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The 2015 Asian on Screen is the third edition of Manila’s premiere Asian film festival. Thirteen movies from eight countries will be screened from May 8-12 at Shangri-La Cineplex. The Philippines is participating with Mylene Dizon-starrer Mariquina and multi-award winning Niño, directed by Loy Arcenas. Tickets are PHP100 each.
Let’s take a look at the 13 movies and their screening schedule.
1. Confessions of a Murder
South Korea
A murderer publishes details of his crimes after the statute of limitations expires on his murders. The assigned investigator from 15 years ago starts a new search. Of course — of course! — another killer appears.
Screening schedule: Saturday May 9, 9pm. Sunday May 10, 6:30pm
2. All About my Wife
South Korea
The classic case of the 7-year-itch. The wife nags, the husband hates it, but he can’t even bring up the subject of divorce because of all the fights that will surely follow. When his company transfers him elsewhere in the country, he heaves a sigh of relief. Finally, away from the nagger. Alas, the wife follows him.
Screening schedule: Sunday May 10, 1:50pm. Monday May 11, 6:30pm
3. A Separation
Iran
What’s a married couple to do? Simin wants to leave Iran to seek a better future for his daughter. Her husband Nadar, however, wants to stay because his father has alzeimers. So: What now?
Screening schedule: Monday May 11, 9pm
4. The Rocket
Australia
A boy,who is believed to bring bad luck to everyone around him, is able to lead his family — plus two friends! — through Laos to find a home. To prove all that bad luck talk isn’t real, he builds a giant rocket and enters the Rocket Festival: the most exciting and dangerous competition there is.
Screening schedule: Friday May 8, 6:55pm. Sunday May 10, 9pm
5. Back to 1942
China
Set in 1942 China, a landlord embarks on a pilgrimage to Shaanxi province as a war with Japan looms on the horizon. There’s so much shit to contend with that all the hardships have left the landlord a broken man.
Screening schedule: Friday May 8, 2:20pm
6. Ocean Heaven
China
Jet Li plays a widowed aquarium cleaner, who single-handedly raises his 21-year-old autistic son. The son is so well-loved by their neighbor, that she expresses a willingness to marry Jet Li’s character. Of course, the widowed aquarium cleaner proves to be choosy.
Screening schedule: Friday May 8, 5:15pm. Sunday May 10, 4:20pm
7. Taare Zameed Par
India
This film demonstrates that love and compassion solve most things. An eight-year-old boy is believed to be lazy and a real trouble-maker. But a new art teacher, who is patient and kind, discovers the real problem behind the boy’s struggles.
Screening schedule: Saturday May 9, 1pm.
8. Like Father, Like Son
Japan
Reeking with Filipino telenovela, a driven businessman learns his biological son was switched with another child after birth. Should he keep the boy he raised as his own or should he switch them back so that he can get his own real son?
Screening schedule: Saturday May 9, 4:20pm. Tuesday May 12, 4:05pm
9. Sang Penari
Indonesia
Sang Penari is about two young teenagers who fall madly in love. The girl, however, is such a great dancer that the elders believe she is destined to be a famous dancer, which means she belongs to the entire village. Of course the boy feels left out, so he leaves the village to join the army. Ah, young love, sweet love.
Screening schedule: Monday May 11, 4:10pm
10. Mariquina
Philippines
Imelda is a successful businesswoman who grew up with an emotionally distant father. When she learns he’s died, she begins to prepare for the funeral. Her search for the last perfect pair of shoes opens up old wounds. Father issues!
Screening schedule: Friday May 8, 9pm. Tuesday May 12, 6:35pm
11. Nino
Philippines
Wild. A grandmother who is about to be made homeless, turns her devotion to Sto Nino and dresses up her grandson as the baby Jesus. She insists this act will stop the sale of the house she is living in and prevent her from becoming homeless.
Screening schedule: Saturday May 9, 6:50pm. Tuesday, May 12, 9pm
12. The Missing Picture
Cambodia
Wanna know more about Cambodia’s Khmer Rouge history? This movie is for you. Rithy Panh uses clay figures, archival footage, and his narration to recreate the atrocities Cambodia’s Khmer Rouge committed between 1975 and 1979.
Screening schedule: Tuesday May 12, 2pm
13. The Good Road
India
A life-affirming movie about a family who loses a son while on vacation. It will bring audiences into the heart of unseen India, where great compassion is shown to strangers.
Screening schedule: Monday May 11, 2pm
Coconuts Manila is a media partner with Asia on Screen Film Festival
