Stand Alone III

Zbigniew Karkowski & Atsuko Nojiri + THE RITA
February 27, 2009 8PM

Western Front
303 East 8th Avenue, Vancouver BC
www.front.bc.ca
admission: $15 door / $12 advance / $10 Members/Students

Zbigniew Karkowski (electronics)
Atsuko Nojiri (video)

Renown Tokyo-based master sound manipulator Zbigniew Karkowski and Japanese video artist Atsuko Nojiri present an evening of audacious multimedia collaboration. Karkowski’s relentless attention to detail to the reworking and processing of a collection of original acoustic instrument recordings is integrally and seamlessly paired with Nojiri’s visual interpretations.

Zbigniew Karkowski has studied with composers Iannis Xenakis, Pierre Boulez, Olivier Messiaen, and Georges Aperghis and has produced numerous works in the fields of both acoustic and electronic music including chamber works, pieces for large orchestra and opera. He is also a founding member of the electroacoustic music performance trio Sensorband and has worked with notable underground icons, Francisco Lopez, Daniel Menche and Hafler Trio.

An argument for the indivisibility of sound and vision, or the emergence of a new aesthetic medium? Quite evidently, the answer is both. – Asphodel Records (on Continuity the DVD/CD release by Karkowski and Nojiri)

opening set: THE RITA
Sam McKinlay’s sound art project THE RITA has built a reputation as one of the leaders of the harsh noise genre with visceral, dynamic live performances and an equally abrasive growing discography. He has toured throughout North America and Japan utilizing custom-built analog electronic equipment. His performances connect the immediacy and corporeal power of extreme frequencies, textures and volumes with a performative sensibility that reveals a towering monument to the vehement power of abstracted sound.

Japanese Canadian National Museum presents March to December

an interactive website based on the war journal of Roy Ito
January 16 – March 14, 2009

National Nikkei Museum & Heritage Centre, 6688 Southoaks Crescent, Burnaby, BC
Open Tuesday-Saturday, 11am-5pm. Closed Sunday & Monday
www.nikkeiplace.org

featuring new works by
Kyo Maclear
Julie Tamiko Manning
Baco Ohama

curated by Cindy Mochizuki

Website launch and reception
Friday, January 16, 2009, 7pm

Lecture by Lyle Dick
Saturday, January 24, 2009, 2pm

Curator’s gallery talk
Saturday, February 7, 2009, 2pm

All programs are open to the public and by donation.
Please RSVP to museum@nikkeiplace.org

This project was made possible with the financial assistance of the B.C. Arts Council and the Roy Ito Award.

PuSh International Performing Arts Festival

The annual PuSh International Performing Arts Festival is one of Vancouver’s signature events. Produced over 20 days each January, the PuSh Festival presents groundbreaking work in the live performing arts: theatre, dance, music and various hybrid forms of performance. It attracts acclaimed local, national and international artists and their work.

www.pushfestival.ca

Join us January 20 – February 8, 2009 at venues in and around Vancouver.

Two PuSh shows from Japan this year - a theatre company performing in Japanese with English surtitles, and a dance performance by Hiroaki Umeda.

Five Days in March (Tokyo)
http://pushfestival.ca/index.php?mpage=shows&spage=main&id=71#show

while going to a condition + Accumlulated Layout (Tokyo)
http://pushfestival.ca/index.php?mpage=shows&spage=main&id=60#show

Kevin Chong and Faith Moosang are taking part in the Club PuSh show titled Trampoline Hall, Feb 1: http://pushfestival.ca/index.php?mpage=shows&spage=main&id=89#show

Peter Chin from Toronto is performing another dance piece: http://pushfestival.ca/index.php?mpage=shows&spage=main&id=76#show

Maiko Bae Yamamoto is co-directing a show performed by children, called "That Night Follows Day": http://pushfestival.ca/index.php?mpage=shows&spage=main&id=80#show

CBC Radio 2 presents: The Last Angel on Earth

Part of the Studio One "Mother Tongues" series

January 8th, 2008
Doors 7:30 PM, show 8 PM
CBC Studio 40
775 Cambie Street

"She's the devil of your desire,
She's the Last Angel on Earth."

CBC Radio is pleased to invite you to the international CD launch event of The Last Angel on Earth starring Manu Narayan (New York) and Krystal Garib (Toronto, originally Penticton, BC). Manu and Krystal met on the set of Mike Myers' "The Love Guru" and now they're leading a performance that will dazzle your imagination and your senses.

The Last Angel on Earth uses live world beat performance, movement, and multimedia technology to tell a story of Angels, Demons, Love and Redemption. Featured performers: Milan Milosevic, Francois Houle, Salvador Ferreras, Radovan Jovicevic, Krystal Garib and Manu Narayan.

Who can resist the chance to be touched by an angel?

http://www.thelastangelonearth.com/

Tickets are free, but seating is limited.
Please email rsvp.vancouver@cbc.ca asap to reserve your space.

Visit us on the web:
cbc.ca/bc |cbc.ca/radio | cbc.ca/podcasting | radio3.cbc.ca

2nd Annual Filmmakers Showcase - Call for Submissions

Canadian Filmmakers are invited to submit their work for the 2nd Annual Filmmakers Showcase presented by Shaw Multicultural Channel and explorASIAN

Filmmakers telling stories that explore Asian-Canadian culture are invited to submit full-length or short films to the 2009 Filmmakers Showcase. Selected films will air on Shaw Multicultural Channel in May 2009 in celebration of Asian Heritage Month.

Eligibility
The Filmmakers Showcase will accept independently-produced films and videos by Asian-Canadian artists, or films and videos that explore Asian-Canadian themes.

Submission Deadline
The submission deadline is Friday January 30, 2009.

Entry Fees
There is no entry fee for submissions to the Filmmakers Showcase, but entrants are responsible for any courier costs involved in the transport, delivery and return of their materials.

Submission Materials
Acceptable formats for preview screeners are: VHS, DVD, Betacam SP, DVCam (NTSC formats only)

Acceptable formats for airing copies are: Betacam SP, DVCam (see below)

Tapes or DVDs must be labeled with film title, confirmed total running time, contact name, current address, phone, and email address.

Please include with your entry:

*Confirmation of clearance of all copyright, performing rights and mechanical reproduction rights for the film

Film synopsis (approximately 100 words)

Film images (high resolution electronic images 300 dpi in CD or DVD format)

Cast and crew list

CVs and photos for key creative personnel

Copies of any publicity associated with the production (awards, screenings, reviews)

*Important notice regarding copyright/ airing rights: If the copyright/ airing rights for the film are held by a third party, it is the filmmakers' responsibility to coordinate the rights with the copyright-holder and submit the film selection with the airing rights pre-cleared.

If you would like your submission materials to be returned following the review process, please include a stamped self-addressed envelope as part of your submission.

Selection Notification
Filmmakers will be advised of the selection of their work for the 2009 Filmmakers Showcase by Friday February 27, 2009.

Selected filmmakers may be asked to participate in print and televised promotions for the 2009 Filmmakers Showcase, and may be asked at that time to confirm their availability for these promotions.

Airing Copies
Upon confirmation that the film has been selected, the filmmaker must provide to Shaw no later than Friday March 13, 2009, a master broadcast copy of the film for packaging. This master copy will be returned to the filmmaker following the airing of the 2009 Filmmakers Showcase.

Shipping Address
Please mail, courier or deliver your submission materials to:
Shaw Multicultural Channel
Attention: 2009 Filmmakers Showcase Submissions
Shaw Cablesystems
900 - 1067 West Cordova Street
Vancouver, BC V6C 3T5

(for hand-deliveries, please come to the 9th floor Reception, weekdays 8 am - 5 pm)

Inquiries
We'd love to hear from you!
Contact us at smc@shaw.ca

or directly at:

Sandra Murphy
604.629.3109 or sandra.murphy@sjrb.ca

Norman Wong
604.629.3347 or norman.wong@sjrb.ca

Info: http://vancouver.shawtv.com/smc/smc_promotions.htm#filmmakers

CHINESE MALE WANTED for BMW 7 Series Launch

EVENTURE SOLUTIONS are currently casting a presenter for the BMW 7 Series Launch that is being produced in Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver. They originally wanted to use the same presenter in all 3 cities but are now toying with the idea of using a Male, Asian (Chinese) presenter who speaks Cantonese and English, for the Vancouver portion, acknowledging the large Chinese population and being aware that there could be groups through who would be more comfortable learning about the car in Cantonese. They are searching in Toronto/Montreal for a 'George Clooney' type... handsome, stylish, well-spoken, successful, 40ish-50 and I assume they are hoping for an Asian counterpart. They may go a bit younger if the candidate has all the other attributes.

DATES:
The launch is February 19, 20, 21, 22, 23 (with that final day as a
Press Launch - will have to check if presenter is required).
Also, there may be some sort of a BMW training session prior to that and a run-through on the 18th. I believe each session consists of a 5-minute speech given to the guests, introducing them to the car and all it's wonderful features while the presenter walks around pointing out the features... and may or may not include Q&A (There will be BMW people there who will probably field the questions). They are looking for someone to feel as if they work for BMW, and would be the type to drive the car! Feel free to check it out at www.bmw.com (click on the menu to link to Canada and click on 7 series).

If you know of anyone that you might think fits the above specs. and would be available and qualified, or if you can direct me to anyone you might think could be of assistance, I would greatly appreciate it.

Thank you,
Dana Berr
EVENTURE SOLUTIONS
dana@eventuresolutions.ca

Employment Opportunity - MANAGER/CURATOR OF THE JAPANESE CANADIAN NATIONAL MUSEUM

The Japanese Canadian National Museum, located in Burnaby, BC, is a key component of the National Nikkei Museum & Heritage Centre which opened in September 2000. The mission of the Japanese Canadian National Museum is to collect, preserve, interpret and exhibit artifacts and archives relating to the history of Japanese Canadians from the 1870s through the present, and to communicate to all the Japanese Canadian experience and contribution as an integral part of Canada’s heritage and multicultural society. The Manager/Curator is a key leader of a professional staff team that supports the Japanese Canadian National Museum’s operations and strategic development that makes the facility a dynamic cultural venue.

MANAGER/CURATOR
Reporting to the Executive Director of the National Nikkei Museum and Heritage Centre, the Manager/Curator is a senior management position of the Japanese Canadian National Museum. The Manager/Curator plans, directs, coordinates, promotes, and evaluates the on-going operations and future development of the Japanese Canadian National Museum and serves as museum curator.

RESPONSIBILITIES:
* Plans, directs, coordinates, and evaluates the development, operation, and maintenance of ongoing projects of the Japanese Canadian National Museum and the Archives, by carrying out general policies within budgets approved by the Executive Director and Board of Directors. Ongoing projects include temporary exhibitions, traveling exhibitions, publications, educational programs and public programs, with the assistance of the Program Coordinator and Museum Assistants.
* Develops and oversees ongoing project budgets and special project budgets.
* Applies for, administers the expenditures of, and supervises the work related to grants from governments, businesses, and/or philanthropic agencies to assist in funding the Japanese Canadian National Museum; assists with Board-led fundraising projects.
* Acts as liaison to any relevant museum associations and community organizations.
* Leads and supervises a team of staff including an Archivist, Program Coordinator & Museum Assistant, and assistant and student positions. Collaborates with the Executive Director and the Board of Directors to determine staff requirements and recruit appropriate staff.
* Selects, trains, coordinates, supervises, and evaluates curatorial volunteers.
* Acquires, documents, catalogues, researches, preserves, and uses the museum’s collection of artifacts, as well as recommends deaccessioning to the Board of Directors.
* Oversees loans to the museum’s collection.
* Plans, develops, schedules, and implements temporary exhibits and traveling exhibits, as well as facilitates the development of a permanent exhibit.
* Provides for the security and maintenance of the museum collection, archival holdings (through an Archivist), and property of the Japanese Canadian National Museum, as well as for the security of staff and visitors.
* Plans, coordinates, and evaluates the production of Japanese Canadian National Museum publications.
* Plans for the future needs of the Japanese Canadian National Museum.
* Represents and promotes the Japanese Canadian National Museum locally, provincially, nationally, and internationally, as necessary and relevant.
* Reports to the Board of Directors as needed and writes annual and other reports.

QUALIFICATIONS:
University degree (preferably a masters degree) in a discipline related to the museum’s mandate or museum studies.

* Extensive, successful experience in museum work, preferably with a curatorial component.
* Extensive, successful experience in operating a not-for-profit institution and supervising employees, contractors and volunteers.
* Extensive, successful experience in producing and implementing budgets, writing grant applications, and implementing grant projects.
* Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other staff, volunteers, and the general public.
* Demonstrated ability to foster teamwork.
* Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively in English in oral and written form.
* Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously including leading implementation and action plans to successfully meet deadlines.
* Knowledge of and interest in Japanese Canadian history, language, community and culture an asset.

HOURS OF WORK: This is a full time position from Monday to Friday. Occasional evening and weekend work may be required for special purposes or events.

A comprehensive salary and benefits package is offered.

FORWARD LETTER OF APPLICATION AND RESUME BY EMAIL TO:
HR@nikkeiplace.org

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS:
JANUARY 2, 2009

We thank all applicants; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

CBC and Radio-Canada present Tandava

Part of the Studio One "Mother Tongues" series and All Access broadcast
December 11th, 2008
Doors open at 7:30 pm, show starts at 8 pm
CBC Studio 40
775 Cambie Street, Vancouver

Tandava is four piece ensemble that mirrors the cultural diversity of Vancouver in its music. Elements of Chinese, South Asian, African and European music all harmonize with astonishing ease in the hands of Tandava.

What makes their music work is the skill with which they fuse their musical backgrounds and cultural references. But ultimately, like good chefs or any artist, they just have something to say and they know how to say it. It's music that pleases the ear.

Check out how good fusion can be when Tandava play live at CBC Studio 40 hosted by CBC Radio's Margaret Gallagher and Radio-Canada's André Rhéaume.

Tickets are free, but seating is limited. RSVP is required to reserve your space.

Please email rsvp.vancouver@cbc.ca asap to reserve your space.

For more information on Tandava, visit http://www.tandava.com

Co.ERASGA and the Dance Centre proudly present EXCHANGES

Opening night: Friday, November 28th @ 8:00 pm

Tickets: $15/$12 seniors and students

Available from Tickets Tonight
www.ticketstonight.ca

www.thedancecentre.ca
www.companyerasgadance.ca

Virtual Museum of Asian Canadian Cultural Heritage (VMACCH)

We are pleased to let you know that Asian Heritage Month--Canadian Foundation for Asian Culture (Central Ontario) Inc. is preparing a Virtual Museum of Asian Canadian Cultural Heritage (VMACCH) to showcase Asian Canadian cultural expression. It will be launched in March 2009 and is made possible by the generous support of the Canadian Heritage “Gateway” Fund.

Our goal for the project is to show representations of how Asian Canadian communities live and express their cultural identity in Canada in the form of photographs, videos and journals, among others. We hope to provide opportunities to foster the recognition and appreciation of the diverse cultures of Asian Canadian society, not just to promote Asian Canadian cultural expressions. We are also interested in discovering further whether the cross-cultural encounters between Asian Canadians and the rest of Canada can forge new cultural expressions.

If you are able to contribute to the Virtual Museum of Asian Canadian Cultural
Heritage (VMACCH), please provide your contribution to us by e-mailing vmacch@yorku.ca before 30 December 2008. Contributions can also be posted or faxed. Please contact us for further details.

We are seeking contributed written articles (500 to 1,000 words) as well as other text, graphics, photographs and video, on the following topics:

General History of Asian Canadians
o Cultural traditions and storytelling by Asian Canadians from Central Asia
o Cultural traditions and storytelling by Asian Canadians from South Asia
o Cultural traditions and storytelling by Asian Canadians from South East
Asia

Contributions of Asian Canadians to Canada
o Visual Art
o Music
o Dance
o Literature
o Science, Technology and Society

Prominent Asian Canadians’ Portrait Gallery
o Chinese Canadians
o Japanese Canadians
o Indo Canadians
o Footage from the Asian Heritage Month Lectures by prominent Professors

Asian Canadian Cultural History Education
o Policy issues
o Cultural roadshows

Asian Canadian Social History
o Photographs from the Chinese Canadian Photographic Society of Toronto
o Festivals from Central, East, South and South East Asia

Asian Canadian Political History
o Exclusions
o Inclusions
o Multiculturalism
o Ethnic Statistics
o The Way Forward

Milestones in Asian Canadian History
o General Timeline
o Milestones from Central, East, South and South East Asia

Although we are not able to offer any financial remuneration, we hope you would kindly join this meaningful project, which will be used for educational purposes. The materials, of course, will be appropriately attributed.

Thank you very much for your kind support of the Virtual Museum, and we look forward to hearing from you.

Kay Li, Ph.D.
President
Asian Heritage Month--Canadian Foundation for Asian Culture (Central Ontario) Inc.
vmacch@yorku.ca

VINCE MAI PROJECT @ The Yale Hotel

funky trumpet grooves

Thursday, November 27, 2008 at 9:45pm

The Yale Hotel
1300 Granville Street, Vancouver, BC

We're going to groove at the Yale Hotel again.
Trumpet based instrumentals with some vocal RnB faves.

NO COVER!

featuring:
Daryl Jahnke,
Brent Gubbels,
Tim Proznick,
Pepe Danza,
Chris Gestrin,
David Steele,
& Vince Mai

Hope you can make it!

www.mai-music.com

Filipino Youth Hold Cultural Night to Celebrate National Achievements, 13 years of Educating, Organizing and Mobilizing

Vancouver, BC—On Sunday, November 30, 2008 Ugnayan ng Kabataang Pilipino sa Canada/The Filipino-Canadian Youth Alliance – BC (UKPC-BC) will hold its next installment of Pinoy Poetiks, coinciding with Andres Bonifacio Day. It will also mark the 13th anniversary of UKPC since its formation in Vancouver in 1995. It is to take place at the Kalayaan Centre, 451 Powell Street, Vancouver, BC.

With this upcoming night of poetry, song, hip hop and spoken word, the members of UKPC-BC have much to celebrate. They recently sent a delegation to participate in the historic research conference "Filipino Community and Beyond: Towards Full Participation in a Multicultural and Multi-Ethnic Canada," hosted by the National Alliance of Philippine Women in Canada (NAPWC) at the University of Toronto from November 6-9, 2008. The conference showcased community-led research and ways it has been used to educate and empower the Filipino community. Research gathered in the last 3 years of the NAPWC project has been used to engage politicians, policy-makers and academics, informed community discussions, and has even inspired art exhibits, theatre productions and a fashion show. "Part of the NAPWC project is a specific focus on making Filipino youth count in our community's future," says Niki Silva of UKPC-BC. "So there are so many achievements that we are celebrating as Filipino youth in Canada" she adds.

In keeping with a national theme, this next Pinoy Poetiks will feature an audience from both Montreal and Toronto, who will participate via internet and web-cam. "During the conference we were able to connect with the different cities and learn from one another in regards to our different methods of educating, organizing and mobilizing and it's important for us to share with the community the amazing work happening at a national level." Silva adds.

UKPC-BC says that this Pinoy Poetiks will also be an open house for the organization, with a brief history of UKPC, and the Kalayaan Centre—a community space and the home to UKPC-BC and other progressive Filipino organizations. "We decided this time to hold our event at the Kalayaan Centre instead of a café, as a recognition of the roots of our work," states Christian Clamonte, a UKPC member and participant of the NAPWC conference. Drinks and snacks will be for sale, made by members of the community, including Filipino delicacies like cucinta or sticky rice.

Entrance is $5-$10 suggested donation, and all proceeds go towards continuing the work of UKPC-BC and the maintenance of the Kalayaan Centre. For more information please contact Niki or Ayex at 604.215.1103 or email ukpc_fcya@kalayaancentre.net.

Music on Main presents JENNIFER KOH, solo violin

Thursday, November 27, 2008 at 8:00 PM
Heritage Hall (3102 Main Street) $25/$15

Have you ever seen a Frank Gehry building?
Totally modern, completely distinctive, and instantly classic.
That’s what a concert with violinist Jennifer Koh is like – as if you’re hearing the future, but with a bit of baroque.
She’s played Carnegie Hall and all over the States, Europe and Asia.
Now you can hear her up-close-and-personal at Heritage Hall.

(Vancouver, BC) – Music on Main presents a solo violin recital featuring acclaimed violinist Jennifer Koh, as part of the Main Series at Heritage Hall on Thursday, November 27th 2008 at 8:00 PM.

Jennifer Koh is a violinist of startling talent, with a sound described as “fiery”, “rhapsodic”, and “meltingly beautiful” (New York Times). When Carnegie Hall opened their new Zankel Hall, Koh was a featured soloist for the historic opening night concert. Don't miss her in the intimate environment of Heritage Hall. For her Music on Main debut, Koh presents a compelling solo violin recital in which the music of J.S. Bach finds new meaning beside many contemporary works, including John Zorn’s fragmented and texturally diverse Goetia, the complex beauty of Elliot Carter’s Four Lauds, and works by György Kurtag and Esa-Pekka Salonen.

Commenting on the rare and revealing repertoire juxtapositions of her program, Koh writes, “I'm looking to find connections and conversations with the past in this program and I want to change the way the audience listens to older pieces like the Bach. This particular Partita is important because it continues the thread between the Kurtag (Hommage to Bach) to the chaconne form of the Salonen. I want people to hear how it transforms into a present day composition”.

JENNIFER KOH, solo violin
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Heritage Hall (3102 Main Street, Vancouver)
Bar opens at 7:00 PM. Concert at 8:00 PM. Bar stays open afterward. All ages welcome.
Tickets $25 ($15 students) Call Tickets Tonight at 604.684.2787 or click on www.ticketstonight.ca.

“A risk taking, high-octane player of the kind who grabs the listener by the ears and refuses to let go.” - The Strad

About Music on Main
Launched to critical acclaim in 2006, Music on Main is dedicated to presenting concert music in environments that are both casual and stimulating, with a strong focus on music of our time and featuring excellent professional musicians in innovative concert formats. During its third season, Music on Main will present over 25 concerts at Heritage Hall on Main Street, the Cellar Restaurant & Jazz Club in Kitsilano, as well as co-ordinating a city-wide festival celebrating one of today's greatest composers, Amsterdam-based Louis Andriessen. Music on Main concerts have been highlighted as "best of the season" events by The Globe & Mail and Georgia Straight.

A great night of comedy benefiting the Greater Vancouver Food Bank!

We have TWO OF THE BEST ASIAN COMICS IN CANADA!!! With Paul Bae, as your Headliner, and Jeffrey Yu, as the host, the next group of outstanding Asian Comics will be showcased in a night filled with big laughs and big hearts. The show will help kickoff the holiday season for The Greater Vancouver Food Bank, as proceeds will be donated to the charity.

So, come out and support a great charity in their most important time of the year, as well as TWO OF BEST ASIAN COMICS IN CANADA, and FOUR OF THE MOST PROMISING ASIAN COMEDY TALENTS IN THE PROVINCE!!!

TWO OF THE BEST ASIAN COMICS IN THE BUSINESS
Paul Bae – Headliner
Jeffrey Yu – Host
(Each comic has had their own Comedy Now Special and appearances in the prestigious Just For Laughs Festival.)

THE FOUR BEST UP & COMING ASIAN COMICS IN THE PROVINCE
Ana De Lara
Art Factora
Tom Shiboaka
Dennis Litonjua

FLIP N ASIAN SHOW
Thursday, November 27th, 2008
Lafflines Comedy Club
#26 - 4th Street
New Westminster, BC
Doors Open 7.30pm
Showtime 8.30pm

ORDERING TICKETS
Bus: 778.218.2651
Cell: 604.828.8007
Email: flipnfunny@gmail.com
Tickets $10 each

Celebrate the 100th anniversary of Japanese Immigration in Brazil - Special screening of TIZUKA YAMASAKI's - “GAIJIN - LOVE ME AS I AM” - Nov 23 - 7pm

Vancouver Asian Film Festival in collaboration with explorASIAN, Community Partners for Internationalization (UBC) and the Consulate of Brazil present a special screening of acclaimed director TIZUKA YAMASAKI’S award winning film “GAIJIN - LOVE ME AS I AM” (GAIJIN - AMA ME COMO SOU)

Date - Sunday, November 23, 2008
Time - 7:00pm
Location - Frederic Wood Theatre, 6354 Crescent Road, UBC

Admission -
FREE for VAFF Members and UBC Faculty, Staff & Students with VAFF membership card or UBC ID

General Public admission is FREE with purchase of VAFF Membership - $2.00 - at the door

Please RSVP online before Nov 22 to reserve your tickets: http://gaijin.eventbrite.com

Runtime - 131 min
Country - Brazil
Language - Portuguese with English subtitles
Year - 2005

GAIJIN - Love Me As I Am (Ama Me Como Sou) - SYNOPSIS

The pioneer Titoe arrived in Brazil aboard Kasato Maru Ship in 1908, wishing to return to her homeland with the money saved by working in the coffee farms.
In 1935, holding her Brazilian-daughter, Shinobu, and little amount of money she saved, Titoe buys her first piece of land in Londrina City (North of Paraná State) and postpones her desire to go back to Japan.
The Second World War and its consequences to Japan, put off Titoe's promise to come back to Japan. Titoe's grandchildren, Kazumi and Maria, were born in Londrina by the end of the 40's, and then Titoe becomes a "batyan" (grandma).
Maria marries Gabriel, a gaijin (foreigner), son of the Spanish farmer Ramon Salinas and the Italian immigrant Sofia. From this relationship two children were born, Yoko and Pedro. Gabriel's job selling and buying lands are doing well until Fernando Collor de Mello's (Brazilian President) confiscation plan (economic plan) in 1990, bankrupts him. Maria, Gabriel, Yoko and Pedro have to live with Batyan, in the house she built by herself. Having no other choices, Gabriel leaves Brazil and goes to Kobe, Hyogo province, as a dekassegui (temporary worker) like Shinobu did to recover the money she lost in Brazil.
Maria, Shinobu, Batyan and Gina (Maria's sister-in-law) have to reorganise life in Brazil. But after the earthquake in Kobe in 1995, when Gabriel was considered dead, Yoko and Maria decide to go to Japan to look for him. In Japan, Maria and Yoko face prejudices and challenges provided by cultural differences, and deal with the fear about the unknown.
The promise of the old Titoe to return to Japan drives the lives of these four women generations: the ninety-years-old Batyan, her daughter Shinobu, a nisei (second Japanese generation), her granddaughter Maria, a sansei (third generation) and her great-granddaughter Yoko, a half-breed (Japanese/Spanish/Italian).
Gaijin is a film about the Japanese descendants' saga who try to find out their identities.

AWARDS AND FESTIVALS
GAIJIN - Love Me As I Am (Ama Me Como Sou)

2006 - SAN FRANCISCO INTERN. ASIAN AMERICAN FILM FESTIVAL - Special Presentation
2006 - LOS ANGELES ASIAN PACIFIC FILM FESTIVAL - Special Presentation
2005 - FESTIVAL GRAMADO – Best Film, Best Director, Best Music, Best Supporting Actress Aya Ono
2005 - FESTIVAL DE BIARRITZ CINÉMAS ET CULTURES D’AMERIQUE LATINE
2005 - TOKYO INTERNACIONAL FORUM - Special Presentation - Brazilian Embassy – President Luis Inácio Lula da Silva in Japan
2005 - NAGOYA - Special Presentation Brazilian Consulate in Nagoya

Please RSVP online before Nov 22 to reserve your tickets: http://gaijin.eventbrite.com/