NYAFF opens July 12 with Philippine film ‘Granny Prostitutes’ et al in lineup
This year’s New York Asian Film Festival (NYAFF), from July 12–22, features more than 90 new and classic titles from China, South Korea, Japan, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Thailand, Indonesia, Mongolia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Vietnam, and beyond, with nine world premieres, 12 international premieres, and 38 North American premieres.
The Philippines will be represented by the following films:
– “Granny Prostitutes,” or “Lola Magdalena” in the Philippines. It is a rousing ensemble piece following aging courtesans who swear like sailors but maintain their dignity against all odds. The cast includes Gloria Diaz, Sunshine Cruz, Liza Lorena, Pia Moran, and Perla Bautista. Directed by Joel Lamangan
– “The Missing” is a science fiction directed by Carl Joseph Papa. It explores harrowing themes as a young man, an animator with no mouth, attempts to overcome his trauma or completely loses himself.
– “When This Is All Over” is a kaleidoscopic stoner comedy set during the COVID lockdown that’s equal parts hilarious and poignant. Directed by Kevin Mayuga.
– “A Karaoke Space Odyssey” directed by Achim Mendoza, is a film about two aliens: undocumented immigrant Stella in L.A. bonding over karaoke with an extraterrestrial who loves to sing.
– “Cross My Heart and Hope To Die” by Sam Manacsa is the story of Mila who struggles in life and finds comfort in a romance that develops over constant phone calls.
The New York Asian Film Festival is co-presented by the New York Asian Film Foundation and Film at Lincoln Center. It is curated by executive director Samuel Jamier, associate director Claire Marty, programmers David Wilentz, Karen Severns, Koichi Mori, Thailand expert Donsaron Kovitvanitcha and China Region Consultant Dana Fukazawa; the short film program is curated by Elliot Gong.
Celebrating its 23rd edition in 2024, the New York Asian Film Festival is North America’s leading festival of Asian cinema. It was called “the best film festival in New York” by The Village Voice and “arguably the world’s best-curated program of new and classic Asian cinema” by IndieWire.
Launched in 2002, the festival showcases a wildly diverse lineup of titles each year, ranging from mainstream blockbusters and art-house eccentricities to genre and cult classics.
NYAFF shines a spotlight on filmmakers whose singular visions deserve to be internationally heralded, a celebration of passion, imagination, and the willingness to take risks: These are the filmmakers to watch, the ones who are bending and rewriting the rules and creating something new and exciting.
