NYAFF Report

sage · Posted: Mon Jul 09, 2007 1:35 am Post subject: NYAFF Report

The New York Asian Film Festival Report
By Sage

I FORGOT MY FREAKIN CAMERA!!!!! OF ALL THE STUPID THINGS…ARRRRGGGHHHHHH!!!! Anywayz, welcome to the NYAFF report.

No matter how many times I’ve gone back to the Japanese Society Theatre, I can never shed myself of the awe. The theater was amazing!! The interior was arranged methodically, casting a calm, soothing air of mystique. The wall was made of traditional Japanese wall paper. The lights were turned low. And serving as the center piece was a BEAUTIFUL, indoor waterfall. Although calm and quiet, the sight SCREAMED of earnest importance!!

After the novelty wore off, I looked around. I was amidst movie geeks, horror buffs, Japanese models and film critics…oh and oddly enough, break dancers??!! Then I noticed a huge gathering beside the waterfall. My curious nature took over so I decided to walk over towards the settling crowd. I was getting impatient so I started to snake my way through the crowds. Then finally I saw the object of everyone’s interests. Sitting behind a small rectangle table was Mr. Death Note himself:

Yep, sitting there looking, painfully weary, was Shusuke Kaneko, the guy who brought much LIFE to DEATH Note, looked as dead as that cgi creature in the film. This would’ve been the perfect photo opportunity, but your boy Sage forgot to pack his camera (D’OH!!). Despite it being pretty cool in the air conditioned venue, Mr. Kaneko was drenched in sweat. I’d imagined it was due to fatigue from having to answer so many (and often silly) questions from his more hardcore fans. I didn’t get to say much to him besides a systematic ‘Hello, loved your movies’ followed by a courtesy handshake. Then I was off for my film: EXETE

Hair, Hair and more HAIR!!! Exete, short for (hair) Extension served as a satirical reference to the current crops of Asian horror. The plot device of hair was used shamelessly (but strangely enough, very Well!!) throughout the movie. The movie was an effective amalgamation of, possibly, every horror element. From Silence of the Lamb, to The Blob (Nope, I ain’t kiddin!!); with a touch of Jack Sparrow thrown in, for good measure (Again, I ain’t kiddin!!). The plot was fairly involving and the cast was….meh. However, fans of Kill Bill and Suicide Club will be happy to know that the chick who played Go-Go (forgot what her name was…) will be playing lead.

After the screening, the host opened up a Q and A segment with the movie’s director Sion Sono (of Suicide Club, fame).

LOL…he was the archetypal Asian film director. Shades, fedora and a nonchalant demeanor; hehe…he was the embodiment of the word “Cool”. During the Q and A, I was lucky enough to be called on for questions.

Sage: As I was watching the movie, I couldn’t help but notice the many different elements you’ve borrowed to effectively build your plot. Could you discuss the influenced for this movie?

Sono (through translator): *A sly smirk* There are many films that influenced the dynamic of the movie. However my intent for borrowing these elements are more for ‘homage’ purposes rather than vein imitation…*again a smirk* (Then the audience laugh)

Sage: Was there any underlying message in the movie?

Sono: ??

Sage: *Trying to rephrase my question, and sweating badly* Was this film a commentary on any specifics of Japanese society?

Sono: *Coolness gone, now, equally Nervous* ??

Sage: Was there a meaning behind your damn movie?!! *Audience erupts into laughter*

Sono: Yeah…Fun. (Audience applauded)

Sage: Thank You.

And in cool ‘director’ fashion, he gave me a cool nod and an even cooler smile.

I enjoyed the festival more than i thought. I apologize for forgetting my camera. However, next time i motion a Doll Master Group trip to the NYAFF!! Whadaya think? Good? LOL...until next time:

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My BABY!!

knightofdreamz · Forum God Joined: 16 May 2007 Posts: 201 Karma: +2 (2)

damn dude
i told you to drive down here to florida and pick me up before you went
whats wrong with you.

sounds like good shit though man.
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Unique · Fresh Meat! Joined: 28 Jul 2007 Posts: 26 Karma: 0 (0)

ShadowDepths · Posted: Tue Jul 31, 2007 2:22 am Post subject: Re: NYAFF Report