Tokyo Pop Revisited | Bridging Japanese and American Independent Cinema

Join us to commemorate the re-release of Fran Kuzui’s iconic 1988 film, "Tokyo Pop," which has been recently digitized by Jane Fonda, Dolly Parton and Carol Burnett. As a tribute to the film and its star, the late Carrie Hamilton, we will host a special screening of a digitized version, followed by a brief Q&A with Director Fran Kuzui. Lovers of cinema and the vibrant culture of Japan will thoroughly enjoy this unique movie experience. This event also aims to shed a light on the captivating aspects of the Japanese culture, history, landscapes, and talent showcased in the production. Experience this unique fusion of Japanese and Hollywood cinema symbolized in the film.

After the program, guests are invited to join a cocktail reception.

Come prepared for a night of nostalgia, music, and captivating storytelling as we explore the allure of Tokyo in the 1980s through Tokyo Pop!

Note: Both the screening (TCL Chinese 6 Theatres) and cocktail reception (JAPAN HOUSE Los Angeles) will be held within Ovation Hollywood within walking distance from each venue. Parking is available at Ovation Hollywood (enter from N. Highland Ave.). More details here.

Bleach-blonde wannabe rocker Wendy (Carrie Hamilton) is disillusioned with her life in New York City. After receiving a postcard from Japan saying “wish you were here,” she spontaneously hops on a plane to Tokyo with dreams of making it big as a singer. Quickly finding herself broke and a fish out of water, she moves into a youth hostel for gaijin (foreigners) and takes up work as a hostess at a karaoke bar. Just when she’s at her breaking point, she meets Hiro (Diamond Yukai), a rock ‘n’ roller whose band is looking for their big break. They form a romantic and musical connection and Hiro convinces Wendy to become their lead singer. Through a combination of hustle and luck, they stumble into their 15 minutes of fame, but Wendy soon comes to realize that being a gaijin rocker may be nothing more than a passing fad. An underseen gem of ‘80s American independent cinema by Fran Rubel Kuzui (Buffy the Vampire Slayer), Tokyo Pop takes us on a breezy tour through bubble-era Tokyo, replete with knowing nods to the city’s vibrant pop culture. (Director: Fran Rubel Kuzui)

Carrie Hamilton (1963-2002) was an actress, singer and playwright who starred in the television show "Fame", the Broadway play "Rent", and the major motion picture "Tokyo Pop". Carrie's talents were not limited to acting. Her powerful voice and experience as a singer opened up numerous acting opportunities including her leading role in Tokyo Pop.

The daughter of comedy legend Carol Burnett and producer Joe Hamilton, and an established actress and singer in her own right, Carrie Hamilton also gained recognition as a screenplay writer, director and playwright. Born on December 5th, 1963 in New York City, Ms. Hamilton was a student of music and acting at Pepperdine University in Malibu, California before becoming an entertainer and filmmaker.

Known for her optimism, Carrie embraced and loved the field of entertainment so much that she ran acting and creativity workshops for friends in her own home. Hollywood watched Carrie as one of the up and coming stars of her time, with many entertainment experts predicting that she was on her way to becoming one of the next big names on screen and television.
In 2001, Hamilton shined as a filmmaker when she won the “Women in Film" Award at the Latino Film Festival, and in 2002 Carrie collaborated with her legendary mother on the play "Hollywood Arms", a stage version of Carol Burnett's best-selling memoir "One More Time". The production sadly premiered shortly after Carrie's life was cut short by cancer at the age of 38. Anaheim University established the Anaheim University Carrie Hamilton Entertainment Institute in Carrie’s honor in 2010.

Carol Burnett, mother of Tokyo Pop star, Carrie Hamilton, is an award-winning American actress, comedian, singer, and writer. The Carol Burnett Show was one of the longest-running variety shows in television history and at the time was one of the only variety shows with a female star. Her exceptional talent and quick wit have made her a beloved figure in the entertainment industry for over six decades.

Throughout her illustrious career, Carol Burnett has amassed a multitude of honors and accolades, including six Primetime Emmy Awards, a Tony Award, a Grammy Award, and seven Golden Globe Awards. In 2005, she was bestowed with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor in the United States, in recognition of her remarkable achievements.

In 2013, she was honored with the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor, an esteemed accolade celebrating individuals who have made significant contributions to American comedy. Furthermore, in 2015, the Screen Actors Guild acknowledged her outstanding career by presenting her with the Life Achievement Award and in 2019, the Golden Globes named an award after her for career achievement in television, the Carol Burnett Award, with Carol receiving the first award. On April 26, 2023, she was honored with an NBC special Carol Burnett: 90 Years of Laughter + Love celebrating her 90th birthday.

Hailing from San Antonio, Texas, Burnett's journey to stardom began in the 1950s when she moved to New York City to pursue a career in acting. She gained recognition for her appearances on various television shows, including "The Garry Moore Show," where her comedic skills and ability to portray a wide range of characters quickly captivated audiences. In 1967, Burnett launched her own highly successful variety series, "The Carol Burnett Show," which became one of the most beloved and longest-running shows in television history. The show, which ran for 11 years, featured a mix of sketch comedy, musical numbers, and memorable characters. Burnett's brilliant comedic timing, improvisational skills, and infectious laughter endeared her to millions of viewers worldwide.

Carol Burnett has also excelled on the stage and in film. She received critical acclaim for her performances in Broadway productions such as "Once Upon a Mattress" and "Moon Over Buffalo," as well as her film roles in "The Four Seasons" and "Annie.”

Her extraordinary talent, versatility, and genuine charm have solidified her as one of the greatest comedic legends of all time, and her legacy will undoubtedly continue to shine brightly for years to come.

Fran Rubel Kuzui has made a home for herself in every conceivable corner of the film world as a director, writer, producer and distributor.

After receiving an MA in film from New York University she was an Associate Producer at PBS and then worked as a Script Supervisor out of New York for over ten years. Fran first entered the spotlight by writing and directing the film Tokyo Pop, one of the hits of the 1988 Cannes Film Festival. She went on to direct Buffy the Vampire Slayer for Twentieth Century Fox, a critical and box office success that generated the popular Fox TV series of the same name, which she packaged and then worked on as an Executive Producer. She was also an Executive Producer on the Buffy spin-off Angel.

For twenty-five years Fran was also Co-President of Kuzui Enterprises with her husband Kaz Kuzui, distributing independent and art films in Japan. Kuzui Enterprises is credited with revolutionizing the marketing and distribution of independent film in Japan. During that time, she and Kaz brought a group of artists, break-dancers and rap singers to Japan and are considered the “Grandparents” of Hip Hop culture in Japan. They later partnered with legendary graffiti artist Keith Haring to open Pop Shop Tokyo and won a Tokyo Chamber of Commerce award for best new store selling his goods.

Continuing her tradition of choosing breakthrough, timely material, Fran produced South Park creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone’s first film, Orgazmo, which screened at the Toronto Film Festival and the Sundance Film Festival. After that she actively developed and financed material as both a producer and executive producer.

Fran has attempted to “retire” several times, but it has never worked out. She was a festival panelist and mentor for the Sundance Institute for many years and continues mentoring young filmmakers in both the United States and Japan. She now works as a journalist and is a contributing writer for Nikkei Asia.

Bob Gruen, who was the official stills photographer for the 1988 film Tokyo Pop, is one of the best-known and respected photographers in the rock and roll industry. By the mid-1970s, he was regarded as one of the most prominent documenters of the music scene. Throughout his career, Bob Gruen has worked with major artists such as John Lennon and Yoko Ono, Tina Turner, the Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin, the Who, Elton John, KISS, Aerosmith, David Bowie, and Alice Cooper. He has also covered emerging new wave and punk bands, including the New York Dolls, Patti Smith, the Clash, the Sex Pistols, the Ramones, and Blondie.

Ava August is a 17-year-old singer/songwriter from Southern California. Ava August achieved international fame after appearing on two nationally televised singing competitions while being the youngest person ever to appear on each show (American Idol and The Voice). She received the Golden Ticket during the American Idol Audition Round and advanced to become a Top Ten Finalist on American Idol. Ava August has performed before sold-out crowds at professional sporting venues in Los Angeles including The Los Angeles Rams, The Lakers, Dodgers, LA Kings, LA Angels and LA Galaxy.

Read more

Read more

Read more