Chinese American Film Festival kicks off

The Chinese American Film Festival, now in its third year, commenced with a press conference at the Mission 261 Restaurant in Monterey Park last Thursday. The restaurant in the past has entertained the various dignitaries with dinner and a fashion show. This year the Couture Designer Yves Castaldi has been chosen to have his runway show at the San Gabriel Hilton at 6:00 p.m. on November 5, 2008. There will be a dinner following the fashion show.

Each year the CAFF uses the universality of cinema to promote world understanding and cooperation. This festival showcases highly acclaimed Chinese films and attempts to build closer ties and greater economic cooperation between China and the USA. Dignitaries, celebrities, and industry officials from both countries and the United Nations will be in attendance.

The opening ceremony and red carpet is always held at the Directors Guild and emceed by actor George Cheung and Emily Wang of East West Bank. Celebrities such as the producer and publisher of Superman, Omar Kaczmarczk, actress Zhu Xijuan, Emmy Award winner Dino Herrmann, and actors Bai Ling and Lorrielle New will appear. There will also be an appearance by superstar Jackie Chan.