Every summer in New York City there are a multitude of unique events to keep you cool when the streets get too hot. Yet nothing is quite as cool as the annual New York Asian Film Festival, celebrating its tenth year, where avid film enthusiasts flock from all 5 boroughs to uncover hidden cinematic gems rarely seen outside the far east. It’s here where I discovered one of my top films from last year Confessions, which I would have never been able to see otherwise. This is a prime example of why I encourage people to check out the fest, to expand their horizons and diversify their filmic taste. In addition, the festival is run by some of the most energetic, kind-hearted and passionate people who put the whole thing together out of pure love for this unique blend of Asian cinema.
This year features a stellar lineup of amazing titles, including a host of old school jams that will quite simply kick you in the face with their awesomeness. They are screening rare 35mm prints of martial arts master Tsui Hark’s frenetic The Blade and Zu: Warriors from the Magic Mountain to celebrate the fact the legendary director will be there in person. The ridiculously over the top Riki-Oh: The Story of Ricky is having its 20th anniversary screening that is sure to leave the audience blood soaked. Kinji Fukusaku’s masterpiece Battle Royale is getting the big screen treatment and for those pruned on Hunger Games this is the original kill everyone while being trapped on an island story. Takashi Miike has two films playing, the world premiere of the twisted children’s comedy Ninja Kids!!! and the sensational 13 Assassins directors cut with an appearance by one of the principle actors Takayuki Yamada. Yamada also stars in the anime adapted Gantz films along with the festival’s opening night film Milocrorze: A Love Story which is a cotton-candy colored surreal journey that defines the peculiar style of film that can only be found at NYAFF.
There is a fantastic series of Korean revenge thrillers playing, including the North American premiere of the Cannes 2011 Un Certain Regard entry The Yellow Sea. Shaolin is having its North American premiere and features an all star lineup including Jackie Chan, Andy Lau and Nicolas Tse. For the full lineup and schedule of films, check out the official website where you can buy tickets and the trailer below which gives you a taste of what to expect. Most screenings take place at the Walter Reade theater in Lincoln center. The other half of films are presented in partnership with another great festival Japan Cuts, put on by the Japan Society which is another fantastic venue for experiencing Japanese cinema. So if you are a little bored by what Hollywood has to offer, then check out the hurricane of ninjas, samurai and gangsters that will surely shake up your summer movie experience.
Check out our continuing NYAFF 2011 coverage here as the festival runs from July 1st to the 14th.
What are you most looking forward to at the festival?