Ansh Das's Blog, page 4
April 21, 2013
The KPSK School
On Feb 19, 2013, I visited my ancestral village after 18 years. I was there to meet my grandparents (my dad’s uncle and aunty). They are my idols. They had both taken early retirement from good jobs in cities to settle in the poor village where they have run:
A dispensary for the ill (my grandmother is a doctor)
A cottage industry / training setup, where they train destitute women in different vocations (like making spices, tailoring, etc.) so they can support themselves and their children.
A school for the children (especially those that cannot afford fees).
I cannot think of many people, I personally know, that have devoted their lives to helping others.
I remember going to the village in the early 90′s, when my grandfather introduced me to the children he was tutoring at his home. That picture will stay in my heart for a long time. He was trying to educate them so they could stand up for themselves when the need arose. They are all adults now and I have no idea where they are.
As I moved through one city after another other for schooling and jobs, I and some of my relatives kept track of how things were progressing. We would donate small amounts of money that would go towards supporting the children in the form of books, a computer, a toilet, some repair work of the building, etc.
But this was my first time there after the school was officially registered (in 1999). The Krushna Chandra Shiksha Kendra has 83 students and 8 teachers. My grandfather, who is the Principal, has grown old and frail but insists on supervising day to day activities. It is difficult for him to step back and relax. I think I am like him. 
)
I was sad to see the condition of the school building. A rogue storm, last year, destroyed part of the structure. Instead of proper walls separating the classrooms, they now have screens made from jute bags. Parts of the walls are missing. The roof protects them from the sun but I am not sure whether it will keep them dry during the monsoons.
I want to fix these problems during their summer holidays because once the rains arrive, no construction can take place. I have sent some money to start the work but I know I will need to send more. Some guys from a nearby Rotaract Club have offered help but I know their approval process may take months. We don’t have much time left until it starts raining. Also, they may be able to help only in phases – e.g., build a part of the wall first and then let their superiors verify before the second installment is approved. At this stage, I cannot wait any further and I cannot really expect someone to help run my school. So I am going ahead on my own.
Although I call it mine, I don’t really own the school. It is not my property. The children are not mine. But I want to help give them a better chance in life. I want them to study well and get scholarships from the government (like some of them have done in the past). I want them to learn how to love and help each other. There is a chance that these children may grow up and forget everything an unknown person has done for them. I don’t do what I do for glory. But I want them to inspire them in the same way my grandparents have inspired me.
We can change the world by changing the way we think about others.
- AD
April 17, 2013
KPSK videos
April 6, 2013
Radical Resilience Week Hong Kong
Sunday, April 7, 2013: Collective Deep Breath
Radical Resilience Week launches with a collective deep breath. Advances in the study of neuroscience have clearly shown a link between deep breathing and personal wellbeing and good health.
In recognition of World Health Day and to kick off Radical Resilience Week, TEDxHappyValley organisers and MindUP are encouraging Hong Kongers to stop and take a collective deep breath at precisely 12:00 noon on Sunday, April 7 at Olympic Square in Hong Kong Park.
This action is both simple and powerful. The increased oxygen circulating in the brain lowers levels of cortisol, the stress hormone, and increases the levels of serotonin and dopamine in the body, the things that increase positive feelings. This is a reminder to do something good for your body, and can you imagine a collective de-stressing of Hong Kong?
Monday 8th April: In conversation with Yaron Bob
Yaron is an artist and humanitarian, best known for turning Qassam rockets into metal roses and other inspiring artwork. To see more about Yaron’s work, please visit: www.rocketsintoroses.com/artist.html
Location: Hollywood Hair Salon, 23 / floor, Duddell Street, Central, Hong Kong
Time: 6.30pm – 9.00pm
Cost: $250 includes wine and nibbles
Tuesday 9 th April: Radical Resilience Active Communication Speaker Showcase
Guest Speakers:
*The Honorable Mrs. Anson Chan GBM, GCMG, CBE, JP, former Chief Secretary for Administration, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
*Alex Pattakos, Ph.D., author of the international bestselling book, Prisoners of Our Thoughts
*Elaine Dundon, MBA, author of the acclaimed book, The Seeds of Innovation.
Time: 8:00am – 11:00am
Location: Hong Kong Football Club, 3 Sports Road, Happy Valley, Hong Kong
Cost: $280 includes breakfast and raffle entry. For more information, and to register, please visit http://www.activecommunication.net/showcaseflyer.pdf
Tuesday 9 th April: Feeding Hong Kong Bread Run
Feeding Hong Kong is the only food bank in Hong Kong dedicated to redistributing surplus food to people in need. By providing a bridge between the food industry and the hungry of Hong Kong, we provide a solution that simultaneously cuts food waste and feeds those most in need. The Bread Run engages individual and pairs of volunteers in the nightly collection of surplus fresh bread, across Hong Kong. All bread run donations are redistributed amongst the FHK charity network. To find out more, please visit http://feedinghk.org/bread-run/
Time: 8:00pm – 10:00pm
To register, and select your venue, please visit http://radicalresiliencebrapr9.eventbrite.hk/
Wednesday 10 th April: Resiliency in Children, Parent Conference
This transformative session will explore the search for meaning of children and its affects on:
• Aggression Addiction * Bullying * Mental Health
• Learn how to become a ‘Meaning Mentor’ •Learn to focus on engagement, leadership and responsibility
We welcome parents, teachers, health care professionals and students.
Time: 9.30am – 11.00am
Cost: $200 in advance, $250 on the door
Location: Renaissance College Hong Kong, 5 Hang Ming Street, Ma On Shan (nearest station: Heng On)
Register at http://buildingresilienceinchildren.eventbrite.hk/
Wednesday 10 th April: Hong Kong Green Drinks, “ Anthrocapitalism, the New Business Paradigm”
Guest Speakers: Dr. Alex Pattakos and Dr. Elaine Dundon
Hong Kong Green Drinks is an informal monthly opportunity for anyone interested in CSR, social / environmental justice, sustainable development etc to meet, chat, and network.
To find out more about Green Drinks, and to sign-up, please visit: http://www.meetup.com/Hong-Kong-Green-Drinks/
Location: Bisous, 9/F LKF Tower, 33 Wyndham Street, Hong Kong
Time: 7:30pm – 9:30pm (free entry)
Thursday 11 th April: Our Resilient Oceans’
A special curation of TED themed talks as part of the Hong Kong San Francisco Ocean Film Festival. To find out more, please visit http://www.oceanrecov.org/hong-kong-s...
Location: Agnes B cinema, HK Arts Cinema, 2 Harbour Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong
Time: 7:00pm – 9:00pm
Cost: $80
Tickets: Purchase Here
Thursday 11 th April: General Assembly Fireside Chat: Leading and Innovating with Meaning
How do you ensure you remain competitive as a business, that your employees are engaged and and that you have a positive impact on the communities around you? In today’s economic climate it’s ever more critical that innovation is central to all aspects of an organisation, from its products and services to its dealings with the public. In this intimate fireside chat, Dr Elaine Dundon and Alex Pattakos will share the power of innovation and how to inject this through every aspect of yourbusiness.
Location: The Hive, 21/F, 23 Luard Rd, Wan Chai
Time: 7:00pm – 8.30pm
Cost: $250
Tickets: http://www.eventbrite.com/event/6126234733
All week: Micro-Lane Way Galleries, Tai Hang
Micro-Resilience: Small ways people are creatively changing their world.
A free walking tour of the vibrant lane ways of Tai Hang – art works in themselves, embellished into micro-galleries, that celebrate a uniquely resilient but rapidly changing neighbourhood. Tiny representations in overlooked spaces will feature artists around the world who challenge the way we might react, and shine light on an alternative way of seeing. Participants will be encouraged to explore using torches to investigate crevices, cracks, micro installations that creatively bend and change the rules and perceptions of our world.
Curated by Kat Roma Greer of Rue de la Rocket, and Bruce Foreman of PhotosWithAnEdge
NB: Tours are in English, and are FREE
Sign up at: http://microresilience.eventbrite.com/
Keep up with all the action during the week!
Radical Resilience Week Hong Kong
#RRWHK #radicalresilience #microRR
#TEDxHappyValley @TEDxHappyValley
March 31, 2013
In memory of Leslie Cheung, the legend, the vulnerable and the loved
Sleep has eluded me again as I lie on my bed and wait for it to come back. I wait and I wait until I feel restless. Maybe I should read a bit. So I pick up my iPad and flick to the last chapter of one of our forthcoming books. This one is about Leslie Cheung, the Cantopop superstar who leapt to immortality ten years ago.
That chapter, I know, is about Leslie’s final hours. I know what is going to happen. I know it will hurt but I cannot stop myself from reading it. Leslie was clinically depressed at that time; he had been depressed for some time already. He had made an attempt to kill himself earlier. Everyday was a struggle for him. Correction. Every hour was a struggle for him. People around him felt he would make another attempt and they tried their best to pull him out of the abyss. But in the end he did it, leaving behind a heartbroken partner, a family, many good friends and thousands of fans that loved him more than he would ever know. It brought tears to my eyes. What talent! What following! He could have used it to make thousands happy. His decision, I am sure, didn’t make him happy. He didn’t kill himself because he was thinking only about himself. He did it because he felt there was no way out…because he felt it was easier to give up rather than fight it day after day. Creativity, people think, is related to pain, that the most tortured souls produce the best works. But it doesn’t need to be that way. If you are feeling depressed, reach out to others. I know sometimes we feel nobody can understand us, but it is okay to ask for help if we feel we cannot fight it ourselves. Similarly, if you feel somebody needs help, reach out to them. We are born to help, to share with and to love others. We are one big family. Let us support each other. The worst of problems can be overcome with a little collective compassion.
How can I afford to sleep when there is so much left to do?
This one is to Leslie and to all of us who need strength in the darkest hour. Take my hand. AD loves you.
Pic courtesy lesliepillow.com > Alice.
March 4, 2013
It’s Okay To Be Gay
Benjie has designed this tee shirt to raise money to protect Hong Kong school kids against homophobic bullying. 50% of the total money raised from the sale of this tee shirt will be donated to Mr. Gay Hong Kong’s anti-bullying project – Tongzhi Tsai.
If you would like to support this project, please send an email to place your order. Available in sizes S/M/L/XL, each tee costs only HK$80.
Stocks are limited and so click here to email Benjie. Thank you!
February 21, 2013
The Pantry – The Making of
On 12 February 2013, the third day of the Chinese New Year, we, the Pantry team, had our wrap dinner. The film had already received over 5000 views on YouTube and that was an occasion to cheer.
The Pantry has a history. On 7 November 2012, Hong Kong lawmakers rejected a motion calling for a public consultation on equal rights for Hong Kong’s LGBT (Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender) citizens against discrimination on grounds of sexual orientation.
Although a majority of geographical constituency (GC) members voted in favour (21 for and 8 against with 4 abstentions), the motion was defeated as it failed to gain the support of the functional constituency (FC) legislators (10 for and 17 against with 8 abstentions).
Under Hong Kong’s legislative system, 35 GC legislators and five FC members are elected by the people while the rest of the 30 FC legislators are returned by members who belong to certain business, professional and other interest groups. For a motion to pass, both constituencies need to have over 50% of support. Traditionally, the President does not vote although it is not a constitutional requirement. – fridae.asia
This was a very disappointing move by the legislators (that voted against/abstained), especially since they draw salaries from the coffers towards which LGBT citizens contribute through taxes of various kinds. On top of that, recent public survey results were heavily in favour of an anti-discrimination law, which meant the legislators went against general public opinion. They quoted the Bible, talked about reverse discrimination and even said the timing wasn’t right. This came from a government that claimed to always listen to the public (and yet denied a public consultation). Apparently, the time is never right for anything related to LGBT in this city. While the rest of the first world races away to recognize LGBT equality rights, the government in Hong Kong, Asia’s world city, is determined to drag its citizens back into caves.
We don’t have the money to lobby for equal rights. But we would be lying if we said we don’t have the will to fight against discrimination. We are creative. We are talented. We are determined. We are not here to tell you what to do; we are here to show you why we need protection. We are here to show you what problems we face every single day of our lives. We are doing this because we believe in love and peace. We want to build a bridge between LGBT and non-LGBT citizens so there is awareness, understanding, love and compassion. The Pantry is the first in a series of films that aim to achieve just that. It focuses on workplace discrimination.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J-Ia77VnyLI
The Pantry took 30 days from conception to production. Although we discussed several approaches, we decided to go for the slightly choppy trailer format. It was within our budget and left us with the option to shoot a feature length if we manage to get sponsors in the future. We made a list of real-life stories, drawn from the lives of people we knew. It was quite a challenge to pick the ones we wanted to show; all of them were touching. Over Christmas and New Year holidays, we worked over the script, got in touch with the actors and the crew. We had set the target release date as 15 November 2013, one day before the Chief Executive’s policy address. This meant we had to shoot no later than 05 January 2013, Saturday, when everybody was available. That also allowed us ten days for editing, music, dubbing and packaging.
None of our preferred locations were free on that day. So we went around scouting for office space in Central and booked one that had a good pantry. A pantry is that part of the office where everybody takes a break, where they can drink coffee/tea and make harmless conversation. It is also a place where people discriminate and discuss discrimination.
There were people from different sexual orientations on the Pantry team. Each one of us brought our unique input/talent towards making the film. We discussed ideas, handling, issues and points of view that opened us up to each other and united us into a family—a family that eats together, cares about each other and stands by each other in good times and bad. Isn’t that how a society should be?
January 14, 2013
The Pantry – Mentions
Here is a list of places we have been mentioned.
Fridae
TowleRoad
Accidental Bear
Gay Star News
Pink News
QLinks
Q Bits
The Real Steve Gray
Angie Palmer
Think Progress
i4u
Queerville
Pink Alliance
Turnip Style
The Pantry – The Team
We take immense pride in introducing the team that helped make The Pantry a reality. Almost everybody volunteered their time, talent and touch.
Billy Sy (施標信) as John
Billy graduated from the Central School of Speech and Drama in London with an MA in Advanced Theatre Practice specialized in Performing. Before going to drama school, Billy received a BA (Hon.) in Sociology from University of Nottingham, and was awarded a Distinction for the ACTL Diploma in Musical Theatre Performance by Trinity College. He also received extensive training at RADA and Moscow Arts Theatre School in Russia.
Billy has performed in a wide range of theatre projects – from Fridge to London West End productions; from classical to contemporary and experimental theatre. He has worked with many prestigious and innovative theatre companies in the UK such as The Old Vic, Royal Court Theatre, Yellow Earth Theatre, StoneCrabs Theatre, Experience Vocal Dance Company (London/ New York) etc, as well as being a bi-lingual voice-over artist (English and Cantonese), and assistant director and movement director for various stage productions.
In 2009, Billy returned to Hong Kong to develop his career. His theatre credits in HK include: A Chorus Line by Theatre Space; The Passage Beyond with Actors’ Family (all runs in Hong Kong and abroad); Scrooge: The Musical (1st run, 2009) (English & Cantonese versions) and A Hollow Room with the Hong Kong Repertory Theatre; Animal Farm – The Musical with Theatre Noir (English & Cantonese versions); I Sell Love (1st & 3rd run) with Theatre Lab; cabaret at HK Fringe Club – One Night in Falsettoland in Concert and LISTEN, site-specific solo piece at a book store ‘A Solitude of reading’ produced by HK Dramatists etc.
Sharon Yau (邱瑞雯 ) as Anna
Sharon is a Year 3 student pursuing her MFA in Drama (Drama
and Theatre Education) at the Hong Kong Academy of Performing Arts.
Sharon is a drama educator, theatre director and translator. She has
taught drama/theatre in more than 30 high schools and primary schools
in Hong Kong and directed over 20 plays and musicals in various
schools.
Angie Palmer as June
It’s hard to describe Angie in a short paragraph with the various hats she wears. Besides being the brainchild of the unique and quirky ideas at GR8 Leisure Concept, she is known as the activist for veganism and LGBT community in Hong Kong with her blog From the U.S. to Hong Kong and her involvement in various LGBT events and films. Having been in the performing arts industry since she lived in the U.S., she continues to actively produce films and perform on camera and on stage in Hong Kong. Her latest production includes Love Stalk,which is being submitted to film festivals around the world, and also several theater plays with performances in February, March, and April. You could find more about her on http://www.angiepalmer.me
James Gannaban as Richard
Popularly known as The Hyperactive Gay Boy™, James Gannaban is a celebrity blogger, getting more than 100,000 unique hits a month. He is an immensely gifted performer, a sought after emcee and he saves his best for the most glamorous show in town, the annual competition Mr. Gay Hong Kong, which he founded in 2009. James has also been instrumental in running several fundraisers from helping flood victims in the Philippines to protecting Hong Kong students against homophobic bullying. James also runs a column in the popular Dim Sum Magazine.
Anshuman Das (AD) – Executive Producer
AD is an author, activist, healer and philanthropist. He is the chief dreamer at AD Media and the evil genius behind Mr. Gay Hong Kong. He helped Pink Alliance establish it’s web presence in 2010 and helped create Pink Season, Hong Kong’s LGBT festival in 2011. He is a partner at Typhoon Media publishing house. He is a champion of workplace diversity. The Pantry is his baby.
Sophia Shek
Scottish Born Chinese, Sophia Shek has experiences in the Film and TV industry spanning over a decade working in Europe, Asia and Australia. She graduated from Art School with a Design Degree in Animation then travelled to Hong Kong to her roots to fall passionately in love with producing. She’s been told she is a delight to work with and she produces with an awful lot of heart and passion, just like the way she lives her life. www.sophiashek.com and www.ixiiproductions.com
Gabriel Chan 陳家雋
Born in Hong Kong and raised in perpetual chaos elsewhere, Gabriel has worked on projects ranging from musicals, film scoring and pop song-writing. Classically trained and modernly aware, his work is often stark and cinematic, his background in film a constant undertone.
More on the rest of the team soon!
The Pantry – Film Credits
“The Pantry”
Executive Producer: Anshuman Das (AD)
Director: Prisken Lo
Producer: Sophia Shek
Director of Photography: Nathan Wong
Gaffer: Spade Hung
Music: Gabriel Chan
Make-up & Stylist: Fifi Yee
Soundman: Eric Lau
Writers: Wong Wai and Sam Lit
Editor: Prisken Lo
Lighting Equipment: Color Tran Equipment Rental Company
Subtitles: John Lo
Cast
John: Billy Sy
Anna: Sharon Yau
June: Angie Palmer
Ray: Prisken Lo
Richard: James Gannaban (Special Guest Star)
News Reporter: Connie Ho
Protest Supporters: Ruby Lai
Barry, M.W. Lee
Yvonne Yip
Medeleine Mok
Vincent Chu
Special Thanks to
Mr Gay Hong Kong
Ideas Workshop
Project Second Spring
Don Chow
Helen Lo
The Pantry – Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Short film calls on citizens to break their silence on LGBT discrimination
“The Pantry” highlights workplace discrimination against Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) employees in Hong Kong.
The Pantry is based on true stories drawn from offices around Hong Kong. The film, which is the first in a series from AD Media, aims to raise awareness and hopes to inspire LGBT and LGBT-friendly citizens to break their silence and stand up for human rights.
Hong Kong continues to drag behind competition because the government chooses to ignore recent survey results* and bows before religious extremists instead, thereby denying equality rights to the very people whose taxes it relies on and, on the broader picture, ignoring calls from the United Nations Human Rights Commission to clean up its record.
*Community Business – Almost 80% of the surveyed Hong Kong working population think that LGBT individuals face discrimination or negative treatment.
According to a University of Hong Kong survey that was commissioned by Cyd Ho, nearly 76 per cent of respondents agreed there was discrimination against LGBT people in Hong Kong. More than 60 per cent said there should be legislation in place to protect the rights of homosexuals.
For more details about the film or AD Media, please contact:
AD (English): 9046 2054 ansh@anshdas.com
John (Chinese): 96577741 john@anshdas.com
供即時發佈
致 各 大 報 章 雜 誌 編 輯 先 生、港 聞／經 濟／副 刊 版 採 訪 主 任
短片呼籲全港市民打破沉默 支持性傾向歧視立法短片
《茶水間》反映香港職場對香港男女同性戀、雙性戀及跨性別(LGBT)員工普遍歧視。短片由幾宗真實個案改編，乃AD Media一系列相關題材短片的頭炮，希望籍着短片引起市民關注，及啟發更多LGBT 及LGBT友善市民打破沉默，為人權站出來。
香港競爭力持續下滑，全因政府選擇無視最近民意調查結果*，向宗教極端勢力低頭，從而拒絕令所有納稅人享有平等權利，及在世界層面上，將聯合國人權委員會要求改善人權呼籲置之不理。
*社商賢滙—接近八成受訪在職人士認為LGBT人士面對歧視及負面對待
*立法會議員何秀蘭最近委託港大民研進行的民意調查，有接近76%受訪者同意香港LGBT人士受到歧視，有63.8%的受訪者認為本港應該有法例保障不同性傾向人士免受歧視。
欲索取更多關於短片或製作單位 AD Media 資料，請聯絡：
AD (英語): 9046 2054 ansh@anshdas.com
John (國粵語): 96577741 john@anshdas.com
