Two Taiwan-produced features are shortlisted for grand jury awards at this year’s Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival running May 3-12.
“Late Life: The Chien-ming Wang Story” by Taiwan-Canadian filmmaker Frank W. Chen is nominated for International Documentary, while drama “Omotenashi” by Taiwan-American director Jay Chern will compete in the International Narratives category.
Set to premiere at the event May 9, Chen’s film chronicles the efforts of renowned Taiwan pitcher Wang Chien-ming to return to Major League Baseball after a series of injuries disrupted his trailblazing career.
Debuting in MLB for the New York Yankees in 2005, Wang won 19 games in the each of the subsequent two seasons before going on to make appearances for the Washington Nationals, Toronto Blue Jays and Kansas City Royals. According to the LAAPFF, “Late Life: The Chien-ming Wang Story” offers an up close and personal look at the athlete’s resilience in the face of numerous setbacks and examines his roles as a father, son and reluctant national icon.
“Omotenashi” follows the young heir of a Taiwan construction company who travels to Kyoto to oversee renovations on an old hotel. During his time with the establishment’s innkeeper and her daughter, he gains an appreciation for “omotenashi,” the traditional Japanese virtue of hospitality.
In addition to the two finalists, the festival will include Spotlight on Taiwan, a program supported by the Ministry of Culture showcasing three short films by emerging filmmakers: “100th Birthday Wish” by Lien Chien-hung, “Fundamental” by Chiu Shih-chieh and “Miss World” by Georgia Fu.
Launched in 1983, the LAAPFF aims to promote Asia-Pacific American and Asian cinema, as well as shed light on the cultures of the region. A total 39 features and 79 shorts were selected for inclusion in this year’s event from over 800 submissions. (CPY-E)
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