Ripping Up The Career Plan

Oct 12, 01:00 AM by administrator

Program 7: Ripping Up The Career Plan

Sat. Nov. 7th, 4:00 PM

In terms of career choices, Asians are often stereotypically viewed (and even amongst each other) as wanting to be doctors, computer programmers, accountants and engineers. Whether it’s due to personal preference or familial pressures, career plans for Asians are often formed, encouraged or even set in stone early in childhood and deviating from the plan is not a good idea. Edward Tom in WHATEVER IT TAKES walks away from his Wall Street job to become an inner city high school principal. His perseverance and success is an inspiration to us all. In YABAI, Matthew Johnson introduces us to several Asian North American artists who are successfully influencing culture and are role models for those seeking alternatives to the stereotypical careers and lifestyles.

Whatever It Takes



Director/Producer: Christopher Wong | Producers: Jillian Elizabeth, Zebediah Smith, W. Scott Lyon
Documentary | DigiBeta | Colour | 2009 | 92 min | USA

WHATEVER IT TAKES chronicles the struggles and triumphs of the very first year of the Bronx Center for Science & Mathematics, an innovative public high school set in New York City’s South Bronx. This deeply emotional, character-driven documentary focuses on Edward Tom, the school’s dynamic rookie principal, and Sharifea Baskerville, a talented ninth-grade girl with big dreams but even bigger obstacles.

The personal stories of this school’s students and staff call to mind larger themes of school reform and the need for educators, parents, and policymakers to prioritize the transformation of the public school system so that all children can receive a quality education.

Grittily realistic, yet ultimately triumphant, WHATEVER IT TAKES paints a compelling picture of cutting-edge ideas and dedicated individuals, united in their vision to restore hope to a broken community.

CANADIAN PREMIERE | DIRECTOR IN ATTENDANCE

Previous Screenings/Awards: San Francisco Int’ Asian American Film Festival, AFI Dallas, Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival

preceded by:

Yabai



Director/Writer/Producer: Matthew Johnson
Documentary | DigiBeta | Colour | 2009 | 11 min | Canada

From jazzy scratch turntablism and ear-deafening electro breakdowns to contemporary fashion and articulate androids, Yabai features a few of the most influential Asian North American artists in the scene today. Canadian marsupial turntablist Kid Koala, Giant Robot Magazine’s Eric Nakamura, fashion designer Natalie Purschwitz, and Dim Mak DJ Steve Aoki all share their stories of becoming definitive figures in Asian North American art and culture.

WORLD PREMIERE | DIRECTOR IN ATTENDANCE

Previous Screenings/Awards: Honourable Mention: Emily Carr University External
Grad Show

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