Sundance Film Festival 2013

What slump? Jeremy Lin rules at Sundance with crowd-pleasing documentary on his NBA ride

PARK CITY, Utah — Houston Rockets point guard Jeremy Lin is in something of a slump, having been benched in Saturday night's loss to Minnesota — the team's seventh defeat in a row. His numbers thus far this season have been less than impressive: He’s only averaging 12.2 points, 6.1 assists and 3.9 rebounds per game.

But at the Sundance Film Festival, Linsanity continues to rule.

An audience of diverse moviegoers — with many more Asian and African-American faces than at most other Sundance venues this week — laughed, cheered and even cried as director Evan Leong chronicled Lin's amazing story in an 88-minute documentary that had its world premiere at the festival on Sunday. One coach in the audience told the film's producers he can't wait to show the inspirational film to his players.

As most basketball fans know, Lin, the first American-born NBA player of Chinese or Taiwanese descent, had been cut from several teams, including the Rockets, and was on the verge of seeing his major league dreams vanish almost exactly one year ago when he went on a tear.

"To have it turn out like this is a dream for any documentary filmmaker. We kept shooting. We didn't have an ending. Last February gave us an ending."

He led the Knicks to eight wins in his first nine starts, scoring at a amazing rate (25 points and nine assists against the then New Jersey Nets in his first significant action; 38 points against the Los Angeles Lakers and Kobe Bryant, who told reporters beforehand he didn't know who Lin was), and became a worldwide phenomenon.

"To have it turn out like this is a dream for any documentary filmmaker. Just to get into the NBA was a great story; It was amazing he got that far," Leong told the audience in a question-and-answer session. "We kept shooting, but we didn't have an ending. Last February gave us an ending."

But even years before that, Leong thought that Lin made a great story.

Often overlooked

In a sport where there are virtually no players of Asian-American descent, Lin had led his team at Palo Alto High School to the California state championship and excelled on the basketball court at Harvard, which he attended when no Pac-12 university offered him a basketball scholarship.

He was overlooked again in the 2010 NBA Draft, but he was later signed by the Golden State Warriors, in part because the team owner had seen him play basketball against his son in high school.

Leong and producers Chris Chen and Brian Yang first approached Lin about doing a documentary when he was a Harvard student, but he wasn't interested. "He didn't really want the cameras on him. He didn't want to be a reality star," Leong said. "But we persevered and kept talking to him and basically he let us do it."

They reached an agreement to follow Lin when he was with the Warriors with the understanding that if no meaningful story developed, his family would at least have some nice home video.

The documentary traces Lin's childhood in Palo Alto, where he broke Asian stereotypes by failing at piano concerts and excelling in basketball, and emphasizes his hard work, deep religious faith and dedication to the sport throughout his life. (Only 24, he is a rich man, having signed a three-year, $25 million contract with the Rockets after the Knicks refused to match the offer.)

Lin acknowledges racist taunts on the court practically from the time he first started playing basketball, and, at one point in the documentary, says flatly that if he were an African-American player he would not have been overlooked by colleges and NBA scouts. But as a devout Christian, he is remarkably free of any bitterness.

Part of God's plan

He credits his incredible rise, along with injuries and other setbacks that have occurred, as part of God's plan. After outdueling Bryant in the big Knicks win last season, Lin says he was tempted to do some trash talking but thought, "What Would Jesus Do?" when reporters asked if Bryant knew who he was now, and instead humbly said they would have to ask the Lakers star.

Toward the end of the film, in a segment that was shot in his Houston high-rise apartment, Lin said he often learns more about himself during times when things aren't going well. "I have a different perspective. You look at yourself more when you lose," he said.

With a vow, no doubt, to come back stronger.

So perhaps Rockets fans shouldn't give up on Lin just yet.

As for Lin's adjustment to the Bayou City, a speaker during the Q&A — I think it was one of his brothers — says he's doing just fine.

Houston is "a little quieter and a slower pace — and it suits his personality," he said.

Leong added that Lin has seen the movie and "has enjoyed every cut we have shown him. He's quite trusting."

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weekend event planner

Top things to do this weekend in Houston: J.J. Watt comes home, food fests, and more

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Now that Houston is recovering from Beyoncé's big homecoming, we can settle into local entertainment. Look for some cool concerts from OGs Guns N’ Roses, moody tunes from Japanese artist Joji, and local future stars at HSPVA.

Or, feast on two food fests: Chefs for Farmers and the new Chopd & Stewd, which celebrates the West African diaspora and its robust culture and food. Later raise a stein when CityCentre turns into a biergarten.

Enjoy; here are your best bets for the weekend.

Thursday, September 28

Avondale House presents Bingo Bash

Avondale House presents the 4th Annual Bingo Bash, with emcees Briana Conner and Adam Winkler of ABC13. All guests have the chance to win prizes throughout the evening, along with an opportunity to bid on and win auction items. Sponsors will choose their own table themes and dress according to the theme for a chance to win the Best Dressed Table competition. Proceeds will benefit the Avondale House’s four program areas: the day school, adult day program, residential program and supported employment services. 5:30 pm.

Guns N’ Roses in concert

We don’t know about you, but we’re glad Guns N’ Roses are currently on tour with at least some of the original members. That Chinese Democracy-era Guns N’ Roses, when frontman Axl Rose was backed up by some other musicians (including a guy named Buckethead, who wore a KFC bucket on his head), was ridiculous. Rose obviously realized this, which explains why he mended fences with guitarist Slash and bassist Duff McKagan and are now on the road, taking us back to those Appetite for Destruction glory days. 6 pm.

Friends of River Oaks Theatre presents Metropolis

Friends of River Oaks Theatre will host a special screening consisting of new short films made by inspired artists, followed by Fritz Lang’s groundbreaking science fiction epic, accompanied by an original live score by Omar Vincent Al-Bochi. An open call was made for artists to create and submit short films inspired by and using elements from Metropolis, which will be screened at this event. There will be an audience award given to the top film choice on the night of the event. 7:30 pm.

Friday, September 29

The Menil Collection presents "Chryssa & New York" opening day

"Chryssa & New York," the first major survey of artwork by Chryssa in the United States since 1982, is co-organized by the Menil and Dia Art Foundation. The exhibition explores the work of the Greek-born artist, one of the first to incorporate neon into her practice. Her pivotal use of the medium, along with found elements of commercial signage and text, bridged ideas from the pop, conceptual, and minimalist movements. Through Sunday, March 10. 11 am.

Asia Society Texas Center presents Richie Goods and Chien Chien Lu: “Connected”

During the COVID-19 lockdown, jazz/funk bassist Richie Goods and vibraphonist, percussionist, and composer Chien Chien Lu’s conversations about the Black Lives Matter movement and anti-Asian violence inspired them to collaborate on a project to unify people and invoke imagery of love and peace, resulting in the musical arrangements “The Path” (September 2020), “We Three Kings” (November 2020), and “Rain” (December 2021). They will perform selections from Connected, their collaborative jazz album. 7 pm.

Teatrx presents La Vida Es Cortos/Life Is Shorts Festival

Teatrx's annual La Vida Es Cortos festival encapsulates Hispanic Heritage Month by exploring short stories through live theatre and cinema. The festival will showcase a diverse lineup of short films by independent filmmakers from around the U.S. and Latin America. This year, the fest will also provide programming for young audiences by adding La Vida Es Cortitos, two morning performances dedicated to showcasing short plays and films for young audiences ages 5 and up. 7:30 pm (10:30 am, 2:30 & 7:30 pm Saturday; 10:30 am & 2:30 pm Sunday).

Joji in concert

It’s hard to believe that the same guy who was once known as YouTube grossout king Filthy Frank is now one of the most prolific singer-songwriters out there, dropping dark, lo-fi tunes that are essential for any sad-boy playlist. George Kusunoki MIller, who’s better known these days as Japanese music star Joji, has had albums that have topped the Billboard R&B, alternative, and rock albums charts. So, you can expect a very multicultural collection of moody young people when he performs at Toyota Center this weekend. 8 pm.

Saturday, September 30

Chopd & Stewd ‘23

Home to the largest Nigerian and West African population in the U.S., Houston is hosting Chopd & Stewd, the first-of-its-kind culinary festival celebrating the West African diaspora. Houstonians and visitors are welcome to a day of cultural immersion and education, engaging dialogue, gourmet dining, vibrant music, wellness programs and more. This fest pays homage to the far-reaching influences of the West African diaspora, enabling all to retrace their ancestral connections through a day-long series of immersive events and experiences. 9 am.

PXG Houston presents Community Golf Competition

Get ready for the ultimate community golf challenge. Join PXG Houston to watch the U.S. Team take on Europe in Rome and test your skills against fellow U.S. Team fans in a "closest-to-the-pin" competition. Utilizing state-of-the-art Trackman technology, PXG will choose a special hole from the prestigious Marco Simone Golf & Country Club course in Rome, Italy, which is hosting this year's competition. Participants will feel the thrill of playing on the same course as team captain and PXG golfer Zach Johnson. 10 am.

Chefs For Farmers

Chefs For Farmers, Texas’s premier food and wine festival, returns to Houston, offering an extra day to experience the immersive culinary journey. Held both Saturday and Sunday, this all-inclusive tasting event features Houston’s top chefs and culinary personalities serving up curated, locally sourced dishes in their effort to promote and showcase family farms throughout Texas. From immersive activations and live entertainment to wines from the top vineyards and craft cocktails, Chefs For Farmers has something for everyone to experience. 1 pm.

The Manhattan Dolls in concert

Step into the golden age of music as the 1940 Air Terminal Museum celebrates the timeless melodies of the 1930s and 1940s in this remarkable fundraising event. The Manhattan Dolls, a dynamic vocal trio, will take you on a sentimental journey through the iconic music of the era, providing a delightful blend of beautiful ballads and toe-tapping tunes that will transport you back in time. This concert serves as a celebration of the 83rd anniversary of the historic, art deco terminal building that holds Houston’s rich aviation history. 2 and 6 pm.

“Flutter: The Monarch Butterfly Project” at The Houston Botanic Garden

This collab between The Houston Botanic Garden and Open Dance Project celebrates monarch butterflies and their nearly 3,000-mile southern migration, which passes through Texas each fall. Check out three butterfly installations by local sculptor Meredith Tucker and a series of three half-hour, immersive contemporary dance performances from Open Dance Project. The dance performanace also features interactive costumes by Houston-based artist Natasha Bowdin and an accompanying soundscape by sound artist Lynn Lane, director of Transitory Sound and Movement Collective. Saturday and Sunday, 4-7 pm. $10-$15.

Houston Dynamo FC's Hispanic Heritage Night

Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Night and kick it with Houston Dynamo FC when they face off against FC Dallas. Worth the price of admission alone, the first 5,000 fans receive a Luchador mask. Head to Noche Latina Street Fest for the 2023 Cascarita Own Your Block tournament Final. Catch eight Houston teams battle for the ultimate trophy while enjoying the Hustle Town Supporters' annual tailgate party and street soccer. 7:30 pm.

Sunday, October 1

CITYCENTRE Biergarten

The second annual CITYCENTRE Biergarten will be a blend of beer, camaraderie, and football. Every Sunday in October, guests can enjoy savory bites, cold brewskis, or non-alcoholic drinks in the Plaza by placing to-go orders from CITYCENTRE establishments, including Daily Gather, Bella Green, Yi Peng, Yard House, and more. Guests can also stop by The Moran CITYCENTRE tent in the plaza where they can indulge in a curated assortment of Oktoberfest beer and curated wine selections. 11 am.

J.J. Watt's Ring of Honor ceremony: Houston Texans vs. Pittsburgh Steelers

Houston Texans legend J.J. Watt will be the third team member inducted into the Texas' prestigious Ring of Honor. Watt will be on hand doing media appearances and more before kickoff at noon, where he'll serve as Texans Coin Toss Captain — opposite his brother T.J. Watt, the Steelers Coin Toss Captain. Watt will be formally inducted into the Ring of Honor with his family, the McNairs, Andre Johnson, and nearly 90 Texans Legends in attendance for the Legends Homecoming at halftime. Fans can expect free Watt swag, special Watt merch at the team store, and a free Watt pin when they spend $75 or more. Noon (arrive early).

HSPVA Friends presents Kinder HSPVA's MusicFest

Kinder HSPVA's MusicFest has something for music lovers of all ages. Kinder HSPVA's musicians transform the school's downtown block with performances, concerts, recitals, and jam sessions all over campus. Every HSPVA music ensemble will perform, featuring more than 350 performers in over 30 events. There will also be food trucks, including fan-favorite Mr. Sizzles, a pop-up shop by Little Kitchen HTX, frozen treats from Unicorn Snow Cones, and a music scavenger hunt for kids. 12:30 pm.

Houston Grand Opera presents Dance Masterclass & Conversation with Urban Bush Women

Houston Grand Opera and Houston Ballet will host a special afternoon of dance in honor of the HGO world premiere of Intelligence, featuring members of Urban Bush Women, Jawole Willa Jo Zollar’s revolutionary modern dance company. An advanced dance masterclass will be led by Zollar - Intelligence co-creator and director/choreographer, as well as MacArthur Foundation and Gish Prize awardee — while another masterclass will be led by Intelligence associate choreographer Vincent Thomas. 1 pm.

Sundance Film Festival 2013

What slump? Jeremy Lin rules at Sundance with crowd-pleasing documentary on his NBA ride

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weekend event planner

Top things to do this weekend in Houston: J.J. Watt comes home, food fests, and more

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