Sunday, June 6, 2010

 

Gaysian Features at Frameline34

The 34th San Francisco International LGBT Film Festival

In comparison, Frameline has not been given strong emphasis on Asian films in its programming. This year, "Spring Fever" (春风沉醉的夜晚) is the only Asian narrative feature. Fortunately, there are a few excellent short films to satisfy your rice craving.

Here is my overview of the Asian feature films at Frameline34.

As usual, film images or film tiles are linked to the Frameline34 that contains the showtime, venue and ticket information.

  • Spring Fever (春风沉醉的夜晚 | Hong Kong/France 2009 | in Chinese | 100 min.)

    Even Chinese director Lou Ye (娄烨) is banned from making film in China because of his previous film "Summer Palace" (颐和园), with hand-held cameras, he makes a new film "Spring Fever" (春风沉醉的夜晚) in Nanjing, China anyway. The film tells a depressing and poignant story about intertwined love affairs among its protagonists.

    Qin Hao as Jiang Cheng and Chen Sicheng as Luo Haitao in Spring Fever

    Although the logic of the plot might collapse under scrutiny and the lighting is frustratingly dark sometimes, the terrific performance, the poetic direction, the beautiful music, and the touchy subject matter makes this film worth seeing.


  • FIT (UK 2009 | 108 min.)

    Based on a play, this electrifying and captivating British drama "FIT" is not necessarily a gay Asian film per se, but the brilliantly engaging performance by Stephen Hoo as Ryan changes that.

    A group of high school students (never mind none of them look like one, except Ryan) attend a gay drama teacher's (played by writer/director Rikki Beadle-Blair) dance class. While dancing to Shakespeare (no less), they struggle with sexuality, homophobia, and friendship.

    FIT

    The terrific ensemble performance and catchy hip-hop dance moves might get you up on your feet and "hand out your phone number" to your neighbors in the theater.


  • Other Nature (तृतीया प्रकृति | Nepal 2009 | 57 min.)

    It could not have been a better opportunity to fight for equal right when Nepal is writing a new constitution. Nepal created a third gender in 2007 for transgender people. However, people belong to the third gender do not have the same rights as other citizens, according to a new documentary "Other Nature." The film follows the pilgrimage journey of two third gender human right activists to Muktinath, a temple in the Himalayas.

    Bhumika, Amanda and Ajmeri visit Swayambu Temple in Other Nature

    Regardless if you have faith in believing their praying will actually change the course of equality in Nepal, you will gain a closer look at the struggle of LGBT community in this never rest land.

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