Fundraising, Film, Descendants Of The Past, Ancestors Of The Future, And Albert M. Chan

Monday, March 21, 2011



Got this sent in from filmmaker Albert M. Chan and wanted to post up the PR he sent out my way.

Boston, MA - March 22, 2011 - Chinese-American director and actor Albert M. Chan has launched a fundraising campaign for his upcoming dramatic film DESCENDANTS OF THE PAST, ANCESTORS OF THE FUTURE. The campaign's promotional video, which can be viewed at http://descendantsofthepast.com, features interviews with production team members about their own ancestry, their ideas for the forthcoming film, and how people can become a part of the project to receive unique items such as DVDs, posters, producing credits, and on-screen dedications to family members. Featured in the video are Chan, producers Brian D. Evans and Richard Possemato, and editor Aaron Howland.

"The film's story is one that's very close to my heart," Chan reveals. "It's based on the circumstances half a century ago that led my grandfather to immigrate to San Francisco while my mother immigrated to Toronto. The story is told in the present day from the point of view of a Chinese American who's about to become a father to a baby girl. But before she's born, he desperately needs to find out how his mother and her own father could have lived apart for most of their lives."

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 as well as the myriad other production costs. Thus far, he has already raised $7,500. "It's a great start, but we need to continue the momentum by partnering with more sponsors and spreading the word," says Chan encouragingly. "I can't stress enough that no donation is too small--it really all adds up in the end." A description of the full range of sponsorship levels and incentives can be found at http://descendantsofthepast.com/donate.php.

"The film is a moving and poignant story that embodies the authentic voice and depiction of a multi-generational immigrant family," says Chan. "I think it'll resonate 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 children of immigrants like myself, who often struggle with issues of cultural identity and their sense of belonging."

As part of an underrepresented ethnic minority in film and TV, Chan wanted to tell a meaningful story from his own cultural perspective as the son of Chinese immigrants. 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.

The project reunites much of the team from Chan's previous film, FATE SCORES, which won an award from the National Film Board of Canada and was acquired for distribution by Moving Images Distribution. FATE SCORES 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.

DESCENDANTS OF THE PAST, ANCESTORS OF THE FUTURE is produced by Chanal Productions LLC (http://chanalproductions.com).