San Joaquin International Film Festival 2009

After attending over 200 film festivals, screenings, and cinematic events over the last two years, I finally arrived at the captivating 32nd Mill Valley Film Festival (MVFF), a presentation of the California Film Institute, based in San Rafael, California. I attended the Opening Night screening of Lee Daniel's "Precious: Based on the novel Push by Sapphire" on October 8th, and a Tribute to Uma Thurman with a screening of Katherine Dieckman's "Motherhood" on October 10th. The festival is truly a gem that shines and radiates.


Gabourey Sibide, Paula Patton, Sophoan Sorn


Sophoan Sorn, Lee Daniels

It moved me, shook me, woke up, and shocked me!
It was precious!

Since January of this year, I have been thinking about Lee Daniel's film "Precious: Based on the novel Push by Sapphire." It went on to become the first film in history to win both the top awards at both the Sundance Film Festival (the most important film festival in the USA) and the Toronto International Film Festival (the most important film festival in the world). It also screened at Festival de Cannes (the most prestigious film festival in the world), and was the Centerpiece of the New York Film Festival (the most prestigious film festival in the USA). So, there you have it! In addition, Oprah Winfrey and Tyler Perry, committed to attaching their names to this film, to give it the highest marketing platform ever. Yet, aside from these accolades was this amazing and profound film that Lee Daniels humbly regarded as "a small film." As I sat in my chair, I cried, I laughed. (Lee Daniels gave us all permission to laugh.) I was speechless by the angry and evil performances of Mo'nique - which many of my colleagues think is "Oscar-worthy." I just marveled at this amazing, character-driven story.

Synopsis by Holly Roach: Meet Claireece "Precious" Jones (Gabourey Sidibe). An illiterate high school student, pregnant by her father for the second time and subject to relentless abuse at home, she's always, "looking up. . .for a piano to fall." Only the beauty of her resilience tempers the unsettling nature of her harsh existence as her fantasies and aspirations come alive in vibrant vignettes. But life at school is chaos: threatened with expulsion, she transfers to an alternative school where, under the tutelage of Ms. Rain (beautifully rendered by Paula Patton), she finds the strength within herself to determine her own destiny and "tell her story." Director Lee Daniels proves himself a bold voice in contemporary cinema, tackling tough material with uplifting consciousness and insight. And with its riveting cast—newcomer Sidibe's extraordinary performance complemented with passionate commitment by Patton, Mo'Nique as her mother and a glammed-down Mariah Carey—Precious promises to be one of this year's defining films.

During the post-screening Q&A with Director Lee Daniels and actors Gabourey Sibide and Paula Patton, Gabourey touched my heart when she talked about how she would pass by many girls like "Precious and kept on walking," but that the film gave her more compassion for other people, especially the "Precious" of the world.

"Precious: Based on the novel Push by Sapphire" starring Mo'nique, Paula Patton, Mariah Carey, Lenny Kravitz, and introducing Gabourey Sibide, opens nationally in November. View trailer here.


Gabourey and I enjoyed a cheerful moment as I told her how PRECIOUS she truly is!

Thank you, Lee Daniels, for this extraordinary film!


Embracing MVFF


If only all Rush Lines were like this!

On Saturday, October 8th, my friend Paula Sheil and I, rushed out to attend the Tribute to Uma Thurman, featuring the screening of her latest film "Motherhood" directed by Katherine Dieckman. We truly did rush, because tickets were sold out and we wanted a place at the rush line. To make a long story short: We sat in comfortable chairs (how all rush lines should be) and we got in! We both found comfortable seats in the first row of Rafael Film Center's main auditorium, and enjoyed the captivating film about the treats, trials, and tribulations of being a mother! I really enjoyed the film, as there were many adorable, memorable, smart, funny, and charming moments.


Uma Thurman gracefully floats through the aisle at the Rafael Film Center.


A scene from "Motherhood"

After the screening, the graceful Uma Thurman arrived. She talked about her experiences through the years, her upbringings as a Buddhist, her life as a mother, behind-the-scenes of the film "Motherhood," and her friendship and professional relationship with Quentin Tarantino. As I sat in the front row just four feet away from her, I would smile at her and she would smile back. During the interview, she was so graceful, gracious and humbled.

On top of that, Uma Thurman amazed me with her wit, wisdom and vivacity!


Paula Sheil, Sophoan Sorn


The bold and beautiful Christopher B. Smith Rafael Film Center

The 32nd Mill Valley Film Festival continues through Sunday, October 18th. For film information, tickets and updates, visit www.mvff.com

Dear Friends,

Thank you for attending and supporting the Opening Night Film of the inaugural California Documentary Festival! What an eye-opening, thought-provoking, socially-conscious and momentous experience we had together, at the gala screening of "William Kunstler: Disturbing the Universe." You packed the house, supported this important film, smiled, laughed, and cried.

When I went to the California Premiere of this film at the 2009 San Francisco Jewish Film Festival in August, I pointed at the screen and said, "This is it!" It impressed me. It moved me. It touched me. For me, it was not just about selecting the Opening Night Film for the 2009 CalDocFest - but it was about selecting a landmark film that would launch not only the 2009 festival but all the CalDocFest's in the future! Perhaps, in 2019, we can look back and say, "Wow! I remember 2009!" Truly, this historical film was unforgettable!

In addition to all this, was the interactive Q&A with Director Emily Kunstler via telephone from New York City. It was a thrilling experience that when I said, "Ladies and gentlemen, we have Emily Kunstler on the line" - and the audienced roared loudly in excitement! We got a chance to have a personal and intimate conversation with Emily. I even got a chance to go into the audience and give my phone to Stocktonian Richard Oliver. Richard was inspired by the late-William Kunstler during the time of the Civil Rights Movement. Last night, he got a chance to tell Emily Kunstler how much her father meant to him. It was a touching experience for me.

We've only just begun!

CalDocFest runs through Sunday, with more of What's New! What's Next! and What's Hot! in the World of Documentary Cinema! See full schedule: http://www.sjiff.org/caldocfest/programme.html

Warmest regards,
Sophoan

A delightful time came on Saturday, June the 20th. Saturday was an enormous day for me, and as soon as the afternoon came, I was off to the city by the Bay! I had a full day and night's worth in San Francisco - filled with sunshine, moonlight, walking, shopping, film screenings, dining, driving, partying, etc. I stayed healthy with water and orange juice. In the midst of all the excitement - I took part in driving the visiting cast of the new film "Dare" to their San Francisco-Bay Area Premiere at Frameline33.


Sophoan Sorn and Emmy Rossom

Minutes later, I was joined by the very talented and charming actress and singer Emmy Rossom (The Day After Tomorrow, Poseidon, The Phantom of the Opera), along with co-star Zach Gilford (Friday Night Lights) and friend Jeff. As my car rolled through Market Street heading west, the four of us had a delightful conversation about everything from Thailand to Berlin to Sundance to Jewish film festivals to inappropriate people and manners to the chilly Bay Area weather to "esbian center" (inside joke now) to the 1,400 people expected at the Castro Theatre for the film screening - which truly excited Emmy.



"Dare," a new independent feature, was directed by Adam Salky and written by David Brind and held its World Premiere at Sundance in January. Congratulations to the team behind "Dare!" Expect a potential Fall release of the film, hinted David Brind via Indiewire. More information on the film: www.darethemovie.com / IMDB

Flashback: Last Thursday, June 18th, I rushed into San Francisco and attended the Opening Night Party of the 33rd Edition of Frameline, and WOW, did they know how to P.A.R.T.Y! Terra Gallery was transformed into a colorful, dazzling and hip lounge, loaded with free-flowing food and thousands of flowers, with the presence of at least 700 people rubbing shoulders, dancing, flirting, smiling, laughing - along with a dead-on Liza Minelli tribute artist! I had a great time meeting and having conversations with some wonderful people! Frameline runs 'til the 28th of this month. Details www.frameline.org


Sophoan Sorn and Zach Gilford

P.S. I'm officially a Twitter Bird. Follow me at www.twitter.com/sophoan