For Immediate Release

Contact: Nicole Griffin, SAM Public Relations
(206) 654-3158; email: PR@SeattleArtMuseum.org

THE GARDNER CENTER FOR ASIAN ART & IDEAS ANNOUNCES WINTER 2010 PROGRAMS

Saturday University Lecture Series: Health, Sex & Women’s Rights in Contemporary Asia

Guilty Pleasures: Popular Films from Asia

SEATTLE, January 25, 2010 – After a very successful and highly attended inaugural season in Fall 2009, the Gardner Center for Asian Arts and Ideas today announces its Winter 2010 series of programs and events. Beginning on January 30, the winter season includes a series of lectures on health, sex and women’s rights in contemporary Asia, and a film series bringing to Seattle four recent, popular Asian movies that deserve to be better known here.

Tickets for either series can be purchased in person at any of SAM’s three sites, by phone at 206.654.3121 or by email at boxoffice@seattleartmuseum.org. More information can be found in the online calendar at seattleartmuseum.org.

SATURDAY UNIVERSITY: HEALTH, SEX AND WOMEN’S RIGHTS IN CONTEMPORARY ASIA
Saturdays, January 30 – February 20, 9:30-11 am
Seattle Asian Art Museum, Volunteer Park

Seattle is home to many exceptional foundations and organizations that are improving lives worldwide. Hear about success stories and challenges in Asia from their leaders and a renowned photographer. Prior to each lecture, participants are invited to a yoga class offered by 8 Limbs Yoga, from 8:30 to 9:15 am, by voluntary donation. Series tickets: SAM members $30, nonmembers $60. Individual lecture tickets: SAM members $10, nonmembers $15. Cosponsored by the World Affairs Council.

January 30 – Women Feed the World: Women’s Land Rights in Asia
Speakers: Renee Giovarelli, Rural Development Institute, and Haven Ley, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

February 6 – Asia: The Frontier in the Battle for Health Equity in the World
Speakers: Tachi Yamada, President of Global Health, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and Chris Elias, President and CEO of PATH

February 13 – In Silence: Maternal Mortality in India
Speakers: Susan Meiselas, Magnum photographer; Sylvia Wolf, Director, Henry Art Gallery, University of Washington; and France Donnay, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

February 20 – Feminization of Labor in Southeast Asia: How Girls Feed Families, Stay Healthy and Cope with Exploitation
Speakers: Therese Caouette, Seattle University expert on migration and trafficking issues in Southeast Asia, and Kate Teela, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

GUILTY PLEASURES: POPULAR FILMS FROM ASIA
Sundays, January 31 – February 21, 1:30 pm
Seattle Asian Art Museum, Volunteer Park

Guilty Pleasures brings great recent films that you may have never heard of but were big hits with Asian communities around the world. An expert on Asian film from the University of Washington will be your tour guide, introducing each film. All are on DVD with English subtitles. Series tickets: SAM members $21, nonmembers $26. Individual tickets: $7 at the door. Cosponsored by the Jackson School of International Studies.

January 31 – Paint It Saffron
(Rang de Basanti), India, 2006, written and directed by Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra (157 mins). Five men playing freedom fighters in a documentary on India’s independence movement become politically active themselves when a death is caused by government corruption. Introduced by Prof. Sudhir Mahadevan.

February 7 – Train Man
(Densha otoko), Japan, 2005, directed by Shosuke Murakami (101 mins). When a nerdy young man helps a woman who was being harassed on a train, he starts dating for the first time ever and goes online for advice. Introduced by Prof. Ted Mack.

February 14 – Milan
Philippines, filmed in Italy, 2004, directed by Olivia Lamasan (135 mins). Set among the Filipino migrant worker community in Italy, this film follows a husband looking for his missing wife who becomes close to a community leader. Introduced by Prof. Francisco Benitez.

February 21 – If You Are the One
(Fei Cheng Wu Rao), China, 2008, directed by Feng Xiaogang (130mins). After a middle-aged man suddenly becomes a millionaire, he advertises online for a partner and meets a series of real characters. Introduced by Prof. James Tweedie.

THE GARDENER CENTER FOR ASIAN ARTS AND IDEAS
In fall 2009, Mimi Gates, Director Emerita of the Seattle Art Museum, launched the Gardner Center for Asian Arts and Ideas. Under the leadership of SAM’s new director Derrick Cartwright, the Gardner Center aims to explore all facets of Asia both past and present, from art and culture; to literature, music and film; to agriculture, health, population control and politics.

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