March 16, 2010 10:30PM EDT

Indie Inspiration: TFF Alum Opens March 19

In a climate where female directors are the exceptions that prove the rule, Asian-American filmmaker Fay Ann Lee is quite the standout. Lee wrote, directed, starred in, produced, and distributed Falling for Grace, winning audiences' hearts and defying Hollywood's expectations in the process. Now, since its successful Tribeca debut in 2006 and an unprecedented, invitation-only 15-city tour, the little indie that could is finally coming home.

Lee, a Broadway actress with both Sondheim and Shakespeare credits to her name, wrote Falling for Grace (originally East Broadway) as a proactive response to the lack of good roles for Asian-American actors. Her script placed in several prestigious competitions, including the Chesterfield Writer's Film Project and the Nicholl Fellowship, at which point Hollywood producers began to show interest.

But they wouldn't buy it unless she changed one thing: the main character's ethnicity, from Asian American to white or Hispanic. Lee decided to preserve her story and her intention by raising the $3 million production budget herself. Four years later, shooting began, with a solid cast attracted by the strength of the screenplay. The finished movie premiered at TFF, where it sold out every showing.

Distributors called for meetings with Lee, and inquired enthusiastically after her next project. Lee, confused, asked if they would pick up the film they had just seen, but again, Hollywood asserted that there wasn't an audience for the "Asian-American element." But Lee believed the reaction at Tribeca was no fluke, and took on yet another role—as distributor.

With the help of a booker, she opened the film in San Francisco, where it did so well that nearby theaters began requesting a release. Through an accelerating cycle of great word-of-mouth and exhibitor request, the film has opened in 15 different cities across the country and abroad. In direct contradiction to Hollywood's predictions, audiences love and relate to the Chinese-American family at Grace's center. They laugh, cry, and applaud at the end. They root for underdog heroine Grace Tang, and they spread the word about the underdog filmmaker.

Falling for Grace opens March 19 at the newly renovated Big Cinemas (formerly ImaginAsian), 239 East 59th Street @ 2nd Avenue. For showtimes, visit Big Cinemas online. There will be Q&As with Lee and some of the cast members at the 4:30 and 7:00 pm showings this weekend.

Visit the official website to see the trailer, photos, and more. Hurrah!