Midwest premiere - Closing Night

Hong Kong | Drama| 2022 | 111 minutes | in Cantonese w/English subtitles

Director: Sammo Hung, Ann Hui, Patrick Tam, Yuen Wo Ping, Johnnie To, the late Ringo Lam, Tsui Hark

Starring: Timmy Hung, Francis Ng, Sire Ma, Jennifer Yu, Gouw, Ian Iskandar, Yuen Wah, Ashley Lam, Ng Wing Sze, Wu Tsz Tung, Eric Tsui, Simon Yam, Mimi Kung, Royce Lam, Chung King Fai, Cheung Tat Ming, Emotion Cheung, Lam Suet, Lawrence Lau (According to the sequence in the movie)

Film Source: Media Asia

In-Cinema Screening

Sunday, Nov 6 at 6 PM
@ AMC NEWCITY 14

Venue Details

Septet - Exercise《練功》’s Director

Sammo Hung

Having started out as a member of the esteemed performance troupe “Seven Little Fortunes,” Sammo Hung worked his way to become one of the most significant figures in martial arts cinema. The producer, director, screenwriter, and actor is known affectionately as “Big Big Brother” in the industry. In 1989, he received the Best Actor award at the 33rd Asia Pacific Film Festival for his role as Yu Jim Yuen, his master in real life, in the film Painted Faces. Having dedicated his life to raising awareness for martial arts cinema and with widely acclaimed films including Ip Man, Ip Man 2, The Monkey King 2 and Paradox, Hung’s achievements are unparalleled in the industry.

Septet - Headmaster《校長》’s Director

Ann Hui

The renowned director, producer, and screenwriter Ann Hui is best known for The Golden Era and Our Time Will Come. Hui was a rising young director in the Hong Kong New Wave Cinema movement during the 70s and 80s, with a knack for portraying the lives of ordinary people in extraordinary times. Her films won her actresses two major awards at the Berlin International Film Festival and the Venice Film Festival, and she herself has been awarded Best Director 16 times. Hui is one of the few influential female directors in Chinese-language cinema. In 2020, Hui won Lifetime Achievement Award At Venice International Film Festival. Love After Love directed by Hui received 4 nominations, including Best Cinematography, Best Art Direction, Best Costume & Makeup Design and Best Original Film Score at the 40th Hong Kong Film Awards.

Septet - Tender is the Night《別夜》’s Director

Patrick Tam

A prominent figure in Hong Kong New Wave Cinema, Patrick Tam is celebrated for his experimental style and edgy cinematography. He won Best Film Editing twice at the Hong Kong Film Awards for Days of Being Wild and Ashes of Time. Currently a visiting professor in the Academy of Film at Hong Kong Baptist University, he is dedicated to training a new crop of filmmakers. His 2007 movie After This Our Exile took home Best Film, Best Director, and Best Screenplay at the Hong Kong Film Awards.

Septet - Homecoming《回歸》’s Director

Yuen Wo-ping

Hong Kong martial arts film director Yuen Wo-ping pioneered the kung fu comedy genre with his smash hits Snake in the Eagle's Shadow and Drunken Master in the 1970s. The films combined comedy and martial arts, and launched Jackie Chan’s career as a major action star. His films, from Tai Chi Master starring Jet Li and Wing Chun starring Michelle Yeoh to True Legend starring Jay Chou and Zhou Xun, are all martial arts masterpieces. He soon attracted attention from Hollywood, and his work on Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon and The Matrix made him an internationally renowned action choreographer. Yuen is a six-time winner of Best Action Choreography and a recipient of the Professional Achievement Award at the Hong Kong Film Awards.

Septet - Bonanza《遍地黃金》’s Director

Johnnie To

With acclaimed films including Election and The Mission, Johnnie To has 26 Best Director nominations and six wins under his belt. His films are consistently shown in international film festivals. In 2006, his film Election 2 received much fanfare in the Cannes Film Festival. His film Exiled was screened and became an instant favorite in festivals around the world including the Venice Film Festival and the Toronto International Film Festival. In 2012, Life Without Principle was screened in competition at the 68th Venice Film Festival, and was screened at the 31st Toronto International Film Festival, the 59th San Sebastián International Film Festival, the 2011 Hong Kong Asian Film Festival, the 16th Busan International Film Festival, and the 55th Asia-Pacific Film Festival.

Septet - Astray《迷路》’s Director

Ringo Lam

Ringo Lam was a Hong Kong director best known for his action crime thrillers. His most famous films include Wild City and the On Fire trilogy. City on Fire is not only one of the most iconic Hong Kong crime movies, but also inspired Hollywood director Quentin Tarantino’s Reservoir Dogs, which became a classic crime drama in American cinema. Ringo Lam has passed away on December 29, 2018.

Septet - Conversation in Depth《深度對話》’s Director

Tsui Hark 

The celebrated director behind Once Upon a Time in China and Journey to the West: The Demons Strike Back, Tsui Hark is a true pioneer for his creative vision and adept use of filmmaking techniques. The Butterfly Murders, which propelled Tsui to fame, subverted the martial arts genre, while Zu: Warriors from the Magic Mountain showcased his mastery of visual effects. His film series Detective Dee and The Taking of Tiger Mountain are both major blockbuster hits, and he remains one of the highest-grossing film directors in Chinese-language cinema.

Season 15 Finale: Screenings with the stars

Toast to the close of APUC Season 15 with two finale screenings and an exclusive award presentation at Screenings with the Stars: Season 15 Finale!

Special guests scheduled to join the festivities include: Jennifer Yu (Leading Actress of PRETTY HEART, Season 15 Bright Star Award Recipient); Amos Why & Teresa Kwong (Director & Producer of FAR FAR AWAY); and Yeung Chiu-hoi (Co-Director of THE FIRST GIRL I LOVED).
Due to the arisen of an urgent family matter, Director Kelvin Shum and Screenwriter Kyle Shum of Deliverance cannot join us at the reception.

At the reception scheduled between the two screenings (4:30 - 6:00 P.M.) at AMC NEWCITY 14’s MacGuffins Bar & Lounge, guests will check out the stars-studded red carpet, enjoy tasty small bites from Sweet Bean Chicago, and wine & beer plus cash bar optional.

APUC’s first benefit since the festival’s inaugural year is not one to miss! Tickets to attend cost $100, and admission includes access to both film screenings and the reception, which also features an award ceremony honoring Jennifer Yu as this season’s first Bright Star Award recipient.

Season 15 Finale: Screenings with the Stars will benefit the growth and expansion of the festival, with net proceeds directly supporting the hiring of APUC’s first full-time employee.

Join us and thank you in advance for your generous support! 

Note: This event is for adults (21 years and older) only.

Finale Reception Event

Sunday, Nov 6
at 4:30 - 6:00 PM
@ MacGuffins Bar & Lounge,
AMC NEWCITY 14

Venue Details

U.S. Premiere

Hong Kong | Romance | 2022 | 98 minutes | in Cantonese w/English subtitles

Director: Terry Ng Ka-wai

Starring: Vincent Wong Ho-shun, Jennifer Yu Heung Ying, Hugo Ng Hwee-lai, Law Kar-ying, Astrid Chan Chi-ching, Chow Mei-fung

Film Source: Orchid Tree Media 

Bright Star Award Recipient - Jennifer Yu Heung Ying is scheduled to attend the award ceremony and Q&A in person.
Moderator: Prof. Ron Falzone

In-Cinema Screening

Sunday, Nov 6 at 2 PM
@ AMC NEWCITY 14

Venue Details

DIRECTOR

Terry Ng Ka-wai

As the assistant director of the Storm franchise,
Terry is a young but experienced, and upcoming filmmaker.

Filmography:

2020 - Breakout Brothers (1st Assistant Director)
2019 - P Storm (1st Assistant Director)
2018 - L Storm (1st Assistant Director), “Golden Job” (2nd Assistant Director)
2017 The Brink (2nd Assistant Director)
2016 Sky on Fire (2nd Assistant Director), “S Storm”(2nd Assistant Director)
2015 Wild City (2nd Assistant Director)

Midwest Premiere

Hong Kong | Girlhood love drama | 2021 | 93 minutes | in Cantonese w/English subtitles

Co-Director: Candy Ng, Yeung Chiu-hoi

Starring: Tam Sin-yin, Yeung Sz-wing

Film Source: Mei Ah Hong Kong

Co-Director Yeung Chiu-hoi is scheduled to appear in person to introduce the film and the Q&A after the screening.
Moderator: Prof. Ron Falzone

Synopsis:

This is a love story between two girls, Nam and Yuet. One treats their relationship as love, while the other deems it as growth. Yuet invites Nam to be her bridesmaid.  They spend the night before the wedding together. Gazing at Yuet’s back, Nam recalled their uncertain relationship in high school. The wedding brings them together again. But this time—as a bridesmaid to hold hands of the bride—Nam passes her once beloved to Yuet’s now beloved.

Is it a confession to love, or more of a farewell to youth?

In-Cinema Screening

Saturday, Nov 5 at 5 PM
@ AMC NEWCITY 14

Venue Details

CO-DIRECTOR

Yeung Chiu-hoi

Yeung Chiu-hoi graduated from the City University of Hong Kong, School of Creative Media. He received a scholarship to further his studies in Drama, Music, and Film at the University of Illinois, Chicago. In 2008, he won the Best Actor Award in the 3rd Golden Sugarcane Film Festival in Taiwan. He then continued his acting study at the New York Film Academy in 2015. After graduation from college, he joined the TVB Artiste Training Course and has become a full-time actor. He had roles in dramas such as When Heaven Burns, Tomorrow is Another Day, Yes Sir, No Sir!, Storm in a Cocoon, Triumph in the Skies 2 etc. Other than his television appearance, he also involved in many short films. In 2015, he was the actor and producer for the music video of Crystal Cheung’s single The Best Actor, which earned him the IFPI Hong Kong Music Video Award.

CO-DIRECTOR

Candy Ng Wing-shan

Ng Wing Shan (Candy), graduated from the Creative Media of City University of Hong Kong (Cinematic Art). During her studies, she was the video editor of the ATV drama, and assistant director of the independent film - Dead Slowly. In 2008, she won the Hong Kong Young Literature Award for her work "Woman wearing ivory earrings". After graduation, she has been focusing on the development of local video creation, and is a full-time creator. In 2010, the founding of HKMedia Production Company not only promoted local video and advertising creation, but also developed overseas shooting projects. Overseas productions include the "Love to Travel, Travel with Love" micro-movie in cooperation with the Australian Tourism Board; the "Three-person. Guam" micro-film with the Guam Tourism Bureau. Over 9 years of experience in TV film and commercial productions.

In 2015, the HKMedia won the 19th Creative Entrepreneurship Award. In the same year, by directing Crystal Cheung ‘s "Best Actor" MV, she won the 2015 Hong Kong Music Video Award from IFPI.   In 2016, with the film "The First Girl I Loved”, she participated in the First Feature Film Initiative and became a short-listed film. She also participated in the "Green Light Action" program and began to develop film projects. Since 2017, she has been involved in more film work, including Teddy Robin's film "Lucid Dream", "The Empty Hand" movie (Planning), and Patrick Tam’s “Tender is the Night” (Production Manager) and so on.   In 2018, the first screenwriter and director's film work "The First Girl I Loved" was officially launched, and was funded by the Creative Hong Kong Film Funding Scheme.

Midwest Premiere

Hong Kong | Comedy/Romance | 2021 | 95 minutes | in Cantonese w/English subtitles

Director: Amos Why

Producers: Teresa Kwong, Winnie Tsang

Starring: Kaki Shum, Jennifer Yu, Hanna Chan, Cecilia So

Film Source: Golden Scene

Director Amos Why, and producer Teresa Kwong are scheduled to appear in person to introduce the film and the Q&A after the screening.
Moderator: Prof. Ron Falzone

In-Cinema Screening

Saturday, Nov 5 at 2 PM
@ AMC NEWCITY 14

Venue Details

DIRECTOR

Amos Why

A Hong Kong native and writing for printing media since aged 17, Amos is a Film/TV graduate of HKAPA and held postgraduate qualification in Multimedia, Psychology and Sports. He has been a writer-director for Radio Television Hong Kong’s commissioning documentaries and single episode TV drama since 2001, and he has been awarded 10 production contracts for 22-minute TV dramas and documentaries by Radio Television Hong Kong (RTHK) between 2002 and 2016. Amos Why directed his first feature film ‘Dot 2 Dot’ in 2014, which has been recognized as the film of merit by the Hong Kong Film Critics Society Awards in 2015. Amos Why also worked as a Senior Lecturer at the Open University of Hong Kong from 2014 – 2020, while completing his second feature ‘Napping Kid’ in 2018. His third feature film, ‘Far Far Away’ was selected as the Closing Film of the Hong Kong Asian Film Festival in 2021.

APUC Horror Marathon

Special Encore celebrating Halloween at FACETS Cinema

Hong Kong | Drama | 2014 | 101 minutes | in Cantonese w/English subtitles

Director: Juno Mak

Starring: Chin Siu-ho, Kara Wai, Nina Paw (APUC 2018 Career Achievement Awardee), Anthony “Friend” Chang

Film Source: Well Go USA

Post-film interview video with J-Horror Master, Takashi Shimizu talking about his experience of co-producing this film with director Juno Mak.

In-Cinema Screening

Sunday, Oct 30 at 6:45 PM
@ FACETS Cinema

Venue Details

DIRECTOR

Juno Mak

Juno Mak is a Hong Kong singer, record producer, actor, and director. He made his musical debut in 2002 with the EP On the Road. His albums have won Best Record three times at the Ultimate Song Chart Awards Presentation. For film, in 2010, Mak wrote and starred in Wong Ching-po's film Revenge: A Love Story. The film was a hybrid of slasher and love story. Mak and Wong Ching-po collaborated again in 2011 on the film Let's Go!. In 2013, Mak directed the film Rigor Mortis, which pays tribute to the 1980s Jiangshi genre. In 2018, Mak produced & directed the crime thriller Sons of the Neon Night with an ensemble cast led by Takeshi Kaneshiro, Sean Lau, Louis Koo, Tony Leung and Gao Yuanyuan. The film was finally wrapped up in 2018 but pending release date.

APUC Horror Marathon

Midwest Premiere celebrating Halloween at FACETS Cinema

Hong Kong | Psycho-Drama/Thriller | 2022 | 111 minutes | in Cantonese w/English subtitles 

Director: Wesley Hoi | Fruit Chan | Fung Chih-chiang

Starring: Richie Jen, Cherry Ngan, Cecilia So, Jerry Lamb

Film Source: Media Asia

Post-film pre-recorded Q&A with director Wesley Hoi (THE CHINK) moderated by Hong Kong Cinema virtual moderator Kevin Ma.

In-Cinema Screening

Sunday, Oct 30 at 4:15 PM
@ FACETS Cinema

Venue Details

Tales From the Occult - Dead Mall ’s Director

Fruit Chan

A Hong Kong-based independent filmmaker, Fruit Chan had his career breakthrough with groundbreaking independent film Made in Hong Kong (1997), the winner of Best Director and Best Original Screenplay at the Golden Horse Awards. Afterwards, Chan completed his “’97 Trilogy” with The Longest Summer and Little Cheung. Chan also earned multiple accolades around the world with his “Prostitute Trilogy” - comprised of Durian Durian, Hong Kong Hollywood and Three Husbands. In addition to his low-budget indies, Chan also directs mainstream films, displaying versatility that is rarely seen among traditional mainstream filmmakers. Chan often employs new or non-professional actors to star in his films, in line with the films’ naturalistic styles and concern for the grassroots. In addition to directing, Chan is also a scriptwriter, editor and producer. 

Tales From the Occult - The Tenement ’s Director

Fung Chih-chiang

Hong Kong-based filmmaker Fung Chih Chiang’s works as screenwriter include Stephen Chow’s Shaolin Soccer, CJ7 and Mermaid, Johnnie To’s Hooked On You, Sparrow and Punished, as well as classic television series At the Threshold of an Era. The films he co-wrote have grossed a total of over HK$5 billion, and his work on Mermaid earned him a nomination for Best Screenplay at the Hong Kong Film Awards. Fung was also nominated for Best New Director for his directorial debut The Bounty. His crime thriller A Witness Out of the Blue screened at various film festivals worldwide and was nominated for six Hong Kong Film Awards, including Best Actor and Best Supporting Actor. It was also nominated for Best Film and Best Director at HKMOVIE6 People’s Choice Film Awards and won the Audience Award at Focus On Asia in Fukuoka International Film Festival.

Tales From the Occult - The Chink ’s Director

Wesley Hoi

Hoi earned an undergraduate degree in multimedia production from Nottingham Trent University. He has been working in the film and television industry for the past 20 years, having taken part in Hollywood productions such as Forbidden Kingdom and The Dark Knight. He also served as the Macau production manager on Hong Kong-mainland China co-production Book of Love. After working in mainland China and Hong Kong, Hoi finally laid down roots in Macau, establishing his own company there to provide advertising and film production services. In addition to directing over 20 advertisements and public service announcements, Hoi has been actively involved in scriptwriting in recent years.

APUC Horror Marathon

Midwest Premiere celebrating Halloween at FACETS Cinema

Japan | Thriller/Mystery | 2022 | 123 minutes | in Japanese w/English subtitles 

Director: Shinzo Katayama

Starring: Jiro Sato, Aoi Ito, Hiroya Shimizu

Film Source: Dark Star Pictures

In-Cinema Screening

Sunday, Oct 30
at 1:30 PM
@ FACETS Cinema

Venue Details

DIRECTOR

Shinzo Katayama

Born on February 7, 1981 in Osaka prefecture. Shinzo Katayama graduated from “EIZO-JUKU” video school, founded by Genji Nakamura. He worked as an assistant director in “TOKYO!” (08/Omnibus movie directed by Bong Joon Ho), “Boys Over Flowers: Final” (08/Director Yasuharu Ishii), “Mother” (09/Director Bong Joon Ho), “YAMAGATA SCREAM” (09/Director Naoto Takenaka), “My Back Page” (11/Director Nobuhiro Yamashita), “The Drudgery Train” (12/Director Nobuhiro Yamashita), “Yokohama Story” (13/Director Ichiro Kita), “La La La at Rock Bottom” (15/Director Nobuhiro Yamashita), and “Hana's Miso Soup” (15/Director Tomoaki Akune). He made his debut as a feature film director with “Siblings of the Cape” (18), which he produced at his own expense, and swept the movie world. Expanding from six theater screens nationwide to more than 50, he was the double winner of Best Picture and Audience Award in the Japanese Film Feature Competition at the SKIP CITY INTERNATIONAL D-Cinema Festival 2018. He also received the 41st Yokohama Film Festival’s New Director Award, and the Newcomer Director's Award at the 29th Japanese Movie Critics Awards. Other directorial works include “Sokoni ita Otoko” (20) and “Samayou yaiba” (21/WOWOW). This is his commercial film debut and his second feature as film director.

Due to the program amendment for the post-film discussion, DELIVERANCE has been rescheduled from 4:30 PM to 5 PM.

World Premiere

Hong Kong | Drama | 2021 | 106 minutes | in Cantonese w/English subtitles

Director: Kelvin Shum

Starring: Simon Yam, Ron Ng, Justin Cheung, Summer Chan, the late Kenneth Tsang (APUC 2019 Lifetime Achievement Honoree), Nina Paw (APUC 2018 Career Achievement Award Honoree)

Film Source: World Universal Culture Limited

Lead Actress Summer Chan (陳紫萱) is scheduled to attend in person to receive her BRIGHT STAR AWARD from the festival.

Director Kelvin Shum, screenwriter Kyle Shum and producer Charlie Wong are also scheduled to appear for the introduction and post-film Q&A moderated by Hollywood Chicago’s Pat McDonald.

In-Cinema Screening

Saturday, Oct 29 at 5:00 PM
@ AMC NEWCITY 14

Venue Details

SYNOPSIS

A fractured family of four brothers and one sister confront haunting memories of their mother’s passing fifteen years ago. 

Fifteen years had passed, as Nicole (Summer Chan) returns home to Hong Kong to be reunited with her three brothers, clinging to the shattered memory from the night of her mother’s passing.  Through hypnosis sessions with her big brother Joseph (Simon Yam), the trauma that the family sustained is unexpectedly reawakened when she desires to connect back with the memories.  Then, the whole world around this family takes on a dark form and love becomes almost undefinable.   

DIRECTOR

Kelvin Shum

Kelvin was born in Hong Kong and raised in Melbourne, Australia, from an early age.

During his following years in the university, he was involved in over ten theater productions in Australia, taking up the roles of both actor and director.

In 2013, after pursuing further study in Shanghai Theater Academy, Kelvin ventured to Los Angeles, undertaking the Directing Program to further refine his craft. During that time and after he had graduated he had worked under various studio pictures, indie pictures and commercials as assistant director, director, producer etc. Working on different genres and style of productions.

Kelvin's work ''WE SHALL OVERCOME'' in 2019 won awards at festivals that included ''Best Director'', “Best Thriller”, ‘'Best Cinematography'' and ''Best Ensemble Cast''. Through the experience of many productions and his background to theater, he built up a solid ground for the skills of Directing in video productions.

In 2020 Kelvin returned to Hong Kong from Los Angeles, after a year in writing with his brother Kyle Shum. He then directed his first feature film “Deliverance”, finishing production in 2022. This film marked his debut as a feature Film Director.

BRIGHT STAR AWARDEE - ACTRESS

Summer Chan 陳紫萱

Having a strong passion for acting, Summer Chan has continuously taken on and redefined various drama performances. Starting in drama production by a local theatre company, Liability, she began her career on the stage. In 2014, she played a leading role in a drama produced by Windward Drama Company. Later, she starred in the <<姨媽姑姐創世紀>> produced by Teens Theatre and <<謫仙>> at Black Box Theatre. In 2016, Summer was awarded Best Actress in the drama competition organized by RTHK.

In recent years, Summer has starred in a broader range of drama performances, including “Hot Pot in Love” (愛情部隊鍋) produced by AMENPAPA Theatre and “Lion Rock” (香港歲月情) by Augustine Drama Group (思定劇社). Summer also appeared in several short films and microfilms. In 2021, she signed with WU Culture as its artist, and in the same year, she starred in the music video for Deep Ng Ho-Hong’s new song “十倍速”. In 2022, she starred as a cancer patient in the RTHK’s anthology series “Two Spots of Soy Oil Stains on the Wall” (牆上的兩滴豉油漬), where her performance earned her high praise from viewers.

Over the past year, Summer has paid tremendous efforts to the movie industry. The movie SHOWBIZ SPY, co-starring with Anson Lo, Heidi Lee and Chloe So, was released in November in 2021, earning nearly HK$8 million and securing a spot as a top 10 Hong Kong movie at box office.

Recently, Summer finished filming the American readapted movie TAPE with British Director Bizhan Tong, working alongside Selena Lee, Kenny Kwan, Adam Pak, Angus Yeung, and Hong Kong Film Awards best supporting male Mason Fung

Local movies that she has also finished filming include BEYOND THE SIN, starring Louis Koo Tin-Lok and Gordon Lam Ka-Tung; UNDER CONTROL, starring Louis Koo, Jessica Hester Hsuan, and Philip Keung Ho-Man; DELIVERANCE, starring Simon Yam Tat-Wah, Ron Ng Cheuk-Hei and Justin Cheung Kin-Sing and IT REMAINS, starring Anson Lo, Tommy Chu Pak-Hong, David Chiang Tai-Wai, and Ng Siu-Hin.

PRODUCER

Charlie Wong

A renowned & notable executive producer in Hong Kong. Producing and presenting a large variety of films highlighting different genres in his career within Asia, beginning his career in the film industry of Hong Kong since 1999 when he first returned back to Hong Kong from the UK.

He worked in the distribution department under China Star Entertainment LTD, exhibiting numerous films to various films around the world. Later on, he went on to work in productions in Film Workshop Limited including "The Era of the Vampires". "Xanda" & "Seven Swords" for Hong Kong renowned Director Tsui Hark. During this period, Charlie had also assisted with Hollywood films such as DOA: Dead or Alive that are shooting in Asia.

Throughout his career he had also established his own company, producing films such as "Beach Spike" "Special Female Force", distributed many hit movies from different countries, including Japanese movie “Colors of Wind” and Indian movie “Hindi Medium”, Thailand movie “The Pool” and another Japanese movie “A Long Goodbye”.

Now he is the executive director and producer of the film production company World Universal Culture based in Hong Kong which has been producing numerous films within Asia. In recent years his notable presenting and producing works includes "Warriors of Future", "Zero to Hero", "Space Sweeper", "Deliverance", "Showbiz Spy", "Never Stop" etc.

SCREENWRITER / ACTOR

Kyle Shum

Kyle Shum was studying in commercial marketing back in Australia. During that period he had attended and competed in multiple singing competitions including "TVB New Talent Singing Awards", "Brisbane Super Talent Dream Show" becoming the top 5 of all the competitions. Since moving back to Hong Kong, starting from 2016 Kyle attended courses for acting and action fighting, learning his craft from Bao Xiu Hu.

During his time in Hong Kong since 2016, Kyle had performed in multiple TV shows, commercials, and so on. In 2018, he ventured to Los Angeles to shoot his debut short film "We Shall Overcome", the film won many awards including best ensemble cast. He also attended a short term course in filmmaking. Same year in 2018, Kyle competed in ViuTV's Goodnight Show - King Maker.

In 2021, after his brother Kelvin Shum returned back to Hong Kong, they both wrote their first feature debut feature film script "Deliverance", directed by Kelvin Shum. He also acted as Nicolas Yi, the film stars Asia renowned actor Simon Yam, Kenneth Tsang, Nina Paw, Ron Ng and so on. Recently, Kyle competed in "Loser Reborn" (Singing Contest) and made it to the finals, now awaiting travel to Korea for further training.

North American Premiere

Hong Kong | Drama | 2021 | 115 minutes | in Cantonese w/English subtitles

Director: Lam Sum

Starring: Louis Cheung, Angela Yuen, Patra Au, Chu Pak-hong

Film Source: mm2 Studios Hong Kong

In-Cinema Screening

Saturday, Oct 29 at 2:30 PM
@ AMC NEWCITY 14

Venue Details

SYNOPSIS

The COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020 signaled the shuttering and downsizing of life as we once knew it and certainly Chak is no exception as he’s forced to be the sole employee of his small cleaning business.  Overwhelmed and barely making ends meet, he seeks additional help, hiring young single mother Candy. Chak finds it challenging to take Candy seriously and is suspicious of her odd ways and appearance but also notices her hard work and dedication—and also sees glimmers of hope through her seven-year-old daughter.

With Chak being increasingly dubious of the ever-industrious Candy, his ongoing financial challenges, and the passing of his elderly mother, he comes to a crossroads as his new normal is no longer sustainable.

DIRECTOR

Lam Sum

Born in Hong Kong. Lam is an independent short film and documentary filmmaker graduated from School of Film and TV, Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts (APA FTV), majoring in directing. Lam's work are mostly focus on social issue and lives of grassroot in Hong Kong. The Narrow Road is his second feature film.

Video work include:
- May You Stay Forever Young (2021, directorial debut)
- Where Are We Going? (2017, short film)
- Puma (2015, short film)
- Drifting (2011, short film)

APUC Horror Marathon

Special Encore celebrating Halloween at FACETS Cinema

South Korea | 2020 | 116 minutes | in Korean, English, Cantonese, Polish w/English subtitles 

Director: Yeon Sang-ho

Starring: Gang Dong-won, Lee Jung-hyun

Film Source: Well Go USA

SYNOPSIS

Four years after South Korea’s total decimation in TRAIN TO BUSAN, the zombie thriller that captivated audiences worldwide, acclaimed director Yeon Sang-ho brings us PENINSULA, the next nail-biting chapter in his post-apocalyptic world. Jung-seok, a soldier who previously escaped the diseased wasteland, relives the horror when assigned to a covert operation with two simple objectives: retrieve and survive. When his team unexpectedly stumbles upon survivors, their lives will depend on whether the best—or worst—of human nature prevails in the direst of circumstances.

In-Cinema Screening

Thursday, Oct 27
@ 7 PM
FACETS Cinema

Venue Details

DIRECTOR

Yeon Sang-ho
Yeon Sang-Ho is a South Korean director, and a screen writer, he was born in Seoul in 1978. He is graduated from Sangmyung University with a degree of Western Painting. He directed few short films as well Megalomania of D in 1997, followed by D-Day in 2000 and The Hell in 2003, then set up his own production house Studio Dadashow in 2004. Yeon Sang Ho known for directing a animated film such as The King of Pigs, The Window, The Fake, and his latest animated film is in 2016 called Seoul Station. Yeon Sang-Ho raise to prominence in 2016 after releasing his first live action movie in Cannes Film Festival 2016, his first live action movie is Train to Busan, that starring Gong Yoo, Jung Yumi, Ma Dong Seok, Choi Woo-shik, Ahn So-hee, and Kim Su-an. The movie is the sequel of his animated film Seoul Station, and both releasing in 2016, the movie gained a lot of attention from South Korea, and internationally, because he choose the genre that not a lot of South Korean director choose which is the zombie flick. The movie was screened at the Midnight Screening at Cannes Festival, the movie was rumored to be remake with by the Hollywood production, Train to Busan is the first South Korean movie that gained 10 millions theatergoers in South Korea, and the number is still counting. Yeon Sang-Ho sometimes created his movie based on his own personal life as well. For example the The King of Pigs, he said that he was inspired by his own life experience, and he cried during the writing time of the script, The Window is based on his life during his mandatory military service.

- IMDb

Special Encore

Taiwan | Animation | 2021 | 91 minutes | in Mandarin w/English subtitles

Director: Yee Chih-yen

Voice casts: Joseph Chang, River Huang, Gwei Lun-mei

Film Source: Applause Taiwan

Winner of Best Animated Film at the Golden Horse Film Festival in 2020

In-Cinema Screening

Sunday, Oct 23 at 4:30 PM
@ Tower Auditorium at Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT)

Venue Details

SYNOPSIS

As a struggling sixteen-year-old teenager, Leaf runs away from home, skips classes, and ends up, mysteriously, in a peculiar place-the City of Lost Things. There, he meets Baggy, a thirty-year-old plastic bag. Baggy never sees himself as just another piece of unwanted junk. He has a purpose in life, that is, to lead his tribe to flee the City of Lost Things. But, he needs the help of a reluctant Leaf to fight the dreadful army of the Armors.

“A CGI animated film, surprises not only because of the well-scripted, tightly knit story but also because of its inventive animation. It manages this without relying on high-budget technical wizardry, per se, but by creative use of rather basic CGI elements.”— Brian Hioe, cinemaescapist.com

“Operating as a metaphor for the plight of the millions of people who call the streets their home, CITY speaks to the importance of each one of these lost souls and the damage a society inflicts when it chooses to treat people as less than human.”—Steve Norton, intheseats.ca

DIRECTOR

Yee Chih-yen

Mr. Yee majored in film production in Department of Theatre Arts at UCLA and got his MFA degree in 1989.  After returning to Taiwan and working in TV commercials for years, he made his first feature Lonely Hearts Club in 1996 which was selected in competition in International Film Festival Rotterdam.  He made his second feature Blue Gate Crossing in 2003 which was shown in Cannes Film Festival Directors’ Fortnight.  His third feature Meeting Dr. Sun in 2014 won both the best picture and audience choice awards in Osaka Asian Film Festival, and also won the best original screenplay in Taiwan Golden Horse Awards.  After more than ten years in production, his latest and his first 3D animation feature City of Lost Things, a boy and a plastic bag’s adventure concerning recycling and reincarnation won the best animation feature in 2020 Taiwan Golden Horse Awards and is scheduled to be released later this year.

U.S. Premiere

Taiwan | Animation/Folklore | 2022 | 88 minutes | in Mandarin w/English subtitles

Director: Lin Yu-chun, Chuang Yung-hsin, Liu Yu-shu

Film Source: ​Activator Co. Ltd.

Selected for 2019 The Golden Horse Film Project Promotion (FPP)

In-Cinema Screening

Sunday, Oct 23 at 2:30 PM
@ Tower Auditorium at Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT)

Venue Details

SYNOPSIS

The Gui Kingdom is in crisis: The Demon Society has long desired the Kingdom’s treasured Dragon and Phoenix swords. Entrusted with the task to protect the sword and princess, Jhuge-Shiro (Shiro) rises to fight against the Demon Society but must also deal with the vengeful Zhen Ping (Ping).

​

The story is based on the Taiwanese comic book series "JhugeShiro". The "JhugeShiro" series was created by Mr. Yeh Hong-chia, a pioneer in Taiwan's comic book industry, and is a shared childhood memory by generations of Taiwanese during the period from 1945-1965.

DIRECTOR

Liu Yu-shu 劉育樹

Liu Yu-shu is an emerging 3D animation director in Taiwan. He is famous for his fine art style and innovative vision. He was shortlisted for the 51st Golden Bell Award in the 52nd Golden Bell Award. The action capture VR is the first VR dance drama in the world. His 3D animation education short film, cooperated with the Palace Museum, also won the AAM World Museum Silver Award.

DIRECTOR

Lin Yu-chun 林于俊

Lin Yu-chun is the director of the Jhuge-Shiro, The New Incense Burner of the Wind, Ai Ai and New Moon Legend theatrical productions at PaperWindMill Troupe. Hi also directed Meet Again, Beitou, Closer Fans and other shows at the GreenLight Troupe. He is now the creative director of Imago Studio.

DIRECTOR

Chuang Yung-hsin 莊永新

Chuang Yung-hsin graduated from the Fu-Hsin Trade and Arts School and served as the executive director for Hou Hsiao- Hsien and Wu Nien-Jen. Since 1996, being a comic artist, has directed more than 500 ads as a freelancer. He received multiple Times and Asia-Pacific Advertising Awards. He participated in the French Angolan Comics Festival. He was invited to the Louvre Comic Project and to the Belgian Manga Museum for a solo exhibition.

Special Encore

Taiwan | Documentary | 2021 | 135 minutes | in Mandarin w/English subtitles

Director: Wang Wan-jo

Film Source: Activator Co. Ltd.

In-Cinema Screening

Saturday, Oct 22 at 4:30 PM
@ Tower Auditorium at Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT)

Venue Details

SYNOPSIS

Chen Uen is the most celebrated artist in the field of comic art in Asia. His work is presented with a unique style of aesthetic that blends art forms of Chinese ink painting and Western painting skills. His agility and skillfulness in using various materials has made himself unparalleled, which is regarded as the “Chen Uen aesthetic.”

​

Chen Uen has left an indeliable imprint in Taiwan, Hong Kong, China, and Japan. He rocked the art scene in Japan in the 90s with his work To Shu Eiyuden (East Chou Dynasty Hero Legend, 《東周英雄傳》) which has awarded top prizes from the Japanese Cartoonists Association. 

​

This film focuses on Chen Uen’s art career, depicting Chen’s aesthetics of life through representing his works and interviewing with his associates. With Chen Uen and his art works taking center stage, this film also gives a brief overview of comic industry in China and Japan, whom have been exploring and bringing Chen’s legacy to the forefront. 

The documentary was invited to the following festivals:

-       2021 MOViE MOViE Anifest - Hong Kong premiere

-       2021 Singapore Chinese Film Festival - official selection

-       2021 Macao Arts Festival - official selection

-       2020 Taichung International Animation Festival - Official selection

-       2020 Taipei Golden Horse Awards – nominated for the best documentary

DIRECTOR

Wang Wan-Jo

Chen Uen (1958-2017), a Taiwanese artist who established an unique aesthetic in goners ranging across comic, illustration and game art. His legacy is shared in Taiwan, Hong Kong, China, and Japan. After Chen Uen passed away, his students and friends helped to held his artwork exhibition in National Palace Museum in Taiwan, and he is the first manga artist who exhibit artworks in National Palace Museum.

U.S. Premiere

Taiwan | Animation | 2020 | 88 minutes | in Mandarin w/English and Chinese subtitles

 Director: Kethsvin Chee

Starring: Charlie Young, Junto Pai, Lu Xue-feng, Lee Lee-zen

Film Source: mm2 Entertainment Co.

In-Cinema Screening

Saturday, Oct 22 at 2:30 PM
@ Tower Auditorium at Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT)

Venue Details

SYNOPSIS

In a fishing village lives a creature with the body of a pig, the nose of an elephant, the ears of a horse, and feet like a rhinoceros. Every night as people lie in slumber, it sneaks into the village and devours their nightmares! Ah Keat’s father has always recounted the story of when he came across the mythical creature in the forest as a child. Ah Keat is skeptical about the story but has always looked forward to the day he can see the creature for himself. When his father dies in an accident at sea one day, eight-year-old Ah Keat sets off in search of the mythical nightmare-eating creature in the forest, hoping it will bring his father back to life.

“A charming film which will appeal to viewers of all ages, HELLO! TAPIR may be a little too sugary for Western tastes but is salvaged by its young stars’ natural performances and free flowing wit…. The tapirs are animated but elsewhere the heavy lifting is done by the cinematography, which lends Taiwan’s wild landscapes an uncanny quality rarely seen in other films from the island nation. Chee presents viewers with a complete and absorbing world in a magical realist fable that reminds us of the value of imagination.”— Jennie Kermode, eyeforfilm.co.uk

DIRECTOR

Kethsvin CHEE

Kethsvin CHEE, a Malaysia-born director, has been producing, directing and writing scripts for tele-movies, sitcoms, reality shows and TVCs since 2006. His first tele-movie, Superb Match Makers (2010), won the Best Festive Award at 2012 Golden Awards. His next tele-movie, Lucky Bowl 1 & 2 (2013), participated in the 19th Shanghai Television Awards. In 2014, his co-directed film, The Game 2, was nominated for Best Tele-movie in Spain’s Zoom Festive and won him a Best Director nomination. He was also nominated for Best New Director and Best Editing in 25th Festival Film Malaysia for The Cage (2015). Hello! Tapir was shortlisted as Top 6 “Early Bird New Directors Film Fund” organized by Hong Kong International Film Festival Society in year 2016.

APUC Horror Marathon

Special Encore celebrating Halloween at FACETS Cinema

South Korea | 2018 | 100 minutes | in Korean w/English subtitles 

Director: Huh Jung

Starring: Yum Jung-ah, Park Hyuk-kwon, Shin Rin-ah

Film Source: Well Go USA

SYNOPSIS

A classic Korean ghost story gets a horrifying new spin in THE MIMIC, as the mother of a missing child takes in a lost girl she finds in the woods and soon begins to wonder if she is even human.

In-Cinema Screening

Thursday, Oct 13
@ 7 PM
FACETS Cinema

Venue Details

DIRECTOR

Huh Jung

Huh Jung (born 1981) is a South Korean film director and screenwriter. Huh directorial debut - a low-budget horror-thriller Hide and Seek (2013) starring Son Hyun-joo, was an unexpected hit in 2013 with 5.6 million admissions.[1][2][3] His second feature - also a horror film, titled The Mimic, stars actress Yum Jung-ah and is scheduled to release in 2017.

APUC Horror Marathon

Special Encore celebrating Halloween at FACETS Cinema

Japan | 2017 | 128 minutes | in Japanese w/English subtitles 

Director: Takashi Miike

Starring: Tadanobu Asano, Nao Ōmori, Shin’ya Tsukamoto

Film Source: Well Go USA

SYNOPSIS

This visceral, bloody, and often hilarious film follows Kakihara (Tadanobu Asano), a notoriously sadistic yakuza enforcer whose search for his boss’ killer brings him into the orbit of a demented costumed assassin known as Ichi (Nao Ōmori).

In-Cinema Screening

Thursday, Oct 6
@ 7 PM
FACETS Cinema

Venue Details

DIRECTOR

Takashi Miike

Miike was born in Osaka in 1960. He trained at the private film school founded and chaired by Shohei Imamura and went on to work as Imamura’s first assistant on ‘Zegen’ (1987) and ‘Black Rain’ (1989). He spent the first half of the 90’s shooting made-for-video features, or video cinema, - which got him used to tight schedules and budgets. In 1995, he was given the chance to direct his first regular feature film - SHINJUKU TRIAD SOCIETY - and he hasn’t looked back since.

Miike never forfeited quality and artistic merit in exchange for quantity. In fact, his cinematic style is as clearly edged out and more evident than ever. Film critic Tony Rayns once stated in a ‘Sight and Sound’ article which introduced Miike to many international film enthusiasts, “Miike may be as prolific as Fassbinder was in his heyday, but the films he makes are closer in spirit to the best by the veteran fringe-Hollywood director Joseph H. Lewis: genre movies, made on a for-hire basis, with the generic elements left on auto- pilot while the director busies himself with form, rhythm, texture and the implications of the characters’ sexual pathologies. Miike makes ‘termite art' rather than the kind of ‘white elephant art’ beloved of A-list festival programmers.”

Due to the program amendment for the post-film discussion, STELLA: A MAGICAL RIDE has been rescheduled from 4:30 PM to 5:15 PM.

Midwest Premiere

South Korea | Drama/Fantasy/Comedy | 2022 | 98 minutes | in Korean w/English subtitles

Director: Kwon Soo-kyung

Starring: Son Ho-jun, Lee Kyu-hyung

Film Source: Finecut Co. Ltd.

Please stay for a post-film discussion led by professor Ron Falzone – an award-winning screenwriter and Associate Professor at Columbia College Chicago as well as an Instructor in film comedy at Second City Film School.

In-Cinema Screening

Sunday, Oct 2
at 5:15 PM
@ AMC Niles 12

Venue Details

SYNOPSIS

This film had its international premiere at the 20th New York Asian Film Festival in July and this is what their programmer said about the film:

“Young Bae is an average high-end automobile broker, working on the deal of a lifetime: an imported supercar. All hell breaks loose when his best friend inexplicably steals the lucrative vehicle, setting a gang of ruthless loan sharks in hot pursuit. Young Bae’s only option is to go on the run in his recently departed father’s prize possession, a comically decrepit jalopy named Stellar. The journey forces him to reconcile with the past and overcome misgivings about fatherhood. With spot-on 80’s nostalgia and Heo Sung-tae from SQUID GAME chewing scenery as the baddies’ leader, this extreme comedy of errors (penned by Extreme Job screenwriter Bae Se-young) more than earns its tears and laughter — and all at Mach Speed.”

DIRECTOR

KWON Soo-kyung

Selected Filmography:

2016 - My Annoying Brother

2014 - Fly Me To The Moon

2006 - Barefoot Ki-Bong

U.S. Premiere – CENTERPIECE FILM

South Korea | Animation | 2021 | 99 minutes | in Korean w/English subtitles

Director: Hong Jun-pyo

Voice casts: Jang Dong-yoon, Yeom Hye-ran, Jin Seon-kyu, Park Chul-min, Kwon Hae-hyo, Tae In-ho

Film Source: Finecut Co. Ltd.
Recipient of the 2017 SBA (Seoul Business Agency) Feature-length Animation Funding Program and the 2018 Korean Film Council (KOFIC) Animation Film Funding Program. Showcased at the 26th Busan International Film Festival (BIFF), Korean Cinema Today - Panorama Section in 2021

Please stay for a post-film discussion led by professor Ron Falzone – an award-winning screenwriter and Associate Professor at Columbia College Chicago as well as an Instructor in film comedy at Second City Film School.

In-Cinema Screening

Sunday, Oct 2 at 2:30 PM
@ AMC Niles 12

Venue Details

SYNOPSIS

When Tae-il gets hired as a tailor’s assistant at Pyeonghwa Market, he dreams of becoming a full-fledged tailor one day to be able to financially support his family and put his brothers and sisters through school. But when his hard work finally earns him the position he has been yearning for, he finds himself constantly reminded of the faces of the young female laborers slaving for pay that amounted to no less than the equivalent of a cup of coffee and vomiting blood from the dire working conditions they were placed under. Realizing no change can come just from kindness, the young twenty-two-year-old Tae-il decides to confront a reality in which ‘Labor Standards Act’ is not being enforced and becomes the bearer of hope himself.

“COMPLY WITH THE LABOR STANDARDS ACT! WE ARE NOT MACHINES!”

“I wanted to step away from Chun Tae-il’s patriotic martyr image and depict a young twentysomething Tae-il who is just like us,” director Hong said. “I hope the audience can reach out to Tae-Il through CHUN TAE-IL: A FLAME THAT LIVES ON, and in the process find their own strength to change”.

Awards:

- Recipient of the 2017 SBA(Seoul Business Agency) Feature-length Animation Funding Program

- Recipient of the 2018 Korean Film Council(KOFIC) Animation Film Funding Program; Showcased at the 26th Busan International Film Festival(BIFF), Koreans Cinema Today -Panorama Section in 2021

DIRECTOR

Hong Jun-pyo

Born in 1985, he studied animation at Korea National University of Arts, School of Film, TV& Multimedia. He first attracted attention with his short animation Across the Wind he directed in 2012 which won the ‘First Flight Prize’ at the Korea Independent Animation Film Festival. He subsequently opened ‘Studio Roomer’ in 2013 with a group of talented and creative artists to create emotionally-driven original works that include Map: Prologue and web-animation Yoilmada. He explains his decision to direct his feature debut Chun Tae-il: A Flame that Lives On, “I wanted to step away from CHUN Tae-il’s patriotic martyr image and depict a young 20-some Tae-il who is just like us”. He continues to explain, “It was personally quite appealing to me to be able to create an image of CHUN Taeil and Seoul during the late 60s to the early 70s”. Also adding, “I hope the audience can reach out to Taeil through Chun Tae-il: A Flame that Lives On, and during this process find their own strengths for change”.

Due to the program amendment for the post-film discussion, MY PERFECT ROOMMATE has been rescheduled from 4:30 PM to 5 PM.

U.S. Premiere

South Korea | Drama/Family | 2022 | 91 minutes | in Korean w/English subtitles

Director: Lee Soon-sung

Starring: Na Moon-hee, Choi Woo-sung

Film Source: Finecut Co. Ltd.

Selected for 2022 Jeonju International Film Festival - Korean Cinema

Please stay for a post-film discussion led by professor Ron Falzone – an award-winning screenwriter and Associate Professor at Columbia College Chicago as well as an Instructor in film comedy at Second City Film School.

In-Cinema Screening

Saturday, Oct 1 at
5 PM
@ AMC Niles 12

Venue Details

SYNOPSIS

“Please don’t poo at home!” Gum Bun’s one word puts Ji Woong at a loss. Gum Bun, an old lady who’s lived alone all her life, and Ji Woong, a young college student who’s ready to do anything to earn money, now have to live together following a government initiated “Saving Rent Project with Elderly Living Alone”.  Living with someone else is not an easy task for anybody, and it becomes even more challenging when it comes to a seventy-year-old lady and a young male college student.

“Loveable veteran actress Na Moon-hee practically carries the film on her two aged but nonetheless strong shoulders…. She has played this role of a grumpy ajhumma a few times now, but just like Ma Dong-seok’s hardman act, it is one that you cannot tire of seeing.” Rhythm Zaveri, asianmoviepulse.com

DIRECTOR

He worked as a film sound mixer since 2006, including KINGMAKER, THE DIVINE FURY, I CAN SPEAK, THE DIVINE MOVE, and PUNCH. He has been invited to 24th Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival and 19th Florence Korean Film Festival for his first short film AN MISFORTUNE (2020). MY PERFECT ROOMMATE is his feature debut film.

Midwest Premiere

South Korea | Drama | 2021 | 89 minutes | in Korean w/English subtitles

Director: Yoon Seo-jin

Starring: Lee Tae-hoon, Kim Min-kyung, Kang Gil-woo

Film Source: M-Line Distribution

Winner of 26th Busan International Film Festival - Vision - CGV Arthouse Award

Please stay for a post-film discussion led by professor Ron Falzone – an award-winning screenwriter and Associate Professor at Columbia College Chicago as well as an Instructor in film comedy at Second City Film School.

In-Cinema Screening

Saturday, Oct 1 at 2:30 PM
@ AMC Niles 12

Venue Details

SYNOPSIS

When the curtain of the green night rises, we will watch a fraction of one family’s drama.

“Chorokbam—“Green night.” The night of envy. Or is it fate? A night guard discovers a dead cat hanging by its neck during one of his shifts. As if struck by a vision of things to come, a bad omen, his familial life starts crumbling. His overworked wife grows further exasperated and their son, working as social worker, barely makes ends meet. As if cursed, or predetermined, the death of a relative begins an unraveling of buried family secrets.

Winner of the CGV Arthouse Award at the latest Busan International Film Festival and perhaps best described as an existential horror film by way of “slow cinema” reminiscent of masters such as Tsai Ming Liang and Roy Andersson, Yoon Seo-jin’s deliberate debut CHOROKBAM is a stunning family snapshot that turns the month-to-month life of an ordinary family into an injustice of nearly cosmic proportions. Parable for a vanishing middle class, perhaps, or a simply cathartic vision of doom, Yoon’s slow-burner tour-de-force is suffused with a foreboding, suffocating atmosphere of dread and a disquieting sense of mise-en-scène — amounting to a potent visualization of anxiety, grief, and depression as it permeates and obliterates one’s worldview. Yet it is also a rare, macabre movie that finds, in its heart, the ability to be overwhelmingly beautiful, every single frame a revelatory experience for those willing to look into its dark abyss.”—Ariel Esteban Cayer, Fantasia 2022

DIRECTOR

Yoon Seo-jin

Yoon Seo-jin was born in South Korea. His film Cicada was invited to the Korean Competition at the Busan International Short Film Festival 2019. Chorokbam is Yoon Seo-jin′s first feature film.

Director’s Filmography:

2019 - CICADA - 19min / HD / B&W

2021 - CHOROKBAM - 89min / HD / COLOR

APUC Horror Marathon
Midwest Premiere celebrating Halloween at FACETS Cinema

South Korea | Horror | 2016 | 156 minutes | in Korean & Japanese w/English subtitles 

Director: Na Hong-jin

Starring: Kwak Do-won, Hwang Jung-min, Kunimura Jun, Chun Woo-hee

Film Source: Well Go USA

SYNOPSIS

In this unbelievably tense supernatural thriller, a foreigner’s mysterious appearance in a quiet, rural village causes suspicion among the locals - suspicion which quickly turns to hysteria as the townspeople begin killing each other in brutal outbursts for seemingly no reason. As the investigating officer watches his daughter fall under the same savage spell, he agrees to consult a shaman for answers - unknowingly escalating the situation into something far more dangerous.

Over six years in the making, director Na Hong-jin’s meticulously crafted follow-up to the globally acclaimed THE YELLOW SEA and THE CHASER (his third to premiere at the Festival de Cannes) smashed box office records upon its debut in South Korea, where fans are already making return viewings to catch new clues and debate what’s sure to be the most talked-about ending of 2016.

In-Cinema Screening

Thursday, Sept 29
@ 7 PM
FACETS Cinema

Venue Details

DIRECTOR

Na Hong-jin

Na Hong-jin has gained international recognition with his feature film debut THE CHASER (2008) and follow up  THE YELLOW SEA (2010). He realized his unique perspective and fully fleshed out the genre of “Korean noir” through his distinct visual style and bold touch.

Relentless and sorrowful, THE WAILING explores, in depth, humans who are instinctively roused and corrupted by an unknown being who can neither be defined as real nor imaginary, good nor evil.

Filmography

THE WAILING (2016)

69th Cannes Film Festival - Out of Competition

THE YELLOW SEA (2010)

64th Cannes Film Festival - Un Certain Regard 17th LA Film Fest - The Beyond

28th Filmfest München - Focus Far East

15th Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival - Best Director 60th Melbourne International Film Festival - Accent on Asia

7th Fantastic Fest - Official Selection

44th SITGES - International Fantastic Film Festival of Catalonia - Official Fantastic - Best Direction Award

THE CHASER (2008)

61st Cannes Film Festival - Out of competition (Midnight Projections)

41st SITGES - International Fantastic Film Festival of Catalonia - Casa Àsia-Orient Express - Casa Àsia Award 12th Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival - Screen International Critics’ Choice

31st Golden Film Festival - Best New Director

29th Oporto International Film Festival - Fantasporto - Orient Express - Special Jury Award 11th Deauville Asian Film Festival - Action Asia - Best Action Asia Film

27th Brussels International Festival of Fantastic Film - Thriller Competition - The Prize of the Best

U.S. Premiere

South Korea | Drama | 2021 | 108 minutes | in Korean w/English subtitles

Director: Lee Jung-gon

Starring: Jeong Jae-kwang, Jung Seung-kil, Lee Kyu-sung, Song Yi-jae

Film Source: M-Line Distribution

Jeong Jae-kwang playing Gwang-ho is the recipient of Season 15’s Bright Star Award representing South Korea Cinema.
Jeong will receive the award virtually before the screening of NOT OUT.

Post film discussion led by Prof. Ron Falzone.

In-Cinema Screening

Sunday, Sept 25 at 4:30 PM
@ AMC Niles 12

Venue Details

SYNOPSIS

What should I do if I quit playing baseball?

Gwang-ho, a top prospect on his high school baseball team, does not get drafted by a professional baseball team. To continue his baseball career, he has no choice but to apply to the university baseball club without his high school coach’s permission. This sudden decision strains his relationship with his team members and the coach. With no one to depend on, Gwang-ho begins selling fake gasoline with his childhood friend Min-cheol, fully knowing that this will lead him to a dead end with no future. 

DIRECTOR

Lee Jung-gon

Dropped Kyunghee Univ. college of Art & Design and graduated Korea Academy of Film Arts. Invited with A Third Party (2014), The Distance Between Us (2016) in a few film festivals; Seoul Independent Film Festival, Mise-en-scène Short Film Festival, and Busan International Film Festival. Not Out is his first full-length film.

World Premiere

South Korea | Drama/Romance | 2021 | 77 minutes | in Korean w/English subtitles

Director: Kim Min-geun

Starring: Han Sun-hwa, Lee Wan

Film Source: M-Line Distribution

Please stay for a post-film discussion led by professor Ron Falzone – an award-winning screenwriter and Associate Professor at Columbia College Chicago as well as an Instructor in film comedy at Second City Film School.

In-Cinema Screening

Sunday, Sept 25 at 2:30 PM
@ AMC Niles 12

Venue Details

SYNOPSIS

Why don’t we just focus on the work and get on with it?

Sun-hwa is a location manager in Busan who scouts locations for film shoots. She’s always loved her work and her city. One day, she joins a new project out of the blue. But as soon as she walks through the door, she recognizes the director immediately. It’s Do-young, her ex-boyfriend who left her and went to Seoul to fulfill his dream. They were lovers in the past but now Sun-hwa has to face him as a business partner. To make things worse, all he says is “NO!”

DIRECTOR

Kim Min-geun

2012 Busan JIN high school Graduation

Director’s Filmography:

Short Film - Spring (2012.7 / Cinematographer)

Short Film - That place (2015.4 / Cinematographer)

Short Film - Mother’s landscape (2015.09 ~ 2016.05 / Director)

Short Film - Where to go (2016.08 ~ 2017.07 / Director)

Short Film - In the dust of Time (2016.05 ~ 2016.09 / Cinematographer)

Short Film - Mom is my Bacchusd (2017.05 ~ 07 / Cinematographer)

Short Film - The Guest (2018.05 / Director)

Feature Film - Director’s Intention (2021.09 / Director)

World Premiere

South Korea | Family | 2022 | 114 minutes | in Korean w/English subtitles

Director: Ryu Hee-jung

Starring: Jung Da-bin, Eum Moon-suk, Oh Yeon-ah

Film Source: M-Line Distribution

Please stay for a post-film discussion led by professor Ron Falzone – an award-winning screenwriter and Associate Professor at Columbia College Chicago as well as an Instructor in film comedy at Second City Film School.

In-Cinema Screening

Saturday, Sept 24 at 4:30 PM
@ AMC Niles 12

Venue Details

SYNOPSIS

I thought we belonged together, or maybe it was just me.

Yuna is a teenage girl who just lost her mother and stepfather in a car accident. Without giving her time to mourn for them, suddenly, the elders of the stepfather’s family claim that Yuna’s mother can’t be buried next to him since she’s not their family member. Even her sister and brother don’t take issue with their decision. Yuna believes all along that they were all a family but now, it looks like they aren’t. If the mother’s place isn’t next to her husband, where should it be?

DIRECTOR

Ryu Hee-jung

RHU Hee-jung graduated from Dongguk University Graduate School of Film and Video. She started as a film director in Chungmuro in her 20s, established a post production company for movie dramas based on her assistant director experience, directed visual effects for dozens of Korean and Chinese blockbuster films, and directed works that can impress based on her many years of film experience. She prepared her first feature(MOTHER’S PLACE) with a screenplay she wrote herself based on the story of her family.

International Premiere

South Korea | Drama | 2021 | 79 minutes | in Korean w/English subtitles

Director: Shin Tack-su

Starring: Ryu Hyun-kyung, Kim Ju-hun, Kim Sin-bi

Film Source: M-Line Distribution

Selected for 26th Busan International Film Festival -Panorama

Please stay for a post-film discussion led by professor Ron Falzone – an award-winning screenwriter and Associate Professor at Columbia College Chicago as well as an Instructor in film comedy at Second City Film School.

In-Cinema Screening

Saturday, Sept 24 at 2:30 PM
@ AMC Niles 12

Venue Details

SYNOPSIS

Make a wish, and a fairy will help you.

Cheol and Ran, who run their own cafés in a small town, fall in love and get married. After they marry, however, due to a remaining rental contract, they are obliged to continue running the 2 cafés. One day, they hit Seok, a wandering boy, with their car and decide to keep him with them for a while to hide the accident. And then a miracle happens. After Seok working as a part time worker at Cheol’s café, for no particular reason, Cheol experiences a boom in business from one day to the next.  Ran slowly notices that Seok might be the reason for its huge success.

DIRECTOR

Shin Tack-su

Born in Seoul

Hankuk University of Foreign Studies

Korea National University of Arts

Director’s Filmography:

2019 - Assembly - Short Film

U.S. Premiere

Japan | Drama/Family | 2022 | 139 minutes | in Japanese w/English subtitles

Director: Shuichi Okita

Starring: NON, Yuya Yagira, Kaho, Hayato Isomura, Amane Okayama

Film Source: Nikkatsu Films

Japan Cinema Showcase special Emcee:  Mark Schilling, author/critic of Japan Times

In-Cinema Screening

Sunday, Sept 18 at 4:30 PM
@ Wilmette Theater

Venue Details

DIRECTOR
Shuichi Okita

Shuichi Okita is an acclaimed filmmaker both at home in Japan and overseas. His latest movies, Mori, the Artist’s Habitat (2018), The Mohican Comes Home (2016) and Ecotherapy Getaway Holiday (2014) were invited to Shanghai International Film Festival and Udine Far East Film Festival. A Story of Yonosuke (2013) was invited to the Tokyo International Film Festival and Nippon Connection Film Festival in Frankfurt. His 2012 The Woodsman and the Rain won the Special Jury Prize at the 24th Tokyo International Film Festival and won triple honors at Dubai International Film Festival with Best Actor, Best Editor and Best Scriptwriter awards. His second feature The Chef of South Polar (2009) had both domestic and international acclaim. His first feature was What a Wonderful World (2006). Prior to his feature film career, Okita shot short movies, including Pots and Friend in 2002, the 7th Mito Short Film Festival Grand Prix, and also wrote and directed TV dramas. Okita was born in 1977 in Saitama and graduated from Nihon University, College of Art, Department of Cinema.

U.S. Premiere

Japan | Drama | 2022 | 96 minutes | in Japanese w/English subtitles

Director: Shinichiro Ueda

Starring: Yoji Minagawa

Film Source: Pony Canyon

Japan Cinema Showcase special Emcee:  Mark Schilling, author/critic of Japan Times

In-Cinema Screening

Sunday, Sept 18 at 2 PM
@ Wilmette Theater

Venue Details

DIRECTOR
Shinichiro Ueda

Born in Shiga Prefecture in 1984, Ueda Shinichiro began making films with a Handycam while still in junior high school. In 2009, at age 25, he formed the film production cooperative PANPOKOPINA. He made his commercial debut in 2015 with a segment of “Neko bun no 4”

, a cot-themed omnibus film. His breakout, however, was the 2018 zombie comedy “One Cut of the Dead”. After screening at the 2018 Udine FEFF, the film became a smash hit in Japan, earning more than 1,000 times its US $30,000 budget. He has followed up with other self-scripted comedies, most recently with this year’s “Popran”.

North American Premiere

Japan | Action/Drama | 2022 | 120 minutes | in Japanese w/English subtitles

Director: Ten Shimoyama

Starring: Shuhei Nomura, Ai Yoshikawa

Film Source: Nikkatsu Films

Japan Cinema Showcase special Emcee:  Mark Schilling, author/critic of Japan Times

There will be free small popcorn per person claimed at the concession counter.

In-Cinema Screening

Saturday, Sept 17 at 4:30 PM
@ Wilmette Theater

Venue Details

DIRECTOR
Ten Shimoyama

Born 1966 in Aomori Prefecture, northern Japan. Since making his debut as a music video director at the age of 24 with Toshinobu Kubota's “Be Wanabee,” Shimoyama has directed music videos and live videos for many of Japan's top artists, including Keisuke Kuwata, Southern All Stars, B'z, and EXILE.　

Shimoyama also worked on “Another Heaven”, “The New Kindaichi Files” and numerous TV commercials for industry majors including Panasonic and SONY.  He made his feature film debut with “Cute” in 1997. Since then, Shimoyama has worked on “St. John's Wort”, “Shinobi – Heart Under Blade”, “Kikaider: The Ultimate Human Robot”, etc. His Netflix original drama “Erased”, is currently distributed in 191 countries around the world.