Mark Tran

The theme of Mark Tran’s ‘All About Dad’ hits close to many homes here in Silicon Valley. Not only must the characters (Vietnamese immigrants and their children) struggle with common generational differences, they must deal with the parents’ ideal of success.

The film more than lived up to the expectations of the packed theatre. Members of the filmmaker’s family were in attendance for the screening, and I may have been seated next to the proudest “papa” in the house, Scott Sublett. Mark’s script was developed in Scott Sublett’s (’Generic Thriller’) San Jose State screenwriting class.

The only fault I found with the production was that the father’s epiphany happened unrealistically fast, although this is a minor quibble in an otherwise exceptional film.

‘All About Dad’ a Cinequest best bet.

February 25 – March 8, 2009 Cinequest will transform a three block area of San Jose through celebration, innovation, humor, love, provocation, and inspiration.

Opening night: ‘Wake’ (as in funeral) starring Bijou Phillips, Danny Masterson, and Jane Seymour makes its world premiere here in San Jose. Mezcal at 25 W San Fernando and Billy Berk’s at 99 S. 1st St. are hosting the post screening party(s). Will actors and filmmakers show up at both? General admission price of $12.00, or $40.00 if you include the party. 7 PM at the California Theatre.

Closing Night: The world premiere of ‘The Nature of Existence’. What a deal. A documentary that explains it all… Why are we here? Does God exist, etc.? All for only the general admission price of $12.00, or $40.00 if you include the party – appetizers, desserts, cocktails and entertainment at E & O Trading Co. 7:30 PM at the California Theatre

Maverick Spirit Recipients:

* Louis Gossett Jr – Academy Award winner® – ‘An Officer and a Gentleman’.

Award presentation and screening of ‘The Least Among You’.

March 3rd, 7:00 PM – California Theatre – General Admission $10.00

* Kevin Pollak – The Usual Suspects’, ‘The Whole Nine Yards”, ‘That Thing You Do’; ‘Casino’

The evening includes stand-up film comedy by Pollak.

March 4th, 7:00 PM – California Theatre – General Admission – $20:00

* Diablo Cody – Academy Award winning® screenwriter – ‘Juno’.

March 6th, 3 PM – San Jose Repertory Theatre – $15 ticket for the conversation – moderated by Lew Hunter.

Local Filmmakers World Premieres:

* ‘All About Dad’ by, Mark Tran a Vietnamese-American comedy.

* ‘Canary’ by, Alejandro Adams (Around the Bay, Cinequest 2008) Organ harvesting.

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