Lia Chang

On July 29, I went to Asian CineVision’s 46th Asian American International Film Festival’s sold-out New York premiere of Caylee So’s The Harvest at Quad Cinema.

Written by and starring Doua Moua, the cast also features Perry Yung, Dawn Ying Yuen, Chrisna Chhor, Christine Lin and More.

Producer, Writer and Star Doua Moua, Caylee So, Perry Yung. Photo by Lia Chang

The film has been playing festivals around the country and I had a chance to sit down with Perry, Director Caylee So, and Producer, Writer and Star Doua Moua at the La MaMa Rehearsal Studios prior to the screening. The Harvest is also produced by John Houselog with Executive Producers Yoson An and Money Vang.

Doua Moua, Perry Yung, Caylee So and John Houselog. Photo by Lia Chang

After a car accident leaves his family in need of his help, Thai returns home to Southern California, only to find his whole world in disarray. With mounting medical bills and secrets of their own, the family watches as Cher, a tough and stubborn Hmong father, suffers through the devastating effects of kidney failure. Thai struggles to chose between his fractured relationship with his family, or a life free from the burdens of traditions.

The production team includes Director of Photography Brian Nguyen, Composer Roman Molino Dunn, Editor Frank Martinez, Production Designer Christy Gray, Makeup by Dou Pothmolita, Costumes by Juliette Lunger and Casting Director Dea Vise.

This 44th episode of BACKSTAGE PASS with Lia Chang will air on Sunday, August 13 at 6:30pm on FIOS 34, RCN 83, Spectrum 56/1996 and will stream on MNN2. You can watch it below.

Interview with Perry Yung, Doua Moua and Caylee So.

Interview with Perry Yung

Director Caylee So was born in a refugee camp in Thailand, her parents having fled the Khmer Rouge in Cambodia. She holds a B.A. in Creative Writing from George Mason University and a M.F.A. in Film Directing from Dodge College of Film and Media Arts. So is the co-founder of the Cambodia Town Film Festival and an honorary committee member of the Cambodian International Film Festival. Her award winning feature film, IN THE LIFE OF MUSIC, which represented Cambodia in the country’s 2018 Oscar submission.

Photo coverage of THE HARVEST team at #AAIFF46.

AAIFF46 Festival Director Kayla Wong. Photo by Lia Chang

AAIFF46 NY Premiere of THE HARVEST. Photo by Lia Chang

Amasa Amos, Amy Chang, Perry Yung. Photo by Lia Chang

Marissa Carpio, Nancy Eng, Perry Yung, Karen Lee and Wai-Ching Ho. Photo by Lia Chang

Lillian Ling, Arlan Huang and Perry Yung. Photo by Lia Chang

Amy Chang, Caylee So and Perry Yung. Photo by Lia Chang

Lauren Yee and Perry Yung. Photo by Lia Chang

Lauren Yee and Caylee So. Photo by Lia Chang

Doua Moua, Lauren Yee, Caylee So and Perry Yung. Photo by Lia Chang

Perry Yung, John Houselog, Amy Chang and Doua Moua. Photo by Lia Chang

Caylee So, Perry Yung, John Houselog, Amy Chang, Doua Moua, Nancy Eng, Nick Sakai. Photo by Lia Chang

Doua Moua, Karen Lee, Perry Yung, Lia Chang, Nancy Eng, Jun Suenaga, Billy Asai, Wai-Ching Ho, Phil Nee, Amy Chang, Caylee So.

Perry Yung, Billy Asai, Jun Suenaga. Photo by Lia Chang

Caylee So, Doua Moua, Perry Yung and Lia Chang. Photo by Phil Nee

AAIFF46 Festival Director Kayla Wong, Lia Chang, Perry Yung, Karen Lee, Phil Nee, Wai-Ching Ho, Nancy Eng.

Perry Yung and Henry Chang. Photo by Lia Chang

Back Row: Wing Lee, Dave Chang, June Jee, Shuhei Kinoshita, Perry Yung, Caylee So, Karen Lee, Phil Nee, Doua Moua, Wai-Ching Ho. Front Row: Jinny Chung, Yixin Cen, Henry Chang. Photo by Lia Chang

Jun Suenaga, Caylee So, Billy Asai, A Martina Asai, Perry Yung. Photo by Lia Chang

Lia Chang is an actor, a multi-media content producer, activist, documentarian and an Award winning filmmaker and co-founder of Bev’s Girl Films making films that foster inclusion and diversity on both sides of the camera. Lia is also the host and Executive Producer of BACKSTAGE PASS WITH LIA CHANG, an Arts and Entertainment and Lifestyle program that airs on Sundays at 6:30pm on FIOS 34, RCN 83, Spectrum 56/1996 and streams on MNN2. Lia was recently profiled on Asian American Life. BGF collaborates with and produces multi-media content for artists, actors, designers, theatrical productions, composers, musicians and corporations. www.liachang.com www.liachangphotography.com

Entertainment, Film, Film Festivals

July 29: Asian CineVision’s 46th Asian American International Film Festival is Screening New York Premiere of Caylee So’s THE HARVEST Starring Doua Moua, Perry Yung, Dawn Ying Yuen and Chirsna Chhor

July 10, 2023 Lia Chang Leave a comment

Asian CineVision’s 46th Asian American International Film Festival is screening the New York premiere of Caylee So’s The Harvest on Saturday, July 29, 2023 at Quad Cinema, 34 W. 13th St. in New York at 4:30pm. A live in-person Q & A with the filmmakers will follow the screening.

Tickets are $16. Get 25% off your tickets for the NYC Premiere of The Harvest. Code: AAIFFHarvest46
Info & Tickets

Written by and starring Doua Moua (Mulan, Gran Torino), the cast also features Perry Yung (“Warriors,” “The Knick”), Dawn Ying Yuen, Chrisna Chhor, Lucas Velazquez, Hua Lee, Alfonso Caballero, Saikong Yang, Tomas K Thao, Mai Moua, Tsabmim Xyooj, Kue Lee, Chai Yang, ZhongKhang Yang, Mary Ly, Amery K Thao, Anneston Pisayavong, Arianna Rivas, Tin Tin, Blake Kevin Dwyer, Greg Yoder, Christine Lin, and Tress Glenn.

Interview with Perry Yung

The Harvest is produced by John Houselog and Doua Moua; with Executive Producers Yoson An and Money Vang. The production team includes Director of Photography Brian Nguyen, Composer Roman Molino Dunn, Editor Frank Martinez, Production Designer Christy Gray, Makeup by Dou Pothmolita, Costumes by
Juliette Lunger and Casting Director Dea Vise.

Entertainment, Television

Lori Tan Chinn, Tunde Adebimpe, Demi Adejuyigbe, Danny Pudi and Hannah Einbinder Star in Apple TV+’s adult animated series “Strange Planet,” based on the bestselling graphic novel by Nathan W. Pyle; Global Premiere is August 9

July 10, 2023 Lia Chang Leave a comment

Apple TV+’s new 10-episode adult animated series “Strange Planet” will make its global debut on Wednesday, August 9, 2023. Based on the New York Times No. 1 bestselling graphic novel and social media phenomenon of the same name, “Strange Planet” is a hilarious and perceptive look at a distant world not unlike our own. Set in a whimsical world of cotton candy pinks and purples, relatable blue beings explore the absurdity of everyday human traditions. New episodes will debut weekly on Wednesdays through the season finale on September 27, 2023.

Voicing this world of beings are Gotham Award nominee Tunde Adebimpe (Rachel Getting Married), Emmy Award nominee Demi Adejuyigbe (“The Amber Ruffin Show”), Lori Tan Chinn (“Awkwafina Is Nora From Queens”, Joy Ride), Critics Choice Award nominee Danny Pudi (“Community”) and Emmy Award nominee Hannah Einbinder (“Hacks”).

“Strange Planet” is co-created and executive produced by Emmy Award winner Dan Harmon (“Rick and Morty,” “Community”) and New York Times bestselling author Nathan W. Pyle. Academy Award winner Alex Bulkley (“Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio”), Emmy Award winner Corey Campodonico for ShadowMachine (“BoJack Horseman,” “Tuca & Bertie”), Lauren Pomerantz (“Saturday Night Live,” “The Ellen DeGeneres Show”), Emmy Award winner Amalia Levari (“Over the Garden Wall,” “Harvey Beaks”), Steve Levy (“Rick and Morty,” “Community”) and Taylor Alexy Pyle serve as executive producers. “Strange Planet” is produced by Apple Studios and ShadowMachine.

Apple TV+ offers premium, compelling drama and comedy series, feature films, groundbreaking documentaries, and kids and family entertainment, and is available to watch across all your favorite screens. After its launch on November 1, 2019, Apple TV+ became the first all-original streaming service to launch around the world, and has premiered more original hits and received more award recognitions faster than any other streaming service in its debut. To date, Apple Original films, documentaries and series have earned 369 wins and 1,478 award nominations and counting, including multi-Emmy Award-winning comedy “Ted Lasso” and historic Oscar Best Picture winner “CODA.”

About Apple TV+

Apple TV+ is available on the Apple TV app in over 100 countries and regions, on over 1 billion screens, including iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, Mac, popular smart TVs from Samsung, LG, Sony, VIZIO, TCL and others, Roku and Amazon Fire TV devices, Chromecast with Google TV, PlayStation and Xbox gaming consoles, and at tv.apple.com, for $6.99 per month with a seven-day free trial. For a limited time, customers who purchase and activate a new iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, Mac or iPod touch can enjoy three months of Apple TV+ for free.*

For more information, visit apple.com/tvpr and see the full list of supported devices.

*Special offer is good for three months after the first activation of the eligible device. One offer per Family Sharing group. Plans automatically renew until cancelled. Other restrictions and terms apply; visit apple.com/promo for more information.

Events, Film, Photography, Theater

Patrick Chen’s A FATHER’S SON, Starring Tzi Ma, Ronny Chieng, Perry Yung and Kathleen Kwan, wins 2023 ‘Audience Choice Award’ for Best Short Film at Katra Film Series

May 6, 2023 Lia Chang Leave a comment

Patrick Chen’s Chinatown noir thriller A Father’s Son, a short film/pilot based on characters from Henry Chang’s 90’s NYPD Detective Jack Yu crime series novels, has won the ‘Audience Choice Award’ for Best Short Film from Katra Film Series.

Katra Film Series’ screening of Patrick Chen’s A Father’s Son played to a sold-out house at Regal Essex Crossing in New York on April 26, 2023.

KATRA Film Series Founder Geoffrey Guerrero at Regal Essex Crossing in New York on April 26, 2023. Photo by Adam Lim

Filmmakers during the Q & A after the KATRA Film Series screening at Regal Essex Crossing in New York on April 26, 2023. Photo by Adam Lim

Wing Lee, Henry Chang, Patrick Chen. Photo by Adam Lim

Row 1: Vera Chow, Jinny Chung. Row 2: Yixin Cen, Kathleen Kwan, Perry Yung, William Hsieh. Row 3: Wing Lee, Adam Lim, Shuhei Kinoshita, Joey Orlando, Tim Liu, Henry Chang, Sean Lau, Karen Tsen Lee, Patrick Chen, Jason Chew, Joe Chan, Evan Lam, Dave Chan. Photo by Nano Leon

Henry Chang, Perry Yung, Wing Lee, Patrick Chen. Photo by Adam Lim

Jinny Chung, Karen Tsen Lee, Kathleen Kwan, Vera Chow. Photo by Nano Leon

Henry Chang shared, “Winning the ‘Audience Choice Award’ for BEST SHORT FILM demonstrates that viewers appreciate the efforts of cast and crew to portray not only an engrossing story but the culture and language of Chinatown as well. It means that audiences are ready for honest in-depth stories beyond the usual stereotypical fare that is offered. Everyone involved should be most proud. Thank you all!”

Filmmaker Patrick Chen and Henry Chang. Photo by Shuhei Kinoshita

Special thanks to the entire KATRA TEAM from A FATHER’S SON. Photo by Nanon Leon

A Father’s Son stars Tzi Ma (Rush Hour, The Farewell, Mulan) as Krang Li, Ronny Chieng (Crazy Rich Asians, “The Daily Show,” Netflix’s “Asian Comedian Destroys America”) as Detective Jack Yu, Perry Yung (“The Knick,” “Warrior,” “Boogie”) as Jack’s father, Wang Kei Yu and Kathleen Kwan as Lai Jean Li.

Perry Yung and Ronny Chieng in A FATHER’S SON. Photo by Lia Chang

The cast also features Christopher Randolph as Captain Salvatore Marino, Wai Ching Ho as Soo Hing Li, Cathy Salvodon as Crystal Jones, Adam Lim as Billy Bo, Tim Liu as Officer Dennis Wong.

Ronny Chieng, Wai Ching Ho, Tzi Ma, Kathleen Kwan and Madelyn Bae. Photo by Lia Chang

Set in the early ’90s when local street gangs terrorized Manhattan’s Chinatown, the story centers on Detective Jack Yu – torn between his identity of his community and the NYPD, Detective Jack Yu delivers news of a son’s murder to the victim’s parents at the height of a gang turf war in Manhattan’s Chinatown.

The latest awards tally for A Father’s Son include the 2022 Canada China International Film Festival Best Supporting Actor Award for A Father’s Son’s star Tzi Ma, a 2022 New York Shorts International Film Festival Special Mention Honors, A 2022 Silicon Valley Asian Pacific Filmfest Best Adaptation from a Book Award and a 2022 KAFFNY Infinite Cinema Short Film Audience Award.

Credits for teaser trailer include Patricia Ma (Editor), Phil Choe (Colorist), William Hsieh (Sound Designer), David Bettencourt (Graphics Designer), Mike J. Kelly (Music) and Film Composer CHOPSmusic.

The creative team includes music by Scott Chops Jung, Cinematography by Jason Chew, Film Editing by Xiaoya Ma, Production Design by Wing Lee, Costume Design by Vera Chow, Makeup Artists Glenda Remo Jinks and Jiamin Zhou, Belén Orsini (1^st Assistant Director), Yixin Cen (2^nd Assistant Director), Set Dresser Jinny Chung, Assistant Art Directors Melody Wong and Hu Yawen, Boom Operator and Sound Mixer Sebastian Hoist, Sound Designer/Supervisor William Hsieh, Fight Choreographer Lang Yip, Lia Chang (Still Photographer), Cindy Chen (1^st Assistant Camera), Derrick Chen (2^nd Assistant Camera), Arseniy Grobovnikov (Gaffer), Manoj Gurung (Gaffer), Brittany Jeffrey (Key Grip), Jason H. Kim (Key Grip), Bruna Lacerda (1^st Assistant Camera), Brandon Lee (2^nd Assistant Camera), Justine Onne (Key Grip), Samon (Grip), Chris Ungco (Steadicam Operator), Shannon Ko (Script Supervisor), David Bettencourt (Campaign Manager), Joe Chan (Dialect Coach), Grayson Chin (Key Production Assistant) and Oliver Chiu (Production Assistant).

Colorwebmag.com: ‘A Father’s Son’: Chinatown Takes Center Stage In New Trailer Starring Ronny Chieng, Tzi Ma, and Perry Yung A Father’s Son Kickstarter

All text, graphics, articles & photographs: © 2000-2023 Lia Chang Multimedia. All rights reserved. All materials contained on this site are protected by United States copyright law and may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, displayed, published or broadcast without the prior written permission of Lia Chang. You may not alter or remove any trademark, copyright or other notice from copies of the content. For permission, please contact Lia at backstagepasswithliachang@gmail.com.

Entertainment, Film, Film Festivals

Apr. 16 & 23: BACKSTAGE PASS with Lia Chang: Highlights of Farland Chang’s Docuseries EAST MEETS WEST: JOURNEYS ALONG THE SILK ROAD with National Geographic Photographer Michael Yamashita, airs on FIOS 34, RCN 83, and Spectrum 56/1996, and streams on MNN2

April 16, 2023 Lia Chang Leave a comment

The 30th episode of BACKSTAGE PASS with Lia Chang, executive produced and hosted by Lia, airs on April 16 and 23 at 1:30pm and 6:30pm on FIOS 34, RCN 83, and Spectrum 56/1996, and streams on MNN2. If you miss the episode, it is archived on my youtube channel.

My mentor, National Geographic Photographer Michael Yamashita has captured some of the world’s most awe-inspiring photos for four decades, combining his dual passions of photography and travel.

On this edition of Backstage Pass with Lia Chang, you’ll get to see highlights of “East Meets West”, a nine part docuseries, produced by Emmy award winning journalist Farland Chang, which brings epic chapters of history to life as this legendary photographer shares his lifetime of secrets.

“East Meets West” is based on Mike’s award-winning stories, books & films: Marco Polo: The China Mystery Revealed; Marco Polo: A Photographer’s Journey; Ghost Fleet: The Adventures of China’s Zheng He; The Great Wall: From Beginning to End; Shangri-La: Along the Tea Road to Lhasa; and New York: Flying High.

Farland Chang and Michael Yamashita. Photo by Lia Chang

I met Mike and Farland in 1993, when I attended my first Asian American Journalists Association convention in LA.

Mike is known for epic stories that retrace the paths of famous travelers, like Marco Polo, the Japanese poet Basho, and the Chinese explorer Zheng He. After graduating from Wesleyan University with a degree in Asian studies, he spent seven years in Asia, which became his area of specialty. Returning to the United States fluent in Japanese, he began shooting for National Geographic as well as many other U.S. and international clients. His feature documentary, The Ghost Fleet, won the Best Historical Documentary prize at the New York International Independent Film Festival. His National Geographic Channel documentary, Marco Polo: The China Mystery Revealed, received two Asian Television and Film Awards and was also included in the top 20 most popular NG Channel documentaries of the decade.

Sharing a vision of Bridging East and West. It has been invaluable to be part of an organization of Asian American storytellers, educators, and journalists working towards accurate and fair coverage of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islanders and AANHPI issues.

Episodes 1 & 2 of East Meets West are currently streaming worldwide. Episodes 3, 4, and 5 will launch this summer. www.eastmeetswestfilm.com.

Lia Chang. Photo by Erich McMillan-McCall

Lia Chang is an actor, a multi-media content producer, activist, documentarian, corporate photographer and an Award winning filmmaker and co-founder of Bev’s Girl Films, making films that foster inclusion and diversity on both sides of the camera. Lia is also the host and Executive Producer of BACKSTAGE PASS WITH LIA CHANG, an Arts and Entertainment and Lifestyle program that airs on Sundays at 6:30pm on FIOS 34, RCN 83, Spectrum 56/1996, and streams on MNN2.

Bev’s Girl Films’ debut short film, Hide and Seek was a top ten film in the Asian American Film Lab’s 2015 72 Hour Shootout Filmmaking Competition, and she received a Best Actress nomination. Her short film, When the World Was Young garnered a 2021 DisOrient Film Audience Choice Award for Best Short Narrative. Lia has appeared in the films Wolf, New Jack City, A Kiss Before Dying, King of New York, Big Trouble in Little China, The Last Dragon, Taxman. She stars in and served as Executive Producer for the short independent films Hide and Seek, Balancing Act, Rom-Com Gone Wrong, Belongingness and When the World was Young. She is also the Executive Producer for The Cactus, The Language Lesson, The Writer and Cream and 2 Shugahs. BGF collaborates with and produces multi-media content for artists, actors, designers, theatrical productions, composers, musicians and corporations.

Lia is the recipient of the 2022 Prospect Muse Award, 2000 OCA Chinese American Journalist Award, the 2001 AAJA National Award for New Media. Lia is an AAJA Executive Leadership Graduate (2000), a Western Knight Fellow at USC’s Annenberg College of Communications for Specialized Journalism on Entertainment Journalism in the Digital Age (2000), a National Press Photographers Association Visual Edge/Visual Journalism Fellow at the Poynter Institute for New Media (2001), a Scripps Howard New Media Fellow at the Columbia Graduate School of Journalism (2002), and a National Tropical Botanical Garden Environmental Journalism Fellow (2003). She was a syndicated columnist for KYODO News, writing about arts and entertainment in her “What’s Hot in New York” column.

All text, graphics, articles & photographs: © 2000-2023 Lia Chang Multimedia, unless otherwise indicated. All rights reserved. All materials contained on this site are protected by United States copyright law and may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, displayed, published or broadcast without the prior written permission of Lia Chang, unless otherwise indicated. You may not alter or remove any trademark, copyright or other notice from copies of the content. For permission, please contact Lia at backstagepasswithliachang@gmail.com.

Events, Film, Photography, Theater

Apr. 26: Patrick Chen’s A FATHER’S SON, Starring Tzi Ma, Ronny Chieng, Perry Yung and Kathleen Kwan, will Screen in Katra Film Series at Regal Essex Crossing

April 16, 2023 Lia Chang Leave a comment

Patrick Chen’s Chinatown noir thriller A Father’s Son, a short film/pilot based on characters from Henry Chang’s 90’s NYPD Detective Jack Yu crime series novels, is an official selection of the Katra Film Series and will screen on Wednesday, April 26 at Regal Essex Crossing (129 Delancey Street) near Manhattan’s Chinatown at 6:15pm, after which there will be a filmmaker Q&A.

The cast also features Christopher Randolph as Captain Salvatore Marino, Wai Ching Ho as Soo Hing Li, Cathy Salvodon as Crystal Jones, Adam Lim as Billy Bo, Tim Liu as Officer Dennis Wong.

The Katra Film Series program will screen four other shorts including Never Forget, The Blue Line, OVERDUE, Rose, At Last…, Wendy, and The Hope Chest Has a Secret Drawer.

For more information and tickets, click here.

Colorwebmag.com: ‘A Father’s Son’: Chinatown Takes Center Stage In New Trailer Starring Ronny Chieng, Tzi Ma, and Perry Yung A Father’s Son Kickstarter

Entertainment, Film, Film Festivals

BACKSTAGE PASS with Lia Chang: My Films, ROM-COM GONE WRONG, BELONGINGNESS AND WHEN THE WORLD WAS YOUNG, air on March 19 at 1:30pm and 6:30pm and March 22 at 6:00pm on FIOS 34, RCN 83, and Spectrum 56/1996, and will stream on MNN2

March 19, 2023 Lia Chang Leave a comment

The 26th episode of BACKSTAGE PASS with Lia Chang, executive produced and hosted by Lia, airs on March 19 at 1:30pm and 6:30pm and March 22 at 6:00pm on FIOS 34, RCN 83, and Spectrum 56/1996, and streams on MNN2. If you miss the episode, it is archived on my youtube channel.

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I’m celebrating Asian American women in leading roles by sharing three of Bev’s Girl Films short films, written and directed by Garth Kravits – When the World Was Young starring Virginia Wing, Jason Ma, Lia Chang which deals with how siblings deal with their mother’s memory loss; Belongingness starring Isabela Sanchez and Lia Chang which follows a young girl’s search for identity and a sense of belonging, which comes from an expected source; Rom-Com Gone Wrong starring Lia Chang, Eric Elizaga and Brian Kim McCormick.

Rom-Com Gone Wrong is a short produced by Bev’s Girl Films and Cut & Dry Films. Written and directed by Garth Kravits, the films stars Lia Chang, Eric Elizaga and Brian Kim.

A romantic encounter, ten years in the making.

Official Selection of Disorient Asian American Film Festival of Oregon and 10th Annual Queens World Film Festival.

Eric Elizaga and Brian Kim. Photo by Lia Chang

Eric Elizaga quit his medical sales and marketing job in his home state of Hawaii to go to acting school in New York. Since then, he has appeared in over a dozen television shows including Elementary, Orange Is The New Black, Hawaii 5-0, FBI, as well as recurring roles on Law & Order: SVU and Gotham. Eric also wrote and directed a short film called The Beach House for which he won the best short film director award at the Bergen International Film Festival. The Beach House was also an official selection at the 2019 Disorient Film Festival.

Lia Chang is an actor, a multi-media content producer and co-founder of Bev’s Girl Films, making films that foster inclusion and diversity on both sides of the camera. Bev’s Girl Films’ debut short film, Hide and Seek was a top ten film in the Asian American Film Lab’s 2015 72 Hour Shootout Filmmaking Competition, and she received a Best Actress nomination. BGF collaborates with and produces multi-media content for artists, actors, designers, theatrical productions, composers, musicians and corporations. Lia has appeared in the films Wolf, New Jack City, A Kiss Before Dying, King of New York, Big Trouble in Little China, The Last Dragon, Taxman, Balancing Act, Belongingness, When the World was Young and Hide and Seek.

Isabela Sanchez makes her film debut in BELONGINGNESS.

Bev’s Girl Films presents Belongingness, a new short film starring Isabela Sanchez and Lia Chang.

Written, directed and edited by Cut & Dry Films’ Garth Kravits, Belongingness follows a young girl’s search for identity and a sense of belonging, which comes from an expected source.

Original Score by John Tyler Kent.

Official Selection of the Asian Film Festival.

Bev’s Girl Films presents WHEN THE WORLD WAS YOUNG, starring Virginia Wing, Jason Ma and Lia Chang. The cast also features Jo Yang, Daniel Dunlow, Michelle Miller and Mark York.

Jo Yang, Garth Kravits, Virginia Wing, Jason Ma and Lia Chang attend Asian American Night of CAMBODIAN ROCK BAND at Pershing Square Signature Center in New York on February 9, 2020. Photo by Alex Sanchez

When siblings Benjamin and Audrey return home to confront their Mother’s memory loss, they discover a hidden key to her past.

Jason Ma, Virginia Wing and Lia Chang in WHEN THE WORLD WAS YOUNG. Photo by Garth Kravits

Written and directed by Garth Kravits, the film is Executive Produced by Bev’s Girl Films, with producers Garth Kravits of Cut & Dry Films and Eric Elizaga. Hair and makeup by Dorothy Bhadra. Special thanks to Karen Elizaga and Daniel Dunlow.

Virginia Wing (Virginia) is a Chinese-American actress whose ancestors came to the “Gold Mountain” from Canton (now Guangdong) in the mid-1800s, lured by the Gold Rush and the building of the railroads. She is currently writing about growing up Southern in the Mississippi Delta, where she was born and raised.

Professionally, she has run the gamut from opera, theatre, cabaret, TV, film, playwriting, directing and producing to script analysis. She modeled in her youth and is in the Breck Girl Hall of Fame. She was the model in the Mitsouko by Guerlain ad in the 60s, which won awards internationally. She was a nominee for Best Actress in the Hollywood NAACP Image Awards. She is most proud of this film because the characters did not have to have Chinese accents, did not have to speak Chinese or refer to themselves as being Chinese. They were not written as Exotic or Other, but as Americans who happen to be Chinese, caught up in a universal story. At last! She can be seen in NYTW’s production of Three Sisters in the Spring of 2020. Click on the Performing Arts Legacy Website for more about Virginia Wing.

Jason Ma (Benjamin) is a son of an immigrant family, and a grateful descendant of a long line of those who were able to persist, overcome and succeed on their way to becoming Americans. He wrote book, music and lyrics for Gold Mountain and is the 2017 recipient of the ASCAP Foundation’s Cole Porter Award for his work as a composer/lyricist. Along with writing, he is an actor who has been seen on Broadway and Off-Broadway stages, in regional theaters and many international venues. Please visit: www.goldmountainthemusical.com

Garth Kravits is an actor, singer, musician, composer and award winning filmmaker, director and editor. He made his Broadway debut in the Tony award winning musical The Drowsy Chaperone and originated the role of Ritchie in the Broadway show Gettin’ the Band Back Together’.

His Off-Broadway credits include Old Jews Telling Jokes, Toxic Audio and Smart Blonde. He has appeared regionally in Gettin’ The Band Back Together, Meet Me in St. Louis: A Live Radio Play, and It’s A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play, (Bucks County Playhouse) Kravits has appeared on TV in “Mr. Robot,” “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel,” HBO’s “Divorce,” “30 Rock,” “The Blacklist,” “Nurse Jackie,” “The Carrie Diaries,” “Hostages” and in the new TV shows “The Hunters” (Amazon Prime) and “Tommy” (CBS).

Awards, Film

Martín Solá and Michelle Liu Coughlin’s Short Film, MAY I TAKE IT YOUR PLATE, Garners Awards on the Film Festival Circuit

February 23, 2023 Lia Chang Leave a comment

MSquared Productions’ May I Take It Your Plate, a short film written, directed and starring Martín Solá, and featuring Heather Botts, Lee Zarrett, Ionnis Pazianas, Gilbert D. Sanchez, Jackson Moran, Gary Leimkuhler, Kevin C. Martinez, Susan Molloy, George Pappas and Gary West, has been garnering awards on the film festival circuit.

The film is a humorous yet uncomfortable glimpse into the life of Martín, an actor of color, as he encounters negative stereotyping during an acting audition.

Husband and wife duo, Martín Solá and Michelle Liu Coughlin, have collaborated on many projects (onstage and on screen). May I Take It Your Plate is their fifth film together. Their upcoming projects include a short-form series and a feature film.

On November 13, 2022, Veronica Caicedo, Founder and CEO of the International Puerto Rican Heritage Film Festival awarded honors to May I Take It Your Plate for Live Action Short Film along with presenting Martín Solá a Best Actor Award for his work in the film.

Michelle Liu Coughlin and Martín Solá with International Puerto Rican Heritage Film Festival Director Xavier Santiago.

On December 4, 2022, Michelangelo Alasa, Founder of the NYC Downtown Short Film Festival awarded Best Latino Film to May I Take It Your Plate along with a Best Actor Award to Martín Solá for his work in the film.

Martín Solá: an actor, singer, and teacher living in New York City. His passion for those disciplines has led him to balance his career in those three areas for close to 30 years. 2022 was a breakout year for Martín as he portrayed Father Russo on the NETFLIX hit-series ARCHIVE 81. He also made appearances as IAB Captain Jerome Garibaldi on FBI (CBS), and Angél Garcés on LAW AND ORDER SVU (NBC). And in the fall, he appeared in the new Suzan Lori Parks work, PLAYS FOR THE PLAGUE YEAR at The Public Theater in NYC.

Martín has been an active member of the Tony Award Winning BROADWAY INSPIRATIONAL VOICES since 2019. He also serves as a singing instructor at YALE UNIVERSITY, through the Shen Curriculum for Musical Theater since 2021; and he has maintained a private voice studio for over 30 years. He also teaches acting classes with his wife Michelle Liu Coughlin. For more info : www.martinsola.com

Michelle Liu Coughlin: a multi-faceted AAPI actress, singer, and producer with over 20 years of experience in the entertainment industry. Her television and film credits include: FBI (CBS), New Amsterdam (NBC), Madam Secretary (CBS), The OA (NETFLIX), Sand Dollar Cove (HALLMARK). On stage, she has performed in many New York City venues such as City Center, Lincoln Center, Playwrights Horizons, Ensemble Studio Theatre and the York Theatre; she has also performed in several national tours and regional theatres throughout the country. As a producer, her films “2B” and “Over-throne” part of the Asian American Film Labs 72 Hour Shootout won best of the fest awards in 2008 & 2020.

Entertainment, Film, Film Festivals

Feb. 22 & 26: BACKSTAGE PASS with Lia Chang: 2023 Doris Duke Artist Kristina Wong; Interview with THE HARVEST Star Perry Yung; Lunar New Year at The Met and in New York Chinatown airs on on FIOS 34, RCN 83, and Spectrum 56/1996, and streams on MNN2

February 22, 2023 Lia Chang Leave a comment

The twenty first episode of BACKSTAGE PASS with Lia Chang, executive produced and hosted by Lia, airs on February 22 at 6pm and February 26 at 1pm (EST) on FIOS 34, RCN 83, and Spectrum 56/1996, and streams on MNN2. If you miss the episode, it is archived on my youtube channel.

David Lee Hyunh, Kristina Wong, Daniel K. Isaac and Lia Chang attend the 2023 Doris Duke Artist Awards Ceremony at Jazz at Lincoln Center in New York on February 13, 2023.

On this edition of Backstage Pass with Lia Chang, Kristina Wong came to New York to receive the 2023 Doris Duke Artist Award which included $550,000.

I sat down with actor Perry Yung to chat about his latest film, The Harvest; enjoyed many family friendly Lunar New Year and Year of the Rabbit activities at The Metropolitan Museum of Art with Laura Brandel and her daughter, Haven Tuesday, including visiting with Sesame Street’s Alan Muraoka and puppeteers Jennifer Barnhart and Pam Arciero. The Met’s Lion Dancers were the Chinese Center on Long Island’s Lion Dancer Troupe, and the AAPI Jazz Collective played several sets in the Main Hall. My extra bonus – heading down to New York Chinatown and catching up with Lion Dancers from the NY Chinatown Freeman Athletic Club and the Chinatown Community Young Lions.

The Santa Barbara International Film Festival recently screened the World Premiere of Caylee So’s THE HARVEST on February 12 and 13.

Check out my interview with Perry and all of my Lunar New Year fun.

Lia Chang at the Museum of Broadway with the display of Winter Wonderland Gingerbread Houses currently on view through December 31, 2022. Photo by Erich McMillan-McCall.

THE HARVEST is produced by John Houselog and Doua Moua; with Executive Producers Yoson An and Money Vang. The production team includes Director of Photography Brian Nguyen, Composer Roman Molino Dunn, Editor Frank Martinez, Production Designer Christy Gray, Makeup by Dou Pothmolita, Costumes by
Juliette Lunger and Casting Director Dea Vise.