F  O  R    I  M  M  E  D  I  A  T  E    R  E  L  E  A  S  E
January 6, 2010
Contact: Visual Communications (213) 680-4462


VISUAL COMMUNICATIONS SEEKS FAMILY FRIENDLY ANIMATION, LIVE ACTION SHORTS AS PART OF “ITSY BITSY SHORTS” PROGRAM AT 26th LOS ANGELES ASIAN PACIFIC FILM FESTIVAL, APRIL 29-MAY 6, 2010
 

LOS ANGELES — Visual Communications, the nation’s premier Asian Pacific American media arts center, is seeking short works for “Itsy Bitsy Shorts,” a childrens' film program to be presented as part of the twenty-sixth edition of The Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival, set for April 29 through May 8, 2010 at the Directors Guild of America, Aratani/Japan America Theatre, and additional venues in the Los Angeles area.

Inaugurated in 2009 as part of the 25th anniversary edition of the Film Festival, “Itsy Bitsy Shorts” was created as a means of showcasing a selection of works by Asian Pacific filmmakers that speak to kindergarten-aged moviegoers as well as the parents of this audience.  Complemented by interactive elements ranging from live storytelling to crafts workshops for kids, “Itsy Bitsy Shorts” offers a unique moviegoing alternative to the Film Festival’s popular Youth Media program and Digital Histories program of senior-produced documentary short films. Last year's launch, presented at the Directors Guild of America, presented new and vintage works by distinguished Asian American filmmakers such as Alan Ohashi (a Visual Communications founding member), Mariano “Mar” Elepaño, and academy-award winning director Jessica Yu.

Actress and “Angry Little Girls“ creator Lela Lee says, “I‘ve long enjoyed attending the [Film Festival] in my single days and married-without-children days.  Now that VC has the “itsy bitsy“ shorts program for kids and parents, parents and filmmakers have a fun way to make sure our kids grow up with representations of themselves.  Yay!“

“Audiences who come to enjoy the Film Festival's many offerings tell us that they want to include their kids in their movie-watching activities,” said filmmaker Julie Cho, herself a parent to a four-year-old daughter and a former member of the Film Festival's program selection committee.

As the curator of the “Itsy Bitsy Shorts” program, Cho is keen on finding works that will inspire audiences young and old.  Referring to NEWSDAY film critic Gene Seymour's observation that “a new generation of filmmakers — never-grow-up Gen-Xers mostly, are embracing the G-rated genre,” Cho opines that with indie auteurs like Spike Jonze and Wes Anderson as recent reminders of how rich and daring a family film can be, “‘Isty Bitsy Shorts‘ can be a showcase to introduce imaginitive artists as gems of our creative community.“

The Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival, presented by Visual Communications, was established in 1983 to promote and present the best in Asian Pacific cinema.  Initially a weekend event showcasing nearly 20 feature-length and short films, the Film Festival has grown into an weeklong spectacle boasting an annual program line-up of over 150 films and videos by both independent and studio-based Asian Pacific American and Asian international filmmakers.

Productions for consideration include shorts appropriate for children eight-and-under in the following categories: dramatic/narrative, documentaries, experimental works and animation; in all genres.  Works produced by and/or about Asian Pacific American and/or Asian international producers with themes involving, but NOT limited to, Asian Pacific culture, history and experiences are welcome and encouraged.

Preview copies must be submitted in DVD (region One or Zero); production notes and/or presskits should accompany the entry.  There is no entry fee to submit works for consideration for the “Itsy Bitsy Shorts” program.  Entries will be accepted through January 31, 2010.  Notification of selection will be announced in mid-March 2010.  For all U.S. entries, a self-addressed stamped mailer is required for return of preview DVDs and tapes.

Additional entry materials and regulations are available by contacting the Festival Director, Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival, c/o Visual Communications, 120 Judge John Aiso Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012; or by contacting Julie Cho, “Itsy Bitsy Shorts” Curator, at (805) 258-2462 or by email: juliegcho@gmail.com. For more information on the Film Festival call (213) 680-4462 x68; or visit the Festival website at www.vconline.org.


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