TaiwaneseAmerican.org is proud to present a future star in our Taiwanese American community, Crystal Chiu! We take a moment to ask this talented young actress some questions about her role in Tze Chun’s critically acclaimed film “Children of Invention.” Also want to know what her favorite Taiwanese food is? Then, take a peek! She’s adorable, well-spoken, and definitely has a bright shining future ahead!
“Children of Invention” will have its New York and Los Angeles theatrical premiere on Friday, March 12th. The film will run as an exclusive one-week engagement at the BIG Cinemas Manhattan (ImaginAsian Theater) in New York, and the Downtown Independent in Los Angeles. The filmmakers have gained notoriety for their DIY distribution strategy, and continue to rely on grassroots and community support to spread the word about the film.
“Children of Invention” tells the story of two young children living outside Boston who are left to fend for themselves when their mother gets embroiled in a pyramid scheme and disappears. The film premiered at the 2009 Sundance Film Festival, screened at over 45 film festivals, and won 15 festival awards including: Grand Jury Prizes at the 2009 Newport International Film Festival, Independent Film Festival Boston, Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival, San Diego Asian Film Festival, and Ojai-Ventura Film Festival. Variety said the film is “Urgent, artful…austerely poetic,” and the Film Society of Lincoln Center said it is “As close to cinematic purity as one is likely to see this year.”
One of the two breakout child stars of the film is Crystal Chiu, who made her acting debut in the film and turned eight during production. Crystal’s parents both immigrated from Taiwan to New Jersey. Critics have called Crystal’s performance in “Children of Invention” “unexpectedly luminous,” “pure, authentically naturalistic,” “beautifully-detailed,” “skillful,” “wonderful,” “amazing,” “gifted,” and “heartbreaking.” Crystal also recently appeared alongside Michelle Obama in the 40th season premiere of “Sesame Street.” In addition to being a skilled actor, Crystal is also an accomplished pianist, winning many regional competitions and playing at Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center. She is also very active in Chinese School, and has won several Chinese speech and word recognition contests.
For more information about Crystal and the film or to purchase tickets or a collector’s edition DVD, go to
http://www.childrenofinvention.com
Read more reviews here:
http://childrenofinvention.com/press.htm
For screening information, visit the Facebook group:
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=33164328971
VIEW TRAILER:
Go Crystal!! Loved you in the film!!
I want to see this so badly! I keep missing the showings in Boston, maybe I can catch it in LA next week!