There are countless film narratives out there that not only entertain but also challenge societal norms, encouraging viewers to discuss the difficulties of human relationships and identity. Heavy Snow, a film that depicts the themes of love, social taboos, and personal growth, shows the true power of storytelling. We sat down with the film’s director,…
Category: LGBTQIA+ CINEMA
38th BFI Flare: London LGBTQIA+ Film Festival – In Conversation with Han Hae-in of “Heavy Snow”
In films, where stories are displayed like flower petals in the wind, there’s a special place where characters come alive, showing us what it means to be human. And one of the shining stars is Han Hae-in. She’s known for her amazing talent in bringing characters to life on screen. Before she portrayed Su-an in…
38th BFI Flare: London LGBTQIA+ Film Festival – In Conversation with Su I-Hsuan, Director of “Who’ll Stop the Rain”
Taiwan’s politics has always included a range of issues such as relations with mainland China, sovereignty, democracy, and human rights. These issues have sparked significant debate and activism within Taiwanese society, driving movements for greater autonomy, democratic reforms, and social justice. Looking at the cinematic narratives, some stories combine personal lives with politics in a…
38th BFI Flare: London LGBTQIA+ Film Festival – In Conversation with Yuqing Lai, Director of “Two Suns”
In its 38th year, BFI Flare: LGBTQIA+ Film Festival in London shines with its programme yet again. Apart from big names and films on the menu, the festival also included little gems from the Asian continent, and Two Suns is one of them. Written and directed by Yuqing Lai, the short film, characterised by its…
38th BFI Flare: London LGBTQIA+ Film Festival – “Two Suns” Review
Even as we advance in technology and are able to capture image in a crisp 4k imitation of reality, directors across the world are still drooling at the imperfect, gritty charm of shooting on film. Digital is too real, too honest, and too faultless. Two Suns is a short directed (and starred in) by Yuqing…
38th BFI Flare: London LGBTQIA+ Film Festival – “Heavy Snow” Review
Heavy Snow, written and directed by Yun Su-ik, is a subtle, heartwarming, and delicate narrative that depicts a friendship and budding romance between two teenage girls and their tumultuous journey through adolescence. At the centre of the story is Seol (Han So-hee: Nevertheless, My Name), a teenage actress whose world is transformed when she encounters…
38th BFI Flare: London LGBTQIA+ Film Festival – In Conversation with Heo Ha-yeon, Director of “Nobody Knows”
While LGBTQIA+ cinema is still not seen in a favourable light in South Korea, many filmmakers dare to venture into that territory, and rightfully so, whether they are part of the community or not. Although not all of these films can be screened in the country itself, international festivals, including BFI Flare: London LGBTQIA+ Film…
38th BFI Flare: London LGBTQIA+ Film Festival – “Nobody Knows” Review
Despite significant progress in recent years, the LGBTQIA+ community continues to face discrimination and marginalisation in Asia and around the world. While some countries have made strides towards equality, many from the community still live in fear of persecution, violence, and rejection by society due to their sexual orientation or gender identity. In Asia, cultural…
38th BFI Flare: London LGBTQIA+ Film Festival – “Who’ll Stop the Rain” Review
Although Who Will Stop The Rain is Su I-Hsuan’s feature film debut, it is not the director’s first film. This goes to her award-winning television film Where the Sun Don’t Shine (Taiwan Public Television Service, 2018) which documents the life of a murderer, Dong, after his release from prison, and the difficulties of rehabilitation for…
74th Berlin International Film Festival: “REAS” Review
As we plough through this cursed era of remakes and unnecessary sequels, any film or TV series that features a brand new story is a blessing – and there’s nothing more original than real life. Lola Arias directs Argentinian self-proclaimed hybrid musical REAS, which sources its material from the charming inmates of Ezeiza prison a…
