The 2010 Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival will celebrate its 14th year as Canada’s longest-running and largest showcase of contemporary cinema by East Asian and Southeast Asian moviemakers from Canada and around the world. From November 9 to 15, 2010, the festival will present more than 50 films and videos from 12 countries, including Taiwan, South Korea, Japan, China, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Canada and the U.S. Reel Asian strives to develop programming that reflects the cultural diversity of Canada and increases public understanding and appreciation of the artistic, social and cultural contributions of those of Asian heritage through film. This year, the festival has been expanded by two days to provide an even larger selection of screenings and events! Highlights include:
GALAS & CENTREPIECE:
• OPENING NIGHT GALA: GALLANTS (directors: Clement Sze-Kit Cheng & Derek Chi-kin Kwok, Hong Kong 2010; Toronto premiere, director in attendance)
• CENTREPIECE PRESENTATION: GOLDEN SLUMBER (director: Nakamura Yoshihiro, Japan 2010; Toronto premiere)
• CLOSING NIGHT GALA: AU REVOIR TAIPEI (director: Arvin Chen, Taiwan/USA 2010; Toronto premiere, director in attendance)
INTERNATIONAL FEATURES: a selection of award-winning and noteworthy films
• Vietnam/France/Germany — BI, DON’T BE AFRAID! by Dang Di Phan, winner of SACD Best Screenplay Award at Cannes International Critic’s Week (2010)
• Japan — DEAR DOCTOR by Nishikawa Miwa, winner of more than 21 awards in Japan, including the Japanese Academy Award for Best Screenplay (2009)
• South Korea/China/France — DOOMAN RIVER by Lu Zhang received a Crystal Bear Special Mention at the Berlin International Film Festival (2010) and the Special Jury Prize at the Paris Cinema International Film Festival (2010)
• South Korea — EIGHTEEN by Jang Kun-jae, winner of the Vancouver International Film Festival’s Dragons & Tigers Award for Young Cinema (2009)
• Philippines/USA — THE MOUNTAIN THIEF by Gerry Balasta, winner of the Special Jury Prize at the San Francisco International Asian American Film Festival (2010)
• China — OXHIDE II by Liu Jiayin was part of the Quinzaine/Directors’ Fortnight at the Cannes Film Festival (2009) and won the Blue Chameleon Award and White Chameleon Award at the Cinema Digital Seoul Film Festival (2009)
CANADIAN PROGRAMMING:
• HOME — Reel Asian’s Canadian Spotlight on Desiree Lim
• ONE BIG HAPA FAMILY (director: Jeff Chiba Stearns) and MARKER (director: Louise Noguchi)
• REDRESS REMIX (director: Lesley Loksi Chan)
• Best of Canadian Shorts Presentation: ON THE FLIP SIDE
• TOILET (director: Naoko Ogigami, Japan/Canada, 2010) was shot in Toronto and features a all-Canadian cast
• SPECIAL PRESENTATION: SUITE SUITE CHINATOWN — a new commission of works by Chinese Toronto-based directors on the theme of “Chinatown,” with new music and a live performance by the Mary Ward Secondary School Stage Band
SPOTLIGHT PRESENTATION: KOJI YAMAMURA — MASTERY OF THE FORM
Oscar-nominated Koji Yamamura (FRANZ KAFKA’S A COUNTRY DOCTOR), one of the most successful animation filmmakers in Japan today, will be giving a master class as part of the Industry Series, followed by a screening of selected works
GALLERY INSTALLATION: RMB City by Cao Fei (aka China Tracy) at A Space Gallery
The first solo show by internationally-acclaimed Chinese art star Cao Fei, who recently exhibited at the Venice Biennale and completed a new commission for the Guggenheim in New York City.
PITCH COMPETITION
Reel Asian's 5th Annual Pitch Competition—So You Think You Can Pitch?—is back for 2010! A collaboration between Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival and Charles Street Video (CSV), this competition features prizes worth a combined value of more than $31,000. Ten teams of filmmakers will have six minutes to pitch their projects to vie for $1,500 in cash; distribution through Ouat Media; more than $10,000 (emerging category) and $18,000 (professional category) worth of production, post services and artist's fees at CSV.
REEL ASIAN HEADS TO RICHMOND HILL!
As part of our initiative to reach new audiences beyond the downtown core, Reel Asian includes the Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts in its official programme and will be presenting Hong Kong blockbuster IP MAN 2 on October 18, and an encore presentation of this year’s closing night film, AU REVOIR TAIPEI, on November 15.
SCHEDULE AT A GLANCE (chronologically by date)
Special presentation | Mon Oct 18, 7:00 pm | Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts IP MAN 2 | Dir. Wilson Yip | Hong Kong 2010 | Toronto Premiere
In 1949 Hong Kong, Wing Chun martial arts master Ip Man struggles to start a new school and finds himself up against corrupt British authorities. Based on the true story of Bruce Lee’s master, and starring Donnie Yen and Sammo Hung.
Opening Night Gala | Tue Nov 9, 7:00 pm | Bloor Cinema GALLANTS | Dir. Clement Sze-Kit Cheng, Derek Chi-kin Kwok | Hong Kong 2010 | Toronto Premiere
In a hilarious homage to action stars of yesteryear, two washed-up masters and an unlikely hero must stand up to a gang of ruthless developers. Presented by Rogers Communications Inc.
Youth Presentation | Wed Nov 10, 11:00 am | NFB Cinema REDRESS REMIX | Dir. Lesley Loksi Chan | Canada 2010
A contemporary look at the controversial 2006 government apology to the Chinese Canadian community for the Head Tax and Exclusion Act of 1923.
Youth Presentation | Wed Nov 10, 1:30 pm | NFB Cinema DAYS OF RAIN | Dir. Andreas Hartmann | Germany/Vietnam 2010 | North American Premiere Thirteen-year old Quynh and his family live in a small village in Vietnam threatened by nearby landmines and relentless flooding. When offered the chance to relocate, they turn to a local fortune-teller to help them with their difficult decision.
Canadian Spotlight | Wed Nov 10, 6:30 pm | Innis Town Hall
HOME | Dir. Desiree Lim | Canada/Japan/Malaysia 2009 | North American Premiere
A documentary-drama project by queer-feminist Canadian Malaysian director Desiree Lim gives voice to the plight of Burmese refugees in Malaysia.
Feature Presentation | Wed Nov 10, 8:30 pm | Innis Town Hall
DOOMAN RIVER | Dir. Zhang Lu | South Korea/France 2010 | Toronto Premiere
Chang-ho and Jeong-Jin live on opposite sides of the Dooman River, which divides China from North Korea. Amid growing tension, the two young boys form an unlikely friendship. Berlin Film Festival Special Mention 2010.
Shorts Presentation | Thu Nov 11, 6:30 pm | Innis Town Hall
ON THE FLIP SIDE: Short films focusing on everything from a ‘playful’ kidnapping to a Fresh Prince dance-off. New work by Paul Wong, Ann Marie Fleming, Howie Shia, Tadaaki Hozumi, Gloria Kim and more …
Feature Presentation | Thu Nov 11, 9:00 pm | Innis Town Hall BI, DON’T BE AFRAID! | Dir. Dang Di Phan | Vietnam/France/Germany 2010 | North American Premiere
Told through the innocent eyes of six-year-old Bi, this family drama takes a frank look at sexual desire and repression in modern-day Vietnam.
Youth Presentation | Fri Nov 12, 1:00 pm | NFB Cinema
DRAWING ON THE ART OF HAND & FOOT: A selection of animation and adventure films that showcases a sensational range of techniques and compelling storytelling.
Gallery Reception | Fri Nov 12, 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm | A Space Gallery RMB CITY | Dir.Cao Fei (aka China Tracy) | China 2007–2009
Cao Fei (a.k.a. China Tracy) is a guide, philosopher and tourist in Second Life virtual utopia RMB City.
Special Presentation | Fri Nov 12, 7:45 pm | The Royal
SUITE SUITE CHINATOWN This commission by Chinese Toronto-based directors on the theme of “Chinatown” includes new music and a live performance by the Mary Ward Catholic Secondary School stage band.
Centrepiece Presentation | Fri Nov 12, 10:00 pm | The Royal GOLDEN SLUMBER | Dir. Nakamura Yoshihiro | Japan 2010 | Toronto Premiere When an unassuming deliveryman finds himself framed for the assassination of the Japanese prime minister, he must count on the kindness of old friends and a wanted killer to evade the authorities, in this wild adventure based on Kotaro Isaka’s novel. Presented by Kim Orr Barristers P.C.
Spotlight Presentation | Sat Nov 13, 12:00 pm | NFB Cinema KOJI YAMAMURA — MASTERY OF THE FORM: One of the most successful auteur animation filmmakers in Japan today, Yamamura will be in Toronto for a master class and curated program by Michael Fukushima and Marco de Blois.
Feature Presentation | Sat Nov 13, 2:15 pm | Innis Town Hall OXHIDE II | Dir. Liu Jiayin | China 2009 | Toronto Premiere A father, mother, and daughter (the filmmaker) make dumplings together in this brilliant feature film in which simple actions become mesmerizing and meaningful.
Feature Presentation | Sat Nov 13, 5:00 pm | Innis Town Hall THE MOUNTAIN THIEF | Dir. Gerry Balasta | Philippines/USA 2009 | Canadian Premiere In the world’s largest dumpsite town, the lives of scavenger Julio and his young son Ingo take a turn for the worse when Julio is accused of murder. Cast from among real residents of the Payatas dumpsite in the Philippines.
Feature Presentation | Sat Nov 13, 7:15 pm | Innis Town Hall TOILET | Dir. Naoko Ogigami | Japan/Canada 2010 | North American Premiere Three siblings — a nerdy engineer, a brilliant pianist, and an air guitarist — struggle to relate to their estranged Japanese grandmother after the death of their mother. Shot in Toronto and featuring a Canadian cast.
Feature Presentation | Sat Nov 13, 10:00 pm | Innis Town Hall
EIGHTEEN | Dir. Jang Kun-Jae | South Korea 2009 | Toronto Premiere In Seoul, two young lovers are forbidden from seeing one another until they have completed their studies. Tae-Hoon, unable to accept this order, is driven to irrational and increasingly desperate action.
Special Event | Sat Nov 13, 10:00 pm | Rivoli
RICE DREAMS: A night of Asian pop-psychedelia. Visualizations by multimedia artist Jeff Garcia, with live music by Vowls.
Feature Presentation | Sun Nov 14, 2:00 pm | Innis Town Hall DEAR DOCTOR | Dir. Nishikawa Miwa | Japan 2009 | Toronto Premiere A young medical school graduate is assigned to a small mountain village and its beloved long-time doctor. When the doctor goes missing, the truth about his past begins to emerge.
Shorts Presentation | Sun Nov 14, 4:45 pm | Innis Town Hall ONE BIG HAPA FAMILY | Dir. Jeff Chiba Stearns | Canada 2010 | World Premiere Some 95% of Japanese Canadians marry interracially, the highest rate of any ethnicity in Canada. Jeff Chiba Stearns embarks on a journey to discover why. Preceded by Marker by Louise Noguchi. Closing Night Gala | Sun Nov 14, 8:00 pm | The Royal
Encore Presentation | Mon Nov 15, 7:00 pm | Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts AU REVOIR TAIPEI | Dir. Arvin Chen | Taiwan 2010 | Canadian Premiere A lovesick boy, a passive-aggressive bookstore clerk, a jaded mob boss and a flamboyant gangster come together in this brilliant adventure-romance caper. Presented by National Bank.
INFORMATION:
SCREENING AND INDUSTRY SERIES VENUES
Bloor Cinema, 506 Bloor St. W., at Bathurst
The Royal, 608 College St., at Clinton
Innis Town Hall, 2 Sussex Ave., at St. George
National Film Board (NFB) Cinema, 150 John St., at Richmond
Munk School of Global Affairs, 1 Devonshire Place, at Hoskin
Advance sales: start Oct. 13 for all shows
Online sales through www.reelasian.com — click on Buy Tickets
Walk-up sales through T.O. Tix at Yonge-Dundas Square — Tuesday to Saturday, 12:00 to 6:30 pm
Charge by phone: 1 888 222 6608. Group sales: 416 703 9333
DURING THE FESTIVAL
Future-day tickets: starts Nov. 10 at Innis Town Hall — from noon until 20 minutes into the last screening
Online sales: through www.reelasian.com (powered by Ticketweb) — until 11:55 pm the day before the show — click on Buy Tickets
Walk-up sales: at Innis Town Hall — until the day before the show — cash only
Charge by phone: 1 888 222 6608 — until 11:55 pm the day before the show
Same-day tickets: available one hour before the screening
Walk-up sales at each venue — cash only
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