Focus on Asia, the highly-anticipated annual international film festival celebrating the best of Asian cinema, is back in town this month. In 1989, in celebration of the city’s centennial anniversary, “The Asia-Pacific Exposition” was held with the goal of further strengthening Fukuoka’s ties with the rest of Asia. The following year marked the start of “Asian Month”, a month-long series of Asia-related events held at venues throughout the city during the month of September. Focus on Asia, one of the centerpieces of Asian Month, is now entering into its 18th year. This year, the festival features 28 films, including a world premiere from South Korea. Reflecting the worldwide boom of Turkish cinema, this year’s lineup includes five Turkish films, including the hit film “Bliss”. No, there won’t be a red carpet reception, nor camera snapping paparazzi, but you can expect to see many of the films’ directors and stars around town and at many of the screenings. The festival is also a rare chance for English-speaking residents to enjoy foreign films thanks to multilingual subtitles. All but two of the twenty eight films have both English and Japanese subtitles, so don’t worry if your Thai is a bit rusty or your kanji-reading skills are below primary school level. Tickets cost less than regular releases at major cinemas, and there are even some money-saving festival passes on offer. However, if you absolutely can’t make it to any of the screenings it’s possible to view 291 films from previous Focus on Asia festivals at the Fukuoka City Public Library. Focus on Asia is definitely one of Fukuoka’s most important and enjoyable international events of the year – don’t miss it. Read on for our recommended flicks, and for more festival information.
Six Festival Picks
Turkey | 2006 | 105 min.
A young woman is on the run from her village tribe that condones the practice of female honor killings. With the village leader’s son and an ex-university professor by her side, this unlikely trio takes to the sea and embarks on a life-changing voyage. Praised by the Turkish film industry in 2007 as “one of the greatest motion pictures ever made.”
Director: Abdullah Oğuz
Starring: Murat Han, Özgü
9/14 (Sun.) 12:50~, 9/17 (Wed.) 10:20~, 9/19 (Fri.) 15:40~
Solaria Cinema 1
Pakistan | 2007 | 169 min.
This film depicts the difficulties facing Muslims, particularly Pakistanis, in a post-9/11 world. Focusing on the drift between both Muslims and non-Muslims, as well as the one between fundamentalist and liberal Muslims, this multi-layered and controversial film raises many questions about the future relationship between the Muslim culture and the rest of the world.
Director: Shoaib Mansoor
Starring: Shaan, Iman Ali
9/13 (Sat.) 18:20~, 9/17 (Wed.) 13:00~
Solaria Cinema 1
9/20 (Sat.) 10:20~
Nishitetsu Hall
Thailand | 2007 | 158 min.
A story of loss, love and friendship, this film revolves around the relationship of two young men who are separated by their families as children, and years later meet again at Bangkok’s Siam Square. Together, they come to terms with their families, social lives, and strong feelings for one another. At 27, Sakveerakul is the youngest director in the Thai film industry.
Director: Chookiat Sakveerakul
Starring: Mario Maurer, Witwisit Hinranyawongkol
9/14 (Sun.) 18:20~, 9/16 (Tue.) 18:30~
Solaria Cinema 1
9/21 (Sun.) 10:20~
Nishitetsu Hall
Iran | 2008 | 96 min.
An ostrich farm worker turns to the city to find work after losing his job. Exposure to the city life changes him into a greedy, materialistic man, but then after an accident he must rely on his family and others to make ends meet. Winner of the 59th Berlin International Film Festival Silver Bear Award for Best Actor.
Director: Majid Majidi
Starring: Reza Naji, Maryam Akbari
9/14 (Sun.) 10:20~, 9/17 (Wed.) 16:50~
Solaria Cinema 1
9/21 (Sun.) 18:50~
Nishitetsu Hall
Hong Kong-China | 2007 | 90 min.
Set in Tin Shui Wai, Hong Kong, a town infamous for domestic violence, suicide, organized crime and more, this film gives a voice to the everyday, normal people who defy the town’s poor reputation, by utilizing the power of slight, nuanced emotion. Directed by Ann Hui, grand prize winner of the Fukuoka Asian Culture Prizes.
Director: Ann Hui
Starring: Chun Lung Leung
9/14 (Sun.) 10:20~, 9/18 (Thu.) 13:20~
Elgala Hall
9/19 (Fri.) 15:40~
Nishitetsu Hall
Korea | 2008 | 96 min.
Set in the surroundings of Busan, the film mercilessly depicts the fate of those who squirm at the bottom of the social stratum through a story of a father and daughter’s love-hate relationship. This film, making its world premiere at Focus on Asia, is the first feature film for film director Jin Seung-hyun, a university professor.
Director: Jin Seung-hyun
Starring: Park Eun-su, Sung Hay-lim
9/13 (Sat.) 18:20~, 9/16 (Tue.) 13:00~, 9/19 (Fri.) 10:20~
Elgala Hall
Foreign Student Discount!
Half-price (¥600) at door
Student ID required
Tickets
1 feature: Advance ¥1,000, Door ¥1,200
5 features: Advance ¥4,000, Door ¥5,000
Free Pass: Advance ¥10,000, Door ¥12,000
Advance tickets can be purchased at Playguides (Fukuoka area)
Ticket PIA: Family Mart, Sunkus (P-code 479-615), Lawson Tickets (L-code 84651)
Present Corner
Win 1 of 20 pairs of tickets to Focus on Asia!
Further details on page 26 and enter at fukuoka-now.com/presents
Theaters
Solaria Cinema 1
7F Solaria Plaza, 2-2-43 Tenjin, Chuo-ku
092-733-7373
Nishitetsu Hall
6F Solaria Stage, 2-11-3 Tenjin, Chuo-ku
092-734-1362
Elgala Hall
8F Elgala Bldg., 1-4-2 Tenjin, Chuo-ku
092-711-5017
Grab a Guide!
For complete information about the festival and all 28 films being shown, pick up this free brochure at either Rainbow Plaza on the eighth floor IMS Building, or at the information desk on the first floor of City Hall. Detailed information also available online.
Focus on Asia: www.focus-on-asia.com
Asian Month: www.asianmonth.com
Asian Month Information Center: 092-262-0676 (10:00~17:00) Everyday (~9/13 only Mon-Fri)
For English: 092-733-5170
