China- and Netherlands-based sales firm Fortissimo Films has picked up the international rights to new Chinese sports feature film “Wild Punch.” It will launch the film in territories outside mainland China next week at the Cannes Market.
Co-directed by well-established director Yu Lik-wai and Wang Jing (“The Best Is Yet to Come”), “Wild Punch is a sports and action drama about a top mixed martial arts athlete who has passed the peak of his career and faces competition from his young and gifted trainee. Both with something to prove, the two will have to face each other in the ring.
Yu has directed four feature films, including Cannes competition title “Love Will Tear Us Apart” and Venice title “Plastic City.” He is also well-established as a cinematographer who has worked on films including “Still Life,” “A Touch of Sin,” and “Mountains May Depart” by Jia Zhangke, Lou Ye’s “Love...
Co-directed by well-established director Yu Lik-wai and Wang Jing (“The Best Is Yet to Come”), “Wild Punch is a sports and action drama about a top mixed martial arts athlete who has passed the peak of his career and faces competition from his young and gifted trainee. Both with something to prove, the two will have to face each other in the ring.
Yu has directed four feature films, including Cannes competition title “Love Will Tear Us Apart” and Venice title “Plastic City.” He is also well-established as a cinematographer who has worked on films including “Still Life,” “A Touch of Sin,” and “Mountains May Depart” by Jia Zhangke, Lou Ye’s “Love...
- 5/6/2024
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
Directed by Ann Hui and written by Ivy Ho, who actually won a number of awards for her work, “July Rhapsody” presents a portrait of middle life crisis, by additionally including a rather interesting back story that finds its parallels in the present.
July Rhapsody will be screening in Canada and the US starting May 11th, while it will be coming out on home video in September, courtesy of Cheng Cheng Films
Lam and Ching have been married for 20 years and have two sons. While their relationship is smooth, Lam feels that his friends, who have found financial success in the entertainment and business sectors, are more accomplished than him, and their belittling every time they meet does not help. Lam is a teacher of classic Chinese literature at an elite school, and is happy with his job actually, but there is an issue there too. A rather beautiful, smart,...
July Rhapsody will be screening in Canada and the US starting May 11th, while it will be coming out on home video in September, courtesy of Cheng Cheng Films
Lam and Ching have been married for 20 years and have two sons. While their relationship is smooth, Lam feels that his friends, who have found financial success in the entertainment and business sectors, are more accomplished than him, and their belittling every time they meet does not help. Lam is a teacher of classic Chinese literature at an elite school, and is happy with his job actually, but there is an issue there too. A rather beautiful, smart,...
- 4/24/2024
- by Panos Kotzathanasis
- AsianMoviePulse
I was lucky to see the new restoration of July Rhapsody, an oft-forgotten 2002 drama that represents a murderer’s row of Hong Kong cinema: directed by Ann Hui (Boat People), scripted by Ivy Ho (Comrades: Almost a Love Story), and starring Jacky Cheung and, in her final performance, Anita Mui. There’s little reason for the film to toil in obscurity, making essential Cheng Cheng Films’ theatrical release this summer––July 19 at Film Forum, July 26 at LA’s Laemmle Theaters, and expanding elsewhere. Ahead of this, we’re pleased to exclusively debut the restoration’s trailer.
Here’s the synopsis: “Brimming with unspeakable serene beauty, July Rhapsody by Hong Kong director Ann Hui (A Simple Life) and scriptwriter Ivy Ho (Comrades Almost a Love Story) is a profound and soothing tale about how one paddles through life’s chaos as many seemingly eternal inspiration sources of times, like the Yangtze river,...
Here’s the synopsis: “Brimming with unspeakable serene beauty, July Rhapsody by Hong Kong director Ann Hui (A Simple Life) and scriptwriter Ivy Ho (Comrades Almost a Love Story) is a profound and soothing tale about how one paddles through life’s chaos as many seemingly eternal inspiration sources of times, like the Yangtze river,...
- 4/17/2024
- by Nick Newman
- The Film Stage
In 1995, Hou Hsiao-hsien directed the last of the ”Taiwanese History” trilogy, which was his first film to be chiefly produced by a Japanese production company, Team Okuyama, although some Taiwanese companies also contributed. “Good Men, Good Women” won the Golden Deer for Best Director from the Changchun Film Festival, which was the first Chinese festival to accept entries from Hong Kong and Taiwan. Furthermore, the movie netted awards for Best Director, Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Sound Recording from Golden Horse and was screened in Cannes in the competition section, among numerous other festivals around the world.
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The film is based on the autobiography by Chiang Bi-yu. The complex script unfolds in three intermingling axes. In today's Taipei, Ching Liang, is a young actress preparing to shoot a movie (sharing a title with the actual movie), in which she plays Chiang Bi-yu,...
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The film is based on the autobiography by Chiang Bi-yu. The complex script unfolds in three intermingling axes. In today's Taipei, Ching Liang, is a young actress preparing to shoot a movie (sharing a title with the actual movie), in which she plays Chiang Bi-yu,...
- 4/1/2024
- by Panos Kotzathanasis
- AsianMoviePulse
Today, Asian Pop-Up Cinema announced the full lineup of films and programs included in its 18th edition, running March 20 – April 21, 2024. Each week throughout the festival is dedicated to works from a different region, with films screened in person on weekends at AMC Newcity 14 (1500 N. Clybourn Ave.) and available via streaming on weekdays. This year’s festival also features an inaugural partnership with Northwestern University, Asian Pop-Up Cinema at the Block Museum, featuring special screenings and guest lecturers. Screening schedules and tickets are available now at www.asianpopupcinema.org.
The 18th season of Asian Pop-Up Cinema opens on March 20, 2024, with the Chicago Premiere of Charles-Olivier Michaud’s Ru, the story of a young Vietnamese girl adapting to life in Quebec and featuring an in-person appearance from lead actor Jean Bui. Closing Night features the Midwest Premiere of We Are Family, following the founder of a rent-a-family business navigating personal and professional conflicts,...
The 18th season of Asian Pop-Up Cinema opens on March 20, 2024, with the Chicago Premiere of Charles-Olivier Michaud’s Ru, the story of a young Vietnamese girl adapting to life in Quebec and featuring an in-person appearance from lead actor Jean Bui. Closing Night features the Midwest Premiere of We Are Family, following the founder of a rent-a-family business navigating personal and professional conflicts,...
- 3/9/2024
- by Rouven Linnarz
- AsianMoviePulse
Upping The Ante
France’s Canal+ Group said that it has increased its stake in multi-territory Asian streaming platform Viu to 30%.
“This additional investment underlines the confidence that Canal+ has in Viu and its teams. It also highlights the determination of Canal+ to make Asia its next growth vector, through its strategic partnership with Pccw, and through an acceleration of growth at Viu, a premium streaming service present in Asia, the Middle East and South Asfrica,” the French group said in a statement. Additionally, it said that its investment in Viu now amounted to some $300 million and that it retains an option to increase its stake to 50%.
In June last year, Canal+ announced that it was to pay $200 million for an initial 26.1% stake in Viu and that it would make a total staggered investment of $300 million.
In results published on Friday, Pccw said: “Viu saw 27% growth in revenue in2023 […] propelled...
France’s Canal+ Group said that it has increased its stake in multi-territory Asian streaming platform Viu to 30%.
“This additional investment underlines the confidence that Canal+ has in Viu and its teams. It also highlights the determination of Canal+ to make Asia its next growth vector, through its strategic partnership with Pccw, and through an acceleration of growth at Viu, a premium streaming service present in Asia, the Middle East and South Asfrica,” the French group said in a statement. Additionally, it said that its investment in Viu now amounted to some $300 million and that it retains an option to increase its stake to 50%.
In June last year, Canal+ announced that it was to pay $200 million for an initial 26.1% stake in Viu and that it would make a total staggered investment of $300 million.
In results published on Friday, Pccw said: “Viu saw 27% growth in revenue in2023 […] propelled...
- 2/26/2024
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
After two weeks of new cinema, the Berlin Film Festival comes to a close this Sunday, February 25, with its annual awards ceremony. This year’s event marks one of change, as festival artistic director Carlo Chatrian, at his post since 2018, steps down to make way for Tricia Tuttle, who will take over for next year’s outing.
This year’s Berlinale has already stirred plenty of buzz for films like Alonso Ruizpalacios’s “La Cocina,” a drama set in a New York City kitchen and starring Rooney Mara, and Tim Mielants’ opener “Small Things Like These,” starring likely Oscar winner Cillian Murphy. Both films are eligible for awards, along with “Timbuktu” director Abderrahmane Sissako’s “Black Tea,” “Goodnight Mommy” filmmakers Veronika Franz and Severin Fiala’s “The Devil’s Bath,” “The Guilty” director Gustav Möller’s “Sons,” Olivier Assayas’ “Suspended Time,” plus Aaron Schimberg’s Sundance hit “A Different Man,” and many more.
This year’s Berlinale has already stirred plenty of buzz for films like Alonso Ruizpalacios’s “La Cocina,” a drama set in a New York City kitchen and starring Rooney Mara, and Tim Mielants’ opener “Small Things Like These,” starring likely Oscar winner Cillian Murphy. Both films are eligible for awards, along with “Timbuktu” director Abderrahmane Sissako’s “Black Tea,” “Goodnight Mommy” filmmakers Veronika Franz and Severin Fiala’s “The Devil’s Bath,” “The Guilty” director Gustav Möller’s “Sons,” Olivier Assayas’ “Suspended Time,” plus Aaron Schimberg’s Sundance hit “A Different Man,” and many more.
- 2/24/2024
- by Ryan Lattanzio
- Indiewire
The 74th Berlin International Film Festival announced the winners of the fest at the awards ceremony held at the Berlinale Palast on February 24.
20 films competed for the awards in this year’s competition with Lupita Nyong’o heading the International Jury alongside Ann Hui, Christian Petzold, Albert Serra, Jasmine Trinca and Oksana Zabuzhko. The Encounters Jury, Lisandro Alonso, Denis Côté and Tizza Covi choose the winners for Best Film, Best Director and the Special Jury Award.
The Golden Bear for Best Film was awarded to Dahomey by Mati Diop. Emily Watson won The Silver Bear for Best Supporting Performance for her role in Small Things Like These, while Sebastian Stan received The Silver Bear for Best Leading Performance in A Different Man. Nelson Carlo De Los Santos Arias was honored with The Silver Bear for Best Director for his film Pepe, and the Silver Bear Jury Prize went to Bruno Dumont for Empire.
20 films competed for the awards in this year’s competition with Lupita Nyong’o heading the International Jury alongside Ann Hui, Christian Petzold, Albert Serra, Jasmine Trinca and Oksana Zabuzhko. The Encounters Jury, Lisandro Alonso, Denis Côté and Tizza Covi choose the winners for Best Film, Best Director and the Special Jury Award.
The Golden Bear for Best Film was awarded to Dahomey by Mati Diop. Emily Watson won The Silver Bear for Best Supporting Performance for her role in Small Things Like These, while Sebastian Stan received The Silver Bear for Best Leading Performance in A Different Man. Nelson Carlo De Los Santos Arias was honored with The Silver Bear for Best Director for his film Pepe, and the Silver Bear Jury Prize went to Bruno Dumont for Empire.
- 2/22/2024
- by Robert Lang
- Deadline Film + TV
Second and final part of Ann Hui's Tin Shu Wai series, after the rather different “The Way We Are”, “Night and Fog” focuses on a murder suicide in the area in 2004, involving a mainland immigrant, her Hong Kong husband, and their two children. Hui researched the actual event thoroughly, having multiple interviews with survivors of the real-life tragedy, and some of the film's locations are the actual ones.
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Wong Hiu-Ling is a mainland immigrant from Sichuan, who lives with her older husband Lee Sum, and their two daughters, in an apartment in Hong Kong. However, they face financial issues, since Sum lives off government benefits, which is why the woman decides to take a job as a waitress at a local diner, something that enrages her husband however. His toxic personality is revealed quite early in that regard,...
Follow our Ann Hui Project by clicking on the image below
Wong Hiu-Ling is a mainland immigrant from Sichuan, who lives with her older husband Lee Sum, and their two daughters, in an apartment in Hong Kong. However, they face financial issues, since Sum lives off government benefits, which is why the woman decides to take a job as a waitress at a local diner, something that enrages her husband however. His toxic personality is revealed quite early in that regard,...
- 2/18/2024
- by Panos Kotzathanasis
- AsianMoviePulse
Based on a true story, “All About Love” signaled an effort by Ann Hui to focus on the issues bisexuals face in Hong Kong (at the time) through an approach, though, that is quite commercial as the movie unfolds as an ensemble romantic comedy/drama.
Follow the Ann Hui Project by clicking on the image below
Macy is a bisexual solicitor, who is even being shamed by her lesbian friends for her changes in the sex of her partners, while also being pregnant as the storu begins. Soon, she stumbles upon old flame Anita at a pregnancy seminar, with her being in the exact same situation (pregnant and bisexual). The two start bonding again as they narrate to each other how they came to be with child, and soon they rekindle their relationship. What they are doing with their upcoming babies, however, as much as the presence of the “donors...
Follow the Ann Hui Project by clicking on the image below
Macy is a bisexual solicitor, who is even being shamed by her lesbian friends for her changes in the sex of her partners, while also being pregnant as the storu begins. Soon, she stumbles upon old flame Anita at a pregnancy seminar, with her being in the exact same situation (pregnant and bisexual). The two start bonding again as they narrate to each other how they came to be with child, and soon they rekindle their relationship. What they are doing with their upcoming babies, however, as much as the presence of the “donors...
- 2/18/2024
- by Panos Kotzathanasis
- AsianMoviePulse
The Berlin Film Festival officially kicked off Thursday evening with an eventful opening ceremony at the Berlinale Palast theater in the German capital.
After a divisive build-up to the fest, the opening ceremony was, in contrast, a relatively conventional affair. High-profile attendees included veteran German filmmakers Wim Wenders and Fatih Akin, Phantom Thread actress Vicky Krieps, and international jury president Lupita Nyong’o alongside her fellow jury members Brady Corbet, Ann Hui, Christian Petzold, Albert Serra, Jasmine Trinca and Oksana Zabuzhko.
The evening’s opening film was Small Things Like These, starring Cillian Murphy, who was in attendance with producer Matt Damon and co-star Emily Watson. Directed by Tim Mielants (Peaky Blinders), Small Things Like These is the first Irish film to open the Berlinale.
Related: ‘Small Things Like These’ Review: Cillian Murphy Plays A Father In Torment In ’80s-Set Irish Trauma Tale
Before the pic opened, the crowd inside the...
After a divisive build-up to the fest, the opening ceremony was, in contrast, a relatively conventional affair. High-profile attendees included veteran German filmmakers Wim Wenders and Fatih Akin, Phantom Thread actress Vicky Krieps, and international jury president Lupita Nyong’o alongside her fellow jury members Brady Corbet, Ann Hui, Christian Petzold, Albert Serra, Jasmine Trinca and Oksana Zabuzhko.
The evening’s opening film was Small Things Like These, starring Cillian Murphy, who was in attendance with producer Matt Damon and co-star Emily Watson. Directed by Tim Mielants (Peaky Blinders), Small Things Like These is the first Irish film to open the Berlinale.
Related: ‘Small Things Like These’ Review: Cillian Murphy Plays A Father In Torment In ’80s-Set Irish Trauma Tale
Before the pic opened, the crowd inside the...
- 2/15/2024
- by Zac Ntim
- Deadline Film + TV
The build-up to the 74th Berlin Film Festival has been highly politicized, and the international jury press conference Thursday morning was no different.
Lupita Nyong’o presides over the International Competition jury, whose members include American actor and filmmaker Brady Corbet, Hong Kong filmmaker Ann Hui, German director Christian Petzold, Spanish filmmaker Albert Serra, Italian actress Jasmine Trinca and Ukrainian novelist and poet Oksana Zabuzhko.
This wasn’t like most jury press conferences, however, with members drawn into multiple — occasionally testy — discussions about their own political stances on events in Ukraine, Gaza and Germany.
Russia’s war in Ukraine was a central topic, with multiple journalists asking Serra about a 2018 interview in which he supposedly expressed admiration for Vladimir Putin. Serra was asked whether he had changed his mind on Putin since the war:
“I don’t know,” said the director. “This is a political question. Everyone is upset with Russia right now.
Lupita Nyong’o presides over the International Competition jury, whose members include American actor and filmmaker Brady Corbet, Hong Kong filmmaker Ann Hui, German director Christian Petzold, Spanish filmmaker Albert Serra, Italian actress Jasmine Trinca and Ukrainian novelist and poet Oksana Zabuzhko.
This wasn’t like most jury press conferences, however, with members drawn into multiple — occasionally testy — discussions about their own political stances on events in Ukraine, Gaza and Germany.
Russia’s war in Ukraine was a central topic, with multiple journalists asking Serra about a 2018 interview in which he supposedly expressed admiration for Vladimir Putin. Serra was asked whether he had changed his mind on Putin since the war:
“I don’t know,” said the director. “This is a political question. Everyone is upset with Russia right now.
- 2/15/2024
- by Andreas Wiseman and Melanie Goodfellow
- Deadline Film + TV
During a press conference on Thursday, Berlinale jury president Lupita Nyong’o responded to the festival inviting and then disinviting politicians from far-right group AfD to its opening ceremony.
“I’m a foreigner here. I don’t know the ins and outs of the political situation here,” Nyong’o said in response to a question asking if she would have attended the ceremony had the politicians still been invited. “I’m glad I don’t have to answer that question. I’m glad I don’t have to be in that position.”
Jury member Christian Petzold, the German director of “Barbara” and “Phoenix,” had a different perspective.
“I think it’s not a problem to have five persons of the AfD in the audience,” he said. “We are no cowards. If you can’t stand five persons of the AfD as part of the audience, we will lose our fight.”
He later added,...
“I’m a foreigner here. I don’t know the ins and outs of the political situation here,” Nyong’o said in response to a question asking if she would have attended the ceremony had the politicians still been invited. “I’m glad I don’t have to answer that question. I’m glad I don’t have to be in that position.”
Jury member Christian Petzold, the German director of “Barbara” and “Phoenix,” had a different perspective.
“I think it’s not a problem to have five persons of the AfD in the audience,” he said. “We are no cowards. If you can’t stand five persons of the AfD as part of the audience, we will lose our fight.”
He later added,...
- 2/15/2024
- by Ellise Shafer
- Variety Film + TV
The Berlin International Film Festival has confirmed its full juries for the 2024 edition (February 16-24), with Italian actress Jasmine Trinca and German filmmaker Christian Petzold among those joining president Lupita Nyong’o on the main international jury.
Also on the jury are filmmakers Ann Hui (Hong Kong) and Albert Serra (Spain) alongside Ukrainian novelist and poet Oksana Zabuzhko.
The international jury will select the winners of the Golden and Silver Bears from the 20 films playing in Competition.
The three-member jury for the Encounters strand comprises filmmakers Lisandro Alonso (Argentina), Denis Côté (Canada) and Tizza Covi (Italy).
The Encounters jury will choose the winners of best film,...
Also on the jury are filmmakers Ann Hui (Hong Kong) and Albert Serra (Spain) alongside Ukrainian novelist and poet Oksana Zabuzhko.
The international jury will select the winners of the Golden and Silver Bears from the 20 films playing in Competition.
The three-member jury for the Encounters strand comprises filmmakers Lisandro Alonso (Argentina), Denis Côté (Canada) and Tizza Covi (Italy).
The Encounters jury will choose the winners of best film,...
- 2/1/2024
- ScreenDaily
The Berlinale Film Festival has unveiled the jury members for its main International Competition, which will be presided over by Lupita Nyong’o.
The members of the International Jury are American actor and filmmaker Brady Corbet, Hong Kong filmmaker Ann Hui, German director Christian Petzold, Spanish filmmaker Albert Serra, Italian actress Jasmine Trinca, and Ukrainian novelist and poet Oksana Zabuzhko.
Nyong’o’s presidential appointment was announced in December.
The festival also unveiled the three-member jury for its Encounters strand. Lisandro Alonso (Argentina), Denis Côté (Canada), and Tizza Covi (Italy) will pick the competition sidebar’s Best Film, Best Director, and Special Jury award winners.
The 2024 Berlin Film Festival runs Feb 15 – Feb 25. The festival opens with the Cillian Murphy movie Small Things Like These. The film reveals truths about Ireland’s Magdalen laundries – horrific asylums run by Roman Catholic institutions from the 1820s until 1996, ostensibly to reform “fallen young women.” It...
The members of the International Jury are American actor and filmmaker Brady Corbet, Hong Kong filmmaker Ann Hui, German director Christian Petzold, Spanish filmmaker Albert Serra, Italian actress Jasmine Trinca, and Ukrainian novelist and poet Oksana Zabuzhko.
Nyong’o’s presidential appointment was announced in December.
The festival also unveiled the three-member jury for its Encounters strand. Lisandro Alonso (Argentina), Denis Côté (Canada), and Tizza Covi (Italy) will pick the competition sidebar’s Best Film, Best Director, and Special Jury award winners.
The 2024 Berlin Film Festival runs Feb 15 – Feb 25. The festival opens with the Cillian Murphy movie Small Things Like These. The film reveals truths about Ireland’s Magdalen laundries – horrific asylums run by Roman Catholic institutions from the 1820s until 1996, ostensibly to reform “fallen young women.” It...
- 2/1/2024
- by Zac Ntim
- Deadline Film + TV
Berlin has unveiled the international jury for the 74th Berlin International Film Festival, which runs Feb. 15-25.
The 2024 jury will include U.S. director Brady Corbet (Vox Lux), Hong Kong filmmaker Ann Hui (Summer Snow), Berlinale regular Christian Petzold (Afire, Undine), Spanish director Albert Serra (Pacification), Italian actress Jasmine Trinca (The Son’s Room) and the Ukrainian writer Oksana Zabuzhko.
Oscar-winning actress Lupita Nyong’o (12 Years a Slave, Black Panther) will serve as president of the International Jury.
The four-woman, three-man jury will screen the competition titles at this year’s Berlinale and select the winners of the 2024 festival, including the Golden Bear for best film. The winners of the 74th Berlinale will be announced live at a gala ceremony in Berlin on Saturday, Feb. 24.
Petzold is probably the most familiar face for Berlinale audiences. The German director has had 6 films in competition in Berlin, most recently Afire, which won...
The 2024 jury will include U.S. director Brady Corbet (Vox Lux), Hong Kong filmmaker Ann Hui (Summer Snow), Berlinale regular Christian Petzold (Afire, Undine), Spanish director Albert Serra (Pacification), Italian actress Jasmine Trinca (The Son’s Room) and the Ukrainian writer Oksana Zabuzhko.
Oscar-winning actress Lupita Nyong’o (12 Years a Slave, Black Panther) will serve as president of the International Jury.
The four-woman, three-man jury will screen the competition titles at this year’s Berlinale and select the winners of the 2024 festival, including the Golden Bear for best film. The winners of the 74th Berlinale will be announced live at a gala ceremony in Berlin on Saturday, Feb. 24.
Petzold is probably the most familiar face for Berlinale audiences. The German director has had 6 films in competition in Berlin, most recently Afire, which won...
- 2/1/2024
- by Scott Roxborough
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The international jury at the 74th Berlin Film Festival, led by Lupita Nyong’o, will include filmmakers Christian Petzold (Germany) and Ann Hui.
The international jury members also include actor-producer-director Brady Corbet (U.S.), filmmaker Albert Serra (Spain), actor-director Jasmine Trinca (Italy) and writer Oksana Zabuzhko (Ukraine). They will decide who will win the festival’s Golden and the Silver Bears.
The three-member jury that chooses the winners for best film, director and the special jury award at the Berlinale’s Encounters strand is made up of filmmakers Lisandro Alonso (Argentina), Denis Côté (Canada) and Tizza Covi (Italy).
Director and screenwriter Ilker Çatak (Germany), sound artist and researcher Xabier Erkizia (Spain) and director, screenwriter, video artist and lecturer Jennifer Reeder (U.S.) are the international short film jury for the 2024 Berlinale Shorts competition. They will be choosing the winner of the Golden Bear for best short film, the winner of the...
The international jury members also include actor-producer-director Brady Corbet (U.S.), filmmaker Albert Serra (Spain), actor-director Jasmine Trinca (Italy) and writer Oksana Zabuzhko (Ukraine). They will decide who will win the festival’s Golden and the Silver Bears.
The three-member jury that chooses the winners for best film, director and the special jury award at the Berlinale’s Encounters strand is made up of filmmakers Lisandro Alonso (Argentina), Denis Côté (Canada) and Tizza Covi (Italy).
Director and screenwriter Ilker Çatak (Germany), sound artist and researcher Xabier Erkizia (Spain) and director, screenwriter, video artist and lecturer Jennifer Reeder (U.S.) are the international short film jury for the 2024 Berlinale Shorts competition. They will be choosing the winner of the Golden Bear for best short film, the winner of the...
- 2/1/2024
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
The 53rd edition of International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR) will take place from January 25 to February 4, 2024. The full festival programme is available here and official ticket sales will commence on January 12. Here is an overview of the selection of Asian films screening this year at IFFR 2024 (synopses summarised from the IFFR 2024 website):
Harbour Trolley Times
Gurvinder Singh
153′ | India | 2023 | International Premiere
IFFR regular Gurvinder Singh returns to the festival with his first documentary feature “Trolley Times”, an unvarnished grassroots record of the protests that borrows its title from the newspaper printed and distributed at the camping site. The farmers recount their grievances directly to the camera, their words conveying a truth absent from state-aligned mainstream media, their timeworn, dignified faces familiar from Singh's fictional work.
100 Yards
Xu Haofeng, Xu Junfeng
108′ | China | 2023 | European Premiere
The 1920s, Tianjin. Master Shen has passed on, bequeathing his martial arts academy to star apprentice Qi,...
Harbour Trolley Times
Gurvinder Singh
153′ | India | 2023 | International Premiere
IFFR regular Gurvinder Singh returns to the festival with his first documentary feature “Trolley Times”, an unvarnished grassroots record of the protests that borrows its title from the newspaper printed and distributed at the camping site. The farmers recount their grievances directly to the camera, their words conveying a truth absent from state-aligned mainstream media, their timeworn, dignified faces familiar from Singh's fictional work.
100 Yards
Xu Haofeng, Xu Junfeng
108′ | China | 2023 | European Premiere
The 1920s, Tianjin. Master Shen has passed on, bequeathing his martial arts academy to star apprentice Qi,...
- 1/13/2024
- by Suzie Cho
- AsianMoviePulse
As we have mentioned many times before, the documentary format has been improving significantly through the latest years, particularly due to the increased exposure of the category due to both festivals and streaming services. With the main motto here being that ‘reality goes beyond any kind of imagination', the stories presented have been shocking and at the same time, quite entertaining, particularly since a number of Asian countries have started loosening the control over information available and the overall censorship. Even in countries that have not done the same, the result is actually similar, due to the diaspora filmmakers, who, outside the confines of authorities, managed to say all those things they were supposed not to. Lastly, the rise of the mockumentary, which seems to be included in various programs more as documentary rather than fiction, adds even more depth to the category.
Without further ado, here are the best...
Without further ado, here are the best...
- 1/6/2024
- by AMP Group
- AsianMoviePulse
Titles for the Limelight, Harbour, Cinema Regained and Focus strands have been added to the line-up.
Marco Müller, who headed International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR) from 1989-1991, is returning as part of the 2024 Tiger international competition jury.
He is being joined by Bosnian-Dutch filmmaker Ena Sendijarević,producer, industry expert and founder of Easy Rider Films, Nadia Turincev; Hong Kong filmmaker Herman Yau; and LA Rebellion film movement figure and filmmaker Billy Woodberry, whose title Mário will have its world premiere in the Harbour strand.
They will choose the winners of the Tiger award, worth €40,000, and the special jury awards, worth...
Marco Müller, who headed International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR) from 1989-1991, is returning as part of the 2024 Tiger international competition jury.
He is being joined by Bosnian-Dutch filmmaker Ena Sendijarević,producer, industry expert and founder of Easy Rider Films, Nadia Turincev; Hong Kong filmmaker Herman Yau; and LA Rebellion film movement figure and filmmaker Billy Woodberry, whose title Mário will have its world premiere in the Harbour strand.
They will choose the winners of the Tiger award, worth €40,000, and the special jury awards, worth...
- 12/12/2023
- by Mona Tabbara
- ScreenDaily
The husband and wife team of Otsuka Ryuji and Huang Ji, who worked with a minimalist crew and mostly non-professional actors, gave a round of thanks to Asian leading auteurs for inspiring them, and then hugged each other on stage for winning the Taipei Golden Horse Film Awards best narrative feature prize with their pregnancy drama “Stonewalling.”
The numerical winner on Saturday night was “Old Fox,” which earned the best director award for Hsiao Ya-chuan, as well as the best supporting actor, makeup and costume, and best film score prizes.
The nominations, announced in October, saw “Snow in Midsummer” collect nine nominations and Taiwan’s Oscar contender “Marry My Dead Body” head the field with eight. They were narrowly ahead of a further cluster of films with seven nominations each, including “Abang Adik,” “Old Fox,” “Trouble Girl” and “The Pig, the Snake and the Pigeon.”
On the evening, “Marry My Dead Body...
The numerical winner on Saturday night was “Old Fox,” which earned the best director award for Hsiao Ya-chuan, as well as the best supporting actor, makeup and costume, and best film score prizes.
The nominations, announced in October, saw “Snow in Midsummer” collect nine nominations and Taiwan’s Oscar contender “Marry My Dead Body” head the field with eight. They were narrowly ahead of a further cluster of films with seven nominations each, including “Abang Adik,” “Old Fox,” “Trouble Girl” and “The Pig, the Snake and the Pigeon.”
On the evening, “Marry My Dead Body...
- 11/25/2023
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
Rotterdam Film Festival Sets ‘Head South’ As Opening Film
Jonathan Ogilvie’s post-punk, coming-of-age comedy Head South has been announced as the opening picture of the 53rd International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR), running from January 25 to February 4. The festival has also teased a handful of early selections. They include Indian filmmaker Ishan Shukla’s dystopian, sci-fi animation Schirkoa: In Lies We Trust and U.S. director Billy Woodberry’s biodoc Mário, about African independence activist Mário de Andrade, which will both world premiere. Further confirmations include European premieres for Amanda Kramer’s So Unreal and Ann Hui’s Elegies as well as Omar Hilal’s Voy! Voy! Voy!, which is Egypt’s Oscar entry this year. The festival will unveil its full line-up on December 18.
Paul Schrader To Be Feted At Pier Paolo Pasolini’s Avellino Festival
U.S. director and screenwriter Paul Schrader will be honored with a Lifetime...
Jonathan Ogilvie’s post-punk, coming-of-age comedy Head South has been announced as the opening picture of the 53rd International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR), running from January 25 to February 4. The festival has also teased a handful of early selections. They include Indian filmmaker Ishan Shukla’s dystopian, sci-fi animation Schirkoa: In Lies We Trust and U.S. director Billy Woodberry’s biodoc Mário, about African independence activist Mário de Andrade, which will both world premiere. Further confirmations include European premieres for Amanda Kramer’s So Unreal and Ann Hui’s Elegies as well as Omar Hilal’s Voy! Voy! Voy!, which is Egypt’s Oscar entry this year. The festival will unveil its full line-up on December 18.
Paul Schrader To Be Feted At Pier Paolo Pasolini’s Avellino Festival
U.S. director and screenwriter Paul Schrader will be honored with a Lifetime...
- 11/23/2023
- by Melanie Goodfellow
- Deadline Film + TV
Jonathan Ogilvie’s post-punk coming-of-age comedy “Head South” will open the 53rd International Film Festival Rotterdam on Jan. 25, with the festival running until Feb. 4.
Ogilvie’s semi-autobiographical film is set in Christchurch, New Zealand in 1979 where a private schoolboy becomes desperately enamored with all things post-punk. The director’s last film, thriller “Lone Wolf,” screened in the festival’s Big Screen competition section in 2021.
Vanja Kaludjercic, IFFR festival director, said: “With ‘Head South,’ Jonathan Ogilvie returns to the festival with an unpredictable coming-of-age story that delights in its shifting tone. Quirkiness and nostalgia become sober and thoughtful, only to turn exuberant and then something else again, in a fitting tribute to post-punk subculture. Ogilvie is the kind of filmmaker we cherish at IFFR: those for whom the art is, above all, an adventure of discovery.”
Other films to have their world premieres at the Dutch festival include Indian filmmaker Ishan Shukla...
Ogilvie’s semi-autobiographical film is set in Christchurch, New Zealand in 1979 where a private schoolboy becomes desperately enamored with all things post-punk. The director’s last film, thriller “Lone Wolf,” screened in the festival’s Big Screen competition section in 2021.
Vanja Kaludjercic, IFFR festival director, said: “With ‘Head South,’ Jonathan Ogilvie returns to the festival with an unpredictable coming-of-age story that delights in its shifting tone. Quirkiness and nostalgia become sober and thoughtful, only to turn exuberant and then something else again, in a fitting tribute to post-punk subculture. Ogilvie is the kind of filmmaker we cherish at IFFR: those for whom the art is, above all, an adventure of discovery.”
Other films to have their world premieres at the Dutch festival include Indian filmmaker Ishan Shukla...
- 11/23/2023
- by Leo Barraclough
- Variety Film + TV
IFFR will run from January 25 to February 4.
The 2024 International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR) will open with Jonathan Ogilvie’s post-punk coming-of-age comedy Head South on January 25.
New Zealand director Ogilvie returns to IFFR with Head South, a semi-autobiographical film that centres a private schoolboy who becomes desperately enamoured with all things post-punk in 1979 Christchurch. Ogilvie’s last film Lone Wolf screened in the festival’s Big Screen Competition in 2021.
The festival has also confirmed some of the first titles to play in its programme, along with details about industry event IFFR Pro Days.
Ishan Shukla’s dystopian sci-fi animation Schirkoa:...
The 2024 International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR) will open with Jonathan Ogilvie’s post-punk coming-of-age comedy Head South on January 25.
New Zealand director Ogilvie returns to IFFR with Head South, a semi-autobiographical film that centres a private schoolboy who becomes desperately enamoured with all things post-punk in 1979 Christchurch. Ogilvie’s last film Lone Wolf screened in the festival’s Big Screen Competition in 2021.
The festival has also confirmed some of the first titles to play in its programme, along with details about industry event IFFR Pro Days.
Ishan Shukla’s dystopian sci-fi animation Schirkoa:...
- 11/23/2023
- by Tim Dams
- ScreenDaily
When her previous project “Ordinary Heroes” failed to make a dent at the box office, director Ann Hui turned to a genre which has proven time and time again to be popular with audiences, especially in Asia, which is the blend of horror and comedy. In the past, Hong Kong cinema has made a name for itself, creating a plethora of features representing this unique brand, often with a few martial-arts-scenes added for good measure. In the case of Ann Hui, her new project “Visible Secret” is certainly a deviation when compared to, for example, “Boat People” or “Night and Fog”, whose stories, themes and characters are more grounded within reality. However, while it does stay close to popular tropes of the horror genre of the time, “Visible Secret” also offers an interesting twist to some of the themes which have been a constant presence in the director's work, even...
- 11/10/2023
- by Rouven Linnarz
- AsianMoviePulse
It is during times of crisis that art can become a solace for many. During the recent pandemic, people have searched not only for entertainment and a distraction from the onslaught of bad news, conspiracy theories and newest hot takes on the subject, but also for a narrative which could make sense or provide some kind of solace. For renowned Hong Kong filmmaker Ann Hui, the poetry she read in school and later on in her life provided this kind of spiritual refuge, as well as the idea for a feature about the authors she admired and their work. “Elegies”, a long planned passion project for Hui, which recently screened at Busan International Film Festival, consists of Hui interviewing these poets and at times even their relatives about their work, their views on topics such as the political and economic state of Hong Kong and, most importantly of all, their...
- 10/30/2023
- by Rouven Linnarz
- AsianMoviePulse
Hong Kong star Chow Yun-fat receives Asian Filmmaker of the Year award.
A raft of star actors and directors from across Asia helped open the 28th Busan International Film Festival tonight (October 4), led by Hong Kong film icon Chow Yun-fat.
The acclaimed star of Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon and The Killer took to the stage at the festival in South Korea to accept the honorary Asian Filmmaker of the Year award.
Speaking to a packed audience at the outdoor theatre of the Busan Cinema Center, Chow said: “It’s been exactly 50 years since I started my career as an actor.
A raft of star actors and directors from across Asia helped open the 28th Busan International Film Festival tonight (October 4), led by Hong Kong film icon Chow Yun-fat.
The acclaimed star of Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon and The Killer took to the stage at the festival in South Korea to accept the honorary Asian Filmmaker of the Year award.
Speaking to a packed audience at the outdoor theatre of the Busan Cinema Center, Chow said: “It’s been exactly 50 years since I started my career as an actor.
- 10/4/2023
- by Michael Rosser
- ScreenDaily
The Hong Kong drama recently received two nominations for the Golden Horse Awards.
Hong Kong’s Golden Scene is to handle international sales of Sasha Chuk’s Fly Me To The Moon, which is set to world premiere in Tokyo International Film Festival’s Asian Future competition this month.
The drama, which marks the feature directorial debut of Chuk, has also been set as the closing film of the Hong Kong Asian Film Festival on November 12 and this week received two nominations for the Golden Horse Awards: director-writer Chuk is competing for best adapted screenplay, while Tse Wing-yan is up for best new performer.
Hong Kong’s Golden Scene is to handle international sales of Sasha Chuk’s Fly Me To The Moon, which is set to world premiere in Tokyo International Film Festival’s Asian Future competition this month.
The drama, which marks the feature directorial debut of Chuk, has also been set as the closing film of the Hong Kong Asian Film Festival on November 12 and this week received two nominations for the Golden Horse Awards: director-writer Chuk is competing for best adapted screenplay, while Tse Wing-yan is up for best new performer.
- 10/4/2023
- by Silvia Wong
- ScreenDaily
Both premiered at Hong Kong International Film Festival.
Hong Kong’s Golden Scene has launched sales of Ann Hui’s Elegies and Tsang Tsui Shan’s Winter Chants, ahead of their international premieres at the upcoming Busan International Film Festival and Dmz International Documentary Film Festival respectively.
Elegies will play in Busan’s Icons strand, following its world premiere as an opening film at the Hong Kong International Film Festival (Hkiff) in March. It is the latest work by Hui, the iconic Hong Kong New Wave director who received the Golden Lion lifetime achievement award at Venice in 2020.
The documentary...
Hong Kong’s Golden Scene has launched sales of Ann Hui’s Elegies and Tsang Tsui Shan’s Winter Chants, ahead of their international premieres at the upcoming Busan International Film Festival and Dmz International Documentary Film Festival respectively.
Elegies will play in Busan’s Icons strand, following its world premiere as an opening film at the Hong Kong International Film Festival (Hkiff) in March. It is the latest work by Hui, the iconic Hong Kong New Wave director who received the Golden Lion lifetime achievement award at Venice in 2020.
The documentary...
- 9/11/2023
- by Silvia Wong
- ScreenDaily
Even without major stars or Luca Guadagnino’s “Challengers” to buoy it, the opening night of the Venice Film Festival’s 80th edition was high on nostalgia for cinema’s past and excitement for the eight days of movies ahead.
A black-tie crowd gathered in the Palazzo del Cinema’s Sala Grande on the Lido for the presentation of Edoardo De Angelis’ World War II Battle of the Atlantic epic “Comandante,” the opener that replaced Guadagnino’s “Challengers” after that film was moved by MGM/Amazon to April due to the strikes.
First, though, elegant minimalist and icon Charlotte Rampling presented the festival’s Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement to Liliana Cavani, the Italian director of psychosexual Holocaust drama “The Night Porter,” starring Rampling and from 1974. (Wong Kar Wai muse Tony Leung Chiu-wai will also receive a Lifetime Achievement anointment later in the fest.) Rampling played a concentration camp survivor who finds her ex,...
A black-tie crowd gathered in the Palazzo del Cinema’s Sala Grande on the Lido for the presentation of Edoardo De Angelis’ World War II Battle of the Atlantic epic “Comandante,” the opener that replaced Guadagnino’s “Challengers” after that film was moved by MGM/Amazon to April due to the strikes.
First, though, elegant minimalist and icon Charlotte Rampling presented the festival’s Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement to Liliana Cavani, the Italian director of psychosexual Holocaust drama “The Night Porter,” starring Rampling and from 1974. (Wong Kar Wai muse Tony Leung Chiu-wai will also receive a Lifetime Achievement anointment later in the fest.) Rampling played a concentration camp survivor who finds her ex,...
- 8/30/2023
- by Ryan Lattanzio
- Indiewire
On Tuesday, TIFF announced additional honorees who will be receiving a TIFF Tribute Award at this year’s Festival. Recipients include award-winning Brazilian filmmaker Carolina Markowicz who will be honoured with the TIFF Emerging Talent Award presented by MGM. This award is in the spirit of Torontonian Mary Pickford, the groundbreaking actor, producer, and co-founder of United Artists, whose impact continues today. Two-time Academy Award–nominated Polish cinematographer Łukasz Żal will receive the TIFF Variety Artisan Award, which recognizes a distinguished creative who has excelled at their craft and made an outstanding contribution to cinema and entertainment. Both Markowicz and Żal will be honoured on Sept. 10 at the fifth annual TIFF Tribute Awards gala fundraiser at Fairmont Royal York Hotel, presented by Bulgari.
On Sept. 15, TIFF will be honouring Andy Lau, the multi-hyphenate Hong Kong artist with a Special Tribute Award at the World Premiere Gala presentation of Ning Hao’s “The Movie Emperor,...
On Sept. 15, TIFF will be honouring Andy Lau, the multi-hyphenate Hong Kong artist with a Special Tribute Award at the World Premiere Gala presentation of Ning Hao’s “The Movie Emperor,...
- 8/22/2023
- by William Earl
- Variety Film + TV
Toronto International Film Festival has announced the participants for this year’s “In Conversation With…” series, including headliners Pedro Almodóvar, Andy Lau and Lee Byung-hun and Park Seo-jun.
“TIFF’s 2023 In Conversation With… series exemplifies our belief that film can ignite perspectives and fuel transformation,” said TIFF Chief Programming Officer Anita Lee. “We are delighted to welcome a powerhouse lineup of international iconoclasts from Spain, South Korea, and Hong Kong for film lovers of all genres.”
The 2023 lineup represents a global and diverse gathering which will weave together unique perspectives that contribute to shaping the global entertainment landscape.
Almodóvar will receive this year’s Jeff Skoll Award in Impact Media at the TIFF Tribute Awards. The Oscar-winning director of “All About My Mother,” “Talk to Her” and “Pain and Glory” will present the North American premiere of his short feature “Strange Way of Life.” The western romance, starring Ethan Hawke and Pedro Pascal,...
“TIFF’s 2023 In Conversation With… series exemplifies our belief that film can ignite perspectives and fuel transformation,” said TIFF Chief Programming Officer Anita Lee. “We are delighted to welcome a powerhouse lineup of international iconoclasts from Spain, South Korea, and Hong Kong for film lovers of all genres.”
The 2023 lineup represents a global and diverse gathering which will weave together unique perspectives that contribute to shaping the global entertainment landscape.
Almodóvar will receive this year’s Jeff Skoll Award in Impact Media at the TIFF Tribute Awards. The Oscar-winning director of “All About My Mother,” “Talk to Her” and “Pain and Glory” will present the North American premiere of his short feature “Strange Way of Life.” The western romance, starring Ethan Hawke and Pedro Pascal,...
- 8/11/2023
- by Scott Mendelson
- The Wrap
Instead of an intro we urge you to read the following article
Hong Kong New Wave: A Debate
You can check the full reviews by clicking on the titles
Jumping Ash (1976) by Leong Po-chih
The realism in the presentation of both the criminal world and the way police worked at the time is also evident, with Leong highlighting the fact that a number of poor people were actually caught between the two. The punishment Callan's girlfriend receives in the hands of two men (despite the fact that one of them gets his share also) and the fate of the blind man, are the most indicatory of that comment. Furthermore, the combination of corruption (even Callan's mother gets a washing machine from a drug dealer at some point) and intense bureaucracy is presented as an obstacle (in Callan's effort) to dispense justice, which was frequently rather hard to overcome. This last aspect is what,...
Hong Kong New Wave: A Debate
You can check the full reviews by clicking on the titles
Jumping Ash (1976) by Leong Po-chih
The realism in the presentation of both the criminal world and the way police worked at the time is also evident, with Leong highlighting the fact that a number of poor people were actually caught between the two. The punishment Callan's girlfriend receives in the hands of two men (despite the fact that one of them gets his share also) and the fate of the blind man, are the most indicatory of that comment. Furthermore, the combination of corruption (even Callan's mother gets a washing machine from a drug dealer at some point) and intense bureaucracy is presented as an obstacle (in Callan's effort) to dispense justice, which was frequently rather hard to overcome. This last aspect is what,...
- 7/14/2023
- by AMP Group
- AsianMoviePulse
The story behind the eventual release of “Where the Wind Blows” is a script in itself. Originally set for release at the end of 2018, its release was delayed due to trouble getting approved by the National Radio and Television Administration, probably due to the presentation of the true true-life stories of two of the “Four Great Sergeants” – the most notoriously corrupt police officers in 1960s and '70s Hong Kong and the impact the Kmz had in Hong Kong had after Chiang Kai-shek's defeat. The 144-minute epic was scheduled to make its world premiere and open the 45th Hong Kong International Film Festival on 1 April 2021, but was pulled from the lineup three days before. Eventually, it had its premiere the following year and opened the 46th Hong Kong International Film Festival on 15 August 2022 instead and was theatrically released in Hong Kong on 17 February 2023. It was also selected as the Hong...
- 7/12/2023
- by Panos Kotzathanasis
- AsianMoviePulse
Hkiff set to run from March 30 – April 10.
Three local films - Soi Cheang’s Mad Fate, Ann Hui’s documentary Elegies and Cheuk Wan Chi’s Vital Sign - will bookend the 47th Hong Kong International Film Festival (Hkiff) as it returns to a full physical event and welcomes international filmmakers back in person.
The festival unveiled its full line-up today at a press event well attended by local filmmakers and cast. Some 200 films from 64 countries and regions will be presented during the 12-day festival, including nine world premieres, six international premieres and 67 Asian premieres. There will be 320 (mostly in-theatre...
Three local films - Soi Cheang’s Mad Fate, Ann Hui’s documentary Elegies and Cheuk Wan Chi’s Vital Sign - will bookend the 47th Hong Kong International Film Festival (Hkiff) as it returns to a full physical event and welcomes international filmmakers back in person.
The festival unveiled its full line-up today at a press event well attended by local filmmakers and cast. Some 200 films from 64 countries and regions will be presented during the 12-day festival, including nine world premieres, six international premieres and 67 Asian premieres. There will be 320 (mostly in-theatre...
- 3/10/2023
- by Silvia Wong
- ScreenDaily
The Asian premiere of Soi Cheang’s “Mad Fate” is just one of three locally-produced movies that have been set as the opening and closing titles of the upcoming Hong Kong International Film Festival.
“Mad Fate” is joined in the festival opening slot on March 30 by “Elegies,” Ann Hui’s documentary portrayal of the topography of contemporary local poetry, which will have its world premiere. The closing film, another world premiere, is “Vital Sign,” an affecting drama directed by Cheuk Wan-chi and starring Louis Koo, Yau Hawk-sau, and Angela Yuen, which will wrap up proceedings on 10 April.
In total, the festival has programmed some 200 films from 64 countries and territories. These include nine world premieres, six international premieres, and 67 Asian premieres.
“Mad Fate,” an intense examination of murder, local superstition and the lower depths of society, premiered last month at the Berlin festival in a special section. Cheang will be a major feature of the Hkiff,...
“Mad Fate” is joined in the festival opening slot on March 30 by “Elegies,” Ann Hui’s documentary portrayal of the topography of contemporary local poetry, which will have its world premiere. The closing film, another world premiere, is “Vital Sign,” an affecting drama directed by Cheuk Wan-chi and starring Louis Koo, Yau Hawk-sau, and Angela Yuen, which will wrap up proceedings on 10 April.
In total, the festival has programmed some 200 films from 64 countries and territories. These include nine world premieres, six international premieres, and 67 Asian premieres.
“Mad Fate,” an intense examination of murder, local superstition and the lower depths of society, premiered last month at the Berlin festival in a special section. Cheang will be a major feature of the Hkiff,...
- 3/10/2023
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
Fifth Season Distribution Team
Fifth Season, the TV company previously known as Endeavor Content, has announced a raft of executive appointments that constitute a major expansion of its Europe-Middle East-Africa television distribution team.
Jennifer Ebell has been promoted from senior VP of Emea sales to executive VP of Emea sales and acquisitions. Under this expanded role, Ebell will now oversee the company’s London-based acquisitions team, which is led by Liz Tang, who was recently promoted from director, content to executive director, acquisitions. Ava Mustos also joined the team in January as associate director of acquisitions from BBC Studios, reporting to Tang.
Additionally, Fabio Tinchant has been promoted from executive director sales, French Europe, Cee, Mena & Turkey to VP sales for the same markets, with the addition of southern Europe to his remit. Based in Rome, Maria Grazia Ursino has also joined as director, southern Europe.
Additionally, the company is making new hires.
Fifth Season, the TV company previously known as Endeavor Content, has announced a raft of executive appointments that constitute a major expansion of its Europe-Middle East-Africa television distribution team.
Jennifer Ebell has been promoted from senior VP of Emea sales to executive VP of Emea sales and acquisitions. Under this expanded role, Ebell will now oversee the company’s London-based acquisitions team, which is led by Liz Tang, who was recently promoted from director, content to executive director, acquisitions. Ava Mustos also joined the team in January as associate director of acquisitions from BBC Studios, reporting to Tang.
Additionally, Fabio Tinchant has been promoted from executive director sales, French Europe, Cee, Mena & Turkey to VP sales for the same markets, with the addition of southern Europe to his remit. Based in Rome, Maria Grazia Ursino has also joined as director, southern Europe.
Additionally, the company is making new hires.
- 2/6/2023
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
by Nathaniel R
Sylvia Chang wins her fourth Golden Horse. img via Golden Horse instagram
Whoops this year's 59th Golden Horse Awards slipped right by us. They were held on November 19th in Taipei. The annual event covers the best in Chinese-language cinema and are juried awards. Director Ann Hui was Jury President this year and actor Chang Chen was also on the jury. The cinematographer Mark Lee Ping-bing (In the Mood for Love) took over the awards executive committee lead role from Ang Lee. Though the Hong Kong thriller Limbo had led the nominations with 14 and won the most awards, the big winner was a film called Coo-Coo 043. Nominees, photos, winners, and a few comments about the films are after the jump... ...
Sylvia Chang wins her fourth Golden Horse. img via Golden Horse instagram
Whoops this year's 59th Golden Horse Awards slipped right by us. They were held on November 19th in Taipei. The annual event covers the best in Chinese-language cinema and are juried awards. Director Ann Hui was Jury President this year and actor Chang Chen was also on the jury. The cinematographer Mark Lee Ping-bing (In the Mood for Love) took over the awards executive committee lead role from Ang Lee. Though the Hong Kong thriller Limbo had led the nominations with 14 and won the most awards, the big winner was a film called Coo-Coo 043. Nominees, photos, winners, and a few comments about the films are after the jump... ...
- 11/26/2022
- by NATHANIEL R
- FilmExperience
Laha Mebow became the first woman from Taiwan to win the best director prize for ‘Gaga’.
Taiwanese family drama Coo-Coo 043 won best film and Hong Kong crime drama Limbo picked up the most prizes at the Golden Horse Awards in Taiwan on Saturday night (November 19) as Hong Kong cinema made a grand return winning nine awards.
The prizes were quite evenly distributed this year, with no single film sweeping the 59th edition of the annual ceremony, which was held at the Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall in Taipei.
Scroll down for list of winners
Chan Ching-lin’s feature debut Coo-Coo 043, set...
Taiwanese family drama Coo-Coo 043 won best film and Hong Kong crime drama Limbo picked up the most prizes at the Golden Horse Awards in Taiwan on Saturday night (November 19) as Hong Kong cinema made a grand return winning nine awards.
The prizes were quite evenly distributed this year, with no single film sweeping the 59th edition of the annual ceremony, which was held at the Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall in Taipei.
Scroll down for list of winners
Chan Ching-lin’s feature debut Coo-Coo 043, set...
- 11/20/2022
- by Silvia Wong
- ScreenDaily
Did Michelle Yeoh ever tell you about the time she broke her back and some upstart director gave her encouragement to get back on the cinematic saddle?
If you know martial arts action movies, you know Yeoh. In her earliest works, she went as Michelle Khan, but as she racked up credits in Hong Kong action movies during the '90s and starred as James Bond ally Wai Lin in the '97 spy flick "Tomorrow Never Dies" she would be credited with her proper surname. From 1984 onward, including notable works like Ang Lee's "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" and "Supercop" (a.k.a. "Police Story 3"), Yeoh continued to play characters with a staunch spirit and meticulous discipline, whether the role was that of a geisha or a crazy-rich Asian.
It was during the filming of Ann Hui's 1996 action picture "The Stunt Woman" that Yeoh, understandably doing her own stunts,...
If you know martial arts action movies, you know Yeoh. In her earliest works, she went as Michelle Khan, but as she racked up credits in Hong Kong action movies during the '90s and starred as James Bond ally Wai Lin in the '97 spy flick "Tomorrow Never Dies" she would be credited with her proper surname. From 1984 onward, including notable works like Ang Lee's "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" and "Supercop" (a.k.a. "Police Story 3"), Yeoh continued to play characters with a staunch spirit and meticulous discipline, whether the role was that of a geisha or a crazy-rich Asian.
It was during the filming of Ann Hui's 1996 action picture "The Stunt Woman" that Yeoh, understandably doing her own stunts,...
- 11/8/2022
- by Anya Stanley
- Slash Film
Seven short films, shot on 35mm and directed by 7 of Hong Kong’s most acclaimed and significant directors, form a heartfelt symphony about Hong Kong. In the original plan, conceived by Johnnie To, this anthology was going to be an 8-director piece, called “Eight & a Half”, where each director was given the task to illustrate the zeitgeist of a decade of Hong Kong’s recent history, starting in the 50’s. Unfortunately, John Woo had to leave the project due to personal issues, and the omnibus’ title was changed into “Septet”. Firstly presented at Cannes Film Festival in 2020, “Septet: The Story of Hong Kong” is now finally released in cinemas in China, on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the Handover.
Septet: The Story of Hong Kong is screening at Asian Pop Up Cinema
Sammo Hung’s “Exercise”
In the first of the seven, Sammo Hung tell...
Septet: The Story of Hong Kong is screening at Asian Pop Up Cinema
Sammo Hung’s “Exercise”
In the first of the seven, Sammo Hung tell...
- 10/29/2022
- by Adriana Rosati
- AsianMoviePulse
A city enjoying a spectacular growth spur and a metropolis dying out as we speak. A star looking for a way out from a deadly trap and a teenager determined to have a say in her own future. Japanese feel-good movies and terrifying horrors. As always, Five Flavours offers a full spectrum of moods, emotions, and themes. We announce the complete program of the Festival and kick off tickets sales!
Five Flavours Asian Film Festival is the annual review of the best cinema from East, Southeast, and South Asia organized in Poland. Since 2006, it presents the premieres of the newest, carefully selected films from the region, the classics from Asian archives, retrospectives of selected filmmakers, and reviews of national cinemas.
This year’s selection includes 39 meticulously chosen films, 30 of which will be available online, on the territory of Poland only. After the success of last year’s hybrid edition, Five...
Five Flavours Asian Film Festival is the annual review of the best cinema from East, Southeast, and South Asia organized in Poland. Since 2006, it presents the premieres of the newest, carefully selected films from the region, the classics from Asian archives, retrospectives of selected filmmakers, and reviews of national cinemas.
This year’s selection includes 39 meticulously chosen films, 30 of which will be available online, on the territory of Poland only. After the success of last year’s hybrid edition, Five...
- 10/26/2022
- by Adriana Rosati
- AsianMoviePulse
Return To Space
Australia’s Slr Productions has announced production on season two of the award-winning original CGI animated series, “Space Nova” for ABC Me. The 15 x 22-minute season has received significant production funding from both Screen Australia and the Australian Children’s Television Foundation as well as development funding from ABC Me and Create Nsw. “Space Nova” will be co-produced with Giggle Garage in Malaysia and distributed internationally by Zdf Studios, with Actf representing the series across Australia and New Zealand. Targeting a six- to ten-year-old global audience, the first season sold to broadcasters or streamers in Germany, the U.K., Norway, Finland, Sweden, Poland, the U.S, Singapore, East Asia, Indonesia, and Brazil.
Slr gives the logline as: “On the brink of their greatest mission ever – travelling to the incredible Stardustian’s planet – the Novas’ ship is almost destroyed, throwing them off course and stranding their new friend Ziggy in parts unknown.
Australia’s Slr Productions has announced production on season two of the award-winning original CGI animated series, “Space Nova” for ABC Me. The 15 x 22-minute season has received significant production funding from both Screen Australia and the Australian Children’s Television Foundation as well as development funding from ABC Me and Create Nsw. “Space Nova” will be co-produced with Giggle Garage in Malaysia and distributed internationally by Zdf Studios, with Actf representing the series across Australia and New Zealand. Targeting a six- to ten-year-old global audience, the first season sold to broadcasters or streamers in Germany, the U.K., Norway, Finland, Sweden, Poland, the U.S, Singapore, East Asia, Indonesia, and Brazil.
Slr gives the logline as: “On the brink of their greatest mission ever – travelling to the incredible Stardustian’s planet – the Novas’ ship is almost destroyed, throwing them off course and stranding their new friend Ziggy in parts unknown.
- 10/17/2022
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
Chicago, Il – Asian Pop-Up Cinema: Season 15 concludes with an exclusive world premiere and first-ever programming partnerships with emerging short film platform Sorry Not Sorry (Sns) and Facets. The in-person festival runs through
November 6 with two closing night films, awards presentations, and Screenings with the Stars: Season 15 Finale, an inaugural reception benefitting the expansion of Asian Pop-Up Cinema. Tickets are on sale now at: www.asianpopupcinema.org/s15-finale
Making its world premiere, Deliverance tells a story of a fractured family of four brothers and one sister confronting haunting memories of their mother’s passing. Lead actress Summer Chan will receive the third Bright Star Award of this season and will be honored in person at the October 29, 4:30 pm screening at AMC Newcity 14. Director Kelvin Shum, screenwriter Kyle Shum, and producer Charlie Wong are also scheduled to appear for the introduction and post-film Q&A moderated by Hollywood Chicago’s Pat McDonald.
November 6 with two closing night films, awards presentations, and Screenings with the Stars: Season 15 Finale, an inaugural reception benefitting the expansion of Asian Pop-Up Cinema. Tickets are on sale now at: www.asianpopupcinema.org/s15-finale
Making its world premiere, Deliverance tells a story of a fractured family of four brothers and one sister confronting haunting memories of their mother’s passing. Lead actress Summer Chan will receive the third Bright Star Award of this season and will be honored in person at the October 29, 4:30 pm screening at AMC Newcity 14. Director Kelvin Shum, screenwriter Kyle Shum, and producer Charlie Wong are also scheduled to appear for the introduction and post-film Q&A moderated by Hollywood Chicago’s Pat McDonald.
- 9/29/2022
- by Adam Symchuk
- AsianMoviePulse
Among the most important films to come out of the Hong Kong New Wave, Ann Hui’s drama focuses on the aftermath of the Vietnam War, a period in which many Vietnamese would flee from the country by sea.
A deeply humanist film, Hui documents the hopelessness felt by many and how the severity of life post War had led to people to take the dangerous decision to step into boats in hope of a better existence.
“Boat People”, as well as being notable for being one of the first film roles for Andy Lau, one of the most celebrated actors of his generation, is a film which due to its sensitive portrayal of the legacies of war remains one of the key works exploring the experiences and conditions of Vietnamese refugees.
You can find our review Here, and you can book your ticket for the screening of the restored film at the Barbican Centre,...
A deeply humanist film, Hui documents the hopelessness felt by many and how the severity of life post War had led to people to take the dangerous decision to step into boats in hope of a better existence.
“Boat People”, as well as being notable for being one of the first film roles for Andy Lau, one of the most celebrated actors of his generation, is a film which due to its sensitive portrayal of the legacies of war remains one of the key works exploring the experiences and conditions of Vietnamese refugees.
You can find our review Here, and you can book your ticket for the screening of the restored film at the Barbican Centre,...
- 9/28/2022
- by Adriana Rosati
- AsianMoviePulse
London East Asia Film Festival (Leaff) is back with a diverse programme from East and Southeast Asia, including international and UK premieres. Seven strands runs throughout the festival: Official Selection, Competition, Documentary Competition, Actor Focus: Lee Jung-Jae, Filmmaker Focus: Cinematographer Mark Lee, Classics Restored and Halloween Horror Special.
The festival screenings and events will take place at five venues around London. Following the Opening Gala at the Odeon Luxe Leicester Square on 19th October, Leaff will continue for 11 days at Odeon Luxe West End, the Cinema at Selfridges, Chiswick Cinema and the Cinema Museum in London! Squid Game star, Lee Jung-Jae will be attending Leaff for the Opening Gala screening of “Hunt”.
Leaff aims to champion the growing collaboration in East Asian filmmaking with a philosophy that marks a shift in the cinematic landscape of East Asia, and moves away from cultural and cinematic borders. The Festival vision is to bring a much wider,...
The festival screenings and events will take place at five venues around London. Following the Opening Gala at the Odeon Luxe Leicester Square on 19th October, Leaff will continue for 11 days at Odeon Luxe West End, the Cinema at Selfridges, Chiswick Cinema and the Cinema Museum in London! Squid Game star, Lee Jung-Jae will be attending Leaff for the Opening Gala screening of “Hunt”.
Leaff aims to champion the growing collaboration in East Asian filmmaking with a philosophy that marks a shift in the cinematic landscape of East Asia, and moves away from cultural and cinematic borders. The Festival vision is to bring a much wider,...
- 9/25/2022
- by Adriana Rosati
- AsianMoviePulse
Get in touch to send in cinephile news and discoveries. For daily updates follow us @NotebookMUBI.NEWSKing Lear.Jean-Luc Godard, groundbreaking French-Swiss filmmaker across six decades, died last week at age 91. In the week since, a number of tributes have been shared: among them, Blair McClendon in n+1, J. Hoberman in The Nation, Manohla Dargis in the New York Times, and Richard Hell in Screen Slate. Alternatively, you can find a 2002 essay on Godard by filmmaker and theorist Peter Wollen on Verso's blog, watch a 1988 conversation between Godard and critic Serge Daney, or read this list Godard contributed to the British film journal Afterimage in 1970. Shadow and Act founder Tambay Obenson is fundraising to launch Akoroko, a new platform devoted to African film and television. The platform intends to combine film journalism with “consultation, cataloging, and curated film streaming.”Two posters (below) for the 61st New York Film Festival feature photographs taken by Nan Goldin.
- 9/20/2022
- MUBI
Featuring a number of iconic Hong Kong actors, including protagonist Michelle Yeoh, Sammo Hung, Michael Lam and Richard Ng, “The Stunt Woman” has a very interesting premise, of following the life of a female stunt woman, in an semi-biographical path considering that Yeoh also worked in that capacity, but in the end, fails as a whole. That Yeoh was injured seriously during a stunt involving jumping off a bridge probably was one of the reasons for this, since the production had to be rushed afterwards, but the main issue here seems to be the writing and the direction. Let us take things from the beginning though.
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Ah Ham, a young woman from Mainland China with expertise in kung fu and film acting, gets a job for a Hong Kong film company as a stuntwoman in action films with a unit headed by Tung,...
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Ah Ham, a young woman from Mainland China with expertise in kung fu and film acting, gets a job for a Hong Kong film company as a stuntwoman in action films with a unit headed by Tung,...
- 9/1/2022
- by Panos Kotzathanasis
- AsianMoviePulse
The Hong Kong protests have been front and center of the city’s films of recent years, save for one — “We Don’t Dance for Nothing.” This feature started making its rounds with its May premiere, and has recently played online at the 45th Asian American Film Festival. Its origins are just as multinational too – the production took place across the US, Canada, Hong Kong, and the Philippines, all under the eye of first-time Chinese-Greek-American filmmaker Stefanos Tai. He uses the protests as a mere backdrop the city’s 400,000 Filipino domestic workers. While calls for democracy rages on in the streets, domestic workers like the fictional H (Miles Sible) remain locked up at home. A complex emotional compound of endearment and estrangement bubbles up within the home — tempting some domestic workers, like the film’s fictional H (Miles Sible), to ultimately escape.
“We Don’t...
“We Don’t...
- 8/24/2022
- by Grace Han
- AsianMoviePulse
The Hong Kong protests have been front and center of the city’s films of recent years, save for one — “We Don’t Dance for Nothing.” This feature started making its rounds with its May premiere, and has recently played online at the 45th Asian American International Film Festival. Its origins are just as multinational too – the production took place across the US, Canada, Hong Kong, and the Philippines, all under the eye of first-time Chinese-Greek-American filmmaker Stefanos Tai. He uses the protests as a mere backdrop of the city’s 400,000 Filipino domestic workers. While calls for democracy rages on in the streets, domestic workers like the fictional H (Miles Sible) remain locked up at home. A complex emotional compound of endearment and estrangement bubbles up within the home — tempting some domestic workers, including H, to ultimately escape.
“We Don’t Dance for Nothing” played at...
“We Don’t Dance for Nothing” played at...
- 8/24/2022
- by Grace Han
- AsianMoviePulse
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