from left: Asian Society Exec. Dir Harvey Keh, Indonesian Emb Social and Cultural Counselor Ahimsa Soekartono and FDCP Exec. Dir. Teodoro Granados. Photo was taken at Shang Cineplex, Shang Rila Plaza mall by Jude Bautista

Written by

Jude Bautista

Free screenings of critically acclaimed Asian films can be seen at Shangri-La Plaza, from May 17 to 21 at the Shang Cineplex. “The Asia as Our Society Film Festival” is organized by the Asia Society Philippine Foundation and the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP). Film entries from China, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Laos, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, and of course, the Philippines, will be screened during the festival.

The festival opens with a film from the Philippines, Dinig Sana Kita, which screens on May 17, 7:30pm. Witness the unfolding of a one-of-a-kind love story between a deaf boy and a troubled rocker girl. The film Halaw, screens on May 21, 8pm

For John Arcilla’s speech during the Cinemalaya Awards night click on poster

Asian Society Exec. Dir Harvey Keh said, “Hopefully this Asian film festival will help Filipinos better understand our neighbors in the ASEAN  (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) region and other members of the Asian continent as well. Aside from this more importantly film can be used not only to educate but to unite and hopefully create bonds of cooperation towards peace and development in this region.”

According to Keh this can lead to financial growth, “The challenge is that not one or a few countries in the region that continues to grow economically and in terms of solving poverty. Through cooperation and understanding the whole region will continue to grow. And no one will be left behind.”

This is part of their organization’s mission, “We hope that in our own small way we are able to promote love for Asian culture. And we would be able to help Filipinos to understand our neighbors.”

The Asian Festival aims to duplicate the success of Cine Europa in being able to collate films from a big group of countries. It has become a yearly tradition for film auteurs and fans to go to Shang Cineplex for the free screenings every August. Shang Cineplex has earned the reputation of hosting the most prestigious international film fests including the upcoming French Film fest this June.

Shangri La Plaza Mktg Div Head Marline Concio-Dualan explained, “Like an angel from heaven last year we received a call from the Asia Society of the Phil. wanting to tie up with us to make this long time dream of ours a reality. After several months we are very happy with the help of other embassies with our friends from the FDCP to fulfill this dream.”

FDCP Exec. Dir. Teodoro Granados echoed the sentiment, “For the past few months the FDCP has been partnering with various embassies, consulates and international cultural organizations to show films on, unfortunately, western cultures. Today we are witness to a film festival where the focus will be on Asian life and culture. This festival aims to promote and increase the public’s awareness understanding the many facets of Asian culture and identity through the medium of film.”

Japan Foundation Program Coordinator Roland Samson talked about their involvement, “We have 2 films, ‘WANKO’ and ‘Éclair.’ It’s a way for the Japanese people to show their gratitude for the worlds support after the quake. There are documentaries produced but we will be showing 2 full-length films here. All of these stories are about overcoming the disasters. I’ve seen the films and they are really touching. They teach people to have a positive outlook in life in spite of the tragedies.”

The Founding of a Republic screens on May 20, 8pm, revisiting the story of post-World War II China, when the unification of the Communist Party of China and other Chinese democratic parties resulted in a major historical milestone.

Capping off the Chinese line-up is Glittering Day, showing on May 21, 12:30pm, chronicles the lives of relocated residents of Jinyuchi (Golden Fish Pond), who were forcibly moved out due to government efforts to improve the place. Every spring, they return to the renovated area and reminisce about their former lives.

Catch “Only Love” from Laos and many other Asian films showing for free at the Shang Cineplex during the The Asia as Our Society Film Festival from May 17-22, 2012.

From Laos  is Only Love, to be screened on May 18 at 5:30pm. Souvanh, a recent university graduate, returns to his village determined to help provide better living conditions for its residents. However, Namphet is set to sabotage Souvanh’s efforts to help the village, as well as destroy Souvanh’s relationship with his childhood sweetheart, Duongchai.

Catch “Laskar Pelangi” (Rainbow Warriors) from Indonesia and many other Asian films showing for free at the Shang Cineplex during the The Asia as Our Society Film Festival from May 17-22, 2012.

Indonesia takes the spotlight as Laskar Pelangi (The Rainbow Troops) premieres on May 19 at 3pm. Adapted from Andrea Hirata’s popular literary work, Laskar Pelangi chronicles the author’s memories of his hardworking teachers, brilliantly capturing the struggles of marginalized people hoping to achieve their dreams.

Six different but interconnected stories are retold in Jakarta Maghrib (Jakarta Sunset), which screens on May 21, 5:30pm. Comprised of six short films, the overall story poignantly portrays the Jakarta sunset as the key element that weaves all tales and relationships together. (See review below)

Catch “Nostalgia for the Countryside” from Vietnam and many other Asian films showing for free at the Shang Cineplex during the The Asia as Our Society Film Festival from May 17-22, 2012.

Also not to be missed is Vietnam’s film line-up.  Thoung Nho Dong Que (Nostalgia for Countryside), which screens on May 20, 12:30pm, chronicles the story of several characters who either leave or return to their home and realize that their place of origin will always have a special spot in their hearts.

Catch “Wanko” from Japan and many other Asian films showing for free at the Shang Cineplex during the The Asia as Our Society Film Festival from May 17-22, 2012.

Japan likewise showcases the best of its film creations in the series. Wanko: The Story of Me, My Family and My Dog on May 19, 5:30pm, takes on the story of the Noyama family, who lives in the small island of Miyakejima, as they are forcibly evacuated from their home when Mount Oyama violently erupts. Éclair on May 20, 3pm, follows the story of orphan Akio, as he goes through life without parents at the onset of the war.

Catch “Hwang Jin Yi” The Divine Courtesan from Korea and many other Asian films showing for free at the Shang Cineplex during the The Asia as Our Society Film Festival from May 17-22, 2012.

Experience rich stories of Korean culture with Hwang Jin Yi, showing on May 19, 8pm, as its namesake main character becomes a gisaeng to gain favor with the noble classes; and Speedy Scandal on May 20, 5:30pm, as former teen star Nam Hyun-soo undergoes a PR crisis as a radio listener on his show unleashes claims that he is her biological father.

Catch “Dheevari” from Sri Lanka and many other Asian films showing for free at the Shang Cineplex during the The Asia as Our Society Film Festival from May 17-22, 2012.

Finally, to complete the festival’s roster is Sri-Lanka— Dheewari May 19, 12:30pm,  on which portrays the harsh realities of life in a Sri Lankan fishing village through the journey of orphan Valli. Following suit is Agni Dahaya, screening on May 21, 3pm, traces the lives of an exorcist, his assistant, a woman called Kirimenike and her partner Herath, as their stories unfold amidst the backdrop of political turmoil.

For inquiries, contact 633-7851 loc.113 or log on to http://shangrila-plaza.com./ Add Shangri-La Plaza on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/shangrilaplazaofficialfanpage

Catch “Agni Daya” from Sri Lanka and many other Asian films showing for free at the Shang Cineplex during the The Asia as Our Society Film Festival from May 17-22, 2012.