Whenever I go to the movies nowadays, I�m disappointed to know that the Double Feature is no longer a stand-out attraction among movie-goers. In some respects, it really is a noble idea. Showcase two completely different movies, but perhaps they could be linked together in some subtle but not obvious way. It gives the audience more variety in what they are watching. Two films, when one thinks about it, is just about right. Depending on the length (preferably both shouldn�t be too long), watching two films takes away the stress of only enjoying one but not going overboard with three. Unfortunately, you will hardly find any theaters nowadays officially recognizing the Double Feature, and oftentimes people will have to treat themselves to their own.

I guess that is why I decided to make this next story site feature two stories. Originally, I had planned to make one coherent story, but came to the conclusion it would be too much of a hassle to try and incorporate every idea I had in mind. When the ideas were separated, it came down to two. I wondered, wouldn�t two be too few? However, I was quickly reminded of my frustration with the lack of, if any, double features appearing in the cinema. No one�s going to think about movies while reading them, but I just wanted to make sure everyone knows why I came to this decision. I had two stories that were far too short to stand alone by themselves, yet it wouldn't have made much sense piecing them together. Releasing both as two different stories under one unifying theme was the most logical thing to do. It was to fit perfectly with the idea of helping to recognize the Double Feature more.

And resulting from all this is the latest story site, Donghui La. The theme I decided to go with this time is �continuation of custom�. The two short stories featured in this Double Feature explore this theme. For many around the world, it is difficult to keep tradition in an environment going through constant or even sudden change. For some, it is inevitable their way of life will face future extinction. For others, they have no choice but to adjust accordingly, though reluctantly. It is a really sad theme and nowhere else in the world is this happening more than in Asia, and I particularly dedicated this site to the Kingdom of Bhutan and the ethnic minorities living in China. Throughout time, cultures will die. Others will survive, though barely. No matter what circumstances lie ahead, it is important that the continuation of custom persists so certain tradition will be remembered. This was what I want to get across.

In a changing world, many is lost, especially things people wish to preserve. Much like many traditions around the world, the Double Feature itself is also dying out. Hardly anyone is showing any interest in this almost forgotten form of entertainment, with only very rare exceptions. Even if there is some kind of revival for it, everything just seems too far gone to make any kind of effective comeback. I alone cannot bring it back, and because I am unable to do so through the movies at this time I can at least pay tribute through two stories that explore the theme of things that are slowly disappearing from the world.

-Jan Garcia, February 2007

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