Center for EthnoCommunications, UCLA Asian American Studies Center, 3229 Campbell Hall, Los Angeles, CA 90095
E-mail: ethno@aasc.ucla.edu Phone: 310-206-8889 Fax: 310-206-9844
2009 - 2010
“Heaven and Earth”
Heaven and Earth depicts how the bonsai hobby empowers an 83-year-old, second generation Japanese American, Ted Oka. Bonsai is an art that gives Ted satisfaction, energy and life.
Director: Ryoko Onishi
“MiXeD mE”
A retrospective look at one mixed-Asian's journey from the rural Midwest to cosmopolitan Los Angeles, whose identity was befriended, digitized and united online. Featuring the stories of three other mixed-Asians cyberspace users.
Directors: Kristen Lee, Nancy Wen and Chris Woon
“Dandiggity: The Corner Shop Poet”
Danny is a Vietnamese American spoken word artist who lives in San Jose, CA. By creating his own identity as a poet, he tries to balance his life as an artist while maintaining the traditional values of his first-generation Vietnamese American parents as he works at the Corner Shop Stop.
Directors: Viet Nam Nguyen and Jennifer Doane
“Thread”
This documentary examines the life of Aida, the vivacious owner of a hip threading salon in the heart of Los Angeles. Growing up as an ethnic minority in the Midwest, Aida's experiences shed light onto conceptions of beauty and belonging in the United States.
Directors: Veena Hampapur, Yuki Akaishi
“Student Power, ¡Si!”
We are more than students. We are change for the future. We are activists for a better and equal tomorrow. This film depicts how Sarina Sanchez became involve in student activism and how she stays motivated to be involved in a student movement.
Directors: Lucia Lin, Thai Le, Stephanie Wong
“At Odds”
At Odds tells the personal story of a Christian’s intense struggle with same-sex attraction. It is a visual life history of Paul De Partee and the journey he took to negotiate his conflicting identities.
Director: Shaina Pan
“interspection”
interspection explores the “coming-out” narratives of two queer APIA women through personal stories and musings on the circumstances that led to their first coming-out and how they grapple with the ongoing process of sharing or not sharing this aspect of their lives with others. The film examines how these women express their identities as complex intersections of race, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, and class by capturing moments of personal introspection and reflection.
Directors: May Lin, Carrie Wong, AJ Lee
“Trouble in Paradise”
A brief look at gang violence within the Polynesian community and how two Polynesian artists are using their talents to promote a celebration of culture and community unity through hip-hop.
Directors: Suzzane Anau, Herman Chen, Michael Lutu
2008-2009
“Fostering Independence”
The foster care system is flawed and does not always have the best interest of the children that it serves. A young girl shares her experience in the foster care system and its problems.
Directors: Karri L. Mayhan, Rich Yap
“The Untouchables”
Fifty years ago, three young Filipino men fueled by determination and lured by adventure, traveled to a land of promise -- America. But not even hardships and prejudices could "touch" these three friends whose friendship has outlasted marriages, divorces, homesickness and heartache for half a century.
Director: Leezel G. Tanglao
“Which Wyvernwood?”
Which Wyvernwood? follows neighbors in Boyle Heights, Los Angeles becoming organized to protect their homes – not just the roofs over their head, but the community that has become such an important part of their lives. It considers the true cost of redevelopment, and asks the question, “How much change is too much change?”
Director: Jessica Cowley
“Invisible Flight”
The flight of Hmong refugees was the result of a secret war imposed on Laos by the CIA. However, the struggles resulting from their displacement remain invisible. An elderly Hmong refugee couple describes their difficulties with transitioning from an agricultural, oral tradition in rural Laos to print-based suburban American society.
Directors: Chuck Diep, Cheo Lee, IaOo Vang
“How I Survived a Genocide”
For four years, he was robbed from a home, future, and his dreams. He had one goal, to survive the Khmer Rouge Genocide.
Director: Donald Ung
“We Are Able”
Cinderella Garcia is a developmentally disabled Pilipino immigrant; her brother Benjamin Garcia works for the North Los Angeles County Regional Center, which provides services to people with developmental disabilities. Their story describes how Pilipino families with special needs children have built a community of support in the North Los Angeles area of California.
Directors: Jonathan Garcia, Kenny Nguyen
“Left on Lockett Lane”
Left on Lockett Lane is a story about being adopted, growing up in the Midwest and learning what it means to be Asian American.
Director: Jonathan Reinert
“Two Families, One Mom”
Moms aren’t just moms. After 22 years, a daughter discovers her mom as a person, a Mien nanny who has lived a life full of compromises, hardships, and love.
Director: Cheo Lee
“A Salon Story”
The mention of nail salons often evokes images of acrylic nails, and heating lamps, neon signs and nail polish. The Vietnamese salon worker has become a recognized image within the industry. Who are these salon workers and what is their story?
Director: Chuck Diep
“Seikaku”
Mano Hirotaki is a tattoo artist who has worked from his living room for the past eight months. This film shows his immigrant journey from Japan, and how his artistic sensibilities have broadened. It has taken his moving away from Japan to truly grasp the essence of traditional Japanese tattoos and its artistry.
Director: Jaysn Kim
“(re)acquaintance”
A mother discusses her process in coming to terms with her son being gay. This recent development in her life challenges everything she thought she knew about her son, as well as her preconceived notions of the queer community.
Director: Rich Yap
“A Special Advocate”
A Special Advocate is about Sue Thompson, who is a volunteer with the Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) program in Los Angeles. Sue has assisted many foster youth through the Child Dependency system and developed a special relationship with the Spicer family.
Director: Karri Mayhan
2007-2008
“Jeremiah Lim”
The story of a 20-year-old Korean American living with a white family, as a result of his broken biological family.
Director: Julie Kang
“Makita Kang Sakdal Laya: To See You Truly Free”
Consorcia Concepcion Apostol began her activist career as an activist against the Marcos dictatorship. As time has gone on, she has evolved into a community organizer working both in the Filipino American and larger Asian Pacific Islander communities. The title, taken from the Philippine Nationalist song, "Bayan Ko" reflects Sorcy's motivation, her passion for community activism.
Director: Rebecca Apostol
“Mixed/Multi Identity/Culture”
A visual life history discussing the difficulties faced by Don Moy growing up mixed race and the obstacles he has overcome to get where he is today.
Director: Max Moy-Borgen
“An Intercepting Fist”
Ted Wong, Gung Fu master and Bruce Lee's last student, defines what it means to carry on the legacy of the 20th century's most influential martial artist.
Director: Annette Lee
“Troqueros: The Life of an L.A. Port Driver”
Troqueros offers a glimpse into the daily life and struggles of the Latino immigrant truck drivers who work the port of Los Angeles. Experience their world through the eyes of Lorenzo Modesto, a seasoned trucker and active member of the community.
Directors: Dan Aquino, Gloria Chou, Jessica Chou, Joanna Steele
“Made In Korea”
Made In Korea follows Yun-Sook Kim Navarre, a Korean transnational adoptee, who grew up in Detroit, MI with White parents. Now living in Koreatown, Los Angeles, 34 year-old Navarre continues to face struggles with her identity, but hopes to raise her young daughter immersed in Korean culture.
Directors: Arami Youn, Alan Lau, Eleanor Ung, Jaysn Kim
“Inside”
Inside wants to bring awareness to human trafficking in our own backyard of Los Angeles. This film follows Rotchana Sussman, a survivor of human trafficking in El Monte, as she shares her experiences with the audience. Gloria Chou, co-director of the Polaris project at UCLA, and Chancee Martorell, founder of the Thai Community Development Center in Los Angeles, provide their insight to the case and human trafficking.
Directors: Richard Manirath, Jeffery Song, Cindy Tsai, Lily Yu
“Reverse Discri-mission”
Reverse Discri-mission explores the question of race and religion through the eyes of Chris Spearman, a Caucasian pastor at a local Korean American church.
Director: Christina Aujean Lee
2006-2007
“$40 on Pump 9: Desis in the Gas Station Business”
A South Asian family who owns a gas station in South Florida strives to maintain the business in a post 9/11 environment.
Directors: Preeti Sharma and Adrian Leung.
“A Refugee’s Experience”
The story of one Vietnamese women’s journey to America.
Directors: Lisa Tri and Derek Tran.
“Culture Night with NSU: Documenting the New Nikkei Community”
A behind-the-scenes look at the 2007 Culture Night as produced by the UCLA Nikkei Student Union.
Directors: Craig Ishii, Mickie Okamoto, and Kenshin Kubo.
“Knocking the L Out: Japanese American Farming in the Central Valley”
The history of the Japanese American Farming Community in California’s Central Valley as told by one farmer whose family has been in the area for over a century.
Directors: Kenshin Kubo.
“I Am Japanese A-Me-Ri-Kan”
The filmmaker must choose between American or Japanese citizenship in this personal documentary about self and identity.
Directors: Mickie Okamoto.
“Ippon: The Story of the Sawtelle Judo Dojo”
The history of the Sawtelle Judo, serving its community in West Los Angeles since 1927.
Directors: Luis Salguero and Derek Tran.
“Merry Christmas and Akemashite Omedeto Gozaimasu”
A light-hearted look at how one Japanese American Buddhist family celebrates Christmas and New Years.
Director: Carrie Usui.
“Propios Patrones”
A portrait of a Mexican American family who operates a stall at a flea market in Central California.
Directors: Luis Salguero and Sofia Marquez.
“What About Us?”
Longtime Chinatown resident Muy Seang puts a face to the price of gentrification in the Chinatown/Echo Park area.
Directors: Jolie Chea and Ronald Noche
2005-2006
“The Seattle Underground Railroad”
A group of UCLA immigrant students take an unconventional road trip during Winter Break to Washington State to get their driver's licenses.
Directors: Tam Tran, Carlie Chiu, Jeanifer Hwang, Alexander Shannon.
“Robam Amatak [Eternal Dance]”
After traditional art forms were almost entirely destroyed by a genocide engineered by Pol Pot in an attempt to achieve a classless society, a younger generation is reviving Cambodian dance at the Khmer Arts Academy in Long Beach, CA.
Directors: Kanara Ty, Teresa Pak.
“Reclaiming our History”
Four Filipino high school and college students explore the history of central valley Filipino farm workers on a trip to the historic Agbayani Village in Delano, CA.
Directors: Kristine Gonzales, Kristine Tapia.
“Justice for Kamehameha Schools”
A look at the movement to protect the admissions policy for the Kamehameha Schools in Hawai'i. The status of Native Hawaiians is highly contested and controversial and now the school’s admissions policy has been declared unconstitutional.
Directors: Trinh Le, Hannah Lee, Michael Thomas.
“Beyond the Sea”
Since World War II, Filipinos have been joining the U.S. Navy en masse with a promise of U.S. citizenship and hoping for a chance to escape poverty. Three navymen of the Nierva family and their children describe the impact of the navy on family, identity and race.
Directors: Katrina Nierva, Gena Hamamoto, Mark Villegas.
2004-2005
“Metro es Para Todos”
A visual life history of Hee Pok Kim, aka “Grandma Kim”, an activist for the bus riders union in Los Angeles.
Directors: Eurie Chung, Huong Nguyen, and Cha Viloria
“Double Identity”
A personal look at Marc Loresto’s involvement and activism in the UCLA Pilipino American and Queer communities.
Directors: Marc Loresto and Diana Bui
“Got Books”
A visual life history of Helen Brown, the founder of the Pilipino American Library.
Director: Florante Ibanez
“A Healthy Alternative”
A short film advocating vegetarianism in the Filipino American diet.
Directors: Emily Reyes and Akira Shimada
“Forging Heritage”
A film about a Chinese Lion Dancing troupe in Camarillo, CA.
Directors: Nicole Ling, Tanisha Williams, and Francis Eclevia
“In the Beat”
A film about a newly former Taiko group at UCLA, Yukai Daiko.
Directors: Rebecca Jensen and Eveline Lai
“Two Women, A Brother, and A Baby”
A lesbian couple tries to start a family.
Director: Ali Wong
“Evil Monito”
A profile of the founder of Evil Monito, a web-zine.
Director: Candice Kortcamp
2002-2003
“Art and Activism on the One’s-n-Two’s”
Profiles of two female Asian American DJ’s and community activists living in New York.
Directors: Phuong Tang, Jenny Cho, and Chris Woon
“Belmont High: Trapping our Youth”
High school education through the eyes of students at Belmont High School.
Directors: Chris Diaz, Eligio Martinez, and Jason Yap
“Crossing Boundaries: the Life of Bamby Salcedo”
The story of Bamby Salcedo.
Director: Melissa Pak Coats
“No Vacancy”
A profile of a South Asian family who owns and runs a motel in Los Angeles.
Directors; Tina Bhaga, Elena Bovetti, and Alexandra Lewis
“O Lo’u Tina Matua (My Grandma)”
The life history of a Samoan woman living in America.
Director: Ursula Siataga
“Peripheral Visions”
The alternative voices of political descent written on the walls of public bathrooms.
Directors: Roger Chung and Kristen Lowe
“Rise Up: Youth Against the War”
A short documentary exploring the anti-war movement in today’s youth.
Directors: Yousef Yajsar, Reynaldo Herrera, and Luke Patterson
“Selling Louie’s Village (Without Breaking the Yolk)”
One family’s story of owning and operating a Chinese restaurant in Eugene, Oregon where they are one of the few minority families in the area.
Director: Jason Mak
“Untitled”
The struggle for identity in Hmong and Mien youth.
Directors: Jennifer Her, Naita Saechao, Michelle Sun, Kia Cha, and Anouh Vang
“Women with Words”
The women of the Balagtasan Collective and their poetry.
Directed by Charles Gavero, Genevieve Espinose, and Gabrielle Angeles
2001-2002
“810LOGY”
A multiethnic skateboard crew build in Long Beach, CA builds friendship and community.
Directors: Eric Tandoc, Laura Lin, Hana Jung, and Michelle Reyes
“Breaking out of the Bubble”
The Korean American Christian Experience.
Directors: Meesa Kim, Reuel Kim, and Lily Lam
“Between Maple and Santee”
Profiles of a shop owner and shop assistant in the LA Fashion District.
Directors: Bo Mee Kim, Leroy Versoza, and Anouh Vang
“More to the Chinese Side”
A “modern” Chinese American family in San Francisco.
Directors: Will Gow and Sharon Lee
“Japanese American Experience”
The impressions of Japanese American exchange students studying in Japan.
Directors: Takanori Ushiba and Yukinobu Kigawa
“Broken Promises”
Pilipino WWII Veterans struggle for equity.
Directors: Michele Gutierrez, Christine Araquel, Amber Ng, and Jose Flores
“Moving to the Mainstream”
Asian Americans filmmakers, writers, and actors’ struggle to move into mainstream media.
Directors: Patrick Lord and Hsin-Hsin Foo
2000-2001
“Taking Care of Our Own: The Story of the Yellow Brotherhood”
Chronicles a community organization’s decades of involvement with Asian American youth in Los Angeles.
Directors: Tadashi Nakamura, Miles Senzaki, and Natalie Siu
“Los Angeles Filipinos of Mixed Heritage”
Personal portraits of multiracial individuals in the Filipino American Community.
Directors: Jih-Fei Cheng, Marcie De La Cruz, and Anthony Yuen
“Fresh Off the Funny Boat”
A personal portrait of a Korean American comedian
Directors: Tuan Nyugen, Kuiko Fukui, and Sayako Sakai
“Recreation for Generations”
A community fights to build a recreation center in Little Tokyo.
Directors: Aquilina Soriano and Brian Nagami
“The 19th Hole”
A profile of a young Korean American golfer.
Directors: Chris Kim and Amy Hsuan
