The First Annual Lakewood Asian Film Fest will be held this coming August 16, 17, 18 at the Lakewood Playhouse in the Lakewood Towne Center. The film fest is free to the public and co-hosted by the Lakewood Arts Commission.
The Asian Film Fest will feature five award winning Asian films over three days. Prior to each film, colorful pre-show entertainment will be provided by the Chong Hee Suk Korean Drummers and the Filipino American Youth Dancers.
The Playhouse is air conditioned and doors will open one hour prior to the event and concession stand will be open.
For additional information, call the Lakewood Playhouse at 253-588-0042. All seating is on a first come basis. All films are sub-titled except “Forgotten Soldiers”.
The Asian Film Fest is sponsored by the Lakewood Sister Cities, Clover Park Kiwanis, Clover Park Rotary, Asia Pacific Cultural Center, Historical Phil, Old Country Buffet, Pierce County Republican Party and Lakewood Gallery and Framing.
A brief synopsis of each film and a complete schedule of events are listed below.
Friday, August 16, “Mongol: The Rise of Genghis Khan” (Mongolia-Russian, color, 126 minutes, 2007, R for violence): The movie is the epic story of young Genghis Khan, Temüjin and how events in his early life lead him to become a legendary conqueror. A breathtaking movie made on a grand scale in exotic and vast Mongolia. Pre-Show Entertainment: The fabulous Chang Hee Sook Drum Group, 7:00 pm. Film showing 7:30 pm.
Saturday, August 17, “Shall we Dance?” (Japan, color, 136 minutes, 1996, PG): A successful but unhappy Japanese accountant finds the missing passion in his life when he begins to secretly take ballroom dance lessons. Pre-Show Entertainment: The fabulous Chang Hee Sook Drum Group, 2:00 pm. Film showing 2:30 pm.
Saturday, August 17, “Masquerade (Gwang-hae)” (South Korea, color, 131 minutes, 2012, PG-13): Political intrigue, betrayal, peril and forbidden romance play out in this lavish, critically acclaimed historical drama set in the royal palace of Korea’s ancient Joseon Dynasty when a lowly peasant is forced to masquerade as the tyrannical king who has fallen ill. A breathtakingly beautiful film. Pre-Show Entertainment: The fabulous Chang Hee Sook Drum Group, 7:00 pm. Film showing 7:30 pm.
Sunday, August 18, “The King of Masks” (China, color, 91 minutes, 1997, G): An aging street performer known as “the King of Mask” for his mastery of Sichuan Change Art finds an apprentice in a destitute child purchased on the black market. When the child reveals an unexpected secret, their relationship is suddenly tested by both the old man’s stubborn sense of tradition and the established customs of China.
Pre-Show Entertainment: The P.A.Y.O. (Pilipino American Youth Dancers), 2:00 pm. Film showing 2:30 pm.
Sunday, August 18, “Forgotten Soldiers” (Philippines, color, 82 minutes, 2012, narrated by Lou Diamond Phillips, (G): This award winning documentary follows ten surviving US Army Philippine Scouts during World War II through their gallant stand on Bataan, their bitter surrender, the horrors of the Bataan Death March and their ultimate triumph over the enemy. This is a “must see” story for young and old. Pre-Show Entertainment: The P.A.Y.O. (Pilipino American Youth Dancers), 7:00 pm. Film showing 7:30 pm.
Make plans now to attend!