Hye’s Musings Blog

HyesMusings April 29, 2009

Sharing the moment…

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I had my first experience with Relational Mindfulness & Insight Dialogue today at a workshop led by Janet Surrey and Gregory Kramer. It included practicing mindfulness in a dyad. The experience was Complex, Exciting, Emotive…

“Insight dialogue is a complimentary practice to Vipassana meditation. It is to develop consciousness, not only by ourselves but in relation to others. That other person can be wonderful or difficult, even threatening depending on the conditions. They can help us to develop our inner wisdom or become an obstacle. The practice of Insight Dialogue puts us in a direct relationship with the complexity of the inter-relational world and with the purifying power of presence when our consciousness is experiencing the here and now. Our fears that arise in relationship to others soften, our efforts to be seen diminish, our confidence with the ‘suchness’ of the moment strengthens.” (From: http://www.moulindechaves.org)

In Relational Mindfulness, one is to remain attentive to one’s feelings, thoughts, etc. while the other person in the dyad describes his/her own feelings, thoughts, etc. Awareness occurs three-fold: awareness of the self, of the other and of the flow of the relationship.

I must say that it was not easy. Over the course of the day, we paired up with three individuals we had not met previously. Okay, that was easy. The part of becoming aware of myself, staying in the moment but also be aware of my partner and the energy/flow exchange between us took a while to get a hold of. By the third time, it became easier. We all noticed how the experience got more comfortable as the day progressed and how much more intimate we became with one another as we stayed in the moment… Guided by the principles: pause, relax, open, trust emergence, listen deeply and speak the truth. I think having someone listen without speaking was poignant to a lot of us. Some comments at the end of the day reinforced this notion and made us realise how holding the gaze, nodding and simply “being” with the other sometimes is all you need at that moment.

It was a very interesting day. In another place and time, perhaps I would have dismissed the whole thing. At this point, however, it just makes better sense. I’m not sure I’ll get to share this type of mindfulness with someone I know, since the dynamics are more complex but it is something to consider. It is a new perspective; worth revisiting again & again.

HyesMusings April 28, 2009

Do you like documentary films? So do I! May I suggest…

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I am gearing up for Hot Docs, which has become a world-renowned Documentary Film Festival. The festival has become a showcase for many great documentaries and documentarians…. Remember the Oscar-winner Man on Wire? Well, it premiered at Hot Docs last year. Now, you can imagine the calibre of films and filmmakers that will be at this year’s festival.

I hear that a lot of documentary production companies London and elsewhere have tried to release their best film this year. I have not narrowed down my list for this year but I’m getting there. Also, many screenings have gone RUSH, which means tickets have sold out at the box office and you may have to take a chance last minute in a line-up the day of. So do take note of this piece of information when you’re looking through the online schedule. Some films have at least 2 screenings, if not three; this may also help in choosing what to see and when. If you have experience “festivaling,” then you know what I’m talking about. If not, you’ll get the hang of it by Day 2… People will be sure to tell you how things work.

In any case, I just want to highlight some of the films I’m looking forward to and some that sound interesting. Perhaps these can pique some interest in some of you…

65_RedRoses

The story of Eva; a young woman in her early twenties, battling cystic fibrosis. The film showcases Eva’s stories and that of her two online friends: Spirit_of_Kina and megmuccus, who also have cystic fibrosis. The girls are each other’s support system and the only ones who truly understand what life is like living with this illness.

Amerika Idol: A True Story

In Zitiste, a small village in Serbia, Rocky Balboa becomes their symbol of hope. The community decides to erect their own Rocky sculpture, like that found in Philly and seen in the films.

Best Worst Movie

I never even knew they made a sequel to the movie Troll… Troll 2. The sequel is so bad, it’s good and has become a cult film. In this documentary, we come to know two members of Troll 2’s cast: George Hardy (now a dentist) and Michael Stephenson (11 years old at the time) and how they’ve become “stars” in the cult horror genre of film.

Burma VJ: Reporting From A Closed Country

The film presents the work of independent, underground journalists who put their lives at risk by filming the 2007 protests led by Buddhist monks against the military junta. It was a time when no outside media was allowed in the country. A first-hand look at the political climate during that time.

Carmen Meets Borat

Did you see Borat, Sasha Baron Cohen’s film from two years ago? Well, this is the story behind the scenes as the people of Glod (a small village in Romania where the movie was filmed) decide to file a lawsuit against the studio and let their greed get the better of them.

El Olvido (Oblivion)

Filmmaker Heddy Honigmann revisits her place of birth: Lima, Peru. There she meets with people old and new and shares their stories.

Fig Trees

The description is as follows: “this documentary opera — a tribute to the warrior saints of AIDS activism — will make you weep, rage, and sing, maybe all at once.” Very succinct, in my opinion.

Ghost Bird

The ivory-beeked woodpecker was believed to be extinct for almost 60 years… until a group of researchers and avid bird-watchers claim to have seen it again. Fact or fiction?

Invisible City

Documentarian Hubert Davis captures the ups and downs in the lives of Mikey and Kendall, two teenage boys growing up in Toronto’s Regent Park.

Prom Night in Mississippi

In Morgan Freeman’s hometown of Charleston, Mississippi, high school proms are still segregated. The Academy Award-winning actor offered to pay for an integrated prom over ten years ago, the city finally agreed last year. This film is the summary what came of this event.

Rise Up

A first effort by Luciano Blotta who interviews underground musicians and “Jamaica’s music elite.” I am looking forward to the soundtrack for this.

Sacred Places

A film by Jean-Marie Teno from Cameroon, which showcases the importance of African films in the continent’s new identity after many years of colonialism.

Tyson

“Essentially a lengthy interview with Tyson, interspersed with rvieting footage from his fight career…” I am curious to hear what Tyson has to say, aren’t you?

Well, I hope this list inspires you in some way. You can find more detailed descriptions at the website for the festival as well as the schedule for all films. See you in the line-ups and please post your comments!

Photo Credit: Sacred Places – Courtesy of Hot Docs

HyesMusings March 30, 2009

Community Radio and You…

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I think a lot of you in Toronto have listened or actively listen to community radio stations, such as CKLN, CHRY and CIUT. Well if you know anything about community radio, then you are aware that most of those involved in running the shows are volunteers. These are people who dedicate their time in bringing you some of the best music, arts/culture and current events programming.

Right now, it’s time to donate to your favourite programs on CIUT. I support my friends at Take 5, The More the Merrier and The Vibe Collective. I listen to other shows, however, I gotta support the work my friends and the rest of their teams put into each show… It takes more time than you think to create a playlist, get organised for an interview and bring you the best in arts and culture in the city.

Donna G from The More the Merrier show has round up some really great prizes for one lucky donor… visit her blog for more info. As well, the members of The Vibe Collective will be having a Membership Drive Party this Friday, April 4th at Baby Huey (70 Ossington Ave.) from 10:30pm onwards. For those of you on Facebook, look for more info on this event here! Yet another chance to win more prizes…

To donate, you can call 416-946-7800 or 1-888-204-8976 or online at www.ciut.fm

The purpose of donating, however, is not driven by the prizes you may win; it’s more about keeping this station and others of the kind in the air. I know I have discovered some great music, heard an amazing interview and experienced some new art show thanks to some of these shows… It’s time for us to give something back.

HyesMusings March 12, 2009

The quickest, shortest month there ever was…

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February has passed and we’re now getting into the middle of the new month… Let me tell you, the fact February is a short month made it seem like I had next to no time to get my thoughts organised. Not to mention that for three weeks out of the month I had no laptop! Losing all my files and buying a new hard drive was reality slapping me in the face saying, “back up your data or else…!” Nonetheless, I managed to attend some very cool events the past month… I’ll keep this brief and share some of the highlights.

HyesMusings February 8, 2009

Chance and Circumstance

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Charles Officer’s (pictured left; courtesy of cbc.ca) first feature, Nurse.Fighter.Boy introduces us to three interesting characters whose lives are connected by birth, circumstance and chance. Jude (Karen LeBlanc) is a nurse and single mom, who suffers from Sickle Cell Anemia while also taking care of Ciel (Daniel J. Gordon). Ciel is a mature 12 year-old, who turns to music and magic for answers. By circumstance and chance, Jude meets Silence (Clark Johnson); a lonely street fighter searching for a more fulfilling life.

To tell you more about the plot would defeat the purpose, as it is my point here to encourage you to see the film and become involved in the story while having some patience. The pacing can feel slow at times, which admittedly will not be everyone of you. There is not much in terms of dialogue and this may feel tedious. However, this is no standard plot. I like the fact that one has to keep an open mind to see where the director wants to go with these characters. What is also interesting is Officer’s use of light and music to give each of the main characters more depth and allow us to sense their mood and state of mind. Personally, I love the fact he chose to have the actors play vinyl records throughout the film. I grew up in the vinyl era and have a certain nostalgia for childhood memories that are linked to music. The film also depicts some magic-realism throughout the story, which to some, may seem out of place. If one understands the culture in which it is rooted, however, one is able to grasp its importance.

LeBlanc and Johnson (of Homicide: Life on the Street and The Wire fame) play the leads consistently and there is a connection that is felt without words. As well, Gordon is outstanding in his performance and he is able to hold his own alongside LeBlanc and Johnson.

I read some reviews of the films and a few writers find the story not well structured and a bit melodramatic. I’d say judge for yourself. You may agree with me or not but at least, you have taken the chance to see it. For a first feature, I think Officer has done a good job considering the budget he had to work with and the caliber of actors he was able to cast. The one agreement among reviewers is that the soundtrack and cinematography work well in this film.

The film first premiered at last year’s Toronto International Film Festival and has been seen around the film festival circuit. LeBlanc won the Best Actress award at the Atlantic Film Festival and Johnson won the Best Actor accolade at Whistler. I had the chance to see the film as part of The First Weekend Club‘s Canada Screens series at the Drake Hotel’s Underground lounge… a nice and intimate setting in which to see the film. Officer was in attendance and was able to provide the audience with more background information as to how long it took from writing the script to actually finishing production. You can find such information on the film’s website. The film showcases Toronto, local talent (in acting and music) and it is a well-crafted first effort on the part of Charles Officer. I hope those of you who see the movie spread the word. The film opened this weekend at the Royal and AMC Yonge & Dundas theatres.

HyesMusings January 31, 2009

Sometimes shorter is better…

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Do you ever find yourself looking for something to do on a Wednesday evening? Well, no one can say there’s never enough to do in this city. If you’re a fan of short films or are curious enough about it, I’d suggest taking in CFC World Wide Short Film Festival‘s (WSFF) monthly event titled World of Shorts. It takes place the third Wednesday of every month at NFB’s mediatheque.

This month’s installment included the following short films… ALL of which screened at last year’s WSFF.

Peter and Ben — Directed by Pinny Grylls, UK

The Answer Key — Directed by Samir Rehem, Canada

Machine with Wishbone — Directed by Randal Okita, Canada

Frankie — Directed by Darren Thornton, Ireland

A Small Thing — Directed by Adam Garnet Jones, Canada

Chainsaw — Directed by Dennis Tupicoff, Australia

What I like about short films is that in a matter of minutes the filmmaker sets out to engage the viewer and keep one captivated until the very end. All of these short films do just that and they are all award winners by the way. I liked all of these films for different reasons and some of these I had already seen at last year’s WSFF. However, a few months later, one gets a new perspective.

In Peter and Ben, I was reminded of how complex all relationships are… including those between human and animal. Ben in this endearing short is a sheep that has been living with Peter in the solitude that one can only find by the country side for many years. In a matter of 10 minutes, we come to know both characters and the symbiotic relationship that sustains them.

An interesting take on the issue of loneliness is The Answer Key. Director Samir Rehem and producer Robin Crumley were in attendance and provided us some details on this particular short. Rehem and Crumley mentioned that they spend over $40,000 on this short and spent over a year putting this 22 minute film together. Rehem did admit that after seeing the film several times, he wishes it was shorter. Personally, I didn’t have a problem with the length. I was struck not only by the story and its characters but also by the soundtrack; it was nicely tailored to the film… very lovely.

In Machine with Wishbone, director Okita creates a story for one of Arthur Ganson‘s metal sculptures, in which a real chicken’s wishbone pulls the mechanism the metal contraption. The short clip I’ve included here will give you an idea of what Okita has accomplished here. Ganson’s work is fascinating and seeing it “come to life” in a way left me saying Wow!

The Irish short Frankie by Darren Thornton is a day in the life of fifteen year-old Frankie, who is set on being a good father. As the day progresses, he begins to realise it is not so easy after all.

A Small Thing by Adam Garnet Jones deals with the idea of what would help someone cry. Garnet Jones and producer Sarah Kolasky were in attendance and shared a few bits about the filmmaking process. In mere minutes we see Margaret, the main character, realise why she’s been emotionally detached and empty for years.

The presentation concluded with Chainsaw by Dennis Tupicoff. This animated short is quite unique in its connection of fact and fiction; depicting the lives of Frank and Ava. These characters are named after to Frank Sinatra and Ava Gardner. Through this short, Tupicoff creates a world in which we travel from past to present; from Spain to Hollywood. He also mischievously connects men, women, cowboys and chainsaws to demonstrate how love and revenge can be the “end all and be all” for some people… really interesting.

HyesMusings January 9, 2009

Give someone a chance to collaborate with Yo-Yo Ma

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A friend of mine — Reza Manbachi — has submitted an arrangement for Cello and Tar (a Persian Classical instrument) for a chance to collaborate with the great Yo-Yo Ma. Visit the following link to sample his sound http://www.indabamusic.com/submissions/show/3914

Voting ends on Saturday, January 10th, 2009 at noon time. Give a young, talented musician the opportunity to showcase his music and to work with a world-renowned artist. Have to support up-and-coming Canadian talent.

HyesMusings January 5, 2009

Welcome Melancholy…

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I had the chance to experience Otto Preminger’s film Bonjour Tristesse on the big screen this past December at Cinematheque Ontario. What an interesting film! I had not heard much about Preminger’s work before but this was a nice film to make my acquaintance of his work…

We meet 17 year-old Cecile (Jean Seberg) who goes to spend her summer vacation in the French Riviera with her “playboy” father Raymond (David Niven). Anne (Deborah Kerr) — a former friend of Cecile’s deceased mother — arrives to spend part of the summer holidays with Cecile and Raymond. Things get interesting when Raymond decides to act his age and begins a serious relationship with Anne much to Cecile’s dismay. This could only lead to a tumultuous end.

Prominger’s use of colour for the past and black & white for the present is ingenious and sets the tone for the film; melancholy throughout. Seberg delivers a great performance and so do Niven and Kerr. The title song is also beautifully and painfully sung by Juliette Gréco. I have provided you here with a clip of the film along with this great song… If you are ever in the mood, rent this film, it will surprise you.

HyesMusings December 31, 2008

Living in the moment; leaving the past behind and optimistic about tomorrow.

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People often say “time sure flies.” I’d have to agree; it’s like the blink of an eye. You wake up and another day, week, month, year has gone by. If it wasn’t for holidays, I guess most of us would not be fixated on the passing of time.

The past year has brought me to a different place in terms of how I value time. Over the past six months, specifically, I have seriously engaged in being more mindful of the present moment. As much as I analyse things, this current practise has helped me appreciate the value of taking a second for oneself and just breathe. It also helps that I surround myself with people that bring out the best in me. I have learned not to appropriate other people’s problems but to be supportive, sympathetic and empathic as needed.

What this year ultimately brought me is a tremendous appreciation for my successes and failures; as well as learning when to admit I may need some assistance. If I did not have the family and friends I have, always ready to support and push me to continue moving forwards and upwards, I’m not sure how I would have reached this point. Thus, I take stock of all my blessings: my family, my friends, a career I actually enjoy and the love of learning… all of which continue to inspire me to keep focused and be optimistic about tomorrow.

To put it simply: enjoy yourselves and have a Happy New Year… all good things arrive in due time!

HyesMusings November 20, 2008

A small sample of Reel Asian Films

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The Reel Asian International Film Festival wrapped up last week. I had a chance to attend two screenings this year… I know only two. During this time of the year, several film festivals overlap and one can find it difficult to attend all screenings. This is where one gets choosy.

I got to see the opening film at Reel Asian, The Drummer by Kenneth Bi, which coincidentally won the NOW Audience Award. I’m not surprised that it won this award but I beg to differ in my opinion of the film. The premise of the story was promising: a young man, son of a gangster, is forced to hide in the mountains after romancing the enemy’s girlfriend; to find himself drawn to the sound of Zen Drums. It starts off well then it gets just too long. The story drags and I found myself saying, “just give it some time.” Well for me, it just took way too long to deliver any punch (no pun intended). The two leads, Tony Leung and Jaycee Chan, play the father and son roles well. But I still didn’t think the characters were developed enough. The drumming scenes delivered and those are what stood out for me. There are some people who may agree with me on this… You may want to read this response to EYE WEEKLY’s review. I’ll end my bit on this film here as I do not have much else to add.

The other film I had an opportunity to see was Hansel & Gretel by Yim Pil-Sung from South Korea. This is a re-telling of the Brothers Grimm Fairy Tale. I liked this film much better than the opening film. Lee Eun-Soo has a car accident; his car veers off the road and he wakes up in the middle of a dark forest only to be saved by Kim Yon-Hee, a young girl who brings him to a very neat, cozy home. Lee meets Kim’s parents and siblings. The family takes care of Lee but soon he wishes to return home. This is where the story takes a turn, as every attempt Lee makes to leave the forests is unsuccessful and he is forced to return to the home in the forest.

The story is slightly changed in the film in that it is the children who are now “punishing” the adults… The cast worked well together, especially the children: Kim Yon-Hee (Sim Eun-Kyung), her 13 year-old brother Manbok (Eun Won-Jae) along with her younger sister Jung-Soon (Jin Ji-Hee). The children are really believable whether they are being funny or casting some evil looks but adult characters alike are also well portrayed. The set design worked well as did the cinematography. The one thing with this film is that I felt it dragged a bit in the second hour. I think many expected this film to be a horror film but it goes beyond that genre because as much as it can be creepy, it is thought provoking and well crafted.

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Sharing the moment…

Do you like documentary films? So do I! May I suggest…

Community Radio and You…

The quickest, shortest month there ever was…

Chance and Circumstance

Sometimes shorter is better…

Give someone a chance to collaborate with Yo-Yo Ma

Welcome Melancholy…

Living in the moment; leaving the past behind and optimistic about tomorrow.

A small sample of Reel Asian Films

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