Notícias

Production is under way on “Asian Persuasion,” a feature film that marks the directorial debut of three-time Tony-Award and Grammy-winning producer Jhett Tolentino.

Set in New York, romantic comedy “Asian Persuasion” features a diverse, primarily Asian cast and seeks to elevate, inform and inspire the Asian narrative.

The story follows a down-on-his-luck chef who cooks up a crazy scheme to marry off his ex-wife in an attempt to avoid his substantial alimony obligations. With the help of his trusted wingman, the chef gets off to a hot start, but belatedly realizes he wants a second chance with his ex.

Asian Persuasion is produced under the Jhett Tolentino Productions banner with Tolentino and screenwriter Mike Ang serving as producers. Cinematography is by Andrea Walter with production and costume design by Dedalus Moving Pictures’ Sheena Alexis (“Caretakers”). The music score is by Eunike Tanzil (“Be Somebody”) with casting by Bess Fifer.

“Asian Persuasion...

The Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival lined up several Filipino American works this year — including Martin Edralin’s “Islands,” Patricion Ginelsa’s “Lumpia with a Vengeance,” and now, Randal Kamradt’s world premiere for “The Monsters Without.” This multimedia movie makes up a world in which monsters (Yablo) roam the rural Philippines. Here, P.H.A.S.E. — an underfunded team of scientists and soldiers — take it upon themselves to find and conserve them. In a mix of Star Wars-tier costumes, digital animated effects, and sweeping landscapes, this movie makes sure to entertain the eye.

On the occasion of the film’s premiere, we take the time to talk to Randal Kamradt and his team. Each member is spread across the globe. Randal Kamradt and female lead Jessica Neistadt Zoom in from the US, and their storied star Jake Macapagal speaks to us from the Philippines. Over the next forty minutes or so,...

In Fogtown, the mysterious Lumpia Man (Mark Muñoz ) has perfected the ultimate lumpia — and he’s not afraid to use it. Patricio Ginelsa follows up on his Filipino American cult classic “Lumpia” with “Lumpia With a Vengeance,” showing the iconic eggroll in the limelight once again. This time, the stakes are much higher – and more delicious – than ever before. On the occasion of the film’s NYC premiere through the Asian American International Film Festival, we take the time to talk to Ginelsa about the power of lumpia.

Let’s start with the obvious. Why lumpia?

For Filipinos, lumpia is the defining food. For [my brother and I], it all started when we were fans of this movie “El Mariachi” (1992) by Robert Rodriguez, done before “Desperado” (1995). It’s this low-budget, Mexican action film that uses a guitar as a weapon. My brother said, “What would be the Filipino version of ‘El Mariachi’?” The best...

Director Patricio Ginelsa returns with yet another food-driven film, “Lumpia with a Vengeance” (2020). Ginelsa first skyrocketed to fame with his Filipino-American home video-made-cult-classic, “Lumpia” (2002). Here, highschoolers fight off bullies with the help of a lumpia (Filipino eggrolls)-wielding superhero. This much-beloved flick ushered in its crowdfunded sequel today, featuring UFC fighter Mark Muñoz and longtime actors like Danny Trejo. “Lumpia with a Vengeance” is now making its festival rounds, winning the Audience Award at the Hawaii International Film Festival and a continental premiere at CAAMFest in April.

Lumpia with a Vengeance is screening at Asian American International Film Festival

In this year’s sequel, the stakes are much higher. This time, gang wars seep into the sleepy suburbs of Fogtown, a fictional US city with a majority-Filipino population. Here, local dealers have devised a way to make the humble eggroll into an addictive (and smokeable) drug. On the flip side,...

Americanish Selected as Opening Night Film

Closing Night Selection The Girl Who Left Home to Screen Virtually and In-Person at the AFI Silver Theatre and Cultural Center

Dcapaff will run virtually from July 15 to 25

Dcapaff announced its full lineup, which features 55 films from 9 countries. These outstanding films tell stories from the many distinct cultures within the Aapi spectrum—including Filipino, Indian, Chinese, Vietnamese, Japanese, Korean, Singaporean, Pakistani, Kazakh-Russian, and Guyanese.

The 21st edition of the festival runs virtually from July 15 to 25. The Closing Night film The Girl Who Left Home, from Rockville native Mallorie Ortega, will screen at the AFI Silver Theatre and Cultural Center in Silver Spring, MD.

“We have always celebrated and been inspired by the work of Aapi filmmakers, but we are at a pivotal time in history for Asians, Asian Americans, and Pacific Islanders,” says Melissa Bisagni, Dcapaff Festival Director. “We are committed to driving awareness...

CAAMFest, the largest showcase of Asian American stories from May 13-23, is announcing its opening weekend featuring drive-in screenings at Fort Mason Flix. Opening with two screenings of the timely Lowell High School documentary “Try Harder!” directed by Debbie Lum, the weekend also highlights the diverse Filipino American experience, with two Bay Area premieres: Dante Basco feature film directorial debut “The Fabulous Filipino Brothers” and “Lumpia with a Vengeance” directed by Patricio Ginelsa. The final drive-in program will present the Hong Kong films: a look back screening of Wong Kar-Wai’s “Happy Together” and “The Way We Keep Dancing” by Adam Wong.

Opening Night

Try Harder!, directed by Debbie Lum

Thursday, May 13, 6:30 p.m. and 9:15 p.m. at Fort Mason Flix

As they prepare for the emotionally draining college application process, students are keenly aware of the intense competition for the few open spots in their dream colleges in this feature-length documentary.