Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival

13th Annual Edition

November 11-15, 2009

The Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival (Reel Asian) will celebrate its 13th year as Canada’s premier showcase of contemporary Asian cinema November 11 to 15, 2009. Presenting 49 East/Southeast Asian titles from around the world, from 14 countries, including Canada, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (North Korea), Singapore, Germany, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, the Philippines, and the United States of America, this year’s line-up includes a number of highly anticipated Canadian premieres, internationally acclaimed features, as well as shorts that hit close to home (12 World Premieres, 7 Canadian Premieres, 17 Toronto Premieres and over 35 guests in Attendance).

This year’s line up has something for everyone, including heart-pumping galas, thrilling dramas, moving shorts, and thought provoking media arts installations. HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:

GALAS & CENTREPIECE:
• OPENING NIGHT GALA: OVERHEARD (Dir. Alan Mak & Felix Chong, Hong Kong 2009, Canadian Premiere), a suspenseful cop drama starring Lau Ching-Wan, Louise Koo and Daniel Wu.
• CENTREPIECE: RED HEROINE (Dir. Wen Yimin, China 1929), an incredibly rare silent “kung fu” film that was once banned in China with a new live musical performance by Devil Music Ensemble.
• CLOSING NIGHT GALA: BREATHLESS (Dir. Yang Ik-June, South Korea 2008), a hard-hitting indie film.

INTERNATIONAL FEATURES: A selection of award-winning and noteworthy films from:
• Malaysia, WHEN THE FULL MOON RISES by Mamat Khalid, winner of “Best Film” at the Malaysian Film Festival
• The Philippines, YANGGAW by Richard Somes, winner of “Best Movie” at the Star Awards
• Taiwan, YANG YANG by Chen Yu-Chieh, winner of the “Audience Choice Award” at the Taipei Film Festival
• Japan, FISH STORY by Yoshihiro Nakamura, winner of “Best Pop Culture Rush” at the New York Asian Film Festival
• Indonesia, BLIND PIG WHO WANTS TO FLY by Edwin, winner of the “FIPRESCI International Critics’ Prize”, Rotterdam
• The USA, FRUIT FLY by H.P. Mendoza, winner of the “Audience Award” at the San Francisco International Asian American Film Festival, and WHITE ON RICE by David Boyle, a hilarious Japanese-American comedy.
• Thailand, AGRARIAN UTOPIA by Uruphong Raksasad, and North Korean film A SCHOOLGIRL’S DIARY by Jang In-Hak look at significant global/social issues facing Asia and Asian Canadians today, and will also include more extensive public discussions.

CANADIAN: With over 30 Asian Canadian titles, we are pleased to present the biggest and best selection of recent Asian Canadian films, videos and new media works. Includes: the world premiere of an erotic tale about family, THE ACHE (Dir. Keith Lock, Canada 2009); a live multi-media performance by Lesley Loksi Chan and Serena Lee called LIVE LONG AND PROSPER; the best of Canadian shorts program SENSE OF WONDER; two youth shorts programs that focus on emerging talents; a special live performance by Toronto’s WORST POP BAND EVER with recent animations by PPF HOUSE (Howie Shia); and installations by Jin-Me Yoon and recent Governor General Award winner, Nobuo Kubota.

INDUSTRY SERIES: Reel Asian focuses on the future of Canadian filmmakers, as the fourth annual INDUSTRY SERIES invites experts in the field to share tricks of the trade in panels, workshops, salons, networking events, and the SO YOU THINK YOU CAN PITCH? live competition for $28,000 in movie making equipment and services at Charles Street Video. Reel Asian will announce this year’s award winners at the Closing Night Gala & Awards Ceremony.

Reel Asian was founded in 1997 by producer Anita Lee and journalist Andrew Sun. This charitable community-based festival has grown into an eagerly anticipated annual event that attracts thousands of attendees to 5 frenetic days of galas, special presentations, screenings and parties. Reel Asian aims to foster cultural and artistic exchange, provide a public forum for homegrown Asian media artists and their work, and fuel the growing appreciation for Asian cinema in Canada.

Artistic Director Heather Keung comments on the 2009 line up: “I am so proud to present this dynamic program that truly reflects the diverse and complex interests of Canadian film festival lovers. With the growing support and appreciation for artful and innovative cinema in Toronto, Reel Asian is able to bring a stellar selection of the best Asian titles from around the world. Featuring some of the most resonating films of the year, the 13th Annual Reel Asian has an excellent slate of inspiring new titles by Asian Canadian talent that should not be missed!”

www.reelasian.com