Receiving killer reviews from such sources as Variety Magazine, The Philadelphia Examiner and Sf Weekly, writer/director Hp Mendoza's indie film I Am A Ghost is definitely drawing interest.
With the majority of the film being shot in San Francisco, I Am A Ghost stars Anna Ishida and Jeannie Barroga. Ishida won the Special Jury Best Actress Award at this year's Mix Mexico Film Festival to go along with Mendoza's Sf Weekly Best New Director Award.
For more on the film, visit the official I Am A Ghost website, like I Am A Ghost on Facebook and follow I Am A Ghost on Twitter (@iamaghostfilm). Thanks to Avery G for the tip on this up and coming indie!
Synopsis
Taking place in a single Victorian house during an indeterminable time period, I Am A Ghost is a supernatural mystery that explores identity mixing experimental non-linear filmmaking with classic haunted house spookiness.
With the majority of the film being shot in San Francisco, I Am A Ghost stars Anna Ishida and Jeannie Barroga. Ishida won the Special Jury Best Actress Award at this year's Mix Mexico Film Festival to go along with Mendoza's Sf Weekly Best New Director Award.
For more on the film, visit the official I Am A Ghost website, like I Am A Ghost on Facebook and follow I Am A Ghost on Twitter (@iamaghostfilm). Thanks to Avery G for the tip on this up and coming indie!
Synopsis
Taking place in a single Victorian house during an indeterminable time period, I Am A Ghost is a supernatural mystery that explores identity mixing experimental non-linear filmmaking with classic haunted house spookiness.
- 7/27/2012
- by Doctor Gash
- DreadCentral.com
By MoreHorror.com
Dawna Lee Heising recently interviewed filmmaker H.P. Mendoza of I Am A Ghost at the 2012 Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival for MoreHorror in Hollywood.
You can watch the interview below the full details below, as well as the movie trailer. Enjoy.
H.P. Mendoza’s I Am A Ghost tells the story of Sylvia, a seasoned clairvoyant, who is hired to rid a family's home of a spirit named Emily who has been wreaking havoc in the house and on the inhabitants. When Sylvia cannot banish the ghost, she is forced into a patient/therapist relationship with Emily as they work together to try to move Emily on to "the next place". I Am A Ghost was written and directed by H.P. Mendoza and stars Anna Ishida, Jeannie Barroga and Rick Burkhardt.
H. P. Mendoza is a Filipino American film director, screenwriter, actor, and producer of features and short films.
Dawna Lee Heising recently interviewed filmmaker H.P. Mendoza of I Am A Ghost at the 2012 Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival for MoreHorror in Hollywood.
You can watch the interview below the full details below, as well as the movie trailer. Enjoy.
H.P. Mendoza’s I Am A Ghost tells the story of Sylvia, a seasoned clairvoyant, who is hired to rid a family's home of a spirit named Emily who has been wreaking havoc in the house and on the inhabitants. When Sylvia cannot banish the ghost, she is forced into a patient/therapist relationship with Emily as they work together to try to move Emily on to "the next place". I Am A Ghost was written and directed by H.P. Mendoza and stars Anna Ishida, Jeannie Barroga and Rick Burkhardt.
H. P. Mendoza is a Filipino American film director, screenwriter, actor, and producer of features and short films.
- 5/16/2012
- by admin
- MoreHorror
The San Francisco International Asian American Film Festival, opening today and running through March 18, turns 30 this year. "Highlights of 2012's anniversary line-up include an in-person tribute to Joan Chen, a pair of world premieres from the talents behind Colma: The Musical, and Patrick Wang's In the Family, one of the most acclaimed American indies from last year," writes Michael Hawley in an extensive overview. And Michael Guillén interviews Wang at the Evening Class.
For the Bay Guardian's Kimberly Chun, Sfiaaff "seems to be in the throes of a youth movement." More previews come from Peter Martin (Twitch) and Kelly Vance (East Bay Express).
Los Angeles. The Beauty of the Long Day: An In-Person Terence Davies Tribute happens Sunday and Monday at the Aero Theater and Doug Cummings has a preview in the La Weekly.
Seattle. In the Stranger, Charles Mudede argues (briefly) that the Dreileben trilogy, Christian Petzold's Beats Being Dead,...
For the Bay Guardian's Kimberly Chun, Sfiaaff "seems to be in the throes of a youth movement." More previews come from Peter Martin (Twitch) and Kelly Vance (East Bay Express).
Los Angeles. The Beauty of the Long Day: An In-Person Terence Davies Tribute happens Sunday and Monday at the Aero Theater and Doug Cummings has a preview in the La Weekly.
Seattle. In the Stranger, Charles Mudede argues (briefly) that the Dreileben trilogy, Christian Petzold's Beats Being Dead,...
- 3/8/2012
- MUBI
I have this theory that all movie criticism is complete bulls**t. Yes, I know that's an ironic position for a movie critic to take, but hear me out.
I believe that on some deep, emotional level, each of us either responds to a particular movie or we don't, and then after the fact, we come up with intellectual "reasons" to explain why we liked it (or didn't). But our "reasons" are all completely arbitrary, because we're never consistent in how we apply our standards. In the end, whether we "like" a movie is all about something we're not even aware of, something much deeper than intellect.
Case in point: the new fringe musical Fruit Fly, filmed and set in San Francisco and written and directed by H.P. Mendoza, who also wrote all the music. Mendoza previously wrote the songs and the screenplay for the 2007 cult classic, Colma: The Musical.
I believe that on some deep, emotional level, each of us either responds to a particular movie or we don't, and then after the fact, we come up with intellectual "reasons" to explain why we liked it (or didn't). But our "reasons" are all completely arbitrary, because we're never consistent in how we apply our standards. In the end, whether we "like" a movie is all about something we're not even aware of, something much deeper than intellect.
Case in point: the new fringe musical Fruit Fly, filmed and set in San Francisco and written and directed by H.P. Mendoza, who also wrote all the music. Mendoza previously wrote the songs and the screenplay for the 2007 cult classic, Colma: The Musical.
- 9/13/2010
- by Brent Hartinger
- The Backlot
Editor’S Note: This is part of a collection of interviews with the filmmakers from Outfest 2009’s “Four In Focus” selection, which features work from four first time directors Fruit Fly, directed by H.P. Mendoza As described by the festival: “The creator of ‘Colma: The Musical’ returns with another tuneful tale from the Bay Area. Filipina performance artist Bethesda moves into an art commune to search for her long-missing biological mother. Along …...
- 7/13/2009
- indieWIRE - People
Directors Arthur Dong, Jay Duplass, Mark Duplass, Chris Eska, Clark Gregg, Davis Guggenheim and Freida Lee Mock are among the participants in Film Independent's fourth annual Filmmaker Forum, which will be held Sept. 26-28 at the Directors Guild of America in Los Angeles.
Producer Ted Hope will deliver this year's keynote address at the three-day event, which focusses on the latest developments in independent filmmaking.
The forum will kick off on Sept. 26 with a screening of Rian Anderson's "The Brothers Bloom," followed by a Q&A with producer Ram Bergman and other members of the creative team and a reception in the DGA atrium.
On Sept. 27 and 28, panel discussions will be held on such topics as "Finding the Financial Sweet Spot"; "What's Up Doc?"; "The Micro Budget Film as a Calling Card; New Tools for Audience Building; The Cost of Cutting Corners: Production Dos and Don'ts"; "Keeping Your Documentary on...
Producer Ted Hope will deliver this year's keynote address at the three-day event, which focusses on the latest developments in independent filmmaking.
The forum will kick off on Sept. 26 with a screening of Rian Anderson's "The Brothers Bloom," followed by a Q&A with producer Ram Bergman and other members of the creative team and a reception in the DGA atrium.
On Sept. 27 and 28, panel discussions will be held on such topics as "Finding the Financial Sweet Spot"; "What's Up Doc?"; "The Micro Budget Film as a Calling Card; New Tools for Audience Building; The Cost of Cutting Corners: Production Dos and Don'ts"; "Keeping Your Documentary on...
- 9/18/2008
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
- The San Francisco Film Critics’ Circle voted pretty much in agreeance with every other critic societies in major U.S cities the the exception of their pick for Best Film which went to Andrew Dominik’s The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford a picture that Warner Bros didn't even bother promoting the feature film in my neck of the woods. Casey Affleck who had been getting mentions for his perf in Gone Baby Gone was acknowledged her for supporting actor in his man who shot Jesse James performance. Tamara Jenkins continues to get votes for her original screenplay with “The Savages” and the critics from local Bay Area publications awarded two distinct prizes, the The Marlon Riggs prize -- named after the late gay African-American filmmaker to honor “courage and innovation” by a Bay Area artist -- was bestowed upon Lynn Hershman-Leeson. Her latest feature,
- 12/11/2007
- IONCINEMA.com
Roadside Attractions
SAN FRANCISCO -- Colma, a suburb south of the city best known for its ubiquitous cemeteries, ever-present fog and the end of the subway line, is the improbable setting for San Francisco filmmakers Richard Wong and H.P. Mendoza's exuberant, wistful, coming-of-age musical, Colma: The Musical. Made for a song ($15,000, though it looks appreciably more expensive) and a little rough around the edges, this likable movie is filled with adolescent angst, youthful energy and hope.
Fresher and more original than bloated Hollywood musical fiascos like Rent, "Colma's" fine singing, sweet harmonies and snappy, sometimes poignant pop tunes and lyrics by Mendoza -- who also wrote the screenplay -- are set to an immensely appealing rock score that, once heard, is difficult to get out of your head.
The film, whose "what will I do when I leave home" theme should resonate with young audiences, has generated local interest. Even if that excitement extends beyond the Bay Area, boxoffice likely will be modest. After its June 22 debut here, the film moves to New York today and Los Angeles in August.
The brisk, five-chapter narrative opens with an ode to the dubious virtues of Colma, sung by three high school friends who have just graduated and find themselves on the cusp of adulthood: Rodel (Mendoza), a troubled gay teen and blossoming artiste, whose sexuality is unacceptable to his parents; Billy (Jake Moreno), an aspiring thespian and a clod in the relationship department; and the carnal Maribel (L.A. Renigen, making the most of a flashy role and a rich voice), who has a bit of the felon in her but, despite tough talk, won't make it out of the neighborhood.
In song and seen on split screen or together as they move through their daily lives, the characters obsess about an uncertain future, fret about the inadequate present and yearn for something more that possibly awaits them in the wider world. Colma is set during a time in life when parents are seen as obstacles, especially if you're still living at home, and major preoccupations, aside from pervasive anxiety, are partying and whether or not you're cool enough.
Wong, in a sure-handed, promising directing debut -- he also edited and produced -- has shot a remarkably stylish movie given his budget constraints and elicited spirited performances. The actors are more expressive though when singing than reciting the amateurish dialogue, which occasionally is marred by gratuitous crudity.
SAN FRANCISCO -- Colma, a suburb south of the city best known for its ubiquitous cemeteries, ever-present fog and the end of the subway line, is the improbable setting for San Francisco filmmakers Richard Wong and H.P. Mendoza's exuberant, wistful, coming-of-age musical, Colma: The Musical. Made for a song ($15,000, though it looks appreciably more expensive) and a little rough around the edges, this likable movie is filled with adolescent angst, youthful energy and hope.
Fresher and more original than bloated Hollywood musical fiascos like Rent, "Colma's" fine singing, sweet harmonies and snappy, sometimes poignant pop tunes and lyrics by Mendoza -- who also wrote the screenplay -- are set to an immensely appealing rock score that, once heard, is difficult to get out of your head.
The film, whose "what will I do when I leave home" theme should resonate with young audiences, has generated local interest. Even if that excitement extends beyond the Bay Area, boxoffice likely will be modest. After its June 22 debut here, the film moves to New York today and Los Angeles in August.
The brisk, five-chapter narrative opens with an ode to the dubious virtues of Colma, sung by three high school friends who have just graduated and find themselves on the cusp of adulthood: Rodel (Mendoza), a troubled gay teen and blossoming artiste, whose sexuality is unacceptable to his parents; Billy (Jake Moreno), an aspiring thespian and a clod in the relationship department; and the carnal Maribel (L.A. Renigen, making the most of a flashy role and a rich voice), who has a bit of the felon in her but, despite tough talk, won't make it out of the neighborhood.
In song and seen on split screen or together as they move through their daily lives, the characters obsess about an uncertain future, fret about the inadequate present and yearn for something more that possibly awaits them in the wider world. Colma is set during a time in life when parents are seen as obstacles, especially if you're still living at home, and major preoccupations, aside from pervasive anxiety, are partying and whether or not you're cool enough.
Wong, in a sure-handed, promising directing debut -- he also edited and produced -- has shot a remarkably stylish movie given his budget constraints and elicited spirited performances. The actors are more expressive though when singing than reciting the amateurish dialogue, which occasionally is marred by gratuitous crudity.
- 7/10/2007
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
NEW YORK -- Roadside Attractions has nabbed all worldwide rights to the irreverent indie Colma: The Musical.
Richard Wong's first feature follows three rebellious high school grads on a voyage of self discovery in Colma, the San Francisco suburb known for its many cemeteries. The gloomy environment provides the backdrop for more than a dozen musical numbers shot in digital video.
"That someone can go out and make an accomplished, full-blown musical on their own is a giant evolution in independent film," said Roadside co-president Eric d'Arbeloff. The distributor plans a domestic theatrical release of Colma this summer.
Colma earned an IFP Gotham Award nomination for "Best Film Not Playing at a Theater Near You" last fall and an Independent Spirit Award Someone to Watch nom for Wong earlier this year. The film won special jury prizes during its debut at the San Francisco International Asian-American Film Festival and at the Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival.
Wong co-wrote the project with H.P.
Richard Wong's first feature follows three rebellious high school grads on a voyage of self discovery in Colma, the San Francisco suburb known for its many cemeteries. The gloomy environment provides the backdrop for more than a dozen musical numbers shot in digital video.
"That someone can go out and make an accomplished, full-blown musical on their own is a giant evolution in independent film," said Roadside co-president Eric d'Arbeloff. The distributor plans a domestic theatrical release of Colma this summer.
Colma earned an IFP Gotham Award nomination for "Best Film Not Playing at a Theater Near You" last fall and an Independent Spirit Award Someone to Watch nom for Wong earlier this year. The film won special jury prizes during its debut at the San Francisco International Asian-American Film Festival and at the Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival.
Wong co-wrote the project with H.P.
- THINKFilm has not only got a winner on its hands â. but may we dare say - its got the sort of potential that might see it cross into the mainstream golden evening of the award season â. yep the Oscars might not look unattainable as I had first predicted. Given out last night, the Independent Film Project awards were prety much a Half Nelson tribute type of affair - winning in the breakthrough actor, director and picture categories with its closest rival being Alejandro Gonzalez Inarrituâ.s Babel which picked up 2 awards. Note: Rinko Kikuchi (the naked Jap) from Babel and the (always play the same role twice) young Shareeka Epps shared the same award. Filmmaker Amy Bergâ.s Deliver Us from Evil - a doc that unfortunately in my area spent very little time in theatres around my neighborhood lost out to the little seen Iraq in Fragments by James Longley.
- 11/30/2006
- IONCINEMA.com
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