PROGRAM 11

SATURDAY, MAY 1 | YOUTH MEDIA | 12:00 PM | DGA 2

YOUTH MEDIA TRT: 78 min.
Young filmmakers never fail to surprise us — their fresh perspectives and burgeoning skills yield a never-ending crop of plucky, perceptive and astounding works. This group of seven new pieces is no exception, taking us to Guam, New York, San Diego and points in between. In fact, you might just say that Youth Media goes worldwide at this year’s Festival, at least in our hearts and minds.
—Christilily Chiv

DATE: SATURDAY, MAY 1
TIME: 12:00 PM
VENUE: DGA 2
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(Free Admission)

OUR PATH, OUR JOURNEY, OUR VOICE (Guam, 2009) Dirs.: Steve M., Francis T., Jayanna P., Jon M. A group of student internees at Guam’s Department of Youth Affairs share their experiences as at-risk youths as they prepare to participate in a documentary film project sponsored by DYA and L.A.-based FYI: Films by Youth Inside. Through their experiences working together with fellow classmates on a narrative short project, two students come to realize that through hard work and self-determination, they can grow beyond their respective circumstances and fulfill their potential. Video, 15 min., color, documentary

AMERICA’S NEXT TOP IMMIGRANT (United States, 2008) Dir.: Crystian Rodriguez Based on the reality game show structure, this satirical work explores and brings to light what it means for seven young immigrants to battle each other out for a piece of the “American Dream”. Watch the drama and excitement unfold on the season finale of America’s Next Top Immigrant. Video, 11 min., color, narrative, in English and Spanish w/ E.S.

BILLY MARTINEZ (United States, 2009) Dir.: Lora ChauDavis An artist undertakes massive amounts of work to help support his family as a full time cartoonist, while preparing for one of the largest comic conventions in the world. Video, 8 min., color, documentary

FINE THREADS (United States, 2009) Dir.: Adele Pham) A documentary project helmed by young South Asian women from Queens, NY, this film follows the lives of Shweta, Humira and Damandeep as they explore notions of beauty, immigrant ideals, and religion. Through cinema verité style interviews, these young women weave a coming-of-age narrative in the city. Video, 12 min., color, documentary

LILLYGOL JOON (United States, 2009) Dir.: Holly Cramer An Iranian-American high school girl struggles with the social constrictions of her culture and pressures to succeed while her heart and soul lie in break dancing. Video, 7 min., color, documentary

NO SAFE PLACE (United States, 2009) Dir.: Crystian Rodriguez As ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) has drastically increased their quotas for arresting undocumented immigrants, this video traces the lives of young people targeted by this system and asks us to consider the power of sharing our stories. Video, 7 min., color, documentary

ALL YOU NEED IS BIG AUNTIE (Guam, 2009) Dirs.: Youth at Guan DYA A young woman is confronted by a never-ending array of problems on the day her family is served an eviction notice: her brother is arrested, her rent money is stolen, and she’s under pressure to date the local wannabe gangsta. It’s up to no-nonsense Big Auntie and a forest spirit, or duendas, to show her the right way to solving her problems. Video, 18 min., color, narrative

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COMMUNITY CO-PRESENTER: Asian American Drug Abuse Program, Inc.; Korean American Family Service Center
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