NEW YORK ASIAN FILM FESTIVAL, July 12–28, 2024

[Chris Knipp]

NYAFF: FULL LINEUP BY SECTION (94 films)

FESTIVAL COVERAGE SECTION

NYAFF SITE INTRODUCTION

LINKS TO THE REVIEWS
A BALLOON'S LANDING (Angel Teng 2024)
BE WITH ME (Hwarng Wern-ying 2023)
BUSHIDO (Kazuya Shiraishi 2023)
CAREFREE DAYS (Liang Ming 2023)
THE ESCAPING MAN (Wang Yichun 2023)
FOR ALICE (Chow Kam Wing 2023)
GOLD BOY (Shusuke Kaneko 2023)
LET'S GO KARAOKE! (Nobuhiro Yamashita 2023)
A LONG SHOT (Gao Peng 2023)
LOVE LIES (Ho Miu-ki 2023)
THE MISSING (Carl Joseph E. Papa 2023)
OLD FOX (Hsiao Ya-Chuan 2023)
SALLI (Lien Chien-Hung 2023)
SNOW LEOPARD (Pema Tseden 2023)
SUFFOCATING LOVE (Liao Ming-yi 2023)
SUPPOSED (Thanakorn Pongsuwan 2023)
THE TIME OF HUAN NAN (Leading Lee 2023)
TROUBLE GIRL (Chin Chi-hua 2023)
WHEN THIS IS ALL OVER (Kevin Mayuga 2023)

PROGRAM
OPENING FILM
Victory | dir. Park Beom-su, South Korea, 2024 | World Premiere

CENTERPIECE PRESENTATION
The Killers | dir. Lee Myung-Se, Chang Hang-jun, Kim Jong-kwan, Roh Deok, South Korea, 2024 | World Premiere

CLOSING FILM
Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In | dir. Soi Cheang, Hong Kong, 2024 | North American Premiere

BEYOND BORDERS (5)
Films about characters confronting new cultures
18x2 Beyond Youthful Days | dir. Michihito Fujii, Japan/Taiwan, 2024 | North American Premiere
A Balloon’s Landing | dir. Angel Teng, Taiwan, Hong Kong, 2024 | International Premiere
Fly Me to the Moon | dir. Sasha Chuk, Hong Kong, 2023 | North American Premiere
Salli | dir. Lien Chien-Hung, Taiwan, 2023 | East Coast Premiere
The Time of Huan Nan | dir. Leading Lee, Taiwan, 2023 | International Premiere

CROWD PLEASERS (6)
Films that captivate, comfort, and cheer
90 Years Old – So What? | dir. Tetsu Maeda, Japan, 2024 | North American Premiere
Breaking and Re-entering | dir. Leo Wang, Taiwan, 2024 | North American Premiere
Kingdom: Return of the Great General | dir. Shinsuke Sato, Japan, 2024 | International Premiere
Let’s Go Karaoke! | dir. Nobuhiro Yamashita, Japan, 2023 | North American Premiere
Love Lies | dir. Ho Miu-ki, Hong Kong, 2024 | North American Premiere
The Yin Yang Master Zero | dir. Shimako Sato, Japan, 2024 | North American Premiere

FILMMAKER IN FOCUS: RAY YEUNG (3)
All Shall Be Well | dir. Ray Yeung, Hong Kong, 2024 | East Coast Premiere
Front Cover | dir. Ray Yeung, U.S., 2024 | Special Screening
Twilight’s Kiss | dir. Ray Yeung, Hong Kong, 2019 | Special Screening

FRONTLINES (3)
Films grounded in the lives of those in marginalized communities, with narratives that examine pressing issues
Granny Prostitutes | dir. Joel Lamangan, Philippines, 2024 | North American Premiere
Old Fox | dir. Hsiao Ya-Chuan, Taiwan, 2023 | East Coast Premiere
The Cursed Land | dir. Panu Aree, Thailand, 2024 | North American Premiere

GENRE MASTERS (11)
Innovative new work that tweaks and twists genre conventions
Baby Assassins: Nice Days | dir. Yugo Sakamoto, Japan, 2024 | World Premiere
Brush of the God | dir. Keizo Murase, Japan, 2024 | International Premiere
Customs Frontline | dir. Herman Yau, Hong Kong, 2023 | North American Premiere
Fight for Tomorrow | dir. Chan Tai-Lee, Hong Kong, 2024 | U.S. Premiere
Inexternal | dir. Yuen Kim-Wai, Hong Kong, 2024 | World Premiere
Operation Undead | dir. Kongkiat Komesiri, Thailand, 2024 | World Premiere
Pattaya Heat | dir. Yang Shupeng, Thailand, 2024 | North American Premiere
Respati | dir. Sidharta Tata, Indonesia, 2024 | North American Premiere
The Guest | dir. Yeon Je-gwang, South Korea, 2023 | North American Premiere
The Sin | dir. Han Dong-seok, South Korea, 2023 | North American Premiere
Wolf Hiding | dir. Marc Ma, China, 2024 | North American Premiere

PRIME PICKS – SOUTH KOREA (4)
Focusing on the top films of the year from one country, both from a popular and critical standpoint

12.12: The Day | dir. Kim Seong-su, South Korea, 2023 | Special Screening
Escape | dir. Lee Jong-pil, South Korea, 2023 | Special Screening
Exhuma | dir. Jang Jae-hyun, South Korea, 2023 | Special Screening
The Roundup: Punishment | dir. Heo Myeong-haeng, South Korea, 2024 | Special Screening

NEXT/NOW (10)
Highlighting emerging voices and promising works by up-and-coming directors
A Long Shot | dir. Gao Peng, China, 2024 | North American Premiere
Carefree Days | dir. Liang Ming, China, 2024 | North American Premiere
City of Wind | dir. Lkhagvadulam Purev-Ochir, Mongolia, 2024 | New York Premiere
Dìdi (弟弟) | dir. Sean Wang, U.S., 2024 | New York Premiere
For Alice | dir. Chow Kam Wing, Hong Kong, 2024 | World Premiere
Galaxy Writer | dir. Li Kuo, Shan Dandan, China, 2023 | North American Premiere
The Lyricist Wannabe | dir. Norris Wong, Hong Kong, 2024 | New York Premiere
Not Friends | dir. Atta Hemwadee, Thailand, 2023 | North American Premiere
Pierce | dir. Nelicia Low, Taiwan/Singapore, 2023 | North American Premiere
When This Is All Over | dir. Kevin Mayuga, Philippines, 2024 | North American Premiere

NYAFF 2024 RESTORED CLASSICS (2)
Shanghai Blues | dir. Tsui Hark, Hong Kong, 2024 | Special Screening
Three Seasons | dir. Tony Bui, Vietnam, 2024 | Special Screening

SPOTLIGHT ON 852 FILMS (3)
Finding Bliss: Fire and Ice | dir. Kim Chan, Dee Lam, Hong Kong, 2022 | Special Screening
Habit (International Version) | dir. Janell Shirtcliff, U.S., 2021 | North American Premiere
Onpaku | dir. Shogo Fujii, Japan/Hong Kong, 2022 | New York Premiere

STANDOUTS (5)
Exceptional films, regardless of premiere status
Be With Me | dir. Hwarng Wern Ying, Taiwan, 2023 | East Coast Premiere
Brief History of a Family | dir. Lin Jianjie, China, 2024 | New York Premiere
Bushido | dir. Kazuya Shiraishi, Japan, 2024 | North American Premiere
Gold Boy | dir. Shusuke Kaneko, Japan/China, 2023 | North American Premiere
Snow Leopard | dir. Pema Tseden, China, 2024 | New York Premiere

VANGUARDS (5)
Original films that break away from formalistic and/or narrative conventions
FAQ | dir. Kim Da-min, South Korea, 2023 | North American Premiere
Reversi | dir. Adrian Teh, Malaysia, 2024 | North American Premiere
Supposed | dir. Thanakorn Pongsuwan, Thailand, 2023 | North American Premiere
The Missing | dir. Carl Joseph E. Papa, Philippines, 2024 | East Coast Premiere
The Tenants | dir. Yoon Eun-Kyung, South Korea, 2023 | North American Premiere

UNCAGED AWARD FOR BEST FEATURE FILM COMPETITION (8)
Frankenstein Father | dir. Choi Jea-young, South Korea, 2024 | International Premiere
How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies | dir. Pat Boonnitipat, Thailand, 2024 | North American Premiere
Ichiko | dir. Akihiro Toda, Japan, 2024 | North American Premiere
Snow in Midsummer | dir. Chong Keat Aun, Malaysia, Taiwan, Singapore, 2024 | U.S. Premiere
Suffocating Love | dir. Liao Ming-yi, Taiwan, 2024 | North American Premiere
The Escaping Man | dir. Wang Yichun, China, 2024 | International Premiere
Trouble Girl | dir. Chin Chia-Hua, Taiwan, 2024 | North American Premiere
Women from Rote Island | dir. Jeremias Nyangoen, Indonesia, 2024 | North American Premiere

SHORTS PROGRAM 1: The Animals That Therefore We Are (7)
A Snail Without Shell | dir. Mohin Rakhaine, Bangladesh, 2024 | International Premiere
Bottle George | dir. Daisuke ‘Dice’ Tsutsumi, Japan, 2024 | East Coast Premiere
Fish Boy | dir. Christopher Yip, Canada, 2024 | New York Premiere
Hot Seat | dir. Johmar Damiles, Philippines, 2024 | International Premiere
Save My Soul | dir. Leung Kam Fai, Hong Kong/Nepal, 2024 | North American Premiere
The Boys and the Donkey | dir. Tsering Yangjyab, China, 2024 | International Premiere
The Horse | dir. Lan Yi-Tzu, Taiwan, 2024 | North American Premiere

SHORTS PROGRAM 2: Echoes of Her Longing (6)
A Karaoke Space Odyssey | dir. Achim Mendoza, Philippines/U.S., 2024 | East Coast Premiere
Cross My Heart and Hope To Die | dir. Sam Manacsa, Philippines, 2024 | New York Premiere
Don’t F*ck with Ba | dir. Sally Trần, U.S., 2024 | World Premiere
Let | dir. Alyssa Loh, U.S., 2024 | East Coast Premiere
On a Boat | dir. Heso, Japan, 2024 | International Premiere
White Butterfly | dir. Catherine T. Nguyen, Vietnam, 2024 | East Coast Premiere

SHORTS PROGRAM 3: Ode to Youth (7)
A Summer’s End Poem | dir. Lam Can-zhao, China/Switzerland/Malaysia, 2024 | North American Premiere
Fire of Last Night in Yimi’s Woods | dir. Yue Yue Niao, China/U.S., 2024 | World Premiere
Now.Here | dir. Zhao Hao, China, 2024 | North American Premiere
Present Tense | dir. Guan Haotian, China, 2024 | North American Premiere
Shape of the Elephant | dir. Sam Kuwa, China/Japan, 2024 | North American Premiere
Something Blue | dir. Li Chen, China, 2024 | World Premiere
When a Rocket Sits on the Launch Pad | dir. Liu Bohao, China/U.S., 2024

SHORTS PROGRAM 4: Defiance Redefined (6)
Children of Light | dir. Kang Min-kyu, South Korea/U.S., 2024
Layover | dir. Taylor Sanghyun Lee, U.S., 2024 | East Coast Premiere
Peeper | dir. Han Chang-lok, South Korea, 2024 | North American Premiere
Pushup | dir. Ryu Ho-cheol, South Korea, 2024 | International Premiere
Seoul Switch | dir. Liann Kaye, U.S., 2024 | East Coast Premiere
The Killing Line | dir. Kim Kyu-jin, South Korea, 2024 | International Premiere

NYAFF AT FLC TICKET PRICING AND INFO:
Tickets for the 23rd edition of the New York Asian Film Festival go on sale June 20 at 2pm ET, with early access to FLC screenings for FLC Members beginning June 20 at 12pm ET. FLC tickets are $19 for General Public; $17 for students, seniors (62+), and persons with disabilities; and $14 for FLC Members.

See more at FLC and save with a 3+ Film Package ($17 for General Public; $14 for students, seniors (62+), and persons with disabilities; and $12 for FLC Members. Note: Opening Night and premium events are excluded.

Opening Night tickets for Victory are $25 for the General Public and $20 for FLC Members, students, seniors, and persons with disabilities. Those who wish to attend the Opening Night screening and the Night Market can get tickets for $50 for the General Public and $40 for FLC Members, students, seniors, and persons with disabilities.

Premium events include Customs Frontline and Kingdom: Return of the Great General. Premium event tickets are $25 for the General Public and $20 for FLC Members, students, seniors, and persons with disabilities.

For additional information, please visit Film at Lincoln Center at filmlinc.org, New York Asian Film Festival at nyaff.org, and follow us on social media @filmlinc and @nyaff.

NOTES TO EDITOR
Please send all NYAFF press inquiries to: Qing.Jin@nyaff.org
(Viewing links for key films are available by request)

LINK TO FILM STILLS
LINK TO FESTIVAL LOGO
LINK TO FESTIVAL POSTER

This year’s poster image is from the film The Time of Huan Nan, © Leading Creative CO., LTD

NYAFF 2024 VENUES
● Film at Lincoln Center (FLC), July 12–22

Walter Reade Theater, 165 W 65th Street, New York, NY
● SVA Theatre, July 22–28

333 W 23rd Street, New York, NY
● LOOK Cinemas W57, July 13–15, July 18–21, July 23–25

657 W 57th Street, New York, NY
● Korean Cultural Center New York (KCCNY), Dates to be announced

122 E 32nd St, New York, NY

NEW YORK ASIAN FILM FESTIVAL (NYAFF)
Celebrating its 23rd edition in 2024, the New York Asian Film Festival (NYAFF) is North America’s leading festival of Asian cinema. It was called “the best film festival in New York” by The Village Voice and “arguably the world’s best-curated program of new and classic Asian cinema” by IndieWire. Launched in 2002, the festival showcases a wildly diverse lineup of singular titles each year, ranging from mainstream blockbusters and art-house eccentricities to genre and cult classics. It was the first North American film festival to champion the works of Johnnie To, Bong Joon Ho, Park Chan-wook, Takashi Miike, and other auteurs of contemporary Asian cinema. Notable festival guests have included Lee Byung-hun, Ryoo Seung-wan, Masami Nagasawa, Sammo Hung, Lee Jung-jae, and Jackie Chan. Since 2010, NYAFF has been produced in collaboration with Film at Lincoln Center.
For more information, visit nyaff.org and follow @NYAFF on: Instagram, Facebook, X, #NYAFF2024

NEW YORK ASIAN FILM FOUNDATION
The New York Asian Film Foundation Inc. is America’s premier 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to the exhibition and appreciation of Asian film culture in all its forms, with year-round festivals and programs, and a view to building bridges between Asia and America.
The New York Asian Film Foundation’s flagship event is the annual New York Asian Film Festival (NYAFF), which has been presented in collaboration with Film at Lincoln Center since 2010. Now celebrating its 22nd year, NYAFF is North America’s leading festival of Asian cinema.

The foundation’s other events and initiatives include special screening events and an annual Winter Showcase at the SVA Theatre.

The New York Asian Film Festival, a program of the New York Asian Film Foundation, is made possible in part by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Kathy Hochul and the New York State Legislature.