AWARD-WINNING “CHAN IS MISSING” OPENS L.A. ASIAN PACIFIC FILM &
VIDEO FESTIVAL AT DIRECTORS GUILD OF AMERICA APRIL 29TH

 VC FILMFEST: The Visual Communications Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film & Video Festival will open its twentieth anniversary edition with the screening of a restored print of the award-winning CHAN IS MISSING, by director Wayne Wang, on Thursday, April 29, 2004, 7:30 p.m. at the Directors Guild of America.
     The festivities will be emceed by actresses/producers Ada and Arlene Tai (BIG FISH), and will include an introduction by director Justin Lin.  Director Wang, who is this year’s festival spotlight honoree, and other guests involved in the making of the film will make a special appearance at the screening, schedule pending, and a reception will follow.
     CHAN IS MISSING, directed by Wang, and written by Wang, Isaac Cronin and Terrel Seltzer, was produced in 1982 for a little more than $20,000. Wrapped in the complicated world of 1980’s international politics and domestic conflict, CHAN IS MISSING defied stereotypes perpetuated in Hollywood films and helped pave the way for realistic portrayals of Asian Pacific Americans.  Produced on a low budget, the film has proved a creative inspiration for many Asian Pacific filmmakers today, including directors such as Justin Lin (BETTER LUCK TOMORROW).
     In CHAN IS MISSING, two Chinese American-born cab drivers, Jo (Wood Moy) and Steve (Marc Hayashi), search for Chan Hung, a friend who has disappeared with $4,000 loaned to him as an agreement to secure a cab license.  In their search for Chan, Jo and Steve comb the shops, back alleys and homes of San Francisco’s Chinatown. They encounter a myriad of unique individuals- all whom have different perspectives and possibilities for who Chan was and what could have happened to him.
     As the search encounters various twists and turns, the tenuous bond between middle-ages Jo and his nephew Steve begin to fray because of the different generation of perspective.  The film ultimately turns on whether Jo and Steve ever recover their money—not to mention their friendship and sense of self.
     “We are very excited to kick off the 20th anniversary edition of VC FILMFEST with the restored print of CHAN IS MISSING, said Leslie Ito, the Executive Director of Visual Communications.  “ We are honored to present this seminal piece, which has been a major contribution to Asian Pacific American cinema.  Not only will Opening Night be a memorable experience for those re-acquainting themselves with CHAN IS MISSING, but it will also be an opportunity for the younger generation of filmmakers and audience members to be introduced to Wayne Wang’s groundbreaking work.”
     The Festival’s Opening Night sponsors include California Arts Council, City of Los Angeles Cultural Affairs Department, Directors Guild of America, ImaginAsian TV, KSCI-TV/Channel 18, Los Angeles County Arts Commission and National Endowment for the Arts.
     Opening Night VIP Reception Sponsors include Altoids, Beyond Time Entertainment, Creative Floral Designs, Great ExpecAsians, Hangar 1 Vodka, JN Productions/Generation Kikaida, Nonya Restaurant, Pom Wonderful, Red Bull, Relaxtation, Via Café, Wahoo’s Fish Taco, and Carolyn Wong, OD.  Community Co-Presenter include the Chinese American Museum and Los Angeles Asian Pacific American Heritage Month Committee.
     First established in 1983, the Visual Communications Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film & Video Festival is the premier showcase for Asian Pacific American and Asian international cinema in Southern California.  The Festival is presented by Visual Communications, the nations’ oldest Asian Pacific American Media Arts Center.
     Opening Night will be held at Directors Guild of America, 7920 Sunset Blvd. in West Hollywood.  General Admission is $30; for students, seniors, Friends of VC / DGA / JACCC / Chinese American Museum members with ID, tickets are $24.  For ticket and program information on Festival programs, or to obtain a Festival calendar of events, please call the VC FILMFEST line at (213) 680-4462 x68