Bay Area film fans are in for a treat! The 25th annual SF IndieFest at the Roxie Theater has a great lineup of independent films with a robust showing from Asian and Asian American filmmakers. The festival curates a unique cinematic experience for moviegoers interested in both new voices or eclectic offerings through feature-length presentations, documentaries, or short films, ranging from the meditative to the uncanny productions that are truly independent of Hollywood mainstream.
We at Mochi had the opportunity to catch a number of these films. Continue reading for more on our favorite Asian and Asian American films at SF IndieFest.
“#LookAtMe”
Banned in Singapore again with his second feature film, director Ken Kwek exhibits a gripping tragicomedy meets family drama with “#LookAtMe.” Following twin brothers Sean and Ricky (both expertly performed by Yao), this film entertains and informs the viewers about the realities of rebellion in a surveillance state.
Kwek opens the film with several facts about the Singaporean justice system, where censorship laws favor the religious. The ominous introduction is interrupted by a video posted on Sean’s YouTube channel. He’s a content creator with a measly viewership, and we find his channel full of harmless attempts at internet fame but largely immemorable. Pranks on his mother (Pam Oei) and silly banter with Ricky give us glimpses into their carefree family dynamic. This feeling dissipates when Sean’s girlfriend invites the brothers to her family’s church, a bombastic and evangelical megachurch headed by a pastor (Adrian Pang) with rock-star charisma. His sermon quickly changes from sweeping ballads of faith to a vitriolic call to fight the “homosexual agenda.” Enraged, Sean turns to his YouTube channel to defend his gay brother and satirize the homophobic pastor. He becomes an overnight sensation, and the backlash from the public and the church is immediate and severe.
Sean’s struggle to stay…
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