AsiaLENS
AEMS Documentary and Independent Film Series
at the Spurlock Museum
AsiaLENS is a series of free public film screenings and lecture / discussion programs -- organized by AEMS in collaboration with Spurlock Museum -- presenting recent documentary and independent films on issues reflecting contemporary life in Asia.
Local and visiting experts introduce the films and lead audiences in post-screening discussions.
All AsiaLENS screenings are FREE and open to the public.
Spurlock Museum screenings are held the second Tuesdays of February, March, and April for Spring 2016. The Spurlock Museum is located at 600 S. Gregory Street, Urbana, IL.
Full schedule for Spring 2016 is listed below.
Information on past screenings:Fall 2008, Spring 2009, Fall 2009, Spring 2010, Fall 2010, Spring 2011, Fall 2011, Spring 2012, Fall 2012, Spring 2013, Fall 2013, Spring 2014, Fall 2014, Spring 2015, Fall 2015
AsiaLENS Upcoming Spring 2016 Calendar:
Tales of the Waria
Tuesday, February 9, 2016 - 7:00 pm
Spurlock Museum, 600 S. Gregory Street, Urbana, IL
I Am
Tuesday, March 8, 2016 - 7:00 pm
Spurlock Museum, 600 S. Gregory Street, Urbana IL
My Fair Wedding
Tuesday, April 12, 2016 - 7:00 pm
Spurlock Museum, 600 S. Gregory Street, Urbana, IL
Tales of the Waria
Directed by Kathy Huang. 2011. 56 minutes. In Indonesian with English subtitles.
Tuesday, February 9, 2016 - 7:00 pm
Spurlock Museum, Knight Auditorium, 600 S. Gregory Street, Urbana, IL
Introduction and post screening discussion led by Leslie Marrow (Director, LGBT Resource Center, Office of Inclusion and Intercultural Relations, UI)
Description:
Indonesia is home to the world’s largest Muslim population. It is also home to a community of transgendered individuals known as warias, biological men who live openly as women. In this eye-opening PBS documentary, four warias search for romance and intimacy. Along the way, they encounter unique obstacles that force them to make extraordinary sacrifices to keep the ones they love.
Winner of the Best Documentary Award, San Diego Asian Film Festival
Resources:
For more information visit the film website.
View a trailer of the film here.
Reviews:
Popmatters Interview
I Am
A film by Sonali Gulati. 2011. 71 minutes. In Hindi and English with English subtitles.
Tuesday, March 8, 2016 -7:00 pm
Spurlock Museum, Knight Auditorium, 600 S. Gregory Street, Urbana, IL
Introduction and post screening discussion TBD.
Description:
After eleven years, an Indian lesbian filmmaker chronicles the journey home to finally confront the loss of her mother whom she never came out to. By meeting parents of other gay and lesbian Indians, she pieces together the fabric of what family truly means, in a landscape where being gay was, until recently, a criminal and punishable offense.
Winner of Best Documentary Feature, Chicago Lesian & Gay International Film Festival
Resources:
For more information visit the film website.
Reviews:
Richmond Times
My Fair Wedding
Directed by Jang Hee-Sun. 2014. 94 minutes.
Tuesday, April 12, 2016 - 7:00 pm
Spurlock Museum, 600 S. Gregory Street, Urbana, IL
Introduction and post screening discussion led by Robert Cagle, Ph.D., Department of Cinema and Media Studies, University Library, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign.
Description:
In this intimate and candid film, we follow Gwang-Soo and Dave as they plan their gala wedding, the first same-sex marriage performed in South Korea. Held openly to the public at Kwangtong Bridge, this landmark wedding is not free from gay marriage opponents making their displeasure heard before and during the grooms’ special day. A light-hearted love story with strong undertones about marriage equality, My Fair Wedding offers a first-hand account on overcoming adversity and how a milestone event goes beyond just one couple.
Resources:
For more information visit the distributors website.
Reviews:
Screendaily
Last Updated January 28, 2016.
