As part of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month (AAPIHM), AARP will sponsor captivating films and offer a ticket discount for AARP members at the 2019 CAAMFest
SAN FRANCISCO, April 19, 2019 – AARP will return as the Grand Sponsor of the 37th CAAMFest from Thursday, May 9, to Sunday, May 19 in San Francisco and Oakland. Presented by the Center for Asian America Media (CAAM)—the nation’s largest showcase for new Asian American and Asian film, food and music programs—AARP members will receive a special discount on all CAAMFest programs using the promotion code “CAAM19” online or showing their membership card at the box office.
As an opening night sponsor, AARP will present CHINATOWN RISING, directed and produced by Harry Chuck and Josh Chuck, on May 9 at 6:30 p.m. at the Castro Theatre in San Francisco. This intimate documentary takes place in the historic neighborhood of Chinatown in San Francisco during the Civil Rights movement of the mid-1960s. Told through the eyes of Asian-American activists and young residents, the film takes a unique approach to storytelling and reminds audiences of the widespread social impact driven by advocates within the community.
“We are honored to partner with CAAM again this year and proud to support a growing generation of Asian American and Asian filmmakers who are sharing stories that truly represent the colorful experiences of our communities,” said Daphne Kwok, AARP Vice President of Multicultural Leadership, Asian American and Pacific Islander Audience Strategy. “Films like CHINATOWN RISING capture not only a significant moment in history but also the spirit of advocacy and compassion for diverse thinking, no matter what life stage we are in.”
AARP will also present two other films at CAAMFest37. OUR TIME MACHINE by directors Yang Sun and S. Leo Chiang, is a heartwarming story about an influential artist who, after discovering that his father is suffering from Alzheimer’s disease, embarks on a collaborative journey to create a magical and autobiographical stage performance featuring life-size mechanical puppets called “Papa’s Time Machine”. The film sheds light on the challenges of aging and touches upon the lifeforce of caregiving in an artistically nuanced way.
The second film, WHEN WE WALK, is directed by Jason DaSilva and serves as the follow-up to the Emmy-Award winning film, WHEN I WALK. It is the second part of a documentary trilogy that follows the life of Jason DaSilva as he deals with primary progressive multiple sclerosis. This participatory, autobiographical film explores themes of identity, generational division, and life with a disability, but ultimately focuses on one father’s fight to keep his son in his life.
“AARP has been a true supporter of Asian and Asian American excellence in filmmaking as a partner of CAAMFest for the past several years,” said CAAM Executive Director Stephen Gong. “We are grateful for their sponsorship as it enhances the festival experience of uplifting voices and communities, fostering understanding, and engaging the public on important topics like brain health and caregiving.”
CAAMFest37 is an 11-day event and AARP members who wish to receive a special discount on tickets to all programs should register online using the promotion code “CAAM19” or show their membership card at the box office. Learn more, watch trailers, and buy tickets at CAAMFest.com.
About AARP
AARP is the nation’s largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering people 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With a nationwide presence and nearly 38 million members, AARP strengthens communities and advocates for what matters most to families: health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment. AARP also produces the nation’s largest circulation publications: AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin. To learn more, visit www.aarp.org or follow @AARP and @AARPadvocates on social media.
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