Despite having concluded its 20th run earlier this year in March, the Osaka Asian Film Festival returns in August for a special edition held in conjunction with the Osaka Expo. Featuring an extensive programme of Asian films – from Singapore, South Korea and Kazakhstan to China, Bhutan and Thailand – the festival offers a fascinating insight into the diverse cultures of Asia, showcasing a broad range of ideas, perspectives, interests and filmmaking artistry.
Complementing the screenings is a symposium, where filmmakers from across the region will gather to discuss the potential of Asian cinema, along with a lecture on visual culture and the future of film festivals.
The festival opens with Tracing to Expo ’70, a 2K-restored version of the 1970 film by Taiwanese director Liao Hsiang-Hsiung, featuring nostalgic scenes from the original Osaka Expo held 55 years ago. Closing the event is the world premiere of A Good Child by Singaporean director Ong Kuo Sin, which follows a drag queen who returns home to care for his mother with dementia.
Screenings will take place throughout all ten days of the festival. Tickets range from ¥1,000 to ¥1,500, depending on the venue. Here are the five screening locations: ABC Hall (Fukushima, Osaka), Theatre Umeda, T-Joy Umeda, Nakanoshima Museum of Art and Osaka City Central Public Hall. Additionally, a small selection of student films will be screened free of charge at the Nakanoshima Museum of Art.
For more information on screenings and ticketing, visit the festival website.
