FILM ASIA

Filipino filmmaker Arvin Belarmino, who has previously established his reputation with dynamic short films such as Radicals  and Agapito , is currently immersed in the final stages of production for his inaugural feature film, Ria . This project stands out as Belarmino’s most intensely personal work, deeply rooted in the political activism and real-life experiences of the punk community in Metro Manila. Set over a condensed period of five days, Ria  focuses on the last remain

The concept of a sudden, unexpected discovery of wealth and the morally corrosive consequences that follow has long been a powerful narrative staple in cinema. This enduring premise was notably present at this year’s Jogja-Netpac Asian Film Festival (JAFF), where two films explored the theme, with Dopamine offering a compelling, home-invasion-style approach that showcases yet another excellent performance from actress Shenina Cinnamon. The film introduces Malik and Alya, a yo

The 2025 Jogja-Netpac Asian Film Festival (JAFF) concluded its landmark 20th anniversary edition with a powerful statement, awarding the prestigious Golden Hanoman, the festival's top prize, to Becoming Human , directed by Cambodian filmmaker Polen Ly. This year's JAFF proved to be historic on multiple fronts. The festival officially became its largest and most monumental edition yet, welcoming over 30,000 visitors and continuing a consistent trend of annual growth. Festival

The highly accomplished Filipino actor, Dennis Trillo, recently secured his status as the best in Asia after winning the Best Actor in a Leading Role category for his critically acclaimed inspirational drama, Green Bones, at the 2025 Asian Academy Creative Awards (AAA) held in Singapore. Trillo emerged victorious over a strong field of leading actors from across eleven Asian countries, notably including Hollywood star Jacob Elordi (nominated for The Narrow Road to the Deep No

The 2025 Asian Academy Creative Awards (AAA) ceremony, held on December 4th in Singapore, delivered a thrilling night of tight competition, culminating in the Chinese Mainland securing both the Best Feature Film and Best Drama Series awards. The prestigious night, which serves as the largest showcase of Asia-Pacific content and creatives globally, took place at Singapore’s historic Capitol Theatre. In a spectacular scripted double win, the films MuMu and Strange Tales of Tan

The Jeonju International Film Festival (JEONJU IFF) in Korea has officially opened its call for entries for the upcoming edition, seeking submissions until the deadline of January 19, 2026 . The JEONJU IFF is dedicated to promoting a spirit of independence and rigorous experimentalism within cinema. The festival actively seeks to discover new aesthetic and technological frontiers for the contemporary moving image, enthusiastically introducing audiences to progressive trends a

The 38th Tokyo International Film Festival (TIFF) successfully concluded its ten-day run of screenings and events across the Hibiya-Marunouchi-Yurakucho-Ginza area, powerfully reaffirming cinema’s capacity to bridge cultural divides and foster deeper global understanding. This year’s edition presented a substantial program of 184 films, drawing over 69,000 admissions and attracting more than 160,000 attendees to related festival events. The festival’s top honor, the Tokyo Gra

The 36th edition of the Singapore International Film Festival (SGIFF) commenced on a historic note, marking its most successful opening in history with the selection of international star Shu Qi's debut feature as director. The festival's launch took place on November 26 at the Sands Theatre, located within the Marina Bay Sands complex. The opening film was Shu Qi’s Girl , a semi-autobiographical drama set in Taipei during the 1980s. The esteemed director was present for the

Japanese filmmaker Yurina Kaneko, recognized for her distinct vision in the 2023 debut People Who Talk to Plushies Are Kind , is currently developing her highly anticipated sophomore feature, Where All Things Drowse . This new project signifies an expansion of Kaneko’s ongoing fascination with non-human perspectives, the presence of ghosts, and the remnants of forgotten human culture. Kaneko has rapidly established herself as one of the most distinctive young voices in Japane

The highly anticipated new feature from master filmmaker Park Chan-wook, No Other Choice  ( Eojjeol Suga Eopda ), attempts a tricky tonal balancing act, one that feels akin to transplanting the dark aristocratic satire of Kind Hearts and Coronets  into the volatile contemporary Korean industrial job market. Sadly, while the film retains the work of a master craftsman and his signature idiosyncratic style, Park stumbles on some jarring shifts, allowing wacky humor to short-cha