On February 10, 2025 Asian Pop-Up Cinema announced key highlights of its 19th edition, running March 20 – April 13, 2025. The Festival is dedicated to showing works from regions throughout Asia, with films screened in person weekends at AMC Newcity 14 (1500 N. Clybourn Ave.) This year’s program is the first to include a juried competition. The full program for the 19th Asian Pop-Up Cinema film festival will be announced on February 24, 2025; tickets for Opening, Closing, and Centerpiece presentations are on sale now on the official website HERE, with full program tickets going on sale February 24.
Opening the 19th season of the groundbreaking film festival on March 20 is Taiwan’s DEAD TALENTS SOCIETY, John Hsu‘s supernatural comedy follow-up to his horror blockbuster DETENTION. A raucous mash-up of MONSTERS, INC. and ALL ABOUT EVE, the hilarious satire of influencer culture and horror tropes and moving ode to underachievers won the Audience Award at Fantastic Fest and the People’s Choice Award at the Sitges Film Festival. Director Hsu and star Chen Bo-Lin are set to appear in person at the screening.
This year’s Centerpiece presents the Hong Kong film THE LAST DANCE, director Anselm Chan‘s drama following Dominic, who takes over a coffin shop after losing his business to the pandemic. To make it in the funeral business, he must earn the approval of his co-owner, the stern and vehemently traditional Taoist priest Master Man, and learn the true purpose of funerals. Star Michelle Wai, who shines in a career-defining performance as Master Man’s long-suffering daughter, joins the Festival to accept the Extraordinary Actors Award, appearing with director Chan.
Closing Night features Kaizo Murase‘s BRUSH OF THE GOD, Japanese director Murase’s fantasy love letter to old-school toksatsu films follows Akari and her classmate Takuya, who happen upon a film prop that sucks them into the world of fearsome giant monsters. To find their way home, they must unlock the secrets of this fantasy world. The film’s producer, Daisuke Sato, will appear and accept the Festival’s Lifetime Achievement Award, which is being bestowed on director Murase posthumously.
The 19th Asian Pop-Up Cinema Festival will run from March 20 – April 13, 2025, The full slate of films and special guests will be announced on February 24, 2025; for more information please visit the official website HERE
