Cinema and Myth: Riar Rizaldi Discusses “Monisme” and the Enigma of Mount Merapi – Exclusive Interview

Indonesian multimedia artist and filmmaker Riar Rizaldi, known for his blend of documentary fiction and essay films, has recently completed his latest work, Monisme (2024). The film delves into themes of duality—human and non-human, nature and technology—while questioning their interconnectedness. Born from years of extensive research on Mount Merapi, one of Indonesia’s most significant volcanoes,…

Takeuchi Hideki Returns to the Far East Film Festival

Historically, cinema has predominantly engaged with the human body through the lens of science fiction, often depicting miniature characters – reduced to the size of ants – who embark on fantastical journeys within our physical form, confronting its mysteries and the limited special effects technology of bygone eras. Iconic films like Richard Fleischer’s Fantastic Voyage,…

International Premiere of “The Wedding Banquet” to Open The 39th BFI FLARE: LONDON LGBTQIA+ Film Festival

LGBTQIA+ cinema is more essential than ever, offering visibility, promoting empathy, and challenging societies. It provides a space for storytelling that reflects diverse identities and experiences, creating a sense of belonging for marginalised communities. Festivals like BFI Flare play a crucial role in strengthening these voices, ensuring that queer narratives – whether exploring love, family,…

The World of Shaina Magdayao: Acting, Advocacy, and International Acclaim – Exclusive Interview

Before cinema’s advent in the Philippines, theatrical traditions thrived through indigenous rituals and Spanish-imported zarzuelas and vaudeville. These laid the cultural groundwork for the cinematic evolution to follow. The country’s first public film screening occurred in 1897 under Spanish auspices, marking a watershed moment for Philippine entertainment. By the turn of the century, cinema rapidly…

18th Asian Film Awards Have Announced the Nominees for its 16 Award Categories

The Asian Film Awards have once again shown the genius of Asian cinema, with Exhuma taking the lead in this year’s nominations. Earning an impressive 11 nominations across major categories, including Best Film, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Newcomer, Best Screenplay, and more, Exhuma has quickly become a prime example of the power…

“By the Stream” Review

There is no easy entry point to the work of Hong Sang-soo. Even though his style remains consistent, his Eric Rohmer-inspired narratives frequently built around off-the-cuff drunken conversations and meandering walks around Seoul, there’s a density to the storytelling not always immediately apparent. His earlier work could often be in conversation with itself, with metatextual…

19th London Korean Film Festival: “The Guest” Review

The slasher genre has long been a cornerstone of horror cinema, terrifying audiences with its iconic villains, suspenseful storytelling, and gruesome kills. From the masked killers of Halloween to the supernatural terrors of A Nightmare on Elm Street, slashers continue to draw viewers into their blood-soaked worlds. At the heart of the slasher genre lies…