FILM

Aurora Picture Show presents Slant 10: Working Niche Markets  With Filmmaker PJ Raval, Sunday, May 23, 1PM.  Location: Aurora Video Library, 1524 Sul Ross. FREE Admission.

Known for his success in both the Asian American and GLBT film community, filmmaker and cinematographer PJ Raval (pictured) will host a free discussion on his experiences with niche markets of the indie filmmaking world. PJ’s films have screened at Slant over the years, most recently Lead Role: Father in 2007. Named one of Filmmaker Magazine’s ‘25 new faces of independent film 2006′, PJ just completed Trinidad, a feature documentary about Trinidad, Colorado’s transformation from Wild West outpost to “sex change capital of the world.”

PJ Raval is an ex-scientist, ex-vegetarian, and award-winning filmmaker whose work has been showcased at both Sundance and Cannes.

Slant turns 10! This annual Aurora program showcases an eclectic mix of the best short films made by emerging and mid-career Asian American artists. With rich characters and visions that give voice to the fantastical as well as the every day, these short films are as varied as they are compelling. Through our film festival, DVDs and performances, we provide a fresh perspective on the Asian American experience. The festival features all genres including narrative, experimental, documentary and animation. Works accepted into the festival often combat tired stereotypes of Asian Americans with quirky comedies and compelling visions.

Curated by Melissa Hung, Slant provides a fresh perspective on the Asian American experience. Artists featured include Greg Pak, J.P. Chan and many others. One of the longest-running festivals in Texas devoted to Asian American film and video art, the festival has screened more than a hundred films, many of them showing in Texas for the first time.

From the beginning, Slant has made its home at the Aurora Picture Show, a nonprofit microcinema. In presenting this festival, Aurora participates in exploring the power of moving image in crafting identity and community.

Melissa Hung is a writer, editor, and the founder of Hyphen, a magazine about Asian American culture. A native Texan, she now lives in San Francisco where she misses TexMex and cafeterias.

Special thanks to Hyphen Magazine for their support of this program.