CAAMFest 2013: Go Grandriders & the Final Thoughts on CAAMFest

CAAMFest long conclude over a week ago, but I finally got around to seeing my last DVD screener for the Taiwanese documentary Go Grandriders:

“In Go Grandriders, a group of senior citizens embark on what may be the most daring adventure of their lives: a thirteen-day tour—entirely on motorcycle—around the island of Taiwan. A number in the group have heart problems, two have had cancer, and their average age is 81. The trip brings harrowing escapes (one rider falls asleep at the wheel, while another is knocked off his bike by a truck), pure exhilaration (including a gleeful romp in the waves when riders reach Taiwan’s east coast), and somber reflection, as riders recall their youths fighting in the Sino-Japanese War. Along the way, the Grandriders travel to nursing homes, eliciting cheers, tears and admiration from other elders as they describe the tour. As their captain announces, “Elders are not only capable but energetic. No one is too old to realize their dreams.””

I enjoyed the film, mostly due to the fighting spirit of 80-something-year-olds making their way around the beautiful island of Taiwan. To be honest, Taiwan is not that big of an island, so it’s surprising that many of these “Grandriders” have not really seen a lot of the sites of Taiwan. Some of the stories of the Grandriders are pretty interesting, including those that lived through World War II and before when Taiwan was occupied by the Taiwanese. If you have an affinity, connection or interest in Taiwan, I’d recommend the film. For those who don’t, you might not find it as interesting and of course not reminisce about your past visits to the island.

Final Thoughts on CAAMFest 2013

I’m thankful I had the opportunity to not only attend and see the following events and films in-person:

• LINSANITY, the Documentary Kicks Off CAAMFest 2013 & the Opening Night Gala at the Asian Art Museum in SF
• Comrade Kim Goes Flying
• High Tech, Low Life
• Seeking Asian Female

As well as the DVD screeners for these films:

• Xmas Without China
• Dead Dad
• Someone I Used to Know
• and of course Go Grandriders

I have to say, I am definitely drawn to documentaries when it comes to independent films, but I did thoroughly enjoy Comrade Kim Goes Flying as well as I thought Dead Dad was very well done and a story that was realistic and that I could relate to. Of course commercially, I think LINSANITY will do well – definitely in Taiwan and I’m sure in China and will find a good following amongst Asian American kids and families and underdog kids and their families who are into basketball. Seeking Asian Female already has a built-in audience when it airs on PBS in May.

As for the other films, I’m not so sure how they will do… I’m always amazed at how producers and directors are able to develop their creations over periods of time with the lack of money and resources compared to the big Hollywood formula movie.

CAAMFest, being based in San Francisco, is obviously much more easily accessible and affordable to me and brings a great number of films I’ve enjoyed over the years that I may have never had a chance to be able to see. The only other film festival I’ve ever gone to has been Sundance, but even then, I’ve never actually seen an official Sundance film (I’ve gone to Park City to visit a friend in Utah every few years and go skiing in Park City). From what I have gathered, the films usually sell out way in advance, but I’m told if your patient and willing to buy scalped tickets, you can usually get to see what you want.

I hope all of you have a chance to attend CAAMFest. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to attend many of the other events over the week-filled festival, especially the food and music portions of the program. But if you didn’t get a chance this year, there’s always next year!