QCinema International Film Festival unveils the lineup of titles competing in its prestigious platform for emerging Asian filmmakers.
The 2023 Asian Next Wave competition presents eight captivating feature film directorial debuts vying for the coveted Pylon Award.
First on the list is “Abang Adik” by Jin Ong.
“Abang Adik” tells the story of Abang, a deaf-mute, and his younger brother, Adi, who live in poverty as undocumented residents in Kuala Lumpur. While Abang aspires to lead an honorable life and obtain legal identification, the impulsive Adi is willing to take shortcuts, even if it means harming others. Jin Ong, a seasoned producer, delves into the obscure corners of Malaysian urban life, shedding light on the lives of individuals often overlooked by an indifferent society. The film has received acclaim, winning top honors at Udine’s Far East Film Festival, including the Golden Mulberry audience award, the Black Dragon Critics’ prize, and the award for best first feature.
Representing the Philippines in the Asian Next Wave Competition is “Gitling” by Jopy Arnaldo.
The film, featuring Gabby Padilla and Ken Yamamura, revolves around a translator hired by a filmmaker for a Bacolod film festival. Their friendship develops as they share stories of heartbreak and a language invented by Jamie. Jopy Arnaldo skillfully dissects the nuances of human communication, delving into the unspoken emotions and utilizing subtitles in innovative ways to express the unsaid. “Gitling” emerged as the Best Screenplay winner at the recent Cinemalaya Film Festival.
Another entrant is the Vietnamese-language drama film “Inside The Yellow Cocoon Shell” (2023), written and directed by Thien An Pham.
“Inside The Yellow Cocoon Shell” follows Thien, who embarks on a journey to the jungles of rural Vietnam to find his long-lost brother following his sister-in-law’s sudden death. The film explores themes of spiritual discovery in the mystical Vietnamese landscape, creating a meditative and, at times, hallucinatory space. The film had its world premiere at the Directors’ Fortnight section of the 76th Cannes Film Festival, winning the Caméra d’Or for the best first feature.
Next up is “Last Shadow At First Light” by Nicole Midori Woodford.
“Last Shadow At First Light” centers on Ami, who suspects her father of lying about her mother’s death. She embarks on a journey to Japan and embarks on a road trip with her uncle, uncovering painful truths about love and loss while chasing ghosts and apparitions. Writer and director Nicole Midori Woodford seamlessly integrates supernatural elements into this contemplative and dreamlike coming-of-age story, demonstrating a deep understanding of the Asian relationship with the afterlife.
“Love Is A Gun” by Lee Hong-chi is another contender.
The film focuses on Sweet Potato, who spent time in prison for working for a syndicate and is now striving to live a legitimate life. However, his past continues to haunt him, pulling him back into a violent world. Lee Hong-chi, known for his acting, makes his feature film writing and directing debut with a sensitive portrayal of directionless youth in Taiwan. The film explores the life of a young man striving for a better future while grappling with limited opportunities. “Love Is A Gun” made history as the first Taiwanese film to win the best first feature at the Venice International Film Festival.
“Mimang” by Kim Tae-yang is also in contention.
Kim Tae-yang’s film follows a man and a woman as they wander the streets of Seoul, a city that appears to undergo constant transformation over time. The film creates a magical and ever-changing landscape, akin to the way memories can shift, even among individuals deeply connected to a place, a time, and each other.
Another addition to the lineup is “Solids By The Seashore” by Patiparn Boontarig, a Thai romance/environmental film.
The story unfolds in the Southern Thai town of Songkhla, threatened by coastal erosion. It is here that Muslim poet Shati meets artist Fon, who arrives from Bangkok for an exhibit raising awareness about the impending environmental disaster. Shati grapples with her religious upbringing and a growing affection for Fon, reflecting the inner turmoil mirrored by the chaos brought on by the monsoons. Director Patiparn Boontarig melds folklore with contemporary concerns, employing a magical realist approach to explore the age-old conflict between faith and identity.
The final contender is “Tiger Stripes” by Amanda Nell Eu.
The film delves into the challenges of puberty faced by 12-year-old Zaffan. Her body undergoes unusual changes, leading to her shunning and attacks by the community when they discover what’s happening. Zaffan has no choice but to embrace her transformation. Amanda Nell Eu’s film vividly portrays the horrors of adolescence, transforming the typically unsettling aspects of puberty into potent body horror. “Tiger Stripes” had its world premiere at the 2023 Cannes Film Festival, where it won the Critics’ Week Grand Prize.
The QCinema International Film Festival is scheduled from November 17 to 26, 2023. The films will be screened at various venues, including Gateway Cineplex 10, Robinsons Movieworld Magnolia, Ayala Malls Cinemas’ UP Town Center, Power Plant Cinema, and Shangri-La’s Red Carpet Cinemas.
