Canada seems to be a real hub for film afficianados so it comes to no surprise that The Toronto International Reel Asian Film Festival celebrates it’s 15 Anniversary this year to a welcoming audience. Films during this year’s festival were produced in 10 countries including Canada, Hong Kong, China, Japan, France, Germany, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, United States and Vietnam. There were 400 film submitted world-wide for this festival. 60 titles will be featured and 15 of them will be world premieres.
Here are my top picks from this year’s line up:
LOVER’S DISCOURSE, Directed by Derek Tsang (Hong Kong)
Opening Night Gala and World Premiere (Director will be in attendance)
A four-part film about characters that don’t quite connect in love but inter-twined in various scenarios that move through stages of love, betrayal and redemption. Takes place in the cosmopolitan city of Hong Kong. The film’s director is a former University of Toronto student who comes from a well-known family lineage in the entertainment industry. The film also features a cast of recognizable asian actors including Eddie Peng, and singers Kay Tse and Kit Chan.
JUMP ASHIN!, Directed by Lin Yu-hsien (Taiwan) Canadian Premiere (Director will be in attendance)
This movies follows the adventures and mishaps of Ashin, who, despite the many obstacles he faces, is determined to be a world-class gymnast. Winner of the 2011 Taipei Film Festival Audience Award, this film features an outstanding cast including Eddie Peng, who trained 12 hours each day for three months to prepare for the leading role and Lawrence Ko, who plays Ashin’s best friend, and won him the Best Supporting Actor Award at the Taipei Film Festival this year.
SURROGATE VALENTINE, Directed by David Boyle (USA)
Toronto Premiere (Goh Nakamura will be in attendance)
From the director of White on Rice comes a new light-hearted romantic comedy starring San Francisco Bay area based musician Goh Nakamura, who plays himself in this acting debut. Goh’s life of solitude is disrupted when he is hired to each TV actor Danny Turner (Chadd Stoops) how to play guitar for an upcoming film. Together, the two embark on a hilarious West Coast adventure involving gigs, groupies, record executives and unexpected friendship. Along the way, Goh discovers that Danny may be missing the piece of the puzzle in his life long chase for Rachel (Lynn Chen), the one that got away.
WHEN LOVE COMES, Directed by Chang Tso-Chi (Taiwan)
Canadian Premiere
Winner of four awards at the 2010 Taipei Golden Horse Film Festival including best feature film, Director Chang Tso-chi is one of Taiwan’s most notable directors. Working-class family conflicts and social alienation are common elements of his work. When Love Comes is a heartfelt film that tells the story of a disfunctional but loving family. Lai-chun is a flirtatious 16 year old girl living with her complicated family in Taipie. The family runs a small restaurant in a shopping arcade while she lives in her own little world. She spends her days dreaming about boys, but when her irresponsibility turns her life upside down and her boyfriend abandons her, she must change how she sees life.
BUDDHA MOUNTAIN, Directed by Li Yu (China) will be in attendance
Closing Night Gala, Canadian Premiere
Following the devastating earthquake that hits Sichuan provice in 2008, this was the first film that was shot that reflected the impact of catastrophic event. Building on her reputation as one of the most distinctive, and often noted as controversial directors, Li Yu chooses to focus on everyday life rather than disaster to illustrate the aftermath. As a result, she delivers a sharply observant drama about two divergent generations in contemporary China facing unstoppable change.
In 2010, this film received worldwide awards including Best Film Award (CASA Asian Film Week, Spain), Best Film Award (Rome Asian Film Festival, Italy), and Best Actress Award & Best Artistic Contribution Awards (23rd Tokyo International Film Festival, Japan)
The 15th Annual Reel Asian International Film Festival will also be extended to Richmond Hill November 18-19. The event also offers industry conferences and events will be held throughout the Festival.
For the full film schedule and tickets please visit www.reelasian.com
Check back soon for my film reviews & interviews! Now bring on the popcorn!