Toronto, ON – July 8, 2024 – Mulan International Film Festival (MulanIFF) is proud to announce that the opening film for this year’s festival will be the Canadian premiere of Love Is a Gun (愛是一把槍/爱是一把枪). Directed by Taiwanese actor and director LEE Hong-Chi, this highly anticipated film has already received acclaim at the 80th Venice International Film Festival, where it won the prestigious Lion of the Future – “Luigi de Laurentiis” Venice Award for a Debut Film. Love Is a Gun will make its Canadian debut at MulanIFF.
Love Is a Gun tells the story of Sweet Potato, portrayed by LEE Hong-Chi, who returns to his hometown after serving time in prison. Seeking redemption, he rents sunshades on the beach while attempting to secure a “good citizen” certificate for employment in the city. However, his past catches up with him through old acquaintances like Maozi, who pulls him back into a life of crime, and unresolved relationships with his mother and ex-girlfriend. Amidst these challenges, only his former classmate Seven offers him solace. Ultimately, Sweet Potato finds himself confronting a mysterious “boss”, wielding a gun and determined to redefine his fate.
“This film’s acclaim at Venice underscores LEE Hong-Chi’s talent as both actor and director,” remarked John Berra of Screen Daily, describing Love Is a Gun as “a crime-tinged study of generational malaise” that deftly navigates profound philosophical and socio-economic themes.
SHEN Wei, Artistic Director of MulanIFF, expressed her enthusiasm, stating, “Love Is a Gun has quickly become one of my favourite recent films. Its delicate yet powerful narrative resonates deeply, revealing truths about human vulnerability and resilience. As a festival dedicated to showcasing innovative works, MulanIFF is committed to presenting films that provoke thought and introspection.”
“We are delighted to commence this year’s festival with such a compelling and emotive film,” said the festival’s Artistic Director. “LEE Hong-Chi’s Love Is a Gun captures the essence of human struggle with authenticity and depth, setting a perfect tone for our celebration of Asian cinema.”
Featuring LIN Ying-Wei, ZHENG Qing-Yu, LIN Ke-Ren, LEE Yu-Yao, and Edison SONG in key roles, Love Is a Gun boasts stunning cinematography by ZHU Ying Rong and a compelling score by Bruce SU. Production design by LIN Zhi Yun, costumes by LEE Chi Wei, and sound by TU Duu-Chih round out the film’s artistic achievements.
About Mulan International Film Festival
Mulan International Film Festival is Canada’s premier festival dedicated to Chinese-language films and pan-Chinese cinemas. Founded in 2018 by University of Toronto alumni, MulanIFF has gained recognition as a qualifying festival for Telefilm Canada’s Development Program, emphasizing Black and People of Colour streams. The 2024 Mulan International Film Festival will be held from August 9 to August 17, 2024, at Innis Town Hall, University of Toronto St. George.
Festival Pack Sales Start:
Whether you’re a cinephile enjoying it solo or sharing it with close friends and loved ones, the 2024 Mulan International Film Festival Festival Packs offer you the best prices. Purchase before EDT 11:59:59 PM, July 13th to enjoy an extra early bird discount!
This year, MulanIFF offers the following three festival pack options:
3-Ticket Festival Pack: Redeemable for 3 tickets to any screenings.
6 + 2 Festival Pack: Redeemable for 6 tickets to any screenings and 2 tickets to any “Fountainhead” programme screenings.
10 + 4 Festival Pack: Redeemable for 10 tickets to any screenings and 4 tickets to any “Fountainhead” programme screenings.
For festival pack prices and more information, please visit MulanIFF Festival Pack page.
Website: www.mulanfestival.com
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