Contemporary Asian Theater Scene
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Please go to our new site: www.catsasiantheaterscene.org
Please go to our new site: www.catsasiantheaterscene.org
In Memory of Dr. Jerry Hiura, Co-founder of CATS
Dr. Jerrold Hiura, universally known as Dr. Jerry, passed away on Dec. 26. Although his life might have seemed to be a dichotomy – technical and scientific dentist who exhibited artistic achievements in poetry, art, and music – Dr. Jerry’s eclectic personality blended his two sides well. In doing so, he left a legacy of philanthropy, cultural support and dental and artistic mentorship. Also, many of San Jose’s distinguished citizens and elected officials appreciated his role as their dentist/advisor.
Jerry’s list of service were numerous and impressive: appointments to the California Arts Commission (vice chair) and the San Jose Arts Commission, on boards such as the San Jose Museum of Art and the Japantown Community Congress, director of the Sixth Street Mural project, programs at San Jose Jazz Festival and San Jose State University, and, most significantly, co-founder of Contemporary Asian Theatre Scene (CATS).
When he, with Steve Yamaguma and Miki Hirabayashi, founded CATS, they envisioned and accomplished its mission to provide platforms for Asian American artists of various media. CATS has presented playwrights workshops, Asian Comedy Nights (Hasan Minhaj, Ali Wong on their ways up!), play readings, film festivals, and live performances.
Silicon Valley Asian Pacific FilmFest is CATS’ latest iteration and, at a screening, Jerry was surprised with two awards: a Commendation from the San Jose Office of Cultural Affairs, signed by all city council members, and the Image Hero Award from SVAPFF/CATS. Numerous other acknowledgments had preceded these honors, but his wife, Lucia Cha, noted that he was especially moved by these – coming from dear and dedicated friends of the San Jose cultural community and his CATS cohorts.
Jerry and Lucia have been strong advocates and generous financial supporters of many institutions and activities. In recognition of this commitment, CATS announced that “our cultural efforts will continue to be dedicated to the lifetime work and in memory of its co-founder, Dr. Jerry Hiura.”
– Reiko Iwanaga, CATS board member
If you would like to share your favorite memories of Dr. Jerry Hiura, please click this link: https://everloved.com/life-of/dr-jerrold-hiura/
Below is a video of Jerry accepting the 2019 Hero Image Award.
Next up from CATS
Friday-Sunday, November 1-3, 2019
5th Annual Silicon Valley Asian Pacific FilmFest
Sunday, September 1, 2019
American Bon Dancing: In Joy and Remembrance
Yerba Buena Gardens Festival Presents:
American Bon Dancing: In Joy and Remembrance
An Afternoon of Obon Songs, Dances & Stories Celebrating Rev. Yoshio Iwanaga’s introduction of Bon Dancing in the continental US 88 years ago
Sunday, September 1, 2019 1:00 - 3:00 pm
Yerba Buena Gardens - Esplanade Mission Street between 3rd & 4th Streets San Francisco, CA https://ybgfestival.org/event/american-bon-dancing/
Sunday, August 18, 2019
World Film Premiere: KIKAN - The Homecoming
Set in the 1940s, the film follows Japanese American soldier Jimmy Ibata of the 442nd RCT as he makes a life-changing journey from the battlefields of Europe to San Francisco to fulfill a wartime promise.
The film stars Ryan Takemiya (Valley of the Heart), Anna Sun, Ken Takeda, Chizu Omori (Rabbit in the Moon) and Hiroshi Kashiwagi (Hilo Hatta, Black Rain).
When: Sunday August 18
Where: New People Cinema in San Francisco's Japantown.
Time(s): Shows are at 2pm and 4pm.
Tickets are $12 in advance at ikeibifilms.com or $15 at the door. There's more information on their website: ikeibifilms.com
Tuesday, August 13, 2019
An Afternoon with Culinary Icon, Cecilia Chang
Our friends, AREAA (Asian American Real Estate Association of America) of Silicon Valley is presenting a FREE event, An Afternoon with Culinary Icon Cecilia Chang.
When: August 13th
Time: 2:00 - 5:00 pm
Where: De Anza College
Please register here to attend: https://areaasiliconvalley.wildapricot.org/event-3500256
June 29, 2019
KOLLABORATION SF PRESENTS: 8th Annual Showcase
KOLLABORATION SF
ANNUAL SHOWCASE
Celebrate Kollaboration SF 10th anniversary with their annual Showcase. These Showcases features outstanding AAPI talents.
WHEN: June 29th, 2019
TIME: 7PM
WHERE:
David Brower Center
2150 Allston Way
Berkeley, CA
Order your tickets here:
Wednesday, June 26, 2019
MEET THE PANELISTS!
Diane Fukami, Matthew Abaya, Rick Quan and Jon Osaki
Meet the Film panelists on June 26th from 7pm-9pm at the Japanese American Museum of San Jose @jamsjofficial! Register here: https://sanjose.naaap.org/events/alt-careers-independent-film-maker
Dianne Fukami, Director/Co-Producer, Mineta Legacy Project http://minetalegacyproject.com/)
Matthew Abaya , Filmmaker, Vampariah https://youtu.be/-5OXvBA_xR4
Rick Quan, Television Anchor, Mayor Ed Lee https://tinyurl.com/RickQuanProductions
Jon Osaki, Filmmaker, Alternative Facts https://www.facebook.com/alternativefacts9066/
This event is in partnership with CATS, Kollaboration SF and the National Association of Asian American Professionals!
Wednesday, June 26, 2019
TELLING OUR STORIES THROUGH INDEPENDENT FILM:
A Panel Discussion
Please attend "TELLING OUR STORIES THROUGH INDEPENDENT FILM: A Panel Discussion". Hear and meet our outstanding panelists; Diane Fukami, Matthew Abaya, Jon Osaki, Rick Quan, and Moderator, Stephen Chun. Reserve your seat here: https://sanjose.naaap.org/events/alt-careers-independent-film-maker
May 11-12, 2019
CAAMFEST 2019
We are proud to announce the following films that we are co-presenting at CAAMFEST 2019
Gold Thread
When: Saturday, May 11, 2019
Time: 12:10 PM
Where: New People Cinemas
If you love food, you will enjoy this film, Gold Thread, a selection of videos celebrating Chinese food and the people who make it. This line up is aimed at inspiring deeper thought about the food we eat, what we consider foreign, and how our lives are shaped by mom’s cooking. Gold Thread is a team of video makers and journalists based in Hong Kong. They are on a mission to cover China through stories of people, culture, and cuisine.
Click here to find more details of this film and to order tickets.
The Dragon Painter
When: Saturday, May 11, 2019
Time: 2:30 PM
Where: New People Cinemas
One of the first Asian American films in history, THE DRAGON PAINTER is a dreamy and surreal romance that broke new ground in Hollywood. Starring legendary actor Sessue Hayakawa, the film continues to woo audiences with its stunning visuals and masterful storytelling. Join us for this special screening with a live score by Japanese American singer-songwriter Goh Nakamura.
Click here to find more details of this film and to order tickets.
The Magpies of Seoul
When: Sunday, May 12, 2019
Time: 3:30 PM
Where: AMC Kabuki 8
Dan Lee (from the rock band Scrabbel) premieres a dynamic, new live music performance based on the Korean fairytale, Chilseok. The Magpies of Seoul is about two childhood friends who get separated by the Korean War, Lee’s interpretation of the traditional story. The live performance will feature a mix of indie rock and traditional Korean drumming.
Click here to find more details of this film and to order tickets.
April 27, 2019
ALTERNATIVE FACTS - The Lies of Executive Order 9066
ALTERNATIVE FACTS: The Lies of Executive Order 9066 is a one-hour documentary feature film about the false information and political influences which led to the World War II incarceration of Japanese Americans. The documentary will examine the parallels to the current climate of fear, attitudes towards immigrant communities, and similar attempts to abuse the powers of the government.
San Jose Premiere
April 27th, 2019 - 1pm
Wesley United Methodist Church
566 N 5th Street, San Jose
Presale: $10 JAMsj members/$13 nonmembers
Day of showing: $15 everyone
Buy tickets at the JAMsj Museum Store
Open Thursday to Sunday - 12pm to 4pm
Please call 408.294.3138 or email [email protected] for questions.
March 10 - 31, 2019
THE BACKBONE OF THE RAILROAD
ART EXHIBITION COMMEMORATING THE CHINESE RAILROAD WORKERS IN AMERICA
OPENING CEREMONY:
Sunday March 10, 2019 1:00 - 5:00 PM Exhibit Opening CHCP Speaker Series Presentation: - Book Talk by Tim Myers, Children's Author: "Yao Bai and the Egg Pirates" - Video: "The Canton Army in the High Sierras" - Talk by Phil Sexton , CA State Park Interpreter/Historian, Park Manager: "Conquering Time and Space: How Chinese Labor Helped Put the United States In Motion" - Reception/Artists' Meet-and-Greet For more info/updates: www.chcp.org/events/railroad-art-exhibit
Art Exhibition: March 10-31, 2019
Location: MILPITAS LIBRARY AUDITORIUM, 160 N Main St., Milpitas, CA 95035
Multiple showings from March 8 - March 16, 2019
Last Sunrise
A future reliant on solar energy falls into chaos after the sun disappears, forcing a reclusive astronomer and his bubbly neighbor out of the city in search of light in the perpetual darkness.
Order your tickets: click here
Saturday March 16, 2019
SHADOW
An epic film by Zhang Yimou. With Chinese action and suspense to be shown at Cinequest. Saturday, March 16th @ 6:45 PM at the California Theater.
Order your tickets: click here
Synopsis:
Set during China's Three Kingdom's era (AD 220-280). The story of a great king and his people, who will be expelled from their homeland and will aspire to claim it. The king, violent and ambitious, of mysterious methods and motives; his general, a visionary who yearns to win the final battle but needs to prepare his plans in secret; the women of the palace, who struggle to find redemption in a world where they have no place; and a commoner called "Lord of all the world", will be the characters around who turn the inexorable forces of this story.
Tell your friends!
