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Asian World Film Festival: Celebrating a Decade of Cinematic Excellence
Kicking off an extraordinary celebration
Running from November 13 to November 21 at the Culver Theater in Culver City, the Asian World Film Festival (AWFF) marks its 10th anniversary by showcasing a breathtaking array of films from 27 countries. This year’s lineup is particularly significant, featuring 16 films submitted for the international feature Oscar category.
A Glimpse into the festival’s rich tapestry
This year’s AWFF is a vibrant testament to the diversity and talent that defines Asian cinema. The festival not only highlights films from across the Asian continent but also bridges the gap between Asian and Asian-American creators. More than 60 narrative and documentary films will be on display, offering a rich medley of storytelling that ranges from heartwarming dramas to thought-provoking documentaries.
According to the festival director, the AWFF has always aimed to open a window to Asia. “We are deeply grateful to the filmmakers who support this year’s lineup. The depth and breadth of the work featured this year is truly astonishing,” he noted.
Opening and closing decors
The festival opens with the South Korean drama “A Normal Family” and concludes with the Filipino romantic drama “Hello, Love, Again”. Between these bookends lies a kaleidoscope of cinematic experiences designed to captivate and challenge audiences.
Centerpiece excellence
The centerpiece film is none other than Wong Kar-wai’s iconic “In the Mood for Love”, lauded for its poetry in motion and starring the legendary Tony Leung Chiu-wai and Maggie Cheung. This film represents the pinnacle of cinematic artistry and has been a cornerstone in the landscape of global cinema.
Showcasing talent through rigorous competition
Main Competition Lineup:
- “The Wrestler” (Bangladesh), Dir. Iqbal Hossain Chowdhury
- “Meeting with Pol Pot” (Cambodia), Dir. Rithy Panh
- “The Antique” (Georgia), Dir. Russudan Glurjidze
- “Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In” (Hong Kong), Dir. Soi Cheang
- “Lost Ladies” (India), Dir. Kiran Rao
- “In the Arms of the Tree” (Iran), Dir. Babak Lotfi Khajepasha
- “Baghdad Messi” (Iraq), Dir. Sahim Omar Kalifa
- “Bauryna Salu” (Kazakhstan), Dir. Askhat Kuchencherekov
- “Paradise at Mother’s Feet” (Kyrgyzstan), Dir. Ruslan Akun
- “Arzé” (Lebanon), Dir. Mira Shaib
- “Abang Adik” (Malaysia), Dir. Jin Ong
- “12.12: The Day” (South Korea), Dir. Kim Sung-su
- “Old Fox” (Taiwan), Dir. Hsiao Ya-chuan
- “How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies” (Thailand), Dir. Pat Boonnitipat
- “Life” (Turkey), Dir. Zeki Demirkubuz
- “Peach Blossom, Pho and Piano” (Vietnam), Dir. Phi Tiến Sơn
Rewarding ingenuity
One of the exciting aspects of the AWFF is the inclusion of a 12-film shorts program, with the winning short film awarded a Panavision camera package valued at $15,000.
Shorts Program Highlights:
- “A Good Day Will Come” (Canada/Iran/Turkey), Dir. Amir Zargara
- “Born a Celebrity” (Palestine), Dir. Luay Awwad
- “콘 (Cone)” (South Korea), Dir. Ji-in Yu
- “The Deer’s Tooth” (Palestine), Dir. Saif Hammash
- “The First Dinner” (Palestine), Dir. Thekra Zohir Makalde
- “Fort, da?” (Lebanon), Dir. Rita Younes
- “Is anyone alive?” (Palestine), Dir. Omar Elemawi
- “Lullaby” (U.K./Vietnam), Dir. Chi Thai
- “Mar Mama” (Palestine), Dir. Majdi El Omari
- “Milky White” (China), Dir. Yoyo Liu
- “The Pencil” (Kazakhstan), Dir. Thomas Schultz
- “The Rain Lady” (U.S./Syria), Dir. Lyla Mzayek
An Oscar-qualifying platform
This year, the AWFF will also feature Oscar-qualifying screenings, including the documentary “The Sinking of the Lisbon Maru” by Chinese director Fang Li. The live-action shorts program is highlighted by works like “About Mannequin”, a black-and-white silent tribute to Kazakh storytelling by Aruzhan Dossymkozha, and “The Unreachable Star”, a captivating film by Asian-American filmmaker Sharon S. Park.
Celebrating excellence
The festival’s Snow Leopard trophies are prestigious accolades awarded for best film, actor, actress, special jury prize, and audience award. The best cinematography winner will also receive a $45,000 Panavision camera package grant, underscoring the festival’s commitment to promoting cinematic excellence.
Stay tuned to our website for more updates on this year’s film festival. Join us as we celebrate a decade of remarkable Asian cinema and beyond. Share this article and follow us for the latest in the world of film.
