This year’s inaugural DC event will feature the talents of singers Amanda Lee, Lily Bee, Christopher Santa Ana, Philip Jung and Dongwoo Seo, David Bak; all-girl rock band, Ivy Rose; beatboxer, Chip Han, and hip hop artist, David Ha aka Trus Real. The performers will be competing for a $1,000 grand prize and title of Kollaboration DC Winner 2010. In addition to the top 3 performer awards, this year’s event will feature an Audience Favorite Award, sponsored by DramaFever.

Tickets are available at www.kollaborationdc.org and Ticketmaster outlets. General admission tickets are $15. VIP tickets are $45 with reserved seating and a complimentary VIP gift bag with goodies from Buddha Bar, Ping Pong Dim Sum, Happy Eatery, Yelp DC, CIBU, and many more. Discounted tickets are available for students, military and senior citizens at Ticketmaster locations only. All ticket purchases come with free admission to the after party at Pasha Lounge in D.C.

Romantic comedy and audience favorite Smile, You kicks off the weekend, followed by Oh! My Lady, Prosecutor Princess, Stars Falling From the Sky, Bad Guy, Loving You a Thousand Times, and Jejoongwon – all in one week! Thank you for supporting us this past year, and keep watching on DramaFever!

Reel in the Vote is a non-partisan PSA contest and campaign to generate awareness, excitement, and dialogue to get more Asian Pacific Islander Americans (APIAs) and independent voters out to the polls this year.

Reel in the Vote has been made possible through a major grant from the California Independent Voter Project and additional support from CAUSE (Center for Asian Americans United for Self Empowerment).

30-Second Video Contest

If you have access to a video camera and a great idea, here’s your chance to make a difference and win cash plus an all-expense paid trip to the San Diego Asian Film Festival! It’s up to you to create the most entertaining and engaging 30-second videos that promote voter registration in the APIA community. This competition is free and open to anyone. Deadline is August 31. Click  ”Read More” for videos and rules.

For inspiration, here are two Reel in the Vote videos by filmmakers H.P Mendoza and Karen Lin. (These videos will not be in competition.)
http://sdaff.org/festival/reel-in-the-vote.php

H.P. Mendoza:

Karen Lin:

Contest Prizes and Rules

The top three videos will be selected to screen throughout our October film festival in front of thousands of attendees. San Diego Asian Film Festival will provide travel and lodging to the makers of each of the top three videos to attend the opening weekend of the film festival (October 21-23). A live audience will choose the top winner at our Gala Awards Dinner, October 23, who will be awarded a minimum $1000 prize, two runner ups receive $250 each.

Videos must be exactly 30 seconds in length. Deadline is August 31.
For more information: http://sdaff.org/festival/reel-in-the-vote.php

Series Three: TV Party
In America, Korea is famous for its movies, but across most of the world it’s famous for its TV. Korean drama series have sparked what’s known as the Hallyu Wave, which has seen Korean television score everywhere in Asia, from China to Japan. Some Korean TV stars are even more popular overseas than they are at home. Korean television dramas have been so popular in Malaysia that kimchi imports to that country jumped 150% after the airing of several series, and Korean TV series are part of primetime programming both in Cambodia and Iran.

TUESDAY, July 13 @ 7pm
TOKYO TAXI (2010, 76 minutes, New York Premiere)
Award-winning, arthouse darling, director Kim Tae-Sik (DRIVING WITH MY WIFE’S LOVER), made this TV movie that was so acclaimed it went on to do the film festival rounds. Ryo (Masashi Yamada) is going to ruin everything. His band has been invited to a play a concert in Seoul, but he’s terrified of flying and so he cowers in Tokyo. But in a burst of inspiration he hails a taxi and demands that it honor its pledge to take him to any destination, in this case, Seoul. And so begins an epic odyssey of passenger and driver across hundreds of miles and two countries in this wry, sharply-observed comedy. One of the best and most ambitious of the made-for-TV movies, it helped launch the career of Yu Hana, who plays an Asiana stewardess and Ryo’s unobtainable object of desire.

TUESDAY, July 27 @ 7pm
GIRL BY GIRL (2007, 80 minutes, New York Premiere)
Starting life as a student film made for cable TV, GIRL BY GIRL (SONYEO X SONYEO) became a popular hit thanks to its ferociously committed lead performance by Kwak Ji-Min, the star of Kim Ki-Duk’s SAMARITAN GIRL and one of the actors in the bawdy, over-the-top DASEPO NAUGHTY GIRLS. In GIRL BY GIRL Kwak plays a troublemaking high school student out for a good time and nothing more. When she and a model student both fall for the same guy, she figures that this means war, and so she manages to convince the model student that their dream man only likes bad girls, while trying to turn herself into the perfect high school girl he actually desires. It sounds contrived, and it is, but Kwak’s go-for-broke performance papers over all the rough spots with its speed and commitment. She’s heartless one minute, ridiculous another and then oddly sympathetic, just like a real teenager.

TUESDAY, August 10 @ 7pm
PUNCH STRIKE (2006, 81 minutes, New York Premiere)
Korean directors are almost exclusively male, and PUNCH STRIKE would be notable if for no other reason that for the fact that its director, Ryou Eun-Jung, is a woman. She worked in the trenches for years before she was able to make her short film “A Smoke-Flavored Life” which won awards at film festivals around the world. She followed it up with PUNCH STRIKE, a rambunctious flick that takes on the high school power dynamic in Korea, which makes even the most dysfunctional American high school look like paradise. Hard-working character actor, Lim Won-Hie, plays “Mad Dog” a psychotic teacher who physically abuses and sexually humiliates his students. But when he slaps Mina (Park Min-Ji) in the face in front of her secret crush he’s crossed the line. She and her two friends begin a quiet revolution as they seek their revenge. As bouncy and rambunctious as a 16 year old texting while talking on the phone and updating their Facebook page, it’s a movie that fell between the cracks but that deserves wider exposure for its particular take on high school hell.

TUESDAY, August 24 @ 7pm
MY LITTLE EROTIC LOVER (2000, 110 minutes)
This TV movie is one of powerhouse broadcaster KBS’ new “Drama Specials,” 60 minute made-for-TV movies that showcase their hottest talent. MY LITTLE EROTIC LOVER (aka OUR SLIGHTLY RISQUE RELATIONSHIP) is a typical meet-cute between a broadcaster and a reporter who can¹t stand the sight of each other. Elevating this formula is the bawdy nature of the comedy (they meet cute when she spills hot soup on his crotch, sparking a medical emergency) and the fact that it stars Lee Seon-Gyun. Lee was relegated to second string and bit parts for years before he starred in the 2007 TV series, THE 1st SHOP OF THE COFFEE PRINCE, playing the owner of a run down coffee house. The show was a massive hit and he followed it up with the medical TV series, WHITE TOWER. Not only is he now the biggest male lead in Korean television, but last year he won an acting award for his role in the acclaimed feature film PAJU.

To vote, you have to log in to your DF account. (If you haven’t created one, you’ll have to make one here.) Once logged in, you can vote for any short film – either thumbs up or down. Voting closes at 12pm EST, September 15. We’ll announce the winner on September 16 on the front page of DramaFever, where the winning short film will be featured for the whole week.

Start watching a great lineup of narratives and documentaries from the first and longest running film festival in the U.S. dedicated to highlighting the newest Asian filmmaking talent. See the complete lineup of short films on the ACV Featured Partner page here.

Voting dates updated: Voting has been extended to September 15 in observance of Labor Day. Winner to be announced on September 16.

PA-YA's "Noblesse Children"

The Santa Barbara Museum of Art is now hosting “Chaotic Harmony” – The first major exhibition in the United States of photographs made by contemporary Korean artists presently living in South Korea. Bringing together work by 40 contemporary photographers, this presentation of 42 large-scale images examines a range of contemporary issues. DramaFever has contributed to the multimedia aspect of the exhibit with four classic Korean drama titles: Queen Seonduk, Coffee Prince, Jewel In The Palace and IRIS.

Visitors to the SBMA will find several TVs playing Kdramas, along with several iPads loaded with additional information on artists from Chaotic Harmony, contemporary Korean music videos, and traditional Korean music. Visitors are encouraged to page through these iPads to learn more about their favorite exhibition artists.

Korean dramas on display courtesy of DramaFever.

Drama Fans also take note that on August 22nd at 2:30 pm, Suk-Young Kim, Associate Professor of Theatre at UCSB, will give a free lecture on Soap Operas and Contemporary Korean Culture. For more information log onto the SBMA website.

For information on “Chaotic Harmony”, visit http://chaoticharmonysbma.tumblr.com/

New York Asian Film Festival likes Yang Ik Joon's movie BREATHLESS

We have our winners to free tickets to the New York Asian Film Festival!

Barbara Frohberg won two tickets to SECRET REUNION, starring Song Kang-Ho (THE HOST). Directed by Hun Jang (ROUGH CUT), SECRET REUNION is playing twice: Fri, July 2, 7:30pm, and Sat, July 3, 2:10pm; at the Film Society of Lincoln Center’s Walter Reade Theater.

Fatuma Hydara has two tickets to see BLADES OF BLOOD. Lee Joon-Ik, director of KING & CLOWN, the top grossing Korean movie of all time, returns to the Joseon Dynasty, and he’ll be in attendance at the screening! BLADES OF BLOOD is playing Thu, Jul 8, 8:45pm, at Film Society of Lincoln Center’s Walter Reade Theater.

Thanks to everyone who entered the contest by supporting DramaFever and “liking” the new DramaFever fan page on Facebook!

Special thanks to Subway Cinema, organizers of the New York Asian Film Festival, for donating tickets!

Kollaboration New York took place at the Highline Ballroom on Saturday, June 26th in front of a large and enthusiastic crowd. By the start of the show, VIP tickets had sold out and the Highline was almost filled. The judges of the ‘talent show’ for the night were !llmind, Telly Wong, and Christine Dai. Also in attendance were other performers like Derek Kan from Magnetic North, Taiyo Na, DJ G*LEE, and several others.

Paul “PK” Kim, the founder of Kollaboration, hosted the show and was very funny. He spoke about the importance of community and how Kollaboration brought people together. He thanked everyone for their support in attending and told the audience that every year Kollaboration either breaks even or loses money. However, the purpose of Kollaboration is not to make money but to help build a community of Asian American talent. After some more jokes he introduced the opening act SUPERCUTE! which had 3 teenage girls wearing costumes who also brought hula hoops. In between the various performances, there was a Freestyle Dance Contest and a Singing Competition open to anyone in the audience with winning prizes of $100. All the competitors were very talented and they were all guys.

For the last song of the night, everyone came onstage to perform Empire State of Mind and it was glorious. Then the scores were tallied and PaperDoll won the $1000 first place prize and Alfa scored second for the $500 prize. With Kollaboration New York 5 officially over, attendees headed over to Club Level for the afterparty. Check out some pictures from KNY5 below.

This year’s lineup includes:

* Alfa (Guitar)
* Brian Hong (Guitar)
* Cate Song (Piano)
* Eugenia Leigh (Spoken Word)
* Jen Kwok (Ukulele/Comedy)
* Meghna Prasad (Guitar)
* Paperdoll (Band)
* Part-Time Models (Dance)
* Rhythmology (Dance)
* Sheng Wang (Comedy)

with guest judges !llmind, Christine Dai and Telly Wong.

Following the performances is the official KNY 5 Afterparty. Details here:

KNY 5 AFTERPARTY
@ the new members only lounge LEVEL (21+)
$10 Cover, Free with KNY General Tickets
VIP Access with KNY VIP Tickets
34-36 West 32nd St, 9th Flr.
Btwn. Broadway / 5th Ave
Doors Open 10:30pm

WHAT IS KOLLABORATION?
Kollaboration is an annual event and movement created by a small group of professional young Asian Pacific Islander Americans/Canadians, volunteering their time and skills to celebrate the vast talents of their community and hopefully bring them into the mainstream.

Click here for more information about Kollaboration New York.

The Scandal Maker

The New York Asian Film Festival hits NYC for the 9^th year this weekend with a diverse lineup made up of some of the best in movies coming out of Asia today. Hailed as “…one of the city’s most valuable events” by The New York Times, this year’s festival has special guests galore. Also new this year is a new screening location: the Film Society of Lincoln Center’s Walter Reade Theater. The second part of the festival will still take place at  Japan Society like last year’s festival. DramaFever has teamed up with the New York Asian Film Festival (hosted by Subway Cinema) to bring our New York City fans free tickets to Korean films BLADES OF BLOOD and SECRET REUNION. Full lineup of films listed after contest details!

Secret Reunion

SECRET REUNION
A decade after JOINT SECURITY AREA stole our hearts and defected to parts unknown, the immortal Song Kang-Ho (THE HOST) returns to preside over the birth of its oddball brother-in-law, SECRET REUNION. Directed by Hun Jang (ROUGH CUT) and pairing Song opposite Kang Dong-Won (M), this North-vs-South spy game is a one-nation bromance, mashing up DAY OF THE JACKAL with THE ODD COUPLE to create 2010′s most heartwarming shoot-’em-up, alternating manly hugs with messy headshots. SECRET REUNION is playing twice: Fri, July 2, 7:30pm, and Sat, July 3, 2:10pm; at the Film Society of Lincoln Center’s Walter Reade Theater.

Blades of Blood

BLADES OF BLOOD
It’s a powerhouse three-way team-up. Lee Joon-Ik, director of KING & CLOWN, the top grossing Korean movie of all time, returns to the Joseon Dynasty for the first time since K&C. Hwang Jung-Min, an actor who was originally told he was too ugly to be in movies, but who has gone on take home eight “Best Actor” awards in nine years, is cast as the movie’s hero, a blind swordsman. And then there’s the source material, the Korean manga, Like the Moon Escaping from the Clouds which was awarded the Republic of Korea Cartoon Culture Literary Prize in 1996. The result? A muscular blockbuster with impeccable style. BLADES OF BLOOD is playing Thu, Jul 8, 8:45pm, at Film Society of Lincoln Center’s Walter Reade Theater. Director Lee Joon-Ik will be in attendance.

How to enter to win tickets: Just join the new DramaFever fan page on Facebook to win.
At 12pm EST, Friday, June 25, we’ll choose one random winner to receive a free pair of tickets to see SECRET REUNION. You’ll have a second chance to win at 12pm EST, Monday, June 28, when we pick another random winner to receive a free pair of tickets to see BLADES OF BLOOD. If selected, you will receive a message on Facebook. You must reply within 24 hours and confirm your prize – so check your messages! Good luck!
http://www.facebook.com/pages/DramaFever/60878026960

See the full list of great films at the New York Asian Film Festival below!

New York Asian Film Festival
Film Lineup for 2010

Hong Kong
Bodyguards & Assassins
Development Hell
Eastern Condors
Echoes Of The Rainbow
Gallants
IP Man
IP Man 2
Kung Fu Chefs
Little Big Soldier
Red Cliff Uncut
The Storm Warriors

China
Cow
Crazy Racer
Sophie’s Revenge
Tian An Men

Korea
Actresses
Blades of Blood
Castaway On The Moon
Chaw
A Little Pond
Mise-en-Scéne Short Film Program
The Scandal Makers
Secret Reunion

Japan
8000 Miles
8000 Miles 2: Girl Rappers
Alien vs. Ninja
Annyong Yumika
The Blood Of Rebirth
Boys On The Run
Confessions
Dear Doctor
Doman Seman
Golden Slumber
Live Tape
Mutant Girls Squad
Sawako Decides
Symbol
Yatterman

Indonesia
Merantau

Thailand
Raging Phoenix