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Festival Films Schedule:

• Opening Night, Thursday, May 31^st – Breaking the Silence, China (1999)

• 6:00 PM -- Reception / Entertainment prior to the film at Fletcher Plaza

Chinese screen goddess Gong Li plays a single mother in contemporary Beijing who struggles to educate and raise her deaf son. Director Zhou Sun gives the filmgoer reminders of China’s ancient past, while exploring the modern fight to ensure a better future for our children. Sponsored by University Hospital

$25/person – The Chinese Lion Dance, with the spectacular Shaolin Hung Mei Pai, a 20-member ensemble with three lions and percussion, will lead the audience to the Aurora Fox Arts Center

• Friday, June 1^st, 6:30 PM -- Anak, The Philippines (2000)

While working overseas, a Filipina contract worker is unaware that her husband has died. Upon her return to the Philippines, she must overcome feelings of resentment by her children and rebuild the relationship with her family.

Sponsored by the Filipino American Community of Colorado and Philippine American Society of Colorado

• 8:30 PM -- Reception at Fletcher Plaza including Filipino and Thai food, music and dance

• 9:30 PM -- Nang Nok, Thailand (1999)

A haunting story of love, superstition and spirits in a small Thai village. A blockbuster in Thailand!

Sponsored by the Thai Association of Colorado and Colorado Thai Heritage Preservation Association

• Saturday, June 2^nd, 11:00 AM -- Children’s Saturday Matinee and Plaza Activities

Children’s animated film by Manick Sorcar, USA/India

Colorado’s own Manick Sorcar produces laser light/multi-media productions and animated videos that create a cultural bridge between East and West. His award-winning animated videos have been featured in many international film festivals. He follows in his father’s footsteps, an internationally acclaimed magician. To learn more, go to www.manicksorcar.com.

In person, Manick Sorcar will give a special multi-media performance prior to the animation.

• 1:00 PM -- Children’s fun on the Plaza following the film, including international songs by Young Music Ambassadors and Polynesian music and dance by the Jr. Wahines

Sponsored by the YOUNG MUSIC AMBASSADORS, Joya* Wonderlight, President

and by the Polynesia-Pacifica Foundation, and the Aurora Cultural Arts Action Team

• 2:00 PM -- Gaea Girls, UK/Japan (2000)

A fascinating look inside the Gaea Japan training camp for female wrestlers. Sponsored by RFID, Inc., Aurora

• 4:30 PM -- Chac, USA/Vietnam (2000) -- In-Person: Director and Producer Kim-Chi Tyler!

Winner of the Golden Elephant Award for Best Documentary at the Bangkok Film Festival and the Lena Sharp Audience Favorite Film Award at Seattle’s Women In Cinema Film Festival, this documentary is about an American-raised Vietnamese woman’s quest to discover the truth about her identity. She persistently questions her biological father in Vietnam and learns family history in the process. Reception and entertainment at Fletcher Plaza follow the film.

Saturday, June 2^nd

• 7:00 PM -- Hidden Whisper, Taiwan (2000) – Colorado Premiere

Writer-director Vivian Change uses her well-developed visual instincts to draw thematic parallels in three quite dissimilar mini-narratives; a quietly moody drama reflects on alienation and solitude within families and relationships.

• 8:30 PM -- Reception and entertainment on Fletcher Plaza

• 9:30 PM -- 12 Nights, Hong Kong (2000) – North American Premiere

Three young people explore the miscommunications of men and women; a humorous, emotional and entertaining film.

Sponsored by Lily Shen, President, Colorado Chinese Club

• Sunday, June 3^rd – 12:00 Noon, From Opium to Chrysanthemums, Thailand/Laos/USA (2000)

A documentary that takes place over 30 years reveals a ‘slice of life’ amongst the Hmong of both Thailand and Laos. A village elder wants a better way of life for the Hmong youth, but change comes slowly in the fight with discrimination. Hmong women’s rights are also explored by the filmmaker.

Yang Chee, President of the national Lao-Hmong American Coalition, will add perspective following the film. Enjoy Lao-Hmong entertainment on Fletcher Plaza following the question-and-answer session!

• 2:00 PM -- Il Mare, Korea (2000) – North American Premiere

A letter sent by a woman from Il Mare, a beautiful seaside home, is delivered two years back in time to the previous owner of the home. The two take up written correspondence. Director Hyun-seung Lee has won multiple awards at various film festivals for Best Art Direction and Best New Director.

Sponsored by Premier Bank

• 4:30 PM -- Departure, Japan (2000) – North American Premiere

Good high school friends prepare to graduate. The film takes a snapshot of this young generation on the night before their departure to start new and separate lives.

• 5:45 PM – Entertainment at Fletcher Plaza

• Closing Night Film, 6:30 PM -- Himalaya, France/Nepal (1999) – Colorado Premiere

An ancestral duel and a struggle between man and nature in the height of the Himalayas; Himalaya was nominated for Best Foreign Language Film at the 2000 Academy Awards. In-Person: Actress Lhakpa Tsamchoe

Sponsored by Michelle J. Lippert, Broker Associate with The Kentwood Company of Cherry Creek and Board of Director, Colorado Friends of Tibet -- Reception / Tibetan music and dance on Fletcher Plaza follow the film.