The true nature of humanity has often been explored through Science Fiction films. Academy Award–winning productions such as Ex Machina and Bladerunner confirm that this type of cinema finds a receptive and wide audience both with critics and the public. Filmmakers understand the ability of this genre to allow some distance for audiences to contemplate the ills we face in the future as it relates to the present, perhaps both cautionary and illuminating at the same time. The film Upstream utilizes this tactic with great effectiveness. What it lacks in multimillion dollar CGI, it more than makes up for with an ingenious approach to storytelling. Tackling the social issues of both the rights of women in society and technologies integration, Upstream might possibly be described as a feminist Sci-Fi film. As director and editor of this film, Yintao Gong has crafted something which allows all people to inhabit the experiences of a sex robot who desires to become more human-like. Ms. Gong expresses, “Being a woman is like walking against the stream: the world tries to impose its definition on you, so you have to work harder to fight the force and keep being yourself. This is where Upstream was born. A tale about surpassing definitions and finding one’s true self. A story about love, companionship, and humanity.”

Whether we are conscious of it or not, there are two realities that we all exist within; that of the physical world and also the interpretation of this that our mind filters our experiences down to. Our emotional alchemy establishes moments that are surreal. It’s the potential for film to communicate this concept that attracts and inspires Yintao. With the overturning of Roe vs. Wade in America, the idea of not having control over their own bodies is at the forefront of the minds of women everywhere. Upstream is a perfect story to symbolize this. A sex robot is a personification of the objectification of women. She is a blank canvas and the audience is forced to explore friendship, love, and human complexity from her perspective. Additionally, there is a woman in the story who seems to be very different from the robot but through the journey of confusion, frustration, and ultimately, liberation, we find they have more similarities than we thought.

The editing choices in this film are essential to allowing its intention to be grasped by the audience. Yintao needed to comprehend the most inner state of the robot while also becoming the conduit for the audience, essentially clarifying the message and ensuring its arrival. While that description could apply to any editing challenge, it is profoundly successful in achieving this goal with Upstream. In the scene where authorities arrive at the home of Erin (the human female) and force her and Juno (the sex robot) to the ground while they search it, the decision to show Juno’s view of only the feet of the enforcers subtly communicates a power dynamic that is unquestionable. In another scene where Juno discovers Erin’s diary and reads it, the transitions Yintao creates establishes a correlation between the two females which enables the audience to viscerally feel their similarities. The magnification of emotional impact in the story through the editing is profound. 

Amplifying many of the scenes in the film is the music by Composer Lu Cheng, known for his work on the Primetime Emmy–nominated series The Flash (also a LEO Award Winner and People’s Choice Award nominee). With many ideas in her mind, Yintao discussed the direction of the score with Lu Cheng far in advance. She reveals, “I told Cheng that I wanted the music in this film to change along with Juno’s journey. So in the beginning, when Juno still follows her program and starts to explore the house, the music is curious, but it emphasizes on the repetitive electric sound more than the melody. However, as Juno starts to learn more about emotion and humanity, the music becomes more organic and emotional. This is particularly present in the scene where they have a discussion about a dream of the ocean. I wanted the music to be beautiful and make the audience feel Juno’s developing emotions. Cheng did a great job on that piece, and I love how it works together with the sound design. Another element I wanted to emphasize in the music was repetition. The score in the final beach scene had similar elements with the one when they were talking about the dream. It’s a moment in which the dream becomes reality and they finally embrace love and freedom. I wanted the music to echo with the previous moment and invoke the same feeling.”

Upstream is a film which provokes discussion and the awareness that we are all connected. This film could not have attained such a potent message without Yinato Gong’s masterful guiding hand. She is quite adamant that finishing the film was not the completion of the project for her. When the public has seen it and it prompts them to think and feel more deeply, only then does she feel that her work has finally reached completion. 

By: Sosana Shelah

Kodō Hotel Los Angeles stands as a transcendental sanctuary, a clandestine refuge amid the urban glamor. From the moment the front doors swing open, guests are whisked away to a realm where time stands still, enveloped in an ambience meticulously crafted to soothe the soul. Nestled within the vibrant Los Angeles Arts District, Kodō beckons those who seek solace amidst the chaos – welcoming artists and dreamers to immerse themselves in a Japanese minimalist embrace. 

Steeped in a rich tapestry of history, Kodō’s roots trace back to a bygone era when it stood as a bastion of avant-garde innovation – a relic of the roaring twenties transformed into a haven of serenity. The architectural metamorphosis from a utilitarian fire station to a bastion of tranquility pays homage to the enduring principles of Japanes philosophy, where change is celebrated as an integral part of evolution.

Crafted by the skilled hands of Emi Kitawaki, Kodō’s design is inspired by her traditional yoto roots, infusing the space with timeless elegance that echoes the ancient wisdom of Japanese aesthetics. With a keen eye for detail, Kitawaki envisioned a seamless integration of the hotel and restaurant, weaving together the distinct threads of their identities to create a unified environment that transcends the ordinary.

In collaboration with partner designer Jen Whitaker, Kitwaki traveled down a path to marry the clean lines of Kodō with a touch of masculine sophistication. Whitaker’s expertise in ligature brought harmony to the space, blending the distinct elements into a cohesive whole that exudes an aire of tranquil luxury.

Drawing inspiration from ancient energy flow theory, Kodō’s design reflects a profound understanding of the interplay between form and function. Every element within the space is carefully curated to complement one another, creating a symphony of textures, shapes, and colors that resonate with the enlightenment of the soul.

As nature’s muse graces each room in the hotel, Kodō reflects the profound essence of natural marvels through the carefully chosen names adorning each space. Here, maples leaves pirouette in the gentle breeze that dances through the Momiji room. Lay in Izumi as the secrets of water’s eternal dance murmurs from each corner. Soft moss creeps in the Koke room, as the Sora room invites guests to soar amidst the boundless sky’s embrace. The melody of the Kaze room sings through Los Angeles, echoing the wind’s playful tunes, while the Iwa room stands steadfast, an earthly sentinel against the passage of time. Under Tsuki’s gentle glow, Sumi smolders with the allure of charcoal, while Kage beckons to the depths of shadowy realms. Each name, a sonnet to the room’s essence, painting vivid portraits upon the walls that echo the visitor’s soul. Simple, yet profound, Kodō’s sanctuaries offer solace to weary souls, inviting contemplation and creativity alike. 

Within these walls, guests find respite from the chaos of the city that has birthed hundreds of smaller cities. Some rooms spacious and inviting, others intimate an cozy. Here, amidst the harmonious blend of contemporary design and Japanese tradition, everything stops except for the personal experience every guest embarks on from the moment of entering.

Kodō Los Angeles stands as a radiant beacon, beckoning travelers from across the globe to immerse themselves in a haven of serenity. Here, amidst the embrace of contemporary comfort, guests discover a sanctuary of quiet opulence—a retreat where every moment unfolds as a treasure trove of new experiences.

Step inside and be enveloped in the warmth of Kodō’s embrace, where every corner whispers tales of enchantment and discovery. Within these walls, amidst a treasure trove of memories waiting to be made, guests are invited to bask in the splendor of the moment and forge new pathways of delight.

Rooted, a pop-rock band from Southern California, has released their latest single, “Heart of This Place”. Known for their tantalizing melodies and breathtaking lyrics, the band offers listeners another unforgettable track that invites listeners on a journey through the streets of Los Angeles. Capturing not just the essence of love, friendship, and the magic of the city, its catchy hooks and uplifting yet mournful energy serve as an anthem for anyone who has found not just belonging but understanding in the heart of a bustling city. The song showcases not just a picture of a reunion but also a celebration.

Lead vocalists Genevieve Thai and Maddox Lim deliver storytelling that is reminiscent of both pop and rock music. Its lyrics—some of which include I’m here to stay / don’t go away / reunited, once again / in LA, long as you’re with me—speak of a sense of longing that not only encapsulates the feeling of finding home within a new place, but also another person.

The song’s writer and producer, Bernard Yagee, states that he wrote this song for Rooted “to awaken the younger generation” about the principles and values that are being diluted as the world becomes more chaotic. He claims that these “values” and “what actually really matters” are not just family but strong bonds and togetherness.

Rooted is a five-person indie pop-rock band from the Los Angeles suburbs of the San Gabriel Valley. The Asian-American quintet of high school students have built a following with performances not just as school events and battles of the bands, but carnivals, street fairs, and onstage at the Los Angeles County Fair in Pomona, California, in commemoration of AAPI month.

Vocalist and guitarist Maddox and Genevive Thai are Rooted co-founders; and joined by Eula Johnson on synth and keyboards, bassist Alex Calonzo, and Joshua Sang on the drums, the band has evolved from playing covers by artists such as Harry Styles, Ed Sheeran, and Taylor Swift, but also from the 80s and 90s music that they classify as “older music with a lot of depth and meaning.”

It could be said that the rise of Rooted signifies the increasing awareness of multicultural narratives, with inclusion and representation meant to inspire new generations of creators at the forefront. Their charismatic, authentic, and exhilarating sound makes Rooted a band to watch—not only as they present fresh music with the power to open doors but as they bring a vibrant soundtrack for a future that intends to be more inclusive.

With an energy and an infectious, heartfelt, and even heartbreaking number of lyrics, “Heart of This Place” is sure to become a standout track among Rooted’s already-impressive discography. This track, which many are describing as unforgettable, will surely resonate with listeners worldwide.

Rooted’s new single, “Heart of This Place,” will be released on Friday, May 3, 2024. It can be presaved on Spotify now. You can also keep up with the band on TikTok and Instagram.