Shangri-La
Plaza, together with the Asia Society Philippine Foundation Inc. and
the Film Development Council of the Philippines, unveils the rich
cultures of Asia and their compelling stories as it plays host to the
first-ever Asian Film Festival, themed Asia as Our Society, to be held
from May 17 to 21 at the Shang Cineplex.
Film entries from China, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Laos, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, and of course, the Philippines, will be screened during the festival.
The festival opens with a film from the Philippines, Dinig Sana Kita, which screens on May 17, 7:30pm. Witness the unfolding of a one-of-a-kind love story between a deaf boy and a troubled rocker girl in this 2009 drama. The film Halaw, screens on May 21, 8pm, narrates the adventure of an illiterate Badjao and his daughter as they illegally cross the border of Malaysia and the Philippines.
The festival continues with three of China’s most acclaimed and well-known films. Forever Enthralled, showing on May 18, 8pm, retraces the inspiring story of stage actor Mei Lanfang, who propelled Peking Opera to the global stage. While he had fans, supporters, and loved ones who stood by him, he also had friends who merely used him. Despite this, he went on and displayed dignity through the difficulties, changing traditional prejudices towards actors and leaving a legacy that is remembered to this day.
The Founding of a Republic screens on May 20, 8pm, revisiting the story of post-World War II China, when the unification of the Communist Party of China and other Chinese democratic parties resulted in a major historical milestone.
Capping off the Chinese line-up is Glittering Day, showing on May 21, 12:30pm, chronicles the lives of relocated residents of Jinyuchi (Golden Fish Pond), who were forcibly moved out due to government efforts to improve the place. Every spring, they return to the renovated area and reminisce about their former lives.
From Laos is Only Love, to be screened on May 18 at 5:30pm. Souvanh, a recent university graduate, returns to his village determined to help provide better living conditions for its residents. However, Namphet is set to sabotage Souvanh’s efforts to help the village, as well as destroy Souvanh’s relationship with his childhood sweetheart, Duongchai.
Indonesia takes the spotlight as Laskar Pelangi (The Rainbow Troops) premieres on May 19 at 3pm. Adapted from Andrea Hirata’s popular literary work, Laskar Pelangi chronicles the author’s memories of his hardworking teachers, brilliantly capturing the struggles of marginalized people hoping to achieve their dreams.
3 DOA 3 CINTA (3 Wishes, 3 Loves), to be shown on May 18 at 12:30pm, revolves around the lives of emotionally troubled students Huda, Rian and Syahid. The three meet sexy dangdut singer Dona Satelit, travelling cinema troupe owner Toha, and a militant religious leader, who all give them hope that they can still make their own dreams happen.
Six different but interconnected stories are retold in Jakarta Maghrib (Jakarta Sunset), which screens on May 21, 5:30pm. Comprised of six short films, the overall story poignantly portrays the Jakarta sunset as the key element that weaves all tales and relationships together.
Also not to be missed is Vietnam’s film line-up. Mua Oi La Saison des Goyaves (The Guava House) traces the journey of peaceful Hanoi City through the years on May 18, 3pm; while Thoung Nho Dong Que (Nostalgia for Countryside), which screens on May 20, 12:30pm, chronicles the story of several characters who either leave or return to their home and realize that their place of origin will always have a special spot in their hearts.
Japan likewise showcases the best of its film creations in the series. Wanko: The Story of Me, My Family and My Dog on May 19, 5:30pm, takes on the story of the Noyama family, who lives in the small island of Miyakejima, as they are forcibly evacuated from their home when Mount Oyama violently erupts. Éclair on May 20, 3pm, follows the story of orphan Akio, as he goes through life without parents at the onset of the war.
Experience rich stories of Korean culture with Hwang Jin Yi, showing on May 19, 8pm, as its namesake main character becomes a gisaeng to gain favor with the noble classes; and Speedy Scandal on May 20, 5:30pm, as former teen star Nam Hyun-soo undergoes a PR crisis as a radio listener on his show unleashes claims that he is her biological father.
Finally, to complete the festival’s roster is Sri-Lanka-Agni Dahaya, screening on May 19, 12:30pm, traces the lives of an exorcist, his assistant, a woman called Kirimenike and her partner Herath, as their stories unfold amidst the backdrop of political turmoil. Following suit is Dheewari on May 21, 3pm, which portrays the harsh realities of life in a Sri Lankan fishing village through the journey of orphan Valli.
Schedule:
May 17, 2012 (Thursday)
Dinig Sana Kita (If I Knew What You Said) - 7:00pm to 9:00pm
Film entries from China, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Laos, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, and of course, the Philippines, will be screened during the festival.
The festival opens with a film from the Philippines, Dinig Sana Kita, which screens on May 17, 7:30pm. Witness the unfolding of a one-of-a-kind love story between a deaf boy and a troubled rocker girl in this 2009 drama. The film Halaw, screens on May 21, 8pm, narrates the adventure of an illiterate Badjao and his daughter as they illegally cross the border of Malaysia and the Philippines.
The festival continues with three of China’s most acclaimed and well-known films. Forever Enthralled, showing on May 18, 8pm, retraces the inspiring story of stage actor Mei Lanfang, who propelled Peking Opera to the global stage. While he had fans, supporters, and loved ones who stood by him, he also had friends who merely used him. Despite this, he went on and displayed dignity through the difficulties, changing traditional prejudices towards actors and leaving a legacy that is remembered to this day.
The Founding of a Republic screens on May 20, 8pm, revisiting the story of post-World War II China, when the unification of the Communist Party of China and other Chinese democratic parties resulted in a major historical milestone.
Capping off the Chinese line-up is Glittering Day, showing on May 21, 12:30pm, chronicles the lives of relocated residents of Jinyuchi (Golden Fish Pond), who were forcibly moved out due to government efforts to improve the place. Every spring, they return to the renovated area and reminisce about their former lives.
From Laos is Only Love, to be screened on May 18 at 5:30pm. Souvanh, a recent university graduate, returns to his village determined to help provide better living conditions for its residents. However, Namphet is set to sabotage Souvanh’s efforts to help the village, as well as destroy Souvanh’s relationship with his childhood sweetheart, Duongchai.
Indonesia takes the spotlight as Laskar Pelangi (The Rainbow Troops) premieres on May 19 at 3pm. Adapted from Andrea Hirata’s popular literary work, Laskar Pelangi chronicles the author’s memories of his hardworking teachers, brilliantly capturing the struggles of marginalized people hoping to achieve their dreams.
3 DOA 3 CINTA (3 Wishes, 3 Loves), to be shown on May 18 at 12:30pm, revolves around the lives of emotionally troubled students Huda, Rian and Syahid. The three meet sexy dangdut singer Dona Satelit, travelling cinema troupe owner Toha, and a militant religious leader, who all give them hope that they can still make their own dreams happen.
Six different but interconnected stories are retold in Jakarta Maghrib (Jakarta Sunset), which screens on May 21, 5:30pm. Comprised of six short films, the overall story poignantly portrays the Jakarta sunset as the key element that weaves all tales and relationships together.
Also not to be missed is Vietnam’s film line-up. Mua Oi La Saison des Goyaves (The Guava House) traces the journey of peaceful Hanoi City through the years on May 18, 3pm; while Thoung Nho Dong Que (Nostalgia for Countryside), which screens on May 20, 12:30pm, chronicles the story of several characters who either leave or return to their home and realize that their place of origin will always have a special spot in their hearts.
Japan likewise showcases the best of its film creations in the series. Wanko: The Story of Me, My Family and My Dog on May 19, 5:30pm, takes on the story of the Noyama family, who lives in the small island of Miyakejima, as they are forcibly evacuated from their home when Mount Oyama violently erupts. Éclair on May 20, 3pm, follows the story of orphan Akio, as he goes through life without parents at the onset of the war.
Experience rich stories of Korean culture with Hwang Jin Yi, showing on May 19, 8pm, as its namesake main character becomes a gisaeng to gain favor with the noble classes; and Speedy Scandal on May 20, 5:30pm, as former teen star Nam Hyun-soo undergoes a PR crisis as a radio listener on his show unleashes claims that he is her biological father.
Finally, to complete the festival’s roster is Sri-Lanka-Agni Dahaya, screening on May 19, 12:30pm, traces the lives of an exorcist, his assistant, a woman called Kirimenike and her partner Herath, as their stories unfold amidst the backdrop of political turmoil. Following suit is Dheewari on May 21, 3pm, which portrays the harsh realities of life in a Sri Lankan fishing village through the journey of orphan Valli.
Schedule:
May 17, 2012 (Thursday)
Dinig Sana Kita (If I Knew What You Said) - 7:00pm to 9:00pm
May 18, 2012 (Friday)
3 DOA 3 CINTA - 12:30pm
The Guava House (MUA OI LA SIASON DES GAYAVES) - 3:00pm
Only Love - 5:30pm
Forever Enthralled - 8:00pm
May 19, 2012 (Saturday)
Dheevari - 12:30pm
Laskar Pelang (The Rainbow Troops) - 3:00pm
WANKO - The Story of Me, My Family and My Dogs - 5:30pm
Hwang Jin Yi - 8:00pm
May 20, 2012 (Sunday)
Nostalgia For Countryland (Thoung nho dong que) - 12:30pm
Eclair - 3:00pm
Speedy Scandal - 5:30pm
The Founding of A Republic - 8:00pm
May 21, 2012 (Monday)
Glittering Day - 12:30pm
Agni Dahaya - 3:00pm
Jakarta Maghrib - 5:30pm
Halaw - 8:00pm
Some pretty interesting synopses here. I do hope I can catch even one. You sometimes have to wait a long time though.
ReplyDeletenice line-up..watch tayo soph:)
ReplyDelete