APUC REVEALS OPENING, CLOSING NIGHT FILMS FOR 20TH EDITION
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
February 10, 2026
ASIAN POP-UP CINEMA ANNOUNCES DATES FOR 20TH EDITION
Opening and Closing Night Revealed; Festival Runs March 20 - April 12, 2026
Chicago, Illinois (February 10, 2026) – Asian Pop-Up Cinema today announced the initial details for its 20th edition, returning to Chicago March 20 - April 12, 2026. The festival will present more than 30 feature films from across Asia alongside filmmaker appearances, awards presentations, and special events celebrating contemporary Asian cinema. Additional program highlights, special guests, and the full festival lineup will be announced February 17, with advance ticket sales opening February 21, 2026 at www.asianpopupcinema.org
The Festival will open Friday, March 20 at AMC NEWCITY 14 with the North American premiere of PASS AND GOAL, directed by Jil Wong. Director Wong and acclaimed actress Gigi Leung, recipient of the Festival’s Extraordinary Actor’s Award, are expected to attend Opening Night festivities. This premiere is part of Spotlight on Hong Kong Cinema, sponsored by the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in New York.
Asian Pop-Up Cinema will close Sunday, April 12 at AMC NEWCITY 14 with the North American premiere of THE SPECIALS, directed by Eiji Uchida, internationally recognized for his work on Netflix’s THE NAKED DIRECTOR. Uchida will attend the Closing Day screening, followed by the Festival’s awards presentation.
“Now in its 20th edition Asian Pop-Up Cinema continues its mission of connecting audiences with diverse voices from across Asia through North American premieres, filmmaker conversations, and community screenings throughout Chicago,” said Sophia Wong Boccio, Founder and Executive Director of Asian Pop-Up Cinema. “This year's edition will include feature films from Vietnam, Singapore, Malaysia, China, Thailand, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea, and others, highlighting bold new voices, award-winning filmmakers, and stories that reflect the evolving landscape of contemporary Asian cinema."
Opening Night Film
PASS AND GOAL (Hong Kong) - Dir. Jil Wong
After losing her home because of a failed business venture, Hay Man tries to stage a comeback by convincing a clueless rich heir to organize a kids’ soccer tournament. By coaching a ragtag team led by her young cousin for the tournament, Hay Man eventually learns the value of mentorship and the athletic spirit. Buoyed by memorably drawn characters and spirited performances by its ensemble cast, Director Jil Wong’s sports comedy is an immensely likeable story about discovering the courage to fight against the odds. With impeccable comic timing and screen chemistry with her young co-starts, Gigi Leung shines as the leader of the underdogs.
Closing Night Film
THE SPECIALS (Japan) - Dir. Eiji Uchida
Former assassin Dia has long left the criminal world, but he decides to take up a mission to kill a rival gang boss for a huge payday. The catch: to kill his target at a talent show, he must go undercover and perform in a pop dance group. From his first lead role in a film, Daisuke Sakuma, member of the popular idol group Snow Man, must show off both his dancing and action chops with this unusual and hilarious comedy. Blending pop dancing with thrilling action (sometimes in the same scene), Director Eiji Uchida’s film is an ode to unexpected second chances and embracing the dancer within us all.
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ABOUT ASIAN POP-UP CINEMA
Chicago Asian Pop-Up Cinema, an annual competitive Asian Film Festival, is the brainchild of Sophia Wong Boccio, founder of Sophia’s Choice, a Chicago-based 501(c)3 not-for-profit incorporated in 2015 with the multi-pronged mission of cultivating an interest in and understanding of Asian cultures via a diverse offering of Asian films; connecting the Asian film industry with local Chicago film professionals, educators, and students; and promoting Chicago as a destination for international visitors.
MEDIA CONTACTS
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