SCREEN

No Tomorrow - In their film Aging Out (Cinequest 2004), Oscar-nominated Roger Weisberg and Oscar-winning Vanessa Roth portrayed the struggle of young people breaking out of the foster care system. Shortly after the film was completed, one of the subjects, Risa Bejarano, was brutally murdered. And to the dismay of Weisberg and Roth, their film played an integral role in determining whether the person accused of killing Risa was to live or die. No Tomorrow compellingly focuses on the trial of Risa’s killer, while provocatively examining the broader question of the death penalty itself. In probing that controversial issue, No Tomorrow brilliantly paints a picture of the lives of both victim and murderer, showing how fate and circumstances led to Risa’s untimely death. As Weisberg and Roth are involuntarily thrust into the reality of the death penalty, No Tomorrow offers a fascinating challenge for us to contemplate our own beliefs on the punishment for the most egregious of crimes.

Cummings Farm - A funny thing happened on the way to the orgy. Three couples visit Cummings Farm for one reason: to rekindle the romance in their relationships by participating in an orgy. Each couple is at a different level of commitment: Alan and Yasmine are dating; Rachel and Gordon live together; and Tina and Todd are married with children. Their weekend of no-strings-attached sex leads to unpredictable revelations about each couple and their relationships. The intended orgy is overshadowed by the real motives behind everyone’s participation, whether it is simply to hook-up with a hot friend or experience some sort of sexual liberation. Is this weekend romp each person’s last chance at sexual freedom before permanently entering a world of monogamy and restriction? Everything leading up to the final moment of glory reveals more than any of the participants ever expected. Raunchy and insightful, Cummings Farm is a hilarious and adept character study about people who haven’t quite realized who they are or who they want their partners to be, and proves itself to be a dynamic filmmaking debut with an unforgettable climax.

The Puck Hogs - In the world of hockey, the men are boys and beer runs the show. The Puck Hogs takes sports comedy to a new level as it follows a recreational Canadian men’s hockey team that, well, just plain stinks. The Puck Hogs have struggled for years and are preparing for a futile last hurrah. A volatile Russian goalkeeper and long-standing personal rivalries between players are just a few of the obstacles facing this hapless group in their quest for glory. Director Warren Sonoda (Ham & Cheese, Cinequest 2004) offers this hilarious comedy and a love note to hockey, filled with memorable characters who create gut-busting hijinks both on and off the ice. 

To Whom It May Concern: Ka Shen's Journey - All she ever wanted to do was dance, but ended up getting so much more. Once one of the most coveted young stars in Hollywood and an immediate sex symbol, Nancy Kwan—the beautiful Eurasian actress who captured the hearts and minds of many in The World of Suzie Wong and The Flower Drum Song—takes us on a compelling and rousing journey through her life. Sharing her personal story, Kwan delves into the experiences that have molded her into who she was then and who she is today. From her relationship with her father to her on-screen debut, the many joys and struggles of Kwan's life come to life with vivid detail. Through highs and lows, triumph and heartache, Kwan perseveres and symbolizes hope for all. Crafting a celebration of Kwan’s life, director Brian Jamieson captivatingly portrays the progression of Asian-American actors in Hollywood and how Kwan inspired millions. Featuring interviews with Joan Chen, France Nuyen, Vivian Wu and Sandra Allen, To Whom It May Concern: Ka Shen's Journey is sure to touch and inspire the heart of anyone watching.