Asian Pop-Up Cinema: Season 15 is taking its show on the road to various ethnic communities throughout Chicago and the north suburbs. The in-person festival will present 31 films and opens on September 10 and runs through November 6. Tickets are on sale now at https://buytickets.at/apuc
The festival will highlight the best of Asian animation with a unique lineup of films from Taiwan, China, and South Korea. Programming highlights include films from Japan and special guest appearances from Japan Cinema Showcase host Mark Schilling; this year’s Bright Star Award recipient, Hong Kong actress Jennifer Yu (PRETTY HEART); director Yeung Chiu-hoi (THE FIRST GIRL I LOVED); and lead actor Kaki Shum, director Amos Why, and producer Teresa Kwong of FAR FAR AWAY.
To enhance the audience’s understanding of the cultural and artistic background of the films, Columbia College Chicago’s Professor Ron Falzone will be leading the post-film discussion of all the eight Korean films in person; and Kevin Ma from Hong Kong, co-founder of Zakkaten Media, will resume his virtual moderator/translator role in select Hong Kong films’ Q&As.
Season 15 opens with the U.S. premiere of I AM WHAT I AM, an underdog story following 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, 2:00pm at Claudia Cassidy Theatre inside the Chicago Cultural Center; Free Admission).
Shinichiro Ueda’s POPRAN will make its U.S. premiere at the Wilmette Theater with Japan Times veteran film critic Mark Schilling as a special guest Emcee. Known for the zombie-cult hit ONE CUT OF THE DEAD, Ueda’s third feature follows a once-successful manager of a manga distribution who has run out of luck and has six days to regain his manhood. (Sunday, September 18, 2:00pm at Wilmette Theater)
Centerpiece film CHUN TAE-IL: A FLAME THAT LIVES ON 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, Hong Jun-pyo’s film honors a man who became a beacon of light and a symbol of hope for workers’ rights. (Sunday, October 2, 2:30pm at AMC Niles 12).
Another South Korean selection includes Lee Jung-gon’s baseball-centric indie drama NOT OUT, following a high school top prospect who is unexpectedly not drafted by a professional team. The teenager is left with an undecided future, a strained relationship with his teammates, and a desire to keep playing the game. Lead actor Jeong Jae-kwang is this season’s second Bright Star Award recipient.
Jeong Jae-kwang (정재광) is a South Korean actor best known for his roles in dramas it’s okay to not be okay and nevertheless. He also appeared in movies VERTIGO, MY BIG MAMA’S CRAZY RIDE, EXTREME JOB, and THE WITNESS; including the latest action crime movie THE ROUNDUP starring Don Lee. Jeong won the “Best New Actor” award from the 42nd Blue Dragon Film Awards for his performance in NOT OUT. On the occasion of premiering the film in the U.S., Asian Pop-Up Cinema has the pleasure to recognize Jeong’s interpretation of a troubled high school baseball player on the verge of losing his prospect of turning Pro.
While varying in style and tone, both independent films focus on contemporary South Korean society. “[The local audience] are the viewers that filmmakers have in mind when they make their films,” Festival Korean Cinema Advisor Darcy Paquet said. “For all their diversity, each of the films in this program will offer a distinctive new view of South Korea.” (South Korean showcase dates are September 24 -25 and October 1 & 2 at AMC 12 in Niles, IL)
Selections from Hong Kong include the world premiere of Kelvin Shum’s stylish psychological suspense film DELIVERANCE, the story of a fractured group of siblings who confront haunting memories of their mother’s passing 15 years prior. The film stars respected guests of Asian Pop-Up Cinema, most notably the late Kenneth Tsang recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award in Season 9 2019, and Nina Paw recipient of the Career Achievement Award in Season 8, 2019 (Saturday, October 29, 4:30pm at AMC New City 14).
Making its Midwest Premiere, FAR FAR AWAY is a charming romantic comedy about an introverted IT specialist and his modern dating misadventures. Director Amos Why, lead actor Kaki Shum and producer Teresa Kwong are scheduled to attend in-person for an introduction and post-film Q&A on Saturday, November 5, 2:00pm at AMC New City 14.
Hong Kong will also be represented during Halloween weekend with a special screening of the psycho-drama/thriller TALES FROM THE OCCULT, a trio of shorts by three directors that mix urban menace, dark satire, and grisly twists; and a special encore screening of Juno Mak’s RIGOR MORTIS. A tribute to the Mr. Vampire series, the 2013 horror film stars a veteran cast in a story of a dark, chaotic and supernatural public housing tenement. (Sunday, October 30, at 2:30pm and 5:30pm at FACETS Cinema)
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 Jennifer Yu in her best performance to date as an underappreciated English teacher who is estranged from her father. Yu 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. Special guest Yu will receive her award in person before the November 6 screening of PRETTY HEART at AMC New City 14.
Taiwanese animation and comic art will be showcased at the Illinois Institute of Technology, with critically acclaimed films including CHEN UEN, CITY OF LOST THINGS, and HELLO! TAPIR. The lineup also includes the U.S. Premiere of the 2019 Golden Horse Film Project selection SHIRO: HERO OF HEROES, presented by the Childhood Comics Corporation. Based on the legendary Taiwanese comic book series “JhugeShiro,” the animated family feature tells the story of a born leader who fights a demon society in order to protect his kingdom. (Saturday, October 22 and Sunday, October 23, 2:30pm and 4:30pm at Tower Auditorium at IIT).
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, 6:00 PM at AMC New City 14). Closing Night festivities include a star-studded cocktail reception with guests at MacGuffins Bar and Lounge at the AMC New City 14, Sunday, November 6 from 4:30pm – 6:00pm.
Season 15 screenings will pop up in downtown Chicago and the north suburbs, including Niles and Wilmette; select films will be available for online streaming. The festival’s presentations in theaters during the weekends will feature films by region: China (September 10-16, Claudia Cassidy Theater and online), Japan (September 17 – 23, Wilmette Theater), South Korea (September 24 – October 2, AMC Niles 12), Taiwan (October 22-23, Illinois Institute of Technology), and Hong Kong (October 29 – November 6, FACETS and AMC New City 14).
Among the 31 films screening at the festival, 4 will be shown online 27 films are going to be presented in person. The upcoming festival includes 3 World premieres, 2 International premieres, 10 US premieres, 3 North American premieres, 7 Midwest premieres, and 6 special encores.
“The handpicked selections for our festival continue to be the newest and most popular hit films from the respective Asian countries!” Serving as the curator of the festival, Founder & Executive Director Sophia Wong Boccio said, “Our festival’s goal is to share these gems with the global audience highlighting our common humanity. “
Connect with Asian Pop-Up Cinema:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/asianpopupcinema/
Twitter: @asianpopupcine
Instagram: @asianpopupcinema and Vimeo: vimeo.com/asianpopupcinema
ASIAN POP-UP CINEMA – SEASON 15 Full Schedule and Film Details
asianpopupcinema.org/15boxoffice
SNEAK PEEK FILM
Saturday, August 27, 2:30 PM @ AMC River East 21 (322 E. Illinois, Chicago)
KungFu Stuntmen 龍虎武師 – Big Screen Exclusive in Chicago
(Wei Jun-zi, 2022) Action/Documentary
CHINA (September 10-16, Claudia Cassidy Theater, AMC New City 14)
Saturday, September 10, 11 AM @ Claudia Cassidy Theater, Chicago Cultural Center (78 E. Washington St., Chicago)
The Magical Craftsmanship of Suzhou 天工苏作 – Midwest Premiere
(Sun Zeng-tian, Documentary, 2022)
OFFICIAL OPENING FILM
Saturday, September 10, 2 PM @ Claudia Cassidy Theater, Chicago Cultural Center (78 E. Washington St., Chicago)
I Am What I Am 雄獅少年 – U.S. Premiere
(Sun Hai-peng, 2021) Animation/Comedy/Drama
Celebrating the Mid-Autumn Festival, individually wrapped mooncakes will be handed out at the end of this screening, (f-c-f-s) basis. We also wish to thank the Consulate-General of People’s Republic of China in Chicago for their support in making the 5 Chinese films screening possible.
September 10-16 Streaming available for U.S. views @ watch.eventive.org/apuc15
Back To Love 带你去见我妈 – U.S. Premiere
(Lan Hong-chun, 2021) Drama/Family/Love
September 10-16 Streaming available for U.S. views @ watch.eventive.org/apuc15
Embrace Again 穿过寒冬拥抱你 – Special Encore
(Xue Xiao-lu, 2021) Drama/Romance/Comedy
September 10-16 Streaming available for U.S. views @ watch.eventive.org/apuc15
Schemes In Antiques 古董局中局 – Special Encore
(Derek Kwok, 2021) Thriller/Action
JAPAN (September 17 – 23, Wilmette Theater, 1122 Central Ave., Wilmette, IL)
Japan Cinema Showcase special host: Mark Schilling, author/critic of Japan Times
Saturday, September 17, 2 PM
Noise ノイズ – North American Premiere
(Ryuichi Hiroki, 2022) Drama
Saturday, September 17, 4:30 PM
Alivehoon アライブフーン – North American Premiere
(Ten Shimoyama, 2022) Action/Drama
Sunday, September 18, 2 PM
Popran ポプラン – U.S. Premiere
(Shinichiro Ueda, 2022) Drama
Sunday, September 18, 4:30 PM
The Fish Tale さかなのこ – U.S. Premiere
(Shuichi Okita, 2022) Drama/Family
September 17-23 Streaming available for U.S. views @ watch.eventive.org/apuc15
Struggling Man 私はいったい、何と闘っているのか – International Premiere
(Toshio Lee, 2021) Drama/Comedy
SOUTH KOREA (September 24 – October 2, AMC Niles 12, (301 Golf Mill Center, Niles, IL)
Saturday, September 24, 2:30 PM
Fairy 요정 – International Premiere
(Shin Tack-su, 2021) Drama
Saturday, September 24, 4:30 PM
Mother’s Place 엄마의 자리 – World Premiere
(Ryu Hee-jung, 2022) Family
Sunday, September 25, 2:30PM
Director’s Intention 영화의 거리 – World Premiere
(Kim Min-geun, 2021) Drama/Romance
Sunday, September 25, 4:30 PM
Not Out 낫아웃 – U.S. Premiere
(Lee Jung-gon, 2021) Drama
Saturday, October 1, 2:30 PM
Chorokbam 초록밤 – Midwest Premiere
(Yoon Seo-jin, 2021) Drama
Saturday, October 1, 4:30 PM
My Perfect Roommate 룸 쉐어링 – U.S. Premiere
(Lee Soon-sung, 2022) Drama/Family
CENTERPIECE
Sunday, October 2, 2:30 PM
Chun Tae-il: A Flame That Lives On 태일이 – U.S. Premiere
(Hong Jun-pyo, 2021) Animation
Sunday, October 2, 4:30 PM
Stellar: A Magical Ride 스텔라 – Midwest Premiere
(Kwon Soo-kyung, 2022) Drama/Fantasy/Comedy
TAIWAN (October 22-23, Illinois Institute of Technology, Tower Auditorium, 10 W. 35th St., Chicago)
Saturday, October 22, 2:30 PM
Hello! Tapir 神獸- U.S. Premiere
(Kethsvin Chee, 2020) Animation
Saturday, October 22, 4:30 PM
Chen Uen 千年一問 – Special Encore
(Wang Wan-jo, 2021) Documentary
Sunday, October 23, 2:30 PM
Shiro – Hero of Heroes 諸葛四郎 – 英雄的英雄 – U.S. Premiere
(Lin Yu-chun, Chuang Yung-hsin, Liu Yu-shu, 2022) Animation/Folklore
Sunday, October 23, 4:30 PM
City of Lost Things 廢棄之城 – Special Encore
(Yee Chih-yen, 2021) Animation
HONG KONG (October 29 – November 6, FACETS Cinema and AMC New City 14).
Saturday, October 29, 2:30 PM @ AMC New City 14, 1500 N Clybourn Ave, Chicago, IL 60610
The Narrow Road 窄路微麈- North American Premiere
(Lam Sum, 20210 Drama)
Saturday, October 29, 4:30 PM @ AMC New City 14
Deliverance 源生罪 – World Premiere
(Kelvin Shum, 2021) Drama
Celebrating Halloween at FACETS Cinema (1517 W. Fullerton Ave., Chicago)
Sunday, October 30, 2:30 PM
Tales From the Occult 失衡凶間 -Midwest Premiere
(Wesley Hoi, Fruit Chan,Fung Chih-chiang, 2022) Psycho-Drama/Thriller
Sunday, October 30, 5:30 PM
Rigor Mortis 殭屍-Special Encore
(Juno Mak, 2014) Drama
Saturday, November 5, 2 PM @ AMC New City 14
Far Far Away 緣路山旮旯 – Midwest Premiere
(Amos Why, 2021) Comedy/Romance
Saturday, November 5, 5 PM @ AMC New City 14
The First Girl I Loved 喜歡妳是妳 – Midwest Premiere
(Candy Ng, Yeung Chiu-hoi, 2021) Girlhood love drama
Sunday, November 6, 2 PM @ AMC New City 14
Pretty Heart 心裏美 – U.S. Premiere
(Terry Ng Ka-wai, 2022) Romance
Bright Star Award Recipient – Jennifer Yu Heung-Ying is scheduled to attend the award ceremony and Q&A in person.
CLOSING NIGHT
Sunday, November 6, 6 PM @ AMC New City 14
Septet: The Story of Hong Kong 七人樂隊 Midwest premiere –
(Sammo Hung, Ann Hui, Patrick Tam, Yuen Wo Ping, Johnnie To, the late Ringo Lam, Tsui Hark, 2021) Drama
The star-studded CLOSING NIGHT EXTRAVAGANZA for November 6 tickets are $100.00/person. The ticket will include VIP (reserved seat) admission to attend the double-feature plus the cocktail reception. $50 of each ticket sold (which is tax deductible) will benefit the year-round general operating of the organization.
Tickets for Asian Pop-Up Cinema – Season 15
Films Only Tickets are $3.00 to $10.00 (general admission) with discounts for seniors (62yrs+) and students.
Rush tickets at the door are available at $10 (cash only) RSVP is required for all the FREE screenings.
Doors open 30 minutes prior to showtimes. To buy tickets or reserve your free tickets, please go to:
https://buytickets.at/apuc
Public Safety is our priority. Asian Pop-Up Cinema (APUC) follows area mandates and meets or exceeds CDC guidelines. Please refer to various venues’ most updated COVID-19 guideline before attending the actual event.
APUC 15 Virtual: $3.00 Pay Per Rental
Watch the films within 24 hours upon starting at: Watch.eventive.org/apuc15
More info about individual tickets: asianpopupcinema.org/15boxoffice
ASIAN POP-UP CINEMA SEASON 15 MAIN SPONSORS
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; and continuing support by Hong Kong Economic & Trade Office in New York, Crown Family Philanthropies, Korean Foundation, MacArthur funds for Culture, Equity and the Arts at the Richard H. Driehaus Foundation, Chicago Film Office, Illinois Humanities, with funds from the State of Illinois American Rescue Plan Act, ADG Group, the Consulate General of People’s Republic of China in Chicago, Office of Community Affairs at the Illinois Institute of Technology, Choose Chicago, the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Chicago, Japan Information Center and the Japan Foundation.
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.
