Shorts Program: The World, Complicated
One of life's hidden secrets is that as years go by and eyes widen, things become neither easier nor more difficult, just more complex. The real world intervenes and asks us to make sense of things which don't work according to our own master plans. This brilliant collection reveals life's greater truths through poignant moments of awakening, reconciliation and surrender. —Chi-hui Yang
Dreamtrace
The Netherlands | 2005 | 10 minsDirector: Tonny Vyzelman
In strangely contained surroundings a young Chinese couple make love, stare longingly at a photograph and romanticize about a better future. Dreams and reality grow further apart as their story is gradually revealed in this haunting film.
Yasin
U S A | 2006 | 14 minsDirector: Betty Lee Kim
In the wake of 9/11, young Yasin’s life is turned upside down when his father is detained and accused of terrorism.
Doll Face
USA | 2005 | 4 minsDirector: Andy Huang
In this powerful and brilliantly animated short, misplaced desires and overly mediated identities are confronted as an isolated individual strives to become what it cannot be.
Going Home
USA | 2006 | 20 minsDirector: Hung Nguyen
Set against his mother’s haunting recollections of their family’s escape from Vietnam, Nguyen reveals an intimate family decision that is at once painful and redeeming for the entire family. A deeply poetic documentary from the awardwinning director of HER LOVE/LIFE (SFIAAFF ’06).
—Viet-Ly Nguyen
The Last Chip
Australia | 2006 | 21 minsDirector: Heng Tang
Three middle-aged Chinese Australian female friends hit the casino for an evening of slots, cat talk and (of course) the all-you-can-eat buffet. As the night wears on and fortunes come and go, a harrowing encounter and high-pressure stakes put their friendship and faith to the test.
Last Vacation
U S A | 2006 | 11 minsDirector: Jae-Ho Chang
Amidst wintry winds and crashing waterfalls, a son accompanies his mother on a journey that was always intended but only now can be done. Deliberately paced and gorgeously shot, Chang’s stunning film quietly makes peace with life’s unexpected directions.
Windowbreaker
U S A | 2006 | 12 minsDirector: Tze Chun
After a rash of break-ins a small suburban neighborhood, wary eyes and suspicions are cast amongst its residents: loud Vietnamese basket-ballers, a quiet family and the hardware store’s employees. The truths revealed however, are none that any expect. 2007 Sundance Film Festival.
