S  A  T  U  R  D  A  Y  ,    M  A  Y    1

Program 14
Directors Guild of America • 2:00 p.m. • Theatre 3
 
WHEN STRANGERS MEET (RT: 74 minutes)
When strangers meet, anything can happen…or nothing at all. Whether it be smarmy executives getting thrown for a loop, exasperated bed-and-breakfast owners, desperate ingenues or overly-dependent girlfriends, there will always be someone there to cushion the fall—or at least administer a swift kick in the pants.

LAST NIGHT WITH ANGEL
(USA, 2003) Dir.: Michael Henry; Scr.: Vanessa Tamayo
Angel Chen, a young Hollywood development executive, will do whatever it takes to forge a career in Hollywood. Determined to network her way into the industry’s elite, Angel seduces high-powered literary agent Jay Summers in order to obtain a much sought-after script. But on the night he encounters Angel, Jay doesn’t live up to his reputation as a seasoned shark. Uncharacteristically dark and brooding, he thwarts her transparent agenda, and engages her instead in a brutally honest debate about his journey to success.
Video, 20 min., color, Narrative
 
THE FLOATING WORLD
(USA, 2003) Director: Shinhee Kim; Scr.: Jennifer Gilbert
THE FLOATING WORLD, produced at the American Film Institute, essays the struggles of a young apprentice Geisha in Japan during the late 1930s. She goes through a journey of adulthood by preparing for adulthood rituals involved in becoming a Geisha, even as she despairs over the life she has been forcibly removed from.
Video (originated on 35mm), 28 min., color, Narrative




 
BIOGRAPHY OF AN AMERICAN HOSTESS
(USA, 2003) Dir./Scr.: Shilpa Sunthankar
The Hostess finds herself the target of expectations and misconceptions from both family and the customers she serves, Indians and Americans alike. Only when she finally tries to get away from everyone does she run into someone who understands her, though he barely speaks to her at all. BIOGRAPHY OF AN AMERICAN HOSTESS foregrounds feelings of alienation of a second-generation Indian American woman contrasted with the rare, golden event of simply connecting with someone.
Video, 18 min., color, Narrative
 


ABOUT HER WRIST CUTTING
(Japan, 2002) Dir./Scr.: Fusake Saya
His girlfriend calls: “I really cut myself up this time. The bleeding won’t stop. What should I do?” Her boyfriend is called up for questioning. “Maybe she’s overwhelmed with worries, loneliness and a sense of complete darkness inside.” What draws her to hurt herself? This blend of realism and animation reflects on our modern fears and isolation.
Video, 7 min., color, Narrative, in Japanese w/Eng. subtitles

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