The latest documentary from celebrated filmmaker Steve James (Hoop Dreams, The Interrupters, Life Itself), ABACUS: SMALL ENOUGH TO JAIL has been extended at the IFC Center, 323 Avenue of the Americas through June 1st, and can also be seen at BAM Rose Cinemas. Buy tickets to see Abacus at BAM Rose Cinemas here.
ABACUS: SMALL ENOUGH TO JAIL tells the incredible saga of the Chinese immigrant Sung family, owners of Abacus Federal Savings of Chinatown, New York. Accused of mortgage fraud by Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus R. Vance, Jr., Abacus becomes the only U.S. bank to face criminal charges in the wake of the 2008 financial crisis. The indictment and subsequent trial forces Thomas Sung and his formidable daughters to defend themselves—and their bank’s legacy in the Chinatown community—over the course of a five-year legal battle. Tracking the many twists and turns of the case, Oscar-nominated James creates a moving portrait of a family, a community, and a way of life.
On May 21st, reporter Ti-Hua Chang moderated a Q & A featuring Vera Sung, Jill Sung, Chanterelle Sung and producer Mark Mitten.
In-person screenings at the IFC Center
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Sat May 27:Q&A with Chanterelle Sung and Jill Sung at 7:30pm show, moderated by Judy Lei, Director Asian Cinevision Film Festival!
SHOWTIMES at IFC Center
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Sat, May 27 at:
- 10:45 AM
- 12:35 PM
- 3:10 PM
- 5:20 PM
- 7:30 PM
- 9:35 PM
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Sun, May 28 at:
- 10:45 AM
- 12:35 PM
- 3:10 PM
- 5:20 PM
- 7:30 PM
- 9:35 PM
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Mon, May 29 at:
- 10:45 AM
- 12:35 PM
- 3:10 PM
- 5:20 PM
- 7:30 PM
- 9:35 PM
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Tue, May 30 at:
- 12:35 PM
- 3:10 PM
- 5:15 PM
- 7:30 PM
- 9:35 PM
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Wed, May 31 at:
- 10:45 AM
- 12:35 PM
- 3:10 PM
- 5:15 PM
- 7:30 PM
- 9:35 PM
Find out when Abacus comes to a theater near you at www.abacusmovie.com/events.
Press for ABACUS:
“Crowd-pleasing…A classic underdog tale.”– The New York Times
“The craft on display in Steve James’ new film Abacus: Small Enough to Jail is so sturdy and comforting that the experience of watching it almost feels like a hug.” –Reverse Shot
“A compelling non-fiction thriller. It should engross most viewers, even those who’ve resisted learning what a subprime mortgage is.” –NPR
“James’ spins a fascinating and complex web.” –Village Voice
“A stunning David-and-Goliath epic.” –Film Journal International
“**** A legal thriller and a warm family comedy.” –Time Out New York
“One of the great documentaries of recent years.” – Movie City News
Click here for the Lia Chang Articles Archive and here for the Lia Chang Photography Website.
Lia Chang is an actor, a multi-media content producer and co-founder of Bev’s Girl Films, making films that foster inclusion and diversity on both sides of the camera. Bev’s Girl Films’ debut short film, Hide and Seek was a top ten film in the Asian American Film Lab’s 2015 72 Hour Shootout Filmmaking Competition, and she received a Best Actress nomination. BGF collaborates with and produces multi-media content for artists, actors, designers, theatrical productions, composers, musicians and corporations. Lia is also an internationally published and exhibited photographer, a multi-platform journalist, and a publicist. Lia has appeared in the films Wolf, New Jack City, A Kiss Before Dying, King of New York, Big Trouble in Little China, The Last Dragon, Taxman and Hide and Seek. She is profiled in Jade Magazine and Playbill.com.
Backstage Pass with Lia Chang 