This is coming pretty late, but you still have time to watch the documentary That Asian Thing online for free down at Lycos Cinema, as well as - and more importantly - vote for it to become part of the Independent Features Film Festival at the Tribeca Cinemas.
All you need to do is vote for it by going to http://cinema.lycos.com/movies/that_asian_thing.
Here's a synopsis of the film:
'That Asian Thing' is a culmination of interviews by Jonald Reyes, an Asian-American, who attempts to figure out why there is a low impact of Asian-Americans in mainstream American culture. As he explores his city of Chicago, IL, he finds a growing Asian-American community that continues to educate people on the cultural medium between what is 'Asian' and what is 'American.' Along the way, questions are brought to the forefront: What is mainstream culture? What is Asian-America? and how does this 'model minority' not excel in mediated entertainment? This film exposes performances from amazing spoken word artists, rappers, folk singers, and rock bands. Also, his interviews with actors and comedians spark up thoughts of Asian-American representation and observations.I haven't seen it myself yet, but caught some clips and while rough, looks like it could be pretty cool. Here's a list of Asian American artists from the film's website at http://www.thatasianthing.com/:
- Alcantara, Charlene Haze - Writer, Spoken word performer www.myspace.com/charlenehaze
- Aoki, Tatsu - Bassist - Assistant Professor, Art Institute of Chicago - founder, Chicago Asian American Jazz Festival http://www.tatsuaoki.com/
- Chan, Jeff - Tenor saxophonist/Composer home.earthlink.net/~jfchan
- Biesenbach, Robert - Actor, Writer http://www.robbiesenbach.com/
- Esguerra, Anida Yoeu - Contemporary artist http://www.atomicshogun.com/
- Inspired By U (I.B.U.) - R&B group Chanthasene, Tommy Musni, Michael Shauf, Jonathan http://www.ibumusic.com/
- Kina, Laura - Assistant Professor, DePaul University - Artist http://www.laurakina.com/
- Lee, Larry - Artist, Educator http://www.larryleechicago.com/
- Lin, Cynthia - Folk/jazz singer http://www.cynthialin.com/
- Lozano, Dr. Elizabeth - Associate Professor, Loyola University www.luc.edu/communication/academics_facultystaff_lozano.html
- Manalansan, Martin - Associate Professor, Univ. of IL, Urbana-Champaign - Author www.anthro.uiuc.edu/faculty/manalansan
- Maxwell, Dobie - Comedian, Instructor Monteverde, Jon (XYZR_KX) - Rock/Electronica musician, Filmmaker jonmonteverde.com
- Munoz, Dr. Romeo - author, Filipino Americans: Journey from Invisibility to Empowerment Munoz, Stephen - Folk/Jazz singer www.myspace.com/stephenmunoz
- Oishi, Carly - singer www.myspace.com/oishimusic
- The Pacifics - Hip hop/rap group KP Norman Rockwell Strike3 http://www.thepacifics.com/
- Park, Mia - Host, Chic-A-Go-Go – actress, writer, director http://www.miapark.com/
- Posen, Brian - Director, Yellow - Artistic Director, Chicago Sketchfest - Instructor http://www.chicagosketchfest.com/
- Quartermile - Rock Band Carey, Paul Chang, Mark Pomerantz, Jon Rarang, Bruce Sono, Shinya www.myspace.com/quartermiletheband
- Robbi - Rapper, Singer http://www.robbilives.com/
- Soni, Rupal - writer, educator rupalisinindia.blogspot.com
- 4 Sons of the Orient - R&B group Insixiengmay, Toby Jang, Luke Reyes, Jesch Robinson, Gary www.myspace.com/4soto
- Stir Friday Night - comedy troupe Canciller, Melissa Lee, Andrew Liu, Jennifer Mok, Ron Nguyen, Foo Pak, Harrison Shyn, Aimee http://www.stirfridaynight.org/
- Yuan, Chien - Actually, Records founder http://www.actuallyrecords.com/
- Chen, Jane - Producer, Red Doors http://www.reddoorsthemovie.com/
- Coats, Mercedes - Co-Director/Producer, To You Sweetheart, Aloha www.walking-iris.com/sweetheartaloha
- Hugh, Tim - Festival Director, Chicago Asian American Showcase http://www.faaim.org/
- Kwan, Julia - Director, Eve and the Firehorse http://www.eveandthefirehorse.com/
- Lee, Georgia - Director, Red Doors http://www.reddoorsthemovie.com/
- Riverton, Mia - Actress, Producer, Red Doors http://www.reddoorsthemovie.com/
- Filipinos in Alliance - University of IL in Chicago (UIC)www2.uic.edu/stud_orgs/cultures/fia
- Indian Student Association - University of IL in Chicago (UIC) - India Night 2006 www2.uic.edu/stud_orgs/cultures/isa
- Kaibigan Organization - Northwestern University - Cultural Show 2006 groups.northwestern.edu/kaibigan
- South Asian Student Alliance - Loyola University www.luc.edu/orgs/sasa
- Young Asians With Power (YAWP!) - Untranslatable 2006 www.thecollectivechicago.org/yawp