Festival Archives: Summer Screenings

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Far Away Eyes

  Wang Chun-hong

  Taiwan      2021    

Synopsis

A photographer wanders through Taipei as the city braces for a presidential election. Adrift and questioning his chosen vocation, self-doubt begins to creep in as his 30th birthday approaches. What does his future hold? A thoughtful blend of fiction and documentary, complemented by gentle, strikingly composed black-and-white cinematography, distinguish this contemplative urban travelog of sorts that echoes the quiet pulse of life in the city.

 Chinese with subtitles 
  79 minutes

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Keep Stepping

  Luke Cornish

  Australia      2022    

Synopsis

In Sydney, Gabi and Patricia train to compete in Destructive Steps, Australia’s largest street dance competition. Both are pushing themselves mentally and physically in hopes that winning the contest will open new doors and possibilities for a better life. The film spans seven years and provides viewers with intimate access to the breathtaking artform of street dancing. Keep Stepping illuminates the multicultural, passion-filled subculture and tells a moving story about love, obsession, and the transformative power of dance.


  90 minutes

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Asako I & II Netemo sametemo

  Ryūsuke Hamaguchi

  Japan      2018    

Synopsis

Living in Osaka, Asako falls madly in love. The object of her affections, Baku, is passionate, restless, and hard to pin-down. One day, he wanders right out of her life. Years later, living in Tokyo, Asako encounters Ryohei—a kind, respectable businessman and, mysteriously, Baku’s spitting image. What follows is an intoxicating tale told between two cities (Osaka and Tokyo) and a mesmerizing puzzle of mistaken identities, lingering loves, and passions at cross purposes.

 Japanese with subtitles 
  120 minutes

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Our Midnight A-wo Mi-deu-na-it

  Lim Jung-eun

  South Korea      2020    

Synopsis

Caught between pursuing his passion and settling for a “real” job, struggling actor Jihoon takes up a gig patrolling the streets of Seoul at night. A serendipitous meeting with Eunyoung, a kindred spirit also facing a personal crisis, turns into a reflective, intimate stroll through the city’s twilight hours. Beautiful black-and-white photography creates a stunning portrait of the city by night that is also a poetic meditation on love and life.

 Korean with subtitles 
  77 minutes

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The Dragon Defense La defensa del dragón

  Natalia Santa

  Colombia      2017    

Synopsis

A former chess champion, a homeopath, and a watchmaker – old friends Samuel, Marcos, and Joaquin seem to belong to another era. Routine days find them on well-worn paths from work to the cafes and casinos of Bogotá and home. As the stresses of life pile up, the three wonder if they will ever take a risk again. Lighthearted charm and affecting pathos permeate this bittersweet slice-of-life drama about facing failure and turning over a new leaf.

 Spanish with subtitles 
  79 minutes

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