SDAFF Gala Awards Dinner

What a weekend. Never in my wildest dreams would I have imagined going through such a crazy weekend. Most of the time I felt like I was in a glaze. Everything seemed so surreal that it just could not be happening to me. When I went to school today, it was like snapping back into reality. But all this really did happen.

The awards gala was incredible. Being in a room of talented filmmakers and actors was a bit intimidating, but nonetheless surreal. [I need to find another word for "surreal," even though that word really sums up the past few days.]

Yesterday, I went to see Dim Sum Shorts and Then Some. It was a very interesting take on Chinese-American cinema. I would have never imagined Chinese and Chinese Americans creating such unconventional films, but we are all here to broaden our horizons. Other than Finishing the Game, I have yet to watch a full-length feature film. I am probably going to catch Year of the Fish in a little bit.

Let's look at some gala pictures, shall we?

Whoops! I wanted to pose with the sign, but I ended up knocking it down.

Much better!

The performers of the night, Lola Fair & Baby J.

My 30-seconds of glory: receiving my award on stage in the presence of greatness! It was honestly extremely nerve racking to go up on stage even though I have performed in front of larger crowds. Jessica Chang on the right also happens to be one of my sorority sisters from our chapter at USC. This truly is a small world!

Yul Kwon promoting the bone marrow drive through A3M. My sorority participates in a bone marrow drive at our school every semester, and it really is a good cause. If you haven't registered as a potential bone marrow donor, you should do so soon!

C. Diddy, doing what he does best...in a suit.

Jelynn Rodriguez. When I spoke to her earlier that day at the celebrity panel, she was so encouraging and she seems to be a really wonderful person.

Jane Kim

Joy Bisco & Roger Fan

Leonardo Nam
Aaron Yoo & Dustin Nguyen

James Kyson Lee
The big man himself, George Takei!
Thanks for everything, Lee Ann! I truly admire her energy, drive, and passion for this film festival. I don't know how she does it!
And thanks to my friend Miguel for coming to the gala with me. I'm sure he enjoyed his free $175-worth dinner.