Fifth edition of “Asia On Screen” brings viewers 10 acclaimed films from across the region
Be moved, laugh your heart out, and prepare for an adrenaline rush. “ASIA ON SCREEN 2018,” the premier Asian film festival in Manila, returns to bring the best of independent Asian cinema this 22 to 25 February 2018 at Ayala Malls Cinemas in Greenbelt 3 cinema 3, Makati City.
With its selection of carefully curated and critically-acclaimed independent movies, ASIA ON SCREEN 2018 aims to highlight the best of Asia’s burgeoning film industry. The festival provides an opportunity to appreciate the region’s talent, learn about their experiences, and gain a deeper understanding of their cultures. ASIA ON SCREEN 2018 is co-presented by Asia Society Philippines, Ayala Malls Cinemas, the Film Development Council of the Philippines, and Security Bank.
Now on its fifth year, ASIA ON SCREEN is aptly themed ‘BREAKING BARRIERS’ in reference to the struggles overcome by the characters featured in the film’s stories, and those the directors faced in their journeys as filmmakers. All films will be screened at Greenbelt 3 Cinema 3. Tickets can be purchased online at SureSeats.com or on-site at Greenbelt 3 cinemas.
GATHERING OF DIRECTORS
The festival will kick off with a talk and discussion of select films entitled “Asia Society Conversations: Directors Dialogue.” The event features Laos’s Ansay Keola (Above it All), Malaysia’s Saw Teong Hin (You Mean the World to Me), and the Philippine’s Sheron Dayoc (Women of the Weeping River). Keola, Saw, and Dayoc will touch on their personal stories as filmmakers, the stories behind their films, and the cinematic landscape of their respective countries. The dialogue will be held at Greenbelt 3 cinema 3 from 3 to 5 PM and will be moderated by Lourd de Veyra.
Opening this year’s festival is the award-winning “Women of The Weeping River,” directed by Sheron Dayoc. The first commercial screening since its release in 2016, Women of The Weeping River chronicles two women from rival families as they attempt to end a cycle of murders that has spanned for generations. Dayoc’s cinematic prowess is evident as he paints an authentic portrait of the culture of rido (Maranao for “family feud”), as well as the tensions existing in Mindanao, through a documentary-like film that doesn’t skimp on cinematography. Women of The Weeping River has bagged numerous awards, such as Best Film, Best Screenplay, and Best Director at the 40th GawadUrian Film, and Best Picture at the QCinema International Film Festival in 2016.
SHOWCASING ASIA’S DIVERSITY
ASIA ON SCREEN 2018 promises to offer a glimpse into the experiences of the diverse peoples of the Asian region, all while tackling relevant social issues. The different themes of love, identity, family, hardship, and success testify that, despite our cultural differences, we all, tell the same stories and share the same human experiences.
Joining this year’s festival are 10 films from nine countries that have toured international festivals and been critically acclaimed:
- Above it All (Laos) paints a picture of the attitudes surrounding homosexuality in Laos’s Hmong minority.
- You Mean The World To Me (Malaysia) captures the depths of love for family, even through – and especially during – difficult times.
- The Wailing (Korea) follows investigating officer Jong-Goo on his mission to capture the man behind the mysterious slew of murders in his village.
- Apprentice (Singapore) explores the often debated, yet taboo issue of capital punishment.
- How to Win at Checkers (Thailand) examines the joys and pains of growing up in contemporary Thailand through the eyes of an orphaned young boy.
- Jackpot (Vietnam) warmly narrates the plight of a poor lottery saleswoman who discovers that one of her customers bought the winning ticket.
- Women of the Weeping River (Philippines) offers a closer glimpse of the different discords and cultures of Mindanao through the perspectives of two women.
- Mga Rebeldeng May Kaso (Philippines) follows a group of young indie filmmakers during the politically-charged, rapidly-changing epoch of the People Power Revolution of 1986.
- Emma (Mother) (Indonesia) tackles the traditions of Indonesia through the eyes of a mother struggling to find peace amidst her husband’s polygamy.
- Lipstick Under My Burkha( India) chronicles three brave, hopeful Indian women who desire to break free from the chains of their conservative society.
As Manila’s premier film festival, ASIA ON SCREEN offers a unique opportunity to learn about the different cultures of Asia without ever having to leave the comforts of the cinema! For 5 years, the festival has brought together casual moviegoers, film enthusiasts, and those who seek a fresh film experience with its wide variety of film genres. Spanning romance, drama, comedy, and thriller, the different stories featured in ASIA ON SCREEN reflect a diversity of cultures across the region and their ever-growing talent in the realm of cinema.
| Screening Time | Feb 23
FRIDAY |
Feb 24
SATURDAY |
Feb 25
SUNDAY |
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| 2:00 p.m. | Above It All | Jackpot | How To Win at Checkers | |||
| 4:30 p.m. | You Mean The World To Me | MgaRebeldeng May Kaso | Emma | |||
| 7:00 p.m. | The Wailing | How To Win at Checkers | Women of the Weeping River | |||
| 10:00 p.m. | Apprentice | The Wailing | Lipstick Under My Burkha | |||
ASIA ON SCREEN 2018 is co-presented by Asia Society Philippines, Ayala Malls Cinemas, the Film Development Council of the Philippines, and Security Bank. It is supported by Philam Life, C2 Cool and Clean, Jack N’ Jill Calbee, Nissin Cup Noodles, and TBA Studios. Special thanks to Del Monte and FedEx Express, with the participation of Bench and The Royal Thai Embassy.Air Asia serves as the Official Airline Partner, and The Picasso Makati is the Official Hotel Partner. Media Partners include ANC, Barangay LS 97.1, CNN Philippines, ClickTheCity.com, GMA, NoliSoli.PH, and WhenInManila.com.
ABOUT ASIA SOCIETY PHILIPPINES
Asia Society Philippines is the sole Southeast Asian center of the 12 centers of Asia Society worldwide. A non-profit organization, Asia Society Philippines seeks to improve greater people-to-people understanding and respect between Asia and the West, between Asia’s many peoples, and among Filipinos. Through its programs in public policy, business, and arts and culture, Asia Society Philippines seeks to make a meaningful contribution in the work towards a more united, peaceful and progressive world. More information about Asia Society Philippines can be accessed at https://asiasociety.org/philippines/about-asia-society.
