London East Asia Film Festival (LEAFF), a premier celebration of East Asian cinema and culture, is returning for its ninth iteration. Kicking off on October 23, 2024, at the ODEON Luxe Leicester Square, the festival will debut with the UK premiere of Escape, an intense drama by the acclaimed director Lee Jong-Pil. The event will run until November 3, ending with the world premiere of the Hong Kong feature Little Red Sweet.

This year’s lineup included films from Korea, Japan, China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Vietnam, and the Philippines, all centered around the themes of survival, resilience, and ambition. Through the fresh perspectives of East Asia’s most talented filmmakers, LEAFF invites audiences to engage with powerful narratives that provide rich insights into the region’s vibrant culture.

With over 20 UK and world premieres, LEAFF will welcome viewers at ODEON Luxe Leicester Square and the Cinema at Selfridges, offering an unparalleled cinematic experience enhanced by Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos technology.

GALAS

The festival opens with Escape, a high-stakes Korean thriller that chronicles the perilous defection of Lim Gyu-nam, a North Korean soldier who risks everything for freedom. Pursued relentlessly by state security officer Li Hyeon-sang, this nail-biting film brings the festival’s core themes of survival and aspiration. Following the screening, director Lee Jong-Pil will engage with the audience in an exclusive Q&A session, offering deeper insights into the film’s gripping narrative.

The festival will conclude on an emotional note with Little Red Sweet, a poignant family drama directed by Vincent Chow, set in the 1980s in Kowloon City. The narrative revolves around Simon and Mimi, whose lives are turned upside down when their daughter Stephy dreams of becoming a flight attendant, and Mimi suffers a life-altering stroke. This touching film explores themes of family, sacrifice, and survival, with Chow and lead actor Simon Yam participating in a Q&A to discuss the film’s impactful performances and themes.

In a Special Gala, audiences can look forward to Revolver, directed by Oh Seung-uk, a master of Korean noir. This complex revenge tale follows a police officer who, tempted by a lucrative payoff, takes the fall for a crime. Upon release, her life is complicated by a mysterious woman whose true motives remain concealed. Starring the exceptional Lim Ji-yeon, known for her role in the hit series The Glory, Revolver promises an intense cinematic experience, with Lim Ji-yeon herself present for audience interactions.

SPOTLIGHT GALA

LEAFF will also screen Dead Talents Society, a critically acclaimed Taiwanese supernatural comedy directed by John Hsu. This film follows a group of ghosts competing to become the most notorious urban legends, showcasing a unique blend of humor and horror that explores themes of fame and fear. Hsu, whose previous work Detention was a box office hit, will join the audience for a Q&A after the screening.

LEAFF’S OFFICIAL SELECTION

A must see films include Yang Ya-che’s The Chronicles of Libidoists, exploring love and human vulnerability with Wu Kang-ren in a leading role; Andy Lau’s return in High Forces directed by Oxide Pang; and Zhou Dongyu in Zhang Guoli’s Strangers When We Meet. Additionally, Midi Z presents The Clinic, a compelling documentary portraying the work of two doctors in Yangon, Myanmar.

Fresh from prestigious international film festivals like Cannes, Berlin, and Venice, LEAFF will present some of the year’s most awaited films, including Truing Minh Quy’s Vietnamese-Filipino romantic drama Viet and Nam, and Kiyoshi Kurosawa’s suspense thriller Cloud, which explores collective madness in a faceless society.

COMPETITION

The Competition section of LEAFF is dedicated to spotlighting emerging talents in East Asian cinema. A distinguished jury, featuring Mariayah Kaderbhai, Jegy Ra, Neil Smith, and Joe Utichi, will oversee the selection of ten exceptional films, each from directors with three or fewer features. The Best Film in Competition will be announced at the grand Closing Gala Award Ceremony, celebrating the future of East Asian cinema.

HALLOWEEN HORROR SPECIAL

LEAFF will also present a selection of four spine-tingling Korean films. Leading the pack is Exhuma, a monumental work by Jang Jae-hyun, which has become the highest-grossing Korean horror film ever.

CLASSICS RESTORED

In partnership with the Taiwan Film and Audiovisual Institute, LEAFF will present a selection of newly restored Taiwanese cinematic classics, including The Woman of Wrath (1984), a pivotal film from Taiwan’s New Wave, and Story of Mother (1973), exploring women’s autonomy and the dynamics of family and marriage.

LEAFF’S POP-UP KITCHEN

Collaborating with The Cinema at Selfridges, LEAFF offers a cultural experience by merging cinema with the vibrant flavors of East Asia. Guests can enjoy authentic cuisine and expertly crafted cocktails featuring soju and makgeolli, enhancing the festival atmosphere.

TICKETS FOR THE OPENING GALA SCREENING OF ESCAPE ARE NOW AVAILABLE ON EVENTBRITE!

FULL PROGRAMME CAN BE FOUND HERE

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