“Nurse Unseen” and “The Glassworker” are both set to screen at the inaugural Napa Valley Asian American Film Festival in the Northern California wine country city.
The festival celebrates Asian and Asian American excellence in storytelling and highlights the creativity and innovation at the forefront of contemporary American cinema.
This partnership was inspired, in part, by IW Group, a creative multicultural agency aligned with Interpublic Group and its founder, Bill Imada, in conversation with Napa Valley College, filmmakers, producers and community leaders.
“Napa Valley is a place where cultures thrive,” said Imada. “The region attracts people of all interests, from artists to agronomists and from entrepreneurs to high-tech innovators. And like many diverse communities that have thrived in Napa for years, Asian Americans are also making a positive impact here. One way to showcase the richness of Asian American stories is through films, and Napa Valley College’s Performing Arts Center is the perfect venue to screen the cinematic achievements of several talented filmmakers.”
The two-day festival, which kicks off on Feb. 7, includes two spotlight feature films, three narrative short films, and culminates with a centerpiece animated feature, “The Glassworker.”
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Sanjay Sharma, founder and CEO of Marginal Mediaworks, said, “Usman Riaz’s ‘The Glassworker,’ Pakistan’s official entry to the Academy Awards, completes the selection of eight remarkable films for this inaugural festival.” He added, “Marginal is excited to partner with Napa Valley College, CAPE, and the many storytellers, technologists, investors, and cultural leaders involved to forge a new kind of community-based cinematic experience in the heart of the world-famous Napa Valley. Asian Americans are at the forefront of America’s cultural and technological industries, but are rarely seen in this way – as storytellers and founders. This type of representation is critical, now more than ever.”
Actor Kara Wang (“Top Gun: Maverick,” Freeform’s “Good Trouble”) and actor and content creator Ryan Alexander Holmes (“Back on the Strip,” “The Morning Show”) will serve as co-emcees, providing attendees details on each of the films and the Q&A discussions that follow with directors, writers, producers, and AI film technologists. Among the panel moderators will be Nicollette Morales (Napa Valley college professor of ethnic studies), Sharma, Patricia Ratulangi (Nielsen vpof communications) and CAPE (Coalition of Asian Pacifics in Entertainment) executive director Michelle K. Sugihara.
“CAPE is a nonprofit organization devoted to advancing Asian American and Pacific Islander representation in film and television,” said Sugihara. “For more than three decades, CAPE has championed AAPI stories and the people and cultures that serve as the foundation for our work. We’re proud to be a part of the NVAAFF and welcome everyone to learn more about our programs and events.”
The festival lineup is below:
CENTERPIECE FEATURE FILM
“The Glassworker” – directed by Usman Riaz
Vincent and his father, Tomas, run the best glassworks in the country, but the onset of war turns their lives upside down. Vincent falls in love with Alliz, the daughter of a colonel, and they both must find the courage to confront their fathers. Riaz wrote, directed and composed the film’s score. He also hand-drew all of the animation.
OPENING FEATURE FILM
“Nurse Unseen” – directed by Michele Josue
Explores the genuine humanity of unsung Filipino nurses who risked their lives on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic while facing a resurgence of anti-Asian hate in the streets.
SPECIAL SPOTLIGHT FEATURE
“A Great Divide” – directed by Jean Shim
The Lee family leaves the Bay Area for a fresh start in the rural expanses of Wyoming, only to encounter hostility and xenophobia in their new community. How they confront these issues will break them – or make them stronger.
SPOTLIGHT AI-CINEMATIC SHORT FILMS
“Saving Nine” – Created and produced by Chikai Ohazama
A mysterious person investigates a shocking event that brings into question what is real and what is a simulation. This short film examines our sense of reality and truth through the lens of surveillance and alternate realities. It is a commentary on humanity’s relationship with technology and it is a unique meta introspection given that it was entirely created using generative AI video.
“Macau Omen” – Created and produced by Tony Shyu
The story centers on Thomas Hahn, a man haunted by fragmented memories and supernatural experiences in Macau, following the mysterious death of his wife.
CAPE/JANET YANG PRODUCTIONS/JULIA S. GOUW SPOTLIGHT SHORT NARRATIVES
“Hearsay” – Written and directed by Banban Cheng
Set in a suburban Chinese beauty salon, HEARSAY follows Lili, an outgoing and talkative hairdresser who goes a little too far when she tries to help a customer in need, inflaming the community.
“Happy Rakhi” – Written and directed by Ragini Bhasin
A feisty Indian girl’s relationship with her brothers is tested when she starts her period during their festive celebration of Raksha Bandhan.
“Zari” – Written and directed by Shruti Parekh
American teen Neelu feels like a fish out of water amidst preparations for her sister’s wedding in Delhi until she forges a brief and unexpected connection with Zeyb, a quiet sari store clerk who moonlights as an internet drag queen.