Exploring LGBTQ+ Issues in Contemporary Asian Societies and Anticipating the Future of Our Own:

The Asia Pride Section

Programmer’s Picks: <Viet and Nam>,  <There’s No Sex, Only Fans>, <Holy Curse>,  <Farewell, Saranghae, Farewell>

The Asia Pride Section presents a notable selection of queer films from across Asia. This section curates films that reflect current times and tackle challenging themes, providing an unfiltered glimpse into the lives of LGBTQ+ communities in cultures similar to our own. This year’s program showcases works from Vietnam, India, Japan, Taiwan, and more, offering audiences a unique experience through stories that unfold within Asia’s diverse social and cultural landscapes.

A highlight among the feature films in this year’s Asia Pride Section is <Viet and Nam>, directed by TRUONG Minh Quý. Premiered at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival, this film delivers a contrasting sense of place through stunning visual storytelling, where the boundaries between life and death blur in a haunting yet dreamlike fashion. The coexistence of romance and the scars of war between two men creates an ambiance that is as poignant as it is ephemeral.

In addition to feature films, this section includes a compelling lineup of queer Asian short films. <There’s No Sex, Only Fans>, directed by TING Chi-wen, follows two individuals who meet at a hotel to film content for an adult subscription website. The story delves into the tension between meeting technical demands and achieving emotional immersion.  <Holy Curse> by Snigdha KAPOOR portrays the journey of an 11-year-old visiting India, grappling with family expectations and his emerging sense of identity amid traditional ceremonies. <Farewell, Saranghae, Farewell>, directed by HONG Sunhye, tells the story of a lesbian high school couple in rural Japan. While one dreams of becoming a K-pop idol, the other, believing the dream to be impossible, ultimately supports her, leading to unexpected challenges.

Through such stories, the Asia Pride Section invites viewers to connect with the lives and struggles of LGBTQ+ individuals in Asia, while celebrating the creative voices of talented Asian filmmakers in a memorable cinematic experience.