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03 Nov 15 QUESTIONS & ANSWERS WITH DAVID AU
15 Questions and 15 Answers (in 15 words or less) with Director David Au about his feature film, EAT WITH ME by Lee Ann Kim
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LEE ANN KIM: HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR FILM TO A STRANGER?
DAVID AU: Foodie dramedy about Emma who escapes her marriage and crashes with her estranged gay son.
KIM: IS THE STORY OR ANY OF THE CHARACTERS IN EAT WITH ME BASED ON REAL LIFE?
AU: The first scene of the film was based on my parents. I elaborated from there.
KIM: YOU’VE WORKED WITH SHARON OMI, WHO PLAYS THE MOTHER, FOR MORE THAN A DECADE IN A PREVIOUS FILM AS WELL. WHAT’S YOUR CONNECTION WITH HER, AND DID YOU WRITE THE ROLE SPECIFICALLY FOR HER?
AU: Sharon auditioned for my short “Fresh Like Strawberries” and she became Emma ever since
KIM: I’M CURIOUS TO KNOW IF YOUR PARENTS HAVE SEEN THIS FILM AND IF SO THEIR REACTION?
AU: They enjoyed it, but my mom’s first response was, “why was there so much sex?”
KIM: KUDOS FOR GETTING GEORGE TAKEI TO PLAY A ROLE. ANY INTERESTING STORY ON HOW YOU GOT HIM?
AU: My producer Joyce bumped into George at a play and immediately pitched it to him.
KIM: WHO DID YOU ENVISION WOULD BE THE AUDIENCE FOR EAT WITH ME?
AU: People who has a relationship with their moms, foodies, Asian Americans, LGBT communities and allies.
KIM: AND LIKE TITLE SUGGESTS, SHOULDN’T WATCH THIS ON AN EMPTY STOMACH. ARE YOU A FOODIE?
AU: Yes indeed. I love trying new restaurants and food trucks wherever I can find.
KIM: ARE YOU MORE OF A NOODLES OR RICE PERSON?
AU: Definitely noodle person, it goes with the dumpling territory.
KIM: WHAT’S YOUR GO-TO LATE NIGHT SNACK?
AU: Tacos if I can get to my favorite truck, otherwise, instant ramen would do.
KIM: FAVORITE SCENE IN THE MOVIE?
AU: When Emma goes home to visit her estranged husband, it was subtle and heartbreaking.
KIM: BEST PART OF BEING A FILMMAKER?
AU: To collaborate with talented actors and crew to bring a script into a moving picture.
KIM: WORST PART OF BEING A FILMMAKER?
AU: To find ways to pay bills and raise funding for the films.
KIM: ANY GUILTY PLEASURES THAT YOU’RE WILLING TO SHARE?
AU: It was hard for everyone to control themselves from eating the props before shooting.
KIM: IF YOU COULD DIRECT ANY ACTOR IN THE WORLD, WHO WOULD THAT BE AND WHY?
AU: Maggie Cheung. I get goose bumps every time I watch “In the Mood For Love,”
KIM: WHAT DO YOU LOOK FORWARD TO MOST AT THE SAN DIEGO ASIAN FILM FESTIVAL?
AU: The whole team is very excited to meet other filmmakers and all the festival staff.
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PHOTO FROM EAT WITH ME (DAVID AU NOT PICTURED)
You can watch EAT WITH ME and meet David Au in person at the Mission Valley UltraStar on Friday, November 8 @ 7PM. For tickets or more info, click here