San Diego Asian Film Festival 2008

Set during the Chosun Dynasty, SHADOWS IN THE PALACE begins with the death of a maid-in-waiting, who has hung herself within the palace walls. While performing the autopsy, imperial medic Chun-ryung (Park Jin-hee) begins to suspect murder and starts her own investigation into the matter. Standing in her way are the barren queen and the royal concubine who has mothered a child for the previously heir-less king, among others. As she begins to unravel the vast array of deceptions, Chun-ryung is soon confronted by a secret more powerful than she could have ever imagined. SHADOWS IN THE PALACE is the first feature film directed by Kim Mee-jung, a young woman who served as assistant director on the 2005 Korean blockbuster film KING AND THE CLOWN. This thrilling and surprising film is a visual feast, from the authentic costumes to the spectacular cinematography and sets. Notable for its all-female crew, the director has succeeded in creating a masterfully genre-bending film that combines elements of the historical costume drama, murder mystery, and even Asian horror genres with a deft touch. Not just a beautiful and wildly entertaining movie, SHADOWS IN THE PALACE is truly a remarkable film that boldly crosses lines. Review of SHADOWS IN THE PALACE (KoreanFilm.org)

*Filmmaker scheduled to attend Ever since the very first Miss Chinatown was crowned in 1958, the titleholder has been a highly recognizable Asian American icon at once admired and reviled. Her dazzling smile, perfumed coif, tight Chinese dress and impeccable English is the picture of contentment - the perfect blend of East and West, old world continuity and modern sensibilities. Or, what some call, a caricature of the feminine and ethnic ideal, exploited and outdated. YOURS TRULY, MISS CHINATOWN goes behind the scenes of the 2003 Los Angeles Miss Chinatown pageant, delving into the lives of two pageant contestants during the pageant and the aftermath. Added to the mix is the anti-heroine, a Miss Chinatown imposter who dares to take on the myth, and playfully molds the symbol to reflect her own coming of age experiences. Following these women over several years, at a pivotal time in their lives, what emerges are some of the rarely heard voices of young Asian American women at the turn of the 21st century. Co-presented by: Families with Children from China - San Diego Chapter San Diego Mesa College Asian Pacific American Studies Program Committee San Diego Mesa College Women's Union SDSU Alpha Phi Gamma SDSU Alpha Phi Gamma San Diego Women's Film Festival UCSD Women's Center