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September 17, 2004: News Bites

By Julie Cho

Asian Mail Order Bride, Bai Ling is a Mysterious Woman, Buddhist Monks March to Protest, Kollaboration Auditions, and much more in this issue of News Bites.

Asian Mail Order Bride on LAX

LAX's depiction of Asian women has stirred some controversy.

For more, including video clips from the show, please visit Asian Media Watch: www.asianmediawatch.net.

Bai Ling is the Mysterious Woman

Bai Ling is the "Mysterious Woman" in Jerry Conran’s Sci-Fi thriller, Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow, also starring Jude Law, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Angelina Jolie. The film is about a reporter (Paltrow) who teams up with a pilot (Law) to find the origin of a series of attacks from giant flying robots in Gotham City, and to also find out why all the famous scientists around the world have been disappearing. The film was released on September 17, 2004. Bai Ling can next be seen in the last installment of the Star Wars trilogy: Revenge of the Sith.  She will play the character of Senator Bana Breemu. The film is currently in post production and will be released in 2005. 

Divanee Magazine

Divanee Magazine, founded in 2003 by Mira Sattar, was created to address the issues and concerns unique to women of South Asian descent living in North America. The name Divanee is derived from the Hindi word ‘deewani,’ which translates to ‘crazy’ and ‘passionate’ in English.  It is an online journal that covers topics from beauty tips, latest fashion trends, relationship advice, career choices, college advice, movie reviews, book reviews, music and politics that are of interest to young desi women.  The journal wishes to balance its content between the traditions of eastern culture with the influences of a westernized upbringing. To take a look at the magazine and to get more information please go to: www.divanee.com.

Buddhist Monks March to Protest Film

500 Buddhist monks marched in the capital of Sri Lanka to express their outrage and to demand a ban on an upcoming Hollywood movie, Hollywood Buddha, created by independent filmmaker Philippe Caland. The film is about a struggling Hollywood producer who rents a Buddha from his Buddhist friend believing that it will bring him luck in selling his feature film. 

The Sri Lankan monks marched to the US Embassy carrying an advertisement of the movie that shows a man seated on the head of a Buddha. They want the release of the film to be stopped because they feel that “The film scoffs at lord Buddha, his character and his teaching,” says Monk Mawarale Baddiya. The protestors handed a petition to an embassy representative and warned that if action is not taken they will begin to fast outside the government building.

3^rd Annual Dragon’s Roar Showcase Festival

The 3^rd Annual Dragon’s Roar Showcase Festival took place on Friday, September 17, 2004, at the Sunset Room in Hollywood.  The festival showcased an eclectic and passionate group of artists from across the United States and Asia. The artists performed on separate stages at the venue, from 6pm-2am. 

A recording contract was offered from Seattle-based “Know It All Records” to one of the artists that performed, and the selection was based primarily on the votes of the concert goers that evening.  For more information about the artists/bands that played and to see who won, you can click on this link: Dragon Festival.

What: 3^rd Annual Dragon’s Roar Showcase Festival

Where: Sunset Room in Hollywood, CA

When: September 17, 2004

Who:  15+ Asian/Asian Pacific American Artists

Kristina Wong to Perform at 3^rd Annual Single File

Kristina Wong will perform at the 3^rd Annual Single File Festival in Chicago.  Single File is Chicago’s annual solo performance festival.  It began in 2003 and it features over 50 solo performances from the United States, Canada, and New Zealand,  taking place over the span of two weekends at four Chicago venues. 

Kristina Wong graduated from UCLA with double degrees in English and World Arts & Cultures, with a minor in Asian American Studies. Wong is now a solo performer, writer, actor, educator, activist, and filmmaker. She is currently touring the country with her solo performance Free. To learn more about Kristina Wong and to get information about her current show, please go to her website, www.kristinawong.com.

What: 3^rd Annual Single File

Who: Kristina Wong

Where: Chicago

When: September 18, 2004 at 7:30 pm.

5^th Annual Kollaboration Auditions

The 5^th Annual Kollaboration will be held on November 13, 2004 at the Wilshire Ebell Theatre in Los Angeles at 7pm.  Kollaboration is an annual event to showcase the vast talents of the Asian American community for the mainstream.  For the past 4 years, Kollaboration has helped to break down the stereotypes placed on Asian Americans--by creating a movement that removes the labels placed upon them by the mass media. Its goal is to bring together young Asian Americans and to present their talents on a stage.

What: Kollaboration Auditions

When: Saturday, September 25, 2004, 12pm-6pm

Where: LIVE 4001 (Corner of 6^th and Manhattan) in LA

Who: YOU

Date Posted: 9/18/2004