ASIAN POP- UP CINEMA ANNOUNCES OPENING, CENTERPIECE, AND CLOSING FILMS BRIGHT STAR AWARD RECIPIENT FOR SEASON 15
CHICAGO, IL - (August 8, 2022) Asian Pop-Up Cinema today announces the spotlight Marquee films scheduled for the 15th Season, September 10 - November 6. The upcoming Fall festival will highlight the best animation from Asia with a diverse lineup of films from China, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan and Hong Kong. Additionally announced is Jennifer Yu as the recipient of the festival’s Bright Star Award, who will come to Chicago specially for the award ceremony.
Season 15 kicks off with a pre-festival film event screening of Wei Jun-zie’s documentary KUNGFU STUNTMEN, a behind-the-scenes look at Hong Kong action cinema and the contributions from martial artists. The film highlights the dedication of stuntmen, from prominent seniors to newcomers, throughout the profession’s 70-year history. (Saturday, August 27, 2:30 PM at AMC River East 21). Tickets are General Admission ($8/Adults with discounts for seniors & students); on sale at https://buytickets.at/APUC.
Opening film, I AM WHAT I AM is a live-action comedy telling the story of three bullied teenagers who unexpectedly find their drive, joy, and passion in a lion dance group. Regarded as a breakthrough for Chinese animation, director Sun Hai-peng’s delightful indie film strays from the popular fantasy genre and centers on the ordinary, modern realism in present-day China. (Saturday, September 10, 2:00 PM at Claudia Cassidy Theatre inside the Chicago Cultural Center; Free Admission).
Centerpiece film CHUN TAE-IL: A FLAME THAT LIVES ON, directed by Hong Jun-pyo is the story of a young tailor and activist whose actions ignited the labor movement in mid-20th Century South Korea. Through emotionally charged animation, the film honors a man who became a beacon of light and a symbol of hope for worker's rights (Sunday, October 2, 2:30 PM at AMC Niles 12, Free Admission).
Closing film SEPTET: THE STORY OF HONG KONG tells seven short stories by seven legendary filmmakers, namely Ann Hui, Johnnie To, Patrick Tam, the late Ringo Lam, Sammo Hung, Tsui Hark, and Yuen Woo-ping. Detailing the history of Hong Kong from the 1940s to the 2000s, these internationally known directors describe each decade with their own unique artistic vision (Sunday, November 6 at AMC New City 14).
Jennifer Yu, from Hong Kong, is a singer and actress best known for her work in Sisterhood, Distinction, and Men on the Dragon, where she won “Best New Actor” at the Macau International Film Festival & Awards; and received multiple nominations from the Hong Kong Film Critic Society Awards & the Hong Kong Film Awards.
PRETTY HEART from first-time director Terry Ng, tells an endearing story of love, family, and the complications of a government-funded school. The film features Bright Star Award recipient Yu in her best performance to date as an underappreciated English teacher who is estranged from her father. Special guest Yu will receive her award in person on November 6 before the screening of PRETTY HEART at AMC New City 14.
Season 15 will feature new Asian movies that will pop up in downtown Chicago and the north suburbs, including Niles and Wilmette. The festivals presentations in theaters during the weekends will feature films by region: China (September 10-16), Japan (September 17 - 23), South Korea (September 24 - October 2), Taiwan (October 22-23), and Hong Kong (October 29 - November 6). The official lineup for the entire season will be published on August 22, 2022. More info: asianpopupcinema.org
“After two years of watching movies mostly at home, we invite audiences back to the communal experience that only happens at the movies,” Sophia Wong Boccio, Founder & Executive Director said of the festival that will screen the majority of its selections in theaters. “It’s a heightened experience that we are embarking on together, with full attention and no distractions. See you at the cinemas!”
Asian Pop-Up Cinema’s semi-annual film festival is partially supported by a new two-year CityArts Grant from the City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs & Special Events; Crown Family Philanthropies, Hong Kong Economic & Trade Office in New York, Korean Foundation, MacArthur funds for Culture, Equity and the Arts at the Richard H. Driehaus Foundation, Chicago Film Office, Illinois Humanities, ADG Group, Choose Chicago, Office of Community Affairs at the Illinois Institute of Technology, the Consulate General of People’s Republic of China in Chicago, the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Chicago, Japan Foundation and the Japan Information Center.
ABOUT SOPHIA’S CHOICE / ASIAN POP-UP CINEMA
Asian Pop-Up Cinema, a semi-annual 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.
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Media Contact: Danielle Garnier
Garnier Public Relations
danielle@garnierpr.com 312-841-3500
