7 April 2022

CinemAsia Film Festival presents its program for the 14th edition

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CinemAsia Film Festival takes place from 10 to 15 May in Amsterdam. The 14th edition of the only pan-Asian film festival in The Netherlands opens its doors to Asia in three movie theaters: Studio/K, Rialto de Pijp and Rialto VU. In 6 days, over 30 Asian films, ranging from China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Japan, South-Korea, Indonesia, Singapore, Myanmar, the Philippines to Germany, the United States and more, will premiere at the festival. Come and explore the diverse character of the continent through the great variety of popular blockbusters, arthouse gems as well as exhilarating documentaries that will be screened..

Jia Zhao, CinemAsia Film Festival’s new artistic leader: “Don’t expect an ‘Asian showcase’,, nor an orientalist view on Asia. CinemAsia presents Asian cinema on its own merit.”

The diverse program selection of over 30 films will be presented today. Ticket sales starts on 14 April.

This year’s MASTERS selection consists of films from Asian grandmasters such as Ann Hui, Ryusuke Hamaguchi, Wang Xiaoshuai and Stanley Kwan. The Japanese director Ryusuke Hamaguchi was recently awarded with an Oscar for his film DRIVE MY CAR. Wang Xiaoshuai, one of the most prominent figures of what is now widely referred to as China’s ‘Sixth Generation’ directors will be present at the festival.

The eight films that have been selected for the COMPETITION program present the works of a new generation of filmmakers. The PANORAMA selection brings an eclectic mix of blockbuster films, arthouse productions as well as documentaries with nuanced and enticing perspectives on Asia and its diaspora worldwide. The selection is based on the excellent artistic qualities and societal relevance, as well as the success at other film festivals, such as the Golden Horse awards, the Asian counterpart of the Academy Awards.

Opening Film 10 May: ANITA by Longman Leung
ANITA (Hong Kong 2021) is a biopic about the canto pop icon Anita Mui (1963-2003). She was a singer, actress and dancer with unmatched popularity in Hong Kong and appealing to audiences worldwide. Mui challenged social gender norms and became an inspiration to many Asian women.

MASTERS selection: the Asian Masters

  • Love After Love (China 2020) by Ann Hui
  • Wheel of Fortune and Fantasy (Japan 2021) by Ryusuke Hamaguchi
  • So Long, My Son (China 2019) by Wang Xiaoshuai | present at the festival
  • Lan Yu (China, Hong Kong 2001) by Stanley Kwan


COMPETITION

  • Hand Rolled Cigarette (Hong Kong 2020) by Chan Kin Long
  • Yuni (Indonesia, Singapore, France, Australia 2021) by Kamila Andini
  • White Building (Cambodia, France, China, Qatar 2021) by Kavich Neang
  • Missing (Japan, South Korea 2021) by Shinzo Katayama
  • Aloners (South Korea 2021) by Hong Sung-Eun
  • Taste (Vietnam, Singapore, France, Thailand, Germany 2021) by Le Bao
  • Ripples Of Life (China 2021) by Wei Shujun
  • Whether the Weather is Fine (Philippines, France, Singapore, Indonesia, Germany, Qatar 2021) by Carlo Francisco Manatad

PANORAMA

  • Dear Tenant (Taiwan 2020) by Cheng Yu Chieh
  • 24 (Singapore, Thailand 2021) by Roystan Tan
  • Myanmar Diaries (Myanmar, The Netherlands, Norway 2022) by Myanmar Film Collective
  • Keep Rolling (Hong Kong 2020) by Man Lim Chung
  • Till We Meet Again (Taiwan 2021) by Giddens Ko
  • Midnight Swan (Japan 2020) by Eiji Uchida
  • Fighter (South Korea 2020) by Jéro Yun
  • Kingmaker (South Korea 2022) by Byun Sung-hyun
  • Paranoia (Indonesia 2021) by Riri Riza
  • Bamboo Theatre (Hong Kong 2019) by Cheuk Cheung
  • One Second Champion (Hong Kong 2020) by Chiu Sin-Hang
  • City of Lost Things (Taiwan 2020) by Yee Chih-Yen
  • Losmen Bu Broto (Indonesia 2020) by Ifa Isfansyah & Eddie Cahyono
  • Belle (Japan 2021) by Mamoru Hosoda
  • Secrets of 1979 (Taiwan 2021) by Zero Chou

DIASPORA

  • Snakehead (USA 2021) by Evan Jackson Leong
  • Mein Vietnam (Germany, Austria 2020) by Hien Mai, Tim Ellrich | filmmaker present
  • The Calming (China 2020) by Song Fang
  • Ascension (USA 2021) by Jessica Kingdon

Closing film 15 May: Vengeance Is Mine, All Others Pay Cash by Edwin
VENGEANCE IS MINE, ALL OTHERS PAY CASH (Indonesia, Singapore, Germany 2021) is a genre-defying Indonesian action drama film filled with dark humor. The film is directed by Edwin. For the film’s scenario Edwin collaborated with Eka Kurniawan, the best-selling author of the book this film is based upon. Producer Meiske Taurisia from Indonesia will be present during the screening.

Besides fiction and documentary, the festival will also include animation. As always, there will be a strong focus on LGBTQ+ topics and interesting Q&As with special guests, industry programs and in-depth discussions. During the weekend there will be Asian food vendors present.

Ticket sales start on 14 April.