In the past 15 years, the Reel Asian International Film Festival has risen to become the leading exhibitor of coveted Asian works with a film repertoire that has included over 330 premieres and over 15 gallery installations at exhibition spaces in the GTA.
Founded in 1997, Reel Asian began as a 3-day event, established in response to the strong interest in Asian films in Toronto, and has since grown to a two-week festival attracting over 10,000 audience members each year. Reel Asian brings highly anticipated premieres of award-winning international films as well as a diverse showcase of independent work made by Asian-Canadian directors.
From November 8 to 19, 2011, the festival will present more than 55 films and videos from 12 countries, including Taiwan, South Korea, Japan, China, the U.S. and Vietnam. Reel Asian strives to develop programming that reflects the cultural diversity of Canada and increase public understanding and appreciation of the artistic, social and cultural contributions of those of Asian heritage through film. This year, the festival has expanded by two days to provide an even larger selection of screenings and events!
Here is a highlight of some of the films you must take in at this year’s festival.
Opening Night Gala | Tue Nov 8, 7:00 pm | LOVER’S DISCOURSE | Dir. Derek Tsang Kwok Cheung, Jimmy Wan | Hong Kong 2010 | Jumping genres from fantasy to thriller, four overlapping stories of individuals afflicted, troubled and obsessed with love in Hong Kong weave into one. Starring Eason Chan, Karena Lam Ka-Yan.
Youth Presentation | Wed Nov 9, 1:00 pm | CROSSROADS These shorts show youth at a crossroads, confronting generational differences, looking beyond their everyday lives, and ultimately discovering their own dreams.
Youth Presentation | Thu Nov 10, 1:00 pm | CREATURESCreepy, crawly, and cute: these animated creatures open doors to our imaginations.
Youth Presentation | Thu Nov 10, 3:00 pm | RESIDENT ALIENSAn eye-opening account of three Cambodian-American ex-cons forced to return to their native country.
Feature Presentation | Fri Nov 11, 11:30 pm | FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST MOVIE: THE SACRED STAR OF MILOS | Dir. Murata Kasuya | Japan 2011 | The infamous Elric brothers’continuing quest for the Philosopher’s Stone embroils them in a rebellion in the underground city of Milos. Based on Japan’s #1 manga series.
Feature Presentation | Sat Nov 12, 2:45 pm | BLEAK NIGHT | Dir. Yoon Sung-Hyun | South Korea 2010 | The sudden death of a high-school student reveals the complex and competitive power dynamics among teenage boys in this psychological drama from South Korea.
Feature Presentation | Sun Nov 13, 1:00 pm | ETERNITY | Dir. Sivaroj Kongsakul | Thailand 2010 | Eternity is a love story inspired by the Thai belief that the spirit of the dead will return to walk the footsteps of the places it most cherished.
Feature Presentation | Sun Nov 13, 5:00 pm | PEARLS OF THE FAR EAST | Dir. Cuong Ngo | Canada/Vietnam 2010 | Based on stories by award-winning author Nguyen Thi Minh Ngoc, Pearls of the Far East explores forbidden desire and true love in this cinematically stunning debut feature.
Closing Night Gala and Awards Ceremony | Sun Nov 13, 8:00 pm | BUDDHA MOUNTAIN | Dir. Li Yu | China 2010 | When three young delinquents move in with an uptight opera singer, personalities clash until they realize they need each other more than they think. Starring Sylvia Chang & Fan Bingbing.
The festival will also offer some screenings in Richmond Hill this year. Visit the festival website for schedule and location information.
And of course, the So You Think You Can Pitch Competition is back this year! This competition features prizes worth a combined value of more than $35,000.
For full festival schedule, venue and screening information go to http://www.reelasian.com.
