Synopsis: Twelve strangers embark on the Trans-Asia Express, a four-day train journey from Tehran to Istanbul. Amongst them are Marjan, a girl with a bag full of money and embezzlement documents, Moosa, a man searching for his lost sister, Atousa a beautiful femme fatale, Dr.Taheri, the train"s physician, and a couple of tourists. When Marjan"s bag is stolen, everyone becomes a suspect. Overcoming spatial constrictions with innovative camera technique to tell its captivating story, this film was shot entirely on a moving train in five days. Part of the New Directions in Iranian Cinema Showcase, filmmakers expected in attendance for post-film Q&A after their East Coast Premiere. Facebook Event Page
Synopsis: After years of rejecting his Japanese heritage, filmmaker Matthew Hashiguchi sets out on a sometimes humorous, yet insightful journey to discover what it means to be Japanese American, and how that identity changes over time. Along the way, we learn about the life of his grandmother, a former incarceree at a WWII Relocation Camp, and how other family members also struggled with their Japanese American identities in a predominantly White neighborhood in the Midwest. The family’s various experiences have produced unique perspectives on race, identity, religion and heritage that continues to change as the family assimilates deeper into the American fabric. However, as time changes the cultural and ethnic makeup of the family, they still look to the past in an attempt to learn from and preserve their Japanese heritage. A thoughtful reflection on multiracial identity, mixed race families, and the legacy of intergenerational trauma. Director Matthew Hashiguchi expected in attendance for post-film Q&A and discussion of Good Luck Soup Interactive online transmedia database. Screens with All The Way, a short doc about a Japanese American seniors bowling league in Salt Lake City. Director Alli Nakamura expected in attendance. Facebook Event Page
Synopsis: Van Hoang, a Vietnamese immigrant and nail salon owner, sees her American dream crumble as she discovers that her health problems, including two miscarriages, are the result of toxic chemicals in the products used in her salon. Painted Nails tells the story of her journey into activism as she becomes a leader in the fight for safe cosmetics. Audiences witness Van's transformation from a self-described shy woman who speaks minimal English to a forthright advocate who testifies before Congress. In Washington, DC, at hearings for the Safe Cosmetics and Personal Care Products Act, Van, now a few months pregnant, steps forward to speak out not only for workers in nail salons, most of whom are Asian immigrants, but for all people exposed to the toxic chemicals in personal care products. Co-presented by VietLead facebook.com/vietlead/ Facebook Event Page
