The Osaka Asian Film Festival is gearing up for its 19th edition, set to take place from March 1-10. This much-anticipated event will showcase a lineup of 55 feature and short films, with 13 films competing for top honors.
Eagerly Awaited Competition Section
Starting off with a bang, the festival will present three Japanese films that will make their world premieres. Adding to the excitement are festival favorites “City of Wind” and “Solids by the Seashore,” which are also part of the competitive section.
Exciting Programs to Look Out For
In addition to the competition, the festival has curated three special programs that promise to captivate audiences. These programs include the “Thai Cinema Kaleidoscope,” “Taiwan: Movies on the Move,” and the “Special Focus on Hong Kong.” These sections aim to shine a spotlight on the diverse cinematic offerings from these regions.
Showcasing Underrated Works and Innovative Filmmaking
The festival’s Spotlight Section will showcase underrated Asian films, shining a light on hidden gems that deserve recognition. Additionally, the Indie Forum will feature more challenging and innovative works, providing a platform for daring and experimental filmmaking.
The Lineup of Competition Titles
The competition section boasts an impressive lineup of films from various countries. Included in the selection are “City of Wind” from Mongolia, “Fire on Water” from Malaysia, and “Hyphen” from The Philippines. Also vying for recognition are “The Lyricist Wannabe” from Hong Kong, “The Missing” and “Not Friends” from The Philippines, “Salli” from Taiwan, and “Trouble Girl” from Taiwan. The Japanese films making their debut in the competition section are “Memories of his Scent,” “Snowdrop,” and “Suishin 0 Meter Kara.”
Standout Selections
Apart from the competition titles, the festival will showcase other noteworthy films. These include “13 Bombs” from Indonesia, “The Fourth Man” from Singapore, “Everyphone, Everywhere” from Hong Kong, and “All the Songs We Never Sang” by Chris Rudz.
Embracing Cultural Exchange
The festival is not just about films; it is a platform for cultural exchange. The screening of the Bangladeshi film “Rickshaw Girl,” with the support of Kobe College, Department of English, highlights the festival’s commitment to engaging with diverse communities.
A Gateway to Asian Cinema
The organizers of the Osaka Asian Film Festival aim to position Osaka as a prominent gateway city for Asian films. By creating an open platform that connects people from the fields of culture, art, education, tourism, and business, the festival aims to contribute to the development of Osaka and the world of cinema.
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Source link: Variety