Unexpected Family (2026) by Taiyan Li Film Review
"Unexpected Family" is director Li Taiyan’s debut feature, debuting at the 2026 Udine Far East Film Festival. The film pairs action legend Jackie Chan, playing a dementia‑stricken senior, with Peng Yuchang’s small‑town migrant protagonist, Zhong Bufan. Their unlikely bond forms a makeshift family that navigates urban alienation, elder care and the search for belonging. While the script occasionally stumbles, the ensemble’s performances and the blend of comedy, drama and light action deliver a tender, socially resonant story.
Iron Crown (1972) by Kaneto Sindo Film Review
Kaneto Shindo’s 1972 film “The Iron Crown,” produced by Kindai Eiga Kyokai and distributed by ATG, blends horror, eroticism, and Noh theatre in a dual‑timeline story of jealousy and vengeance. The narrative alternates between a Heian‑era ritual and a modern...
The Dream Songs (2023) by Cho Hyun-Chul Film Analysis
Actor‑turned‑director Cho Hyun‑chul debuted with the indie drama “The Dream Songs,” which premiered at Busan’s 27th International Film Festival in 2022 and opened theatrically in South Korea on October 25, 2023. The film, co‑written with Jung Mi‑young, follows two teenage...
Unchained (2026) by Keisuke Yoshida Film Review
Keisuke Yoshida’s latest film Unchained debuted at the 2026 Udine Far East Film Festival, returning to his trademark focus on society’s outliers. The drama follows Nishi, a former violent offender who runs a controversial rehabilitation centre for troubled teens, and Kaito,...
Kangdrun on Linka Linka, Lhasa, Tibetan Cinema and the Legacy of Pema Tseden
Tibetan director Kangdrun’s debut feature Linka Linka captured the Hong Kong International Film Festival’s top honors, winning both the Firebird and the FIPRESCI awards in 2026. The film’s narrative unfolds over three summers and a single night, using a film‑within‑film structure...
Mother Bhumi (2025) by Chong Keat Aun Film Review
Mother Bhumi, Chong Keat Aun's fourth feature, premiered in Tokyo and stars Fan Bingbing. The film earned eight Golden Horse nominations, winning three including Best Leading Actress, Best Cinematography and Best Original Film Song. Set in a 1990s Malaysian border...
A Mighty Adventure (2026) by Toe Yuen Film Review
Toy Yuen returns to the big screen with "A Mighty Adventure," a 77‑minute animated featurette that premiered at the Udine Far East Film Festival. The film fuses computer‑generated insects with live‑action Hong Kong backdrops, creating a seamless hybrid visual style....
Herman Yau’s “We’re Nothing at All” Secures UK-Ireland Distribution with Trinity CineAsia
Trinity CineAsia has acquired UK‑Ireland distribution rights for Herman Yau’s new social drama “We’re Nothing at All,” produced by Yau’s own Plan Company and fully self‑financed. The film opened in Hong Kong on April 3, won the Audience Choice Award at...
Arab Cinema Center Returns to the Marché Du Film with a Dynamic Program Driving Industry Dialogue
The Arab Cinema Center (ACC) is back at Cannes’ Marché du Film from May 14‑17, presenting a multi‑day program in partnership with MBC Studios. The lineup features panels on commercial Arab productions, women leadership, rising talent, innovative business models, and...
Once We Were Us (2025) Bi Kim Do-Young Film Review
South Korean director Kim Do‑young, fresh from the breakout hit “Kim Ji‑young, Born 1982,” helms the 2025 adaptation “Once We Were Us,” a remake of the 2018 Chinese romance “Us and Them.” The film follows former lovers Eun‑ho and Jeong‑won...
Tommy Ng and Polly Yeung Interview
Directors Tommy Ng and Polly Yeung discuss their animated feature “Another World,” which captured the Golden Horse Award for Best Animated Feature and became Hong Kong’s highest‑grossing local animated film of 2025. The interview, conducted ahead of the film’s CAAMFest...
Mr. Shota’s Last Business Trip by Lee Ju-Hyoung Trailer
The trailer for Lee Ju‑hyoung’s "Mr. Shota’s Last Business Trip" introduces a chance encounter between a Japanese executive and a Korean heart‑breaker in Enoshima, where they exchange unsent resignation and love letters. Their pact draws both men into each other’s emotional worlds,...
Another World (2025) by Tommy Ng Kai Chung Film Review
Tommy Ng Kai‑chung’s debut *Another World* has been selected for the Annecy International Animation Film Festival and earned three Golden Horse Award nominations, marking a rare global spotlight for Hong Kong animation. The fantasy epic adapts a Japanese novel and...
Baazingg Khwatai by Siddhartha Sharma Trailer
"Baazingg Khwatai," a Hindi feature film directed by FTII alumnus Siddharth Shashta, blends folklore, psychological tension, and ritualistic horror. Set against the remote backdrops of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh, the story follows Officer Tribhuvan as he uncovers a centuries‑old cult...
That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime the Movie: Tears of the Azure (2026) by Yasuhito Kikuchi and Austin...
The second theatrical entry of the "That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime" franchise, "Tears of the Azure Sea," arrives on May 1 2026 in North America via Crunchyroll, serving as a narrative bridge between seasons three and four. Directed by...
My Name (2026) by Chung Ji-Young Film Review
Chung Ji‑young’s latest drama “My Name” debuted in the Forum section of the Berlin International Film Festival and is now playing at the Udine Far East Film Festival while enjoying a solid Korean box‑office run. Set on Jeju Island in...
Fujiko (2026) by Taichi Kimura Film Analysis
Taichi Kimura’s second feature, "Fujiko," debuted in competition at the Udine Far East Film Festival and will open the Nippon Connection festival before its Japanese theatrical release on June 5, 2026. SC Films International acquired worldwide sales rights and placed...
30th BIFAN Unveils Special Exhibition “Asian Genre Films 99” To Celebrate Its 30th Anniversary
The Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival (BIFAN) has launched “Asian Genre Films 99,” a three‑year exhibition to chronicle Asian genre cinema, beginning with 33 Korean titles from 1997‑2026. The initiative will compile a total of 99 films by the 2028 edition,...
Night King (2026) by Jack Ng Film Review
Jack Ng’s sophomore film “Night King” premieres at the 2026 Udine Far East Film Festival, returning to Hong Kong’s neon‑lit East Tsim Sha Tsui to dramatize the decline of hostess nightclubs. The story follows CEO Foon and his ex‑wife Dame...
Hand (2026) by Benny Chen Short Film Review
Benny Chen’s short film “Hand” was selected for the 2026 Cleveland International Film Festival, spotlighting the hidden lives of undocumented Asian kitchen workers in the United States. The narrative follows Lin, an undocumented cook, whose daily grind and solitary phone...
Taipei Film Festival Unveils “Tehran: Classics Collection” — 21 Masterpieces Announced Works by Abbas Kiarostami and Iranian New Wave Pioneers...
The 28th Taipei Film Festival announced its “Tehran: Classics Collection,” a curated showcase of 21 landmark Iranian films spanning the 1960s to the pre‑1979 era. Highlights include Abbas Kiarostami’s ethically charged short “First Case, Second Case,” Forough Farrokhzad’s poetic documentary...
Review: Bunnylovr
"Bunnylovr," the debut feature from writer‑director‑actor Katarina Zhu, follows Rebecca, a twenty‑something navigating gig‑economy side hustles such as personal assisting, selling foot pictures, and online chatting, culminating in a bizarre client‑gift of a bunny. The film paints a bleak portrait...
Memories of the Yellow River (2023) by Shang Ji Short Film Review
"Memories of the Yellow River" debuted at the 2023 Beijing International Short Film Festival and later became the first Chinese magical‑realist short ever selected for the 46th Moscow International Film Festival in March 2024. The film earned the Jury Special...
Films to Die For Review – Love Letter to Cinema Under the Guise of a Documentary
Films to Die For, directed by Lúcia Nagib, is a documentary that explores the late‑2000s panic over the “death of cinema” in Hollywood and the indie world. The film features interviews with Wim Wenders, Paulo Branco, Walter Salles and theorist Laura Mulvey, offering...
How EntertainLens Is Covering the New Wave of Chinese IP Going Global
Over the past eighteen months Chinese intellectual property—web‑novel adaptations, micro‑drama formats, and animated franchises—has moved from a niche trade topic to headline‑making acquisitions by Amazon, Netflix and others. EntertainLens, a Los‑Angeles‑based media platform, was created to fill the reporting gap,...
IFFLA Industry Days 2026 to Spotlight South Asian Talent and Strengthen Global Industry Connections
The Indian Film Festival of Los Angeles (IFFLA) returns for its 2026 Industry Days, a two‑day program on April 24‑25 that links South Asian filmmakers with Hollywood studios, independent platforms, and financiers. The event features panels on hybrid distribution, animation,...
On the Imperfections of Motherhood: Daughter’s Daughter by Xi Huang
"Daughter’s Daughter," directed by Xi Huang, follows Ai as she confronts the tangled legacies of motherhood with her two daughters—adopted Emma and estranged Zuer—after a sudden tragedy. The film delves into Zuer’s IVF journey, her partner’s subtle presence, and the...
BINI Docuseries (2025) by Jet Leyco Series Review
The BINI Docuseries, directed by Jet Leyco and produced by iWantTFC and ABS‑CBN, offers a three‑part, somber portrait of the Philippines’ first female idol group as it navigates formation during pandemic lockdowns, a debut concert at the New Frontier Theater,...
Stray Dog (2024) by Lai Cheuk Nam (2024) Short Film Review
Lai Cheuk Nam’s 21‑minute experimental short “Stray Dog” captured the Golden Capybara Award for Best Experimental Short at the Tiete International Film Awards. The black‑and‑white film eschews dialogue, using stark visuals, handheld camerawork, and a ritualistic soundscape to probe necropolitics...
The Sharp Point of Time (2025) by Andrew Acedo Short Film Review
Andrew Acedo’s short dramedy "The Sharp Point of Time" will debut on the West Coast at the Oscar‑qualifying Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival on May 2, after a prior run at Short.Sweet.Film Fest. The film has already collected several festival...
Jakkuppatti (2026) by Anand T Film Review
Independent filmmaker Anand T’s debut short, “Jakkuppatti,” set in his native Dharmapuri village, confronts entrenched patriarchy and rising sexual violence in contemporary India. Drawing on 2019 crime data that a rape occurs every 16 minutes, the film weaves multiple village...
Historic Milestone for Malaysian Cinema as Majid Majidi Attends Private Screening of “LIFE – Living In Fear Everyday”
Iranian Oscar‑nominated director Majid Majidi attended a private screening of the Malaysian micro‑budget silent short “LIFE – Living In Fear Everyday,” marking the first time a Malaysian short has been shown in his presence. Director Justin Franz, who shot the...
We’re Nothing At All (2026) by Herman Yau Film Review
Herman Yau’s new social drama “We’re Nothing At All” premiered at the Hong Kong International Film Festival and entered theaters, pulling roughly US$500,000 in its first two weeks. The film re‑imagines a 1998 Wuhan bus bombing in Hong Kong, focusing...
A Dance With Rainbows (2025) by Lee Yi-Shan Film Review
Lee Yi‑shan’s feature debut, “A Dance with Rainbows,” premiered at the Hong Kong International Film Festival, where Yu An‑shun captured the Best Actor award. The film follows 20‑year‑old amateur boxer Ling, whose personal and family struggles unfold amid underground match...
Shanghai Daughter (2026) by Agnis Shen Zhongmin Bad Accent Review
"Shanghai Daughter," the debut feature by Agnis Shen Zhongmin, premiered at the 2026 Berlin International Film Festival and later screened at Hong Kong. The film follows a woman tracing her father’s past during the Down to the Countryside Movement, blending...
Merit and the Egyptian God Vol 1 (2022) by Yukari Sakai, Fuyu Tsuyama and Yukimi Hashimoto Manga Review
"Merit and the Egyptian God" Volume 1, a new shoujo manga from Hana to Yume, follows teenager Merit as she is thrust into the Egyptian Underworld and teams up with a cursed Anubis to restore his divine form. The series mixes...
The Stars and the Moon Are Holes in the Sky (2025) by Haruhiko Arai Film Review
Haruhiko Arai’s latest film, “The Stars and the Moon Are Holes in the Sky,” opened internationally at the Hong Kong International Film Festival after its December 2025 Japanese release. The 122‑minute black‑and‑white drama channels the Japanese New Wave of the...
Already Tomorrow in Hong Kong (2015) by Emily Ting Film Review
Emily Ting’s 2015 indie romance "Already Tomorrow in Hong Kong" follows Chinese‑American toy designer Ruby (Jamie Chung) and American banker Josh (Bryan Greenberg) as they wander the neon‑lit streets, forging a fleeting connection that resurfaces a year later on the...
The Calf Doll (2026) by Ankur Hooda Documentary Review
Ankur Hooda’s 2026 documentary *The Calf Doll* follows a grieving Haryana farmer who taxidermies his dead calf to confront loss, intertwining rural hardship with surreal performance. The film blends observational footage, improvised TikTok interludes, and staged scenes, creating a hybrid...
Film Review: Pieta (2026) by Adolfo Alix Jr.
Filipino director Adolfo Alix Jr.’s new drama‑crime hybrid Pieta, starring Nora Aunor, Gina Alajar, Bembol Roco, Jaclyn Jose, Angeli Bayani and Alfred Vargas, opened in a limited Manila run after premiering at the Moscow International Film Festival. The film follows...
Salmokji: Whispering Water (2026) by Lee Sang-Min Film Review
Lee Sang-min’s feature debut, “Salmokji: Whispering Water,” centers on a haunted South Korean reservoir and premiered in North American theatres through JBG Pictures USA. The horror film leverages atmospheric sound design and inventive use of night‑vision gear to build dread,...
Film Review: The Silent Game (2025) by Tan Hoang Thong
Tan Hoang Thong’s first feature, "The Silent Game," arrives via Skyline as an 80‑minute horror‑slasher that struggles with pacing, under‑developed characters, and low‑budget production values. The film’s tarot‑themed premise and commentary on body‑shaming and social media add occasional depth, but...
HKIFF50 Announces Winners of Firebird Awards and Fipresci Prize
The 12‑day HKIFF50 festival wrapped up with a slate of Firebird Awards across its Young Cinema, Documentary and Short Film competitions, and a FIPRESCI prize. Kangdrun’s "Linka Linka" captured Best Film in the Chinese‑language youth category, while Tan Si You...
Taiwan on Screen: TIDF Presents Taiwan Spectrum | War Memories, Shifting Identities and Reel Taiwan | The Late 1980s on Film
The 15th Taiwan International Documentary Festival (May 1‑10) presents the Taiwan Spectrum program, featuring 12 restored and archival films that trace Taiwan’s history from Japanese colonial propaganda to contemporary documentary practice. The Reel Taiwan segment debuts four digitally restored 16 mm works...
How to Catch a Butterfly (2026) by Kiriko Mechanicus Short Film Review
Kiriko Mechanicus’s new short documentary “How to Catch a Butterfly” confronts the 2021 Atlanta spa shootings by intertwining personal letters to the killer with a critique of Asian fetishization. The film juxtaposes a red‑lit opening that evokes “Madame Butterfly” with...
The Sin Trade by Cheng Si-Yi Trailer
The Sin Trade, directed by Cheng Si‑Yi, dropped its trailer on April 10, 2026. The gritty crime thriller follows a lone cop who abandons protocol to chase a missing college student, only to be caught between a human‑trafficking ring and a...
Film Review: Queue (2026) by Adolfo Alix Jr.
Filipino director Adolfo Alix Jr. debuts "Queue" at the Moscow International Film Festival, a one‑shot drama starring Gina Pareno that follows 75‑year‑old Regina navigating a never‑ending government health queue. The film uses a Kafkaesque lens to expose systemic corruption and...
Statues Rule the Waves (2024) by Noah Berhitu Short Film Review
Dutch‑Moluccan filmmaker Noah Berhitu’s short documentary “Statues Rule the Waves” premiered at the 2026 CinemAsia Festival in Amsterdam. The 35‑minute film juxtaposes the statues of Anne Frank and Indonesian heroine Martha Christina Tiahahu to explore post‑colonial heritage and the filmmaker’s...
Kristo Immanuel Interview
Kristo Immanuel, a former Instagram comedian turned actor, debuted as a director in 2025 with the dark comedy “Better Off Dead.” The film swept the 54th Indonesian Film Festival, securing five awards from five nominations. It has launched an international...
The Invisible Half (2026) by Masaki Nishiyama Film Review
Masaki Nishiyama’s debut feature "The Invisible Half" reimagines classic J‑horror by trapping a malevolent entity within a teenager’s smartphone and headphones. The story follows mixed‑heritage student Elena, who endures bullying before confronting the digital spirit with her new friend Akari....