Asian films to be screened during the TIFF ’09 (Oct 17/Oct 25):
• Competition
Through these movies from around the world and of various genres, viewers can see the dominating feel of present day, the universality of stories that transcend time and national borders, and furthermore, the resonance of films as means of expression.
ACACIA; directed by Jinsei Tsuji
A pure-hearted ex-wrestler and a lonely boy. The two give each other the courage to confront the truth… Jinsei Tsuji unfolds a lyrical story of love and emotional ties. Here is Antonio Inoki as never seen before.
Heaven Eternal, Earth Everlasting; directed by Li Fangfang
Orphaned girl’s coming of age story as she copes with love and work. Set in the 1990’s up to the Beijing Olympics, freshly limn by Chinese youth growing up with modernization. Li’s first feature film.
Manila Skies; directed by Raymond Red
Deprived from a grim modern society, what does a young man do? A careful yet dynamic portrayal of the paradox in modern society- note the direction of Raymond Red, leading man of the Philippines independent film industry.
Snowfall in Taipei; directed by Huo Jianqi
Director Huo Jianqi tells a romantic story, about love lost and found in the peaceful backstreets to the glamorous entertainment scenes of Taipei.
• Special Screenings
Yona Yona Penguin; directed by Rintaro
Picture book jumps into the town!? This is the fantasy adventure filled with courage and friendship, presented by Japan-France best staff for children and parents all over the world.
MY RAINY DAYS; directed by Yuri Kanchiku
Because of the past, 17-year-old RIO lives her days filling emptiness in her heart with money, until one day, she meets a university instructor MITSUKI and falls in love…
Chasing My Girl ; directed by Yuichi Fukuda
This full length feature film marks the cinematic debut of the highly regarded mystery writer, Yuichi Fukuda. Witty actor Takayuki Yamada stars in this film aptly titled Chasing My Girl about seven wackoes in heat.
Feel the Wind; directed by Sumio Omori
That first step changed them forever. 10 unique young runners with different backgrounds search for one goal, trying for the impossible. An inspiring film that brings fresh wind. Let the race begin!
Go Find a Psychic!; directed by Katsuyuki Motohiro
This is dedicated to everyone who has tried to bend spoons with psychokinesis. A dreaming assistant TV director vs. the seven weakest ESP capable in history!? -a long awaited, miraculously cute telekinetic comedy.
It’s on me; directed by Yoshimitsu Morita
Maya suddenly came back to her hometown from Tokyo. She gives her big money to her friends for them to use for their dreams. The film tells you “how to seize your happiness” through the motif, money.
E.YAZAWA ROCK; directed by Masuda Hisao
Japanese ROCK history began with this man. Young Eikichi Yazawa with ambitious eyes spoke of his dreams, and now at 60 looks ahead. Valued images over the last 30 years portray his way of life.
I Give My First Love to You; directed by Takehiko Shinjo
The much-awaited feature film based on the hit comic series “I Give My First Love to You” is coming to the silver screen! Starring Mao Inoue and Masaki Okada, this is a moving story of pure love.
Sideways; directed by Cellin Gluck
A suggestion for a one week side trip in your life. A film on the enlivening vacation of two reunited men who have passed their turning points- experienced romance, friendship, marriage, work, freedom and stability…
Zero Focus; directed by Isshin Inudo
Marking the 100th anniversary of the birth of writer Seicho Matsumoto, his most superb mystery is now adapted for film. Ryoko Hirosue, Miki Nakatani, and Tae Kimura play the 3 heroines caught up in a serial murder case.
SOUL RED Yusaku Matsuda; directed by Osamu Minorikawa
The man of legend – Yusaku Matsuda’s first official documentary supervised by Miyuki Matsuda. Through secret footages of his life and interviews to people close to him, it portraits the legend and the impact he had on us.
THE LAUGHING POLICEMAN; directed by Haruki Kadokawa
A police “shoot-to-kill” order against a fellow cop? Overnight, his colleagues must uncover an internal Hokkaido Police conspiracy. Based on a Jo Sasaki’s novel got an idea from a real scandal.
• Other selections
Among all the other films, here are some interesting choices:
- The Man with Two Names: Documentary about the life of a cinematographer, Kim Hak-seong, who worked in Japan too.
- Sanpei Hayashiya: “Portrait of an eccentric comedian who defined the Showa era”.
- Palm of the Hand Stories: Four short stories by 4 young filmmakers.
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