I have to admit that sharing in my friends' success is probably one of the greatest Joys in Life.
I am so happy to recommend and comment on a wonderful new film I recently saw: MY VOICE, MY LIFE.
Several weeks ago I was introduced to the film's Academy Award winning director, Ruby Yang, and two of the film's stars, Sf Lam and Coby Wong when a small group came to New York to promote the film at the NY Asian Film Festival. We met after they had come to see a performance of "An American in Paris" at the Palace Theater. A longtime friend introduced us.
The two girls were so enchanting. One, perhaps a bit more overwhelmed by standing on the Palace stage as I tried to coax them to make their Broadway debut than the other...but we laughed and I immediately was drawn into their experience of being in New York and away from their home, Hong Kong, for the first time.
Naturally, I was eagerly anticipating the opening of the film last week here in New York. It was showing in town for such a brief time so I made it a priority to slip away from other responsibilities for a viewing.
I'm sorry if you missed it.
It was such a compelling story. Yes, very much the -- "Hey, let's put on a show!" But so much more.
I might have become a bit dispirited by some of the individual circumstances of a few of the kids who's stories were being told, but the overwhelming optimism washed away anything of the like! Moments of the musical score were absolutely breathtaking and the continual momentum of the kids' attainment of their goal kept the story and film bouncing in the air like a balloon.
The commitment and patience of the stage show's directors and the Principals of the children's schools represented in the film, caused me to gaze lovingly into my own past and acknowledge all those who have helped fill in the gaps of my own passions and discipline -- those who have helped me reach the goals and personal aspirations of my own Life.
And isn't that the mark of any good film or piece of art? To find what resonates within its audience.
Each time Coby or Sio Fan appeared on the big screen, my heart would skip a beat. Not only did I know them, I was continuing to GET to know them and the stories of their friends who were working so hard to overcome stage fright and personal limitations. We all have personal fears and seeming limitations. And that's what makes this film so universal and wonderful.
I'm sorry the movie is having such limited showing here in the United States. It's been named one of Hong Kong's top five films of last year and was a New York Times Critics Pick. I'm sure it will have equal success in Los Angeles.
Congratulations to everyone involved. I absolutely adore your work and look forward to the news that your passions and dreams and discipline will have opened wonderful new doors in the lives you are creating for yourselves.
I am honored to have met you.