The 27th edition of the Far East Film Festival (FEFF) in Udine continues its long-standing mission of showing contemporary Asian cinema. With a lineup of 75 films from 11 countries – including 7 world premieres, 15 international premieres, 20 European premieres, and 19 Italian premieres – the festival presents a diverse mix of popular, auteur, and retrospective films that offer deep reflections on modern society.

Selections include Upstream, exploring the gig economy, and Green Wave, tackling the “tangping” movement against hyper-competitive work culture. Additionally, Her Story and Like a Rolling Stone address gender equality, highlighting women’s rights and independence. The festival will conclude with Ya Boy Kongming! The Movie, a live-action adaptation of a popular manga.

Running from April 24 to May 2 at Udine’s Teatro Nuovo and Visionario cinema, FEFF 27 offers more than just screenings. It features discussions, industry events, and red-carpet moments, turning the city into a hub of Asian culture. The festival is supported by key sponsors, including Credifriuli and Amga Energia & Servizi – Commercial brand of the Hera Group, who emphasise FEFF’s cultural significance as a bridge between Friuli and the world.

SO WHAT CAN WE EXPECT THIS YEAR?

Sylvia Chang Honoured at FEFF 27 & A Cinematic Exploration of Asia

Following last year’s recognition of Zhang Yimou, the 27th Far East Film Festival will honor legendary actress, director, and singer Sylvia Chang with the Golden Mulberry for Lifetime Achievement Award. Known for her immense contributions to cinema, Chang will be celebrated with screenings of Shanghai Blues and the heartfelt family drama Daughter’s Daughter.

This year’s festival lineup reflects Asia’s evolving social landscape, with films tackling contemporary themes across different regions. Mainland China explores the gig economy and gender equality, while Japan examines its aging population through the surreal Teki Cometh. South Korea highlights marginalised communities in films like Hear Me and Love in the Big City, while the Philippines confronts the criminalisation of abortion in the gripping drama Sunshine. Thailand’s debut film The Stone challenges perceptions of truth and deception, mirroring the thematic depth of the opening film Green Wave.

Exploring the World of Shigeru Mizuki and Yokai at FEFF 27

The Mondo Mizuki, Mondo Yokai exhibition, curated by Canicola, Vincenzo Filosa, and Mizuki Productions, will present the artistic universe of legendary mangaka Shigeru Mizuki. Taking place from April 26 to August 30 at Udine’s Casa Cavazzini Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, the exhibit will feature 100 original works, books, magazines, and video materials that highlight Mizuki’s influence, particularly in Yokai mythology. This is the first major retrospective of his work in Italy and only the second in Europe.

FEFF 27 will also feature a retrospective and publication titled Yokai and Other Monsters: From Asian Folklore to Cinema, bringing 12 films to the big screen. Audiences will encounter Japan’s fearsome Snow Woman, Thailand’s eerie Krasue, the Philippines’ Manananggal, and China’s hopping Jiangshi Vampire, each deeply rooted in their country’s folklore. This selection shows how Asian horror cinema, much like Western horror traditions, draws from mythology to create terrifying yet culturally significant narratives.

FEFF 27: Restored Classics, Online Screenings, and Jury Details

The Restored Classics section at FEFF 27 will feature a lineup of must-see films, including the European premiere of Bong Joon-ho’s debut film Barking Dogs Never Bite, Lino Brocka’s Filipino classic Bona, and Johnnie To’s crime masterpiece PTU. The festival continues its collaboration with the Taipei Archive (Taiwan Film and Audiovisual Institute), presenting a special tribute to director Pai Ching-jui, who studied Italian neorealism at Rome’s Centro Sperimentale di Cinematografia in 1961.

For those unable to attend in person, FEFF ONLINE, in partnership with MYmovies, will offer a selection of 22 films available for streaming throughout the festival.

As always, the audience will vote for the top three films, awarding the Golden, Silver, and Crystal Mulberry prizes. Meanwhile, two specialised juries will determine additional awards: the White Mulberry for Best First Film (judged by actress/singer Megumi, Sundance programmer Kim Yutani, and international film representative Sakoda Shinji) and the Mulberry for Best Screenplay, awarded by Massimo Gaudioso, Silvia D’Amico, and Francesco Munzi from the Sergio Amidei Gorizia International Award.

ALL THE FILMS CAN BE FOUND HERE.

_{View of the Arts is an online publication dedicated to films, music, and arts, with a strong focus on the Asian entertainment industry. With rich content already available to our readers, we aim to expand our reach and grow alongside our audience by delving deeper into emerging platforms such as K-pop and Asian music more broadly. At the same time, we remain committed to exploring the vibrant and ever-evolving global landscape of film, music, and the arts, celebrating the immense talent and creativity that define these industries worldwide.}