University News
Asian Film Fest; Buddhist Monks Concert
September 19, 2007
MACOMB, IL -- The Center for Innovative Teaching and Research at Western Illinois University will host an Asian Film Festival beginning Oct. 20.
On Saturday, Oct. 20 the films, "The Killer" (China) will be shown from noon-1:50 p.m., and the movie "Kung Fu Hustle" (China) will begin at 3:45 p.m. Robert Elder, a staff writer from the Chicago Tribune, will provide an introduction to each film.
"The Killer" - A disillusioned assassin accepts one last hit in hopes of using his earnings to restore vision to a singer he accidentally blinded, only to be double-crossed by his boss.
"Kung Fu Hustle" - In Shanghai, China in the 1940s, a wannabe gangster aspires to join the notorious "Axe Gang" while residents of a housing complex exhibit extraordinary powers in defending their turf.
All movies are open free to the public and will be shown in Morgan Hall 109. Other films include:
Sunday, Oct. 21 [introductions by Frances Gateward, assistant professor in cinema studies and African American studies and research program at the University of Illinois]:
Noon-2p.m. – "The Host" (Korea). The plug-ugly monster that jumps out of a city river to scoop up and chomp down on those unlucky enough to cross its path.
2:10-4:15 p.m. – "Linda, Linda, Linda" (Japan). An understated and disarmingly human tale of an all-girl band in the run up to the annual rock festival at the members school.
Saturday, Oct. 27 [introductions by Supriya Kelkar, writing contributor of the Lage Raho Munnbhai):
Noon-2:25 p.m. – "Lago Raho Munnabhai" (Bollywood). Munnabhai meets Mahatma Gandhi.
2:45-5:30 p.m. – "Rang de Basanti" (Bollywood). A young women from England comes to India to make a documentary about her grandfather's diary which was written in the 1920s about the Indian Independence.
Sunday, Oct. 28 [introductions by Shazia Rahman, associate professor of English and journalism, WIU]:
Noon-1:45 p.m. – "Khamosh Pani: Silent Waters" (Pakistan). In a village in Pakistan a widow sees her 17-year-old son being attracted to Islamist militants.
2-4 p.m. – "I Don't Want to Sleep Alone" (Taiwan). Kuala Lumpur is a city of smoky alleyways and empty, half-lighted streets, where a few solitary, sad-looking souls stand out from the crowds.
On Wednesday, Oct. 24 Buddhist Monks from the Young San Preservation Group will present "The Sounds of Ecstasy and Nectar of Enlightenment," a Buddhist ritual song and dance from Korea, beginning at 7 p.m. in the College of Fine Arts and Communication Recital Hall in Simpkins Hall. The group's virtuoso vocal techniques are marked by a special timbre, complex patterns and pure but heavy solemn tones. Tickets, which are available beginning Oct. 8 through the University Box Office (309/298-2900), are $6 for WIU faculty and staff and the general public. Students will be admitted free of charge. Early ticket reservations are recommended.
For more information about the Asian Film Fest or the Buddhist Monks performance, contact CITR at 309/298-2434 or visit www.wiu.edu/citr.
Posted By: Darcie Shinberger (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
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