Andrew Ahn and James Schamus Reimagine a Classic at BFI Flare
Directors Andrew Ahn and James Schamus took center stage at a recent “The Makers” event during the BFI Flare, the London LGBTQIA+ Film Festival. Together, they shared insights into their reinterpretation of Ang Lee’s Oscar-nominated 1993 film, The Wedding Banquet, while also reflecting on the evolving societal attitudes towards queer rights globally.
Addressing Global Backlash Against Queer Rights
During the discussion, Ahn expressed his concerns regarding the increasing backlash against queer rights in many regions. “It makes me incredibly anxious,”he stated. “I wish the situation weren’t so fraught. However, I hope this film will serve as a catalyst for community building—encouraging viewers to come together, derive strength from shared experiences, and champion the ideals represented on screen.”He noted the unpredictable nature of societal acceptance, likening it to a pendulum that swings between progress and regression.
The Power of Queer Joy
Schamus echoed Ahn’s sentiments, emphasizing the importance of celebrating queer joy. “The recent Sundance premiere of our film was a testament to that joy,”he remarked, adding, “I hope that audiences at BFI Flare will experience the same. Joy is a superpower and a fundamental part of our fight for visibility and equality.”
A Heartfelt Tribute to Lee’s Original
When discussing their creative approach, both Ahn and Schamus highlighted their profound respect for the original film. Ahn outright stated, “You’re not going to make Ang Lee’s The Wedding Banquet better,”reinforcing their decision to veer away from a traditional remake. Schamus agreed, emphasizing, “It’s a very different film.”
A Personal Connection to the Original Film
Ahn opened up about his emotional connection to the original movie, recounting how he discovered it at the age of eight. “My mother rented it from a video store, unaware it was a queer film,”he reminisced, drawing laughter from the audience. “Watching it as a family was mind-blowing, and little did I know how impactful it would be on my life. It was the first gay film I ever saw, and the fact that it was a gay Asian film told with such humanity shaped my journey as a storyteller.”
Acclaimed Careers of Ahn and Schamus
Ahn, a Korean American filmmaker, has become a notable voice in the portrayal of queer Asian-American experiences, with works such as Spa Night, Driveways, and Fire Island, a modern take on Pride and Prejudice. In addition, he has contributed to popular series like Bridgerton, Genra+ion, and the FX documentary series Pride.
Schamus, a celebrated screenwriter (known for The Ice Storm), producer (Brokeback Mountain), and director (Indignation), co-founded Focus Features and played a significant role in the production of iconic films, including Moonrise Kingdom, Milk, and Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. His recent projects include The Assistant and the Mexican television series Somos.