The Udine Far East Film Festival is probably one of the most prestigious and important film festivals in Europe that promotes Asian films over 9 days. This year, FEFF celebrated its 25th anniversary with Ajoomma as the Opening Night film. During the festival, we had the pleasure of speaking with He Shuming (director), Hong Huifang…
Category: General
25th Far East Film Festival: In Conversation with Cheng Wei-hao & Jin Pai-lunn of “Marry My Dead Body”
In 2019, Taiwan became the first state in Asia to legalise same-sex marriage. It was a landmark moment in the region for LGBTQ+ rights, and since then it has also become an important part of pop culture – Cheng Wei-hao’s Marry My Dead Body is a prime example. The comedy, which was shown at the…
25th Far East Film Festival: “Ajoomma” Review
Making your feature film debut can be an exciting yet daunting experience, and the foundation of any good film is a strong story and its characters. Ajoomma, directed by He Shuming and co-written with Kris Ong, is one of those evocative narratives. A Singaporean and South Korean co-production, produced by the renowned filmmaker Anthony Chen…
Me, Myself, I: Trauma, Memory and Identity in Agust D’s “D-Day” – Album Review
D-Day is the final album in what could be called Agust D’s “youth” trilogy which also consists of Agust D (15 August 2016) and D-2 (22 May 2020). Released on 21st April 2023, this is possibly Min Yoongi’s last music before compulsory military enlistment that all men in South Korea are required to do. Agust…
25th Far East Film Festival: “Rebound” Review
Busan’s Jungang High School basketball team is in disarray and about to come to a stop until a new coach, Kang Yang-hyeon (Ahn Jae-hong: Time to Hunt, Fabricated City) is brought in to turn the team around. Jang Hang-jun’s new film, Rebound, not only follows Kang’s journey but also of his protégés: Bae Gyoo-hyeok (Jeong…
25th Far East Film Festival: “December” Review
If your daughter’s killer had the opportunity to start again, would she, to your mind, be deserving of that second chance? That is the question at the heart of December, a Japanese court drama helmed by Indian filmmaker Anshul Chauhan. Crime, punishment, and the rehabilitation of criminals are topics that are debated all around the…
25th Far East Film Festival: “Ditto” Review
Ditto, a 2022 South Korean film directed and written by Seo Eun-young and starring Yeo Jin-goo, Cho Yi-hyun, Kim Hye-yoon, and Na In-woo is, according to media, a remake of the 2000 film of the same name, starring Yoo Ji-tae and Ha Ji-won. Although the producers bought the rights to the remake, the 2022 version…
Aimee Kwan details her role in “John Wick: Chapter 4”, her inspiration, and Asian representation in Hollywood
John Wick, John Wick, who doesn’t know John Wick? The action thriller franchise first took the world by storm in 2014 with its unique and engaging plot, as well as Keanu Reeves’ powerful performance in the title role. His portrayal of the character is one of the main reasons why the films have been so…
Bringing the Heat: pH-1 Delivers a Show-Stopping Performance in London
pH-1, a Korean-American artist, is known for his unique and versatile rapping style as well as his smooth and confident flow. One of the defining characteristics of pH-1’s style is his ability to tell personal and relatable stories through his lyrics. He often draws on his own experiences to craft introspective verses. He rejects using…
The Sands of Time: Agust D – “People Pt.2” (ft. IU) Song Review
“People Pt.2” (ft. IU) is the pre-release single from Agust D’s forthcoming ‘official’ debut album, D-Day, which will be released on 21st April. A prolific, versatile rapper and songwriter, Min Yoongi, has two nome de plume’s: Agust D and Suga (from BTS), and has collaborated with both Korean and Western musicians. “People Pt.2” is his…
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