Made in Dagenham...equal pay tale starring Bob Hoskins a hilarious hit!

 

Sometimes life gives you a second chance!

As was the case with moi, in respect to the Indie Film, titled "Made in Dagenham".

This past week, for instance, the handlers for the British flick - based on a true story and adapted for the silver screen by William Ivory - blanketed the festival grounds at Mann's Chinese Theatre with eye-catching promos to lure filmgoers into a sneak preview of the drama-comedy starring Bob Hoskins.

But, my sights were set on catching Kevin Spacey's new political potboiler, which caused a scheduling conflict.

But, as fate would have it, an invite to "Made in Dagenham" flew into my e-mail box yesterday morning bright and early - and consequently - I was able to make arrangements to slip into the Laemmle Sunset 5 Theatre in West Hollywood last night to take it in.

What a delightful night of entertainment it turned out to be!

Not surprising.

When it came to my attention that Director Nigel Cole was at the helm (Calendar Girls), I wouldn't expect anything less of this production!

Without doubt,  there would be a few hearty belly laughs, a smidgen or two of witty dialogue, and a potent storyline to sink my teeth into.

Indeed!

Once the flick sprang to life on the silver screen, I became totally engrossed in the thought-provoking subject material, that moved along at a fast pace.

In a nutshell, "Made in Dagenham" is a true story about a gaggle of female machinists who stood up to Ford Motors way back in 1968 in a dispute over hourly wages, in spite of the potentially-crushing odds against breaking new ground in the uncharted waters of equal pay for workers of the female persuasion (who were more-or-less regarded as lowly second-class workers inferior to male employees).

In one amusing scene, a spokesperson for the celebrated upstarts laments:

"We don't get equal pay because we don't have a dick between our legs!"

Later on, when tensions on the picket-line mount, another reporter pointedly asks if the women are going to be able to cope.

Her response?

"We're women. What a silly question!"

The new release - making the rounds at Film Festivals around the country, is causing quite a buzz.

This is - in part due to the fact - that members of the ensemble cast have turned in bravado performances!

And, because the well-scripted material is lushly produced with a light touch.

In sum, "Made in Dagenham" is a hilarious - insightful and thought-provoking - high-spirited account of the woman's movement in the late sixties fighting for the right to equal pay.

Catch it if you can!

After all, once the credits crawl, you'll end up strolling out of the theatre with a wide smile on your face.

"Made in Dagenham" is definitely a feel-good film worth every cent of admission!

http://www.thetattler.biz





Ford considered one of best in respect to employee relations now!

Dim Sum Funeral...Anna Chi's new offering opens in limited release Friday! Sensuous Bai Ling sizzles...

Bai Ling is a lesbian seeking a sperm donation from pries

Landing a distributor in the past few months has been tough for Independent filmmakers - what with the state of the economy being the way it has been - and due to shifting norms in the Film Industry widespread.


On the festival circuit - in my exciting colorful travels from AFI Dallas in cattle country, to the Newport Beach Festival in the OC, to CineVegas (Sin City) - I've crossed paths with frustrated (but ingenuous) filmmakers forced to blaze their own trails in respect to distributing their product.


And, the heck with the major studios, thank you very much!


For example - in spite of the fact "Skin" is a quality thought-provoking drama (about apartheid) garnering accolades and a bevy of prizes around the country - no takers.


Even with a bankable star like Sam O'Neil turning in a stellar performance!


Rock Slyde, which I caught at AFI Dallas (starring Andy Dick) was - at times - side-splitting fun and definitely a popcorn movie. But, the off-beat comedy is still dangling in the wind waiting for the big brass ring to swing its way.


Review (Rock Slyde): 04/06/2009


http://ijulian.blogspot.com/2009/04/afi-dallasrock-slyde-spoof-on-film-noir.html

"Children Of Invention" (Asian Pacific Film Festival) won top prize when it screened a few weeks ago at the Director's Guild of America - but nevertheless - is still out-in-the-cold when it comes to sweet movie deals Hollywood-style.


Handsome Tze Chun, the director, wasn't inclined to sit on his butt and wait for suitors to come calling, though.


No Sir!


So, the dynamic filmmaker fathomed up a novel approach to plugging and flogging his film.


The visionary director sprang into action and utilized the Festival Circuit to promote the charming"family oriented" film.


Outside in the foyer on the Festival grounds, after the curtain for the big show fell, savvy handlers were at-the-ready to hawk the DVD's.


In my interview with Mr. Chun (a friend on facebook now), he noted that he intends to log all the data pertaining to promotional costs, expenses, and sales - at which point - he'll painstakingly post the specifics on the Internet so that other filmmakers will have a guide to either follow or set their compass by.


Review (Children of Invention): 05/10/2009


http://ijulian.blogspot.com/2009/05/asian-pacific-film-festivalentertaining_10.html
 "Moscow Chill" finally got afloat in the mainstream just recently with their espionage thriller (starring Norman Reedus of "Boondock Saints") although it was a tough sell.


Over the past year since I first took a gander at it, and wrote a positive review, I have followed their progress.


For a million bucks, director Chris Solomine turned out a quality entertaining action-adventure film.


As I said at the time, Hollywood should sit up and take notice!


Review (Moscow Chill) : 02/28/08


http://ijulian.blogspot.com/2008/02/moscow-chillentertaining-low-budget.html

In a way, I feel like the films I became enchanted with or entertained by over the past year or so, are kind of like my "children" now out in the world fending for themselves.


I've got to cheer 'em on from the sidelines, at least.


A few others Indies worth mentioning:


"Before the Music Dies" (Rock Documentary), "The Perfect Age of Rock "N" Roll" (Jason Ritter starring), "Train Master" (well-crafted Disney-style children's flick by Phil Bransom), Inalienable (Richard Hatch starring and direction by Star Trek actor Walter Koenig).


Review (Before Music Dies): 08/29/07


http://ijulian.blogspot.com/2007/08/thomas-carlyle-wordsworth-said-who-is.html


Review (Perfect Age of Rock "N" Roll): 04/27/09


http://ijulian.blogspot.com/2009/04/newport-beach-film-festivaljason-ritter.html

Review (Train Master): 04/14/08


http://ijulian.blogspot.com/2008/04/train-mastercharming-family.html

Review (Inalienable): 04/02/2008


http://ijulian.blogspot.com/2008/04/inalienablewalter-koenig-script.html


And, there is good news to report for "Dim Sum Funeral", too!


Although I originally interviewed the stars (Bai Ling & Curtis Lum) and Director (Anna Chi) on the red carpet at the AFI's prestigious annual Festival (3 years running) in Dallas, scheduling conflicts prevented me from catching it on the silver screen.


Same thing happened in Newport Beach when the well-crafted offering premiered there.


Finally, when "Dim Sum Funeral" was booked into the Asian Pacific Film Festival just a scant few weeks ago, I was able to plunk myself down in a comfy seat in a packed house at the DGA and drink up every rich celluloid moment.


I was bowled over by the performances, storyline, and original thought-provoking themes.


Third-time lucky for both the film and moi.


On the heels of the last screening, "Dim Sum Funeral" scooped distribution.


So, here I am to proudly announce that "Dim Sum Funeral" will be gracing the screen of two legit Theatrical venues in the Los Angeles mainland, commencing Friday June 12th.


*Laemmle Sunset 5 (West Hollywood)
*Laemmles Pasadena Playhouse


Since it is crucial that an Independent film gain a solid footing at the box office the first weekend, I am urging all the locals (and those willing to travel far and wide from the outskirts of the town and county) to take "Dim Sum Funeral" in.


Since Bai Ling, a sexy little darling I've struck up a good relationship with on the Festival beat, is starring in the role of a lesbian - and Dim Sum is opening in West Hollywood on Pride weekend in Gay Gulch (WeHo) - I trust there will be a strong showing of hopeless romantics gays ratcheting up the ticket sales, for starters.


Then again, maybe an even more diverse crowd will be inclined to take a daring enthusiastic theatrical leap, after perusing the reviews!


The film was directed by a sweet lady, Anna Chi.


When an individual first crosses paths with the celebrated director (Joy Luck Club) it is evident from the get-go that she's a gentle loving soul- in spite of the fact - her own life wretchedly twisted here and there over the years, scarring her, undoubtedly.


For example, Ms. Chi unwittingly first stumbled into the nasty glare of the public eye when she was a naive a young girl during the Cultural Revolution in China.


In one impulsive moment in her life, she was inspired to write a letter to her father asking him to consider following the political views and philosophies of Chairman Mao and the Party.


The government used the correspondence to popularize their ideologies and Anna soon became a symbol of the Communist party.


In fact, her name (steeped in tradition) was changed from Shaoai (Forever Spring) to Yong Hong (Forever Red).


High drama, indeed!


Later on when the excitement died down, Anna saw the light at the end of the tunnel, and enrolled in film school


Chi had a good eye - and so - became an editor.


In the throes of this career endeavour, Ms. Chi was forced into an arranged marriage that resulted in a messy divorce and a departure from the philosophy of the Party.


Eventually, after she immigrated to Los Angeles, she learned how to speak English.


From humble beginnings, she raised herself up to loftier climbs due to the dedication to her craft and the innate ability to focus on the essentials in a humanistic way.


When I noted that her cast & crew were greatly impressed by her kindness and understanding on the set, she calmly responded:


"If you treat people with respect, you get respect back."


Her numerous credits include the "Joy Luck Club"(Wayne Wang), NIXON (Oliver Stone), and the anime film "The Three Kingdoms" (John Woo).


Currently, Ms. Chi is writing MERMAID for famed producer, Xu Ligong.


Cast
Dim Sum Funeral


Bai Ling, Lisa Lu, Talia Shire, Julia Nixon, Russell Wong, Kelly Hu, Francoise Yip, Steph Song.


Review (Dim Sum Funeral): 05/04/2009


http://ijulian.blogspot.com/2009/05/asian-pacific-film-festivalanna-chis.html


HD Video Interview: 05/09/2009


http://ijulian.blogspot.com/2009/05/asian-pacific-film-festivalcurtis-lum.html


*Curtis Lum discusses his role as a sperm donating priest with lesbian character Bai Ling. (pictured above)


Well, as they say at Warner Brothers.

That's all folks!

 http://www.thetattler.biz

Asian Pacific Film Festival...feature film "Dim Sum Funeral" a celebration of life! Bai Ling plays lesbian with zest...

Anna Chi stumbled across a cache of dog-eared documents one day and was suddenly thrust headlong into the ancient customs of her ancestors - a handful of which inspired her to shoot the poignant film - "Dim Sum Funeral".

"The tradition of honoring a parent with a seven-day funeral is the highest honor a child can give."

The idea of the long-held tradition piqued her curiosity.

On the heels of the revelation, she started up a collaboration with her writing partner, which resulted in a final draft on the subject matter ripe for her insightful lens.

In the opening scenes of "Dim Sum", four siblings - three daughters and one son - are summoned to the family residence by a longtime confidant to commence with arrangements for their mother's last rites in the wake of her untimely death.

When it is revealed that their mother desires that they respect her wishes for a week-long ceremony, the angry four balk at the notion.

As the story unfolds, it is revealed that each of the children were not only "at war" with each other, but were unanimously out-of-sorts with their strict unfeeling mother, too.

Essentially - each harbored a grudge based on their hurtful perception that the grand Dame (to the Manor born) was selfish, overly critical, and incapable of public or private displays of affection.

Once the seven-day "ordeal" commenced, however, many startling revelations unfolded.

The wise "elders" of the Ancient Societies were obviously cognizant of at least one fact.

The painstaking rituals would surely give rise to reflection - and ultimately - lead to a cry for forgiveness.

Such was the case here, after a dramatic - and unexpected turn of events - ultimately healed.

In addition to the underlying themes of love and relationships, Chi's scripted words underscore how much Asian-Americans appear to have one foot in the "old country" and the other in the ever-changing frontier that is America.

Will the two that tug at each other split the community asunder?

In a sort-of sub-pot, Bai Ling appears as the lesbian lover of one of the daughters.

"I represent the modern Chinese woman who is bold and not afraid to let go of traditions," she stressed in a deliberate tone.

She was inclined to philosophize a little, too, on the issues that raise their ugly head in the thought-provoking drama.

"There is a glass wall. We know it's there. But, it's difficult to break through."

Gosh, that's twice this week that Ms. Ling has taken me by surprise with her profound thoughts.
At "premieres", Ms. Ling - the "sexy" spitfire - often sashays onto the carpet with a big splash as two-dozen-or-so media hounds snap away furiously from the sidelines.

But, at the kick off ro4 the - "Rally for Kids with Cancer Scavenger Cup" - Ms. Ling was low key.

"Children are our future and we must give for their best welfare."

As Shakespeare would opine:

"I have never seen such a young body with such an old head."

For those of you interested in production matters, at the Q & A post-screening, it was noted that in spite of all the intricacies of the storyline and a difficult shoot, the movie was wrapped without any delays or snafus.

A remarkable accomplishment, no?

"But, I should point out that Anna (the director) used to be in the Red Guard, " one of the producers laughed.

"Each day she marched onto the set ready to deal with production problems with military-style precision."

It worked.

"Dim Sum Funeral" is an insightful and entertaining film without any "fat" dragging it down.

Maybe that's why Ms. Chi and her team were able to secure a distribution deal so quickly out-of-the-gate.

"Dim Sum Funeral" is being released on June 12th (2009) at Laemlle 5 in West Hollywood and Laemlle 7 in Pasadena.

Enjoy!

http://www.julianayrs.com