“Almost Perfect” director Bertha Bay-Sa Pan with Kelly Hu and Tina Chen | Photo © Heidi Chang

When I walked into the reception for American Immigrant Filmmakers, the first person I met was actress, Tina Chen, who was born in China, but moved to the U.S. as a young girl. Along the way, she’s starred in a number of films, including Alice’s Restaurant and the The Hawaiians in 1970, a role that landed her a Golden Globe nomination for Best Supporting Actress.

This time around, Chen plays a mother in Almost Perfect. Hawaii’s own Kelly Hu, plays her daughter in the leading role as as successful career woman in this romantic comedy with a quirky cast of characters as her dysfunctional family. Hu is best known for her roles in the The Scorpion King and X-Men 2.

Watch the trailer for Almost Perfect starring Kelly Hu here:

The Vilcek Foundation hosted the reception in the tranquil Garden Terrace at the Halekulani Hotel. The Hawaii International Film Festival is the only film festival that the foundation sponsors to celebrate the work of American Immigrant Filmmakers.

HIFF Programming Director Anderson Le, filmmakers Ian Gamazon, Chris Silber, Nadia Hennrichy and Bertha Bay-Sa Pan and The Vilcek Foundation Executive Director Rick Kinsel | Photo © Heidi Chang

Following the screening of Almost Perfect, the audience participated in an engaging Q & A session with the film’s director Bertha Bay-Sa Pan and Kelly Hu and Tina Chen.

One of the neat things about the festival is you get to meet a lot of interesting filmmakers, actors and other filmgoers. And it’s always fun to talk story with new people and see some familiar faces, like the legendary musician Eddie Kamae and his wife, Myrna, who I caught up with at The Vilcek Foundation reception. The Kamaes continue to produce culturally enriching films about Hawaii. They say they’re working on a new film about Kalaupapa.

Eddie & Myrna Kamae | Photo © Heidi Chang