Cambodian director Davy Chou presents us with a heartfelt drama following the adventures of an adoptee, through a transformative display of a person’s path to uncovering one’s identity. Have you ever felt like you are chasing your past? Or rather, your past is chasing you? Born and raised in France, a woman in her twenties impulsively finds her way back to Korea where her biological parents are. Previous QCinema juror Chou received a Golden Athena from the Cannes’ Un Certain Regard award for his astonishing film, Return to Seoul.

Arnold is a Model Student by Sorayos Prapapan featured in the Locarno Film Festival earlier this year. Its narrative defines an ace student who started getting involved with a delinquent who helps students cheat on their exams. Soon to understand the bigger picture behind the business, the exemplar comes across a distinct insight into morality as he sees a different side to the system. This satirical drama reflects the reality of students’ experiences under a severe school dictatorship such as Thailand’s Bad Student movement. Prapapan’s film spoke volumes in mirroring the truth of the younger generations’ demands to be free from authoritarianism.

Another in the spotlight this year is the Autobiography by Makbul Mubarak. This thriller is set to disturb your mood with a plot that tackles the relationship between a privileged and his subordinate. A retired military general hires a naive housekeeper to portray him in an upcoming election campaign. The latter, unknowingly under the spell of a father figure and mentor, recognises that he is no longer his innocent self. Autobiography was awarded the Orizzonti FIPRESCI Prize in Venice.

And of course, garnering the NETPAC award from its Cinemalaya emergence, 12 Weeks by Anna Isabelle Matutina is about a woman who struggles with misogyny and unintended pregnancy. The film leaves no stone unturned by uniquely representing the overwhelming issues women in society have always dealt with. Max Eigenmann accurately plays the part in a perfectly patriarchal backdrop, bagging the Best Actress award.

Last but not the least, an addition to our country’s fulfilment, Elehiya by Loy Arcenas. Previously named Mirador, both the late Cherie Gil and Miguel Faustmann’s performances gave intensity a whole other translation. What could get worse than losing your husband, wealth, and status? Arcenas claims Elehiya is a “fitting memorial to two of the Philippines’ most brilliant theatre and film artists” as this film tells the tale of grief and the trauma and obsession tied with it.

QCinema does take its festivities to the next level. All these acknowledged films are not just a broad variety of worldwide film production with a splash of culture, but an invitation encouraging us to start or continue welcoming fresh directors and the essence beyond their works of art. An ideal for movie enthusiasts and supporters alike—but even for the merely curious, the competition’s diversity guarantees to catch your attention and satisfy your interest.

Ready to feast your eyes on the Asian Next Wave? See more information on QCinema’s website, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram: @QCinemaPH.

NOW READ

Catch Free Cine Europa 25 Film Screenings at CCP

Award-Winning French Cinema Stalwart Isabelle Huppert Opens the French Film Festival 2022

10 Korean Drama Female Leads Who Inspire Us To Be Our Best Selves