From 10 to 15 May 2022, the 14th edition of the CinemAsia Film Festival will take place in three movie theatres in Amsterdam. This edition is filled with a diverse programme that includes more than 30 films from Asia and the diaspora that haven’t been screened in the Netherlands before. The broad selection ranges from popular blockbusters, arthouse gems to inspiring documentaries, and more.
The 2022 edition of CinemAsia will be opened on the 10th of May with the film ANITA (Hong Kong, 2021) by Longman Leung, a biopic about the canto pop icon Anita Mui (1963-2003). On the 15th of May, CinemAsia Film Festival 2022 will end with the closing film Vengeance Is Mine, All Others Pay Cash (Indonesia, Singapore, Germany 2021) by Edwin, a genre-defying Indonesian action drama film filled with dark humour.
Let’s take a look at the Japanese films that will be shown during the 14th edition of the CinemAsia Film Festival.
BELLE (2021)
The film is a reimagining of Beauty and the Beast for the digital landscape. In the virtual world of “U,” a high school student named Suzu escapes into her online persona as Belle, a globally beloved singer, and meets a mysterious creature along the way. Read our review about BELLE.
Directed by Mamoru Hosoda, also known for the films Mirai, Summer Wars and Bakemono no Ko)
Screenings: Friday 13 May – 21:00 (Studio/K), Saturday 14 May – 19:15 (Rialto VU) | more information
Japanese title: 竜とそばかすの姫 | Ryū to Sobakasu no Hime
MIDNIGHT SWAN (2020)
Dutch premiere. A transgender nightclub performer named Nagisa develops a familial bond with her young niece Ichika as she helps her niece pursue her passion for ballet. Awarded Best Picture and Best Actor at the 44th Japan Academy Film Prize. After the screening, there will be a panel discussion: CinemAsia x Studio/K x TranScreen : The Trap Door of Representation.
Directed by Eiji Uchida, who is also known for Grateful Dead, The Naked Director
Screenings: Saturday 14 May – 16:50 (Studio/K) | more information
Japanese title: ミッドナイトスワン
Missing (2022)
Dutch premiere. When a debt-ridden father decides to track down a serial killer for the reward, he suddenly goes missing and his teenage daughter must uncover the mystery behind her father’s disappearance.
Directed by Shinzo Katayama. Was assistant director for films such as Mother, Siblings of the Cape.
Screenings: Friday 13 May – 21:15 (Rialto De Pijp), Saturday 14 May – 23:00 (Studio/K) | more information
Japanese title: さがす | Sagasu
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XgljeC7yNOc
Wheel of Fortune and Fantasy (2021)
Dutch premiere. Screening as part of CinemAsia’s MASTERS selection to celebrate Asian grandmaster filmmakers, Ryusuke Hamaguchi’s Wheel of Fortune and Fantasy is a triptych of stories about women navigating relationships in modern Japan. It was awarded the Silver Bear Grand Jury Prize at Berlinale 2021.
Directed by Ryusuke Hamaguchi, who is also known for Drive My Car.
Screenings: Wednesday 11 May – 18:45 (Studio/K), Thursday 12 May – 21:40 (Studio/K), Sunday 15 May – 16:45 (Rialto VU) | more information
Japanese title: 偶然と想像 | Guzen to sozo
During the weekend you can enjoy an added taste of Asia at Studio/K and Rialto VU, provided by multiple Asian food vendors. It is a good way to hang out before or after a screening and eventually meet other Asian film lovers.
Find more information about the 14th edition of the CinemAsia Film Festival, its film programme and side events can be found on the official website.
