Got word from Chinese American director and actor Albert M. Chan about a new project he's working on and wanted to make sure and post on up about it (more later as I pass on some questions his way).
Boston, MA - July 30, 2010 - Chinese-American director and actor Albert M. Chan launched pre-production this week for his upcoming dramatic film DESCENDANTS OF THE PAST, ANCESTORS OF THE FUTURE with a new website and fundraising campaign. Visitors to the website, located at http://descendantsofthepast.com, can read more about the film, watch behind-the-scenes videos, and make contributions to the project.Cool.
"The story is one that's very close to my heart," Chan reveals. "Based on the circumstances a half century ago which led my grandfather, Art Kem Lee, to immigrate to San Francisco while my mother, Betty Chan, immigrated to Toronto, the story is told in the present day from the point of view of an expectant father who desperately needs to find out how his mother and her own father could have lived apart for most of their lives. DESCENDANTS OF THE PAST, ANCESTORS OF THE FUTURE is a universal story about the sacrifices families make, and the powerful bond that ties all generations of a family together - living, deceased, and yet to come."
The project will be beautifully shot on 35mm film by Emmy-nominated cinematographer Cira Felina Bolla. "Cira's words to me was that she was 'completely blown away' with the beauty of the script," Chan recalls. "She's one the few female cinematographers around, so she brings a different interpretation and sensitivity to her work." Chan's goal is to raise $25,000, which will cover the costs of shooting on 35mm film.
The music composer will be Ryan Leach, a graduate of Berklee College of Music. "Ryan's so incredibly talented as well," Chan raves. "His diverse musical background makes him a master at blending different styles and genres. I'm really looking forward to hearing how he'll blend western and eastern styles for our film."
The project also reunites much of the team from Chan's previous film, FATE SCORES, including editor/producer Aaron Howland, actor/producer Brian D. Evans, and assistant director/producer Richard Possemato. FATE SCORES won an award from the National Film Board of Canada, was acquired for distribution by Moving Images Distribution, and screened at major festivals across North America including the Boston International Film Festival, Vancouver Asian Film Festival, Asian American International Film Festival (NYC), Sedona International Film Festival, Memphis International Film Festival, Wisconsin Film Festival, and Connecticut Film Festival.
Collectively, the team has worked on such projects as THE DARK KNIGHT, GHOSTS OF GIRLFRIENDS PAST, COLD CASE, HOUSE MD, LAW & ORDER SVU, BEE MOVIE, THE SIMPSONS MOVIE, BODY OF PROOF, EVERY DAY, UNDERDOG, and BROTHERHOOD.
As part of an underrepresented ethnic minority in film and TV, Chan wanted to tell a meaningful story from his own unique cultural perspective as a Chinese American. Chan hopes to connect the finished film with audiences at international film festivals, immigrant advocacy groups, educational institutions, Asian community groups, Asian youth groups, broadcast television, socially conscious artistic groups, and Asian historical organizations.
"I really hope the film resonates strongly with immigrants like my mother and grandfather who had the bravery and foresight to forge a better future for successive generations, as well as with the children of immigrants like myself, who often struggle with issues of cultural identity and their sense of belonging," Chan says. "Hopefully, they'll understand the incredible strength of kinship, which can span generations and continents."
DESCENDANTS OF THE PAST, ANCESTORS OF THE FUTURE is produced by Chanal Productions LLC (http://chanalproductions.com/).
