We So Funny

Fri. Nov. 3rd, 9:30 PM

Comedy is a powerful vehicle by which we can comment on social issues of race and culture. Asian heritage performers in North America have proven their ability to make us roar with laughter. Their unique brand of comedy showcases an edginess and genius that reflects the ironies of our day.

Mighty Warriors Of Comedy

Director/Writer: Sung H. Kim | Producers: Kibi Anderson, Sung H. Kim
Documentary | Beta | Colour | 2006 | 65 minutes | USA

MIGHTY WARRIORS OF COMEDY is a unique documentary about the 18 Mighty Mountain Warriors, an audacious sketch comedy troupe of Asian-Pacific Islanders hailing from San Francisco that you’ve never heard of. Formed in 1994, they tackle socio-political issues with a hilarious combination of irreverence and seriousness, taking their audiences on a wild ride as they showcase the cultural activism behind the humor. The film explores whether or not, after 10 years of performing the group will make it big. Using a combination of personal interviews and live concert footage, the film traces the struggle that Asian-heritage artists face, and how that battle is complicated further by cultural identification.

Canadian Premiere

preceded by:

Assaulted Fish (A live performance)

Writers/Performers: Diana Bang, Marlene Dong, Kuan Foo, Darcy Johnson, Yumi Ogawa, Nelson Wong
Live performance | 20 minutes | In person | Canada

In a scant three years, the 83% Pan-Asian Canadian comedy collective known as ASSAULTED FISH has established itself as one of Vancouver’s funniest acts with intelligent, edgy writing and energetic, polished performances. Everything from birth to reincarnation is fair game for comedy sketches that range from well-observed character studies to absurdist slapstick.

Ruckus!

Director: Dean Ishida | Producers: Dean Ishida, Matt Steverson | Writers: Dean Ishida, Eric Bronson
Narrative | Beta | Colour | 2006 | 18 minutes | USA

It’s now or never as 32-year-old Clint sets out to fulfill his noble yet misguided boy band dream. As the group leader and choreographer of RUCKUS! Clint must prepare his out-of-touch group of 30-something men – prickly prep school drama teacher Stan, hefty hip-hop wannabe Vern, and rhythmless cat groomer J.D. – for the music video shoot of their debut song She’s Online (And I’m Outta My Mind).

Director in Attendance

Celebrity Host for this program:

Rick Tae

2006 Gemini nominee and Leo Award winner for Godiva’s, Rick can now be seen on CBC’s new hit, Chris Haddock’s Intelligence. Writer and co-creator of TV series Sasha, Brie and Me, currently in development, Rick and partner, Selena Paskalidis, are now working with the National Screen Institute’s Totally Television Program, which is designed to guide Canada’s top emerging showrunners.

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