5 Picks From The 2009 Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival

If you want to see the best contemporary films from East and Southeast Asian filmmakers and artists around the world, then the Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival is the place to be. In its 13th year, the festival runs from November 11 – 15 and will screen over 40 films.

Although many are worth checking out, I highly recommend the following five films:

Yanggaw

A crazy, dramatic horror film from the Phillipines about a young girl who becomes infected with a strange illness that turns her into a creature from Filipino folklore called aswang. It’s dark, creepy and, from what I’ve heard, one of the best films to touch on the subject.

Yanggaw plays November 12, 10 p.m. at Innis Town Hall

White on Rice

Hilarious film about a 40-year-old Japanese divorcee who moves to Salt Lake City, Utah to live with his sister, brother-in-law and nephew. It’s quirky, sweet and sure to be a hit.

White on Rice plays November 14, 5 p.m. at Innis Town Hall

Fish Story

Here’s an amazing film that combines doomsday, martial arts and punk rock — and blows away that other end-of-the-world film that premieres this week. See it in a theatre with a group of friends for maximum fun. Check out the trailer below (in Japanese) to get a feeling for what it’s all about.

Fish Story plays November 14, 10 p.m. at Innis Town Hall

The Ache

An evil curse has lingered over Sheri, a young Chinese-Canadian woman, and her family for the last 10 years. Or so she’s made to believe. The Ache is an interesting supernatural tale that is directed by Toronto’s own Keith Lock and features a great local cast.

The Ache plays November 15, 5:30 p.m. at Innis Town Hall

Red Heroine

Red Heroine is a silent martial arts revenge film from 1929 that was banned in China after the Cultural Revolution. It’s a mesmerizing watch and the screening will be accompanied by a live score from Devil Music Ensemble. This is not one to miss. Check out the trailer below.

Red Heroine plays November 13, 8 p.m. at The Royal

Visit the official Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival website for the full schedule and to purchase tickets.

brian.mckechnie@citynews.rogers.com

Top image: Scene from White on Rice. Courtesy Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival.

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