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South Korea’s Showbox is to launch road trip adventure The First Trip at Filmart, which will reunite the director and star of box office hit Love Reset.

Director Nam Dae-joong will begin shooting this month with actor Kang Ha-neul, who led romantic comedy Love Reset – one of the biggest films at the Korea box office in 2023 and the highest-grossing Korean film in Vietnam that same year.

Kang was more recently seen in Squid Game season 2, which is the third most-watched show ever on Netflix after the first season of the hit Korean series and Wednesday.

The First Ride (working...

I think the momentum of Unmasked has taken a dive since the show started. The show began as a symbol of “rebellion.” Not only is the main character, Oh Soryong, an embodiment of this idea, but so are the plots of each case she’s trying to solve. However, 8 episodes in, I feel like it’s getting a little bit old in terms of presentation, and the plot is getting a little bit lost in how hyper the messaging is. Episodes 7 & 8 focus on the stalker story and give us more information on Seongwook’s case. Additionally, we know that Han Do is Dr. Trigger, but does this mean he leaked Soryong’s pictures too? What’s his excuse, and what is he really planning on doing? This is something we’re yet to piece together, but I believe he’s definitely a good guy and is trying to get past his childhood trauma.

There’s a big reveal at the end of episode 6 of The Truth: Unmasked on Disney+, and it’s left me quite shocked. I’ve got to admit episodes 5 and 6 weren’t as engaging as the first 4 episodes, but I hope this doesn’t mean the rest of the show will also follow suit and become more tedious. I definitely think the big reveal at the end of episode 6 makes it more interesting already, but let’s see what the new cases are like. At the end of episode 4, a building collapsed right where Han Do and Soryong were. In Unmasked episode 7 we follow this case closely to find out what went wrong and why the building came crumbling down. We also get some triggering insight into Soryong’s past and learn about why she’s so determined to help people. In episode 8 we get into a case that’s closer to Hong Na-Hee,...

Nam Arum’s debut documentary weaves intimate home videos and family stories into an interrogation of the aftermath of Chun Doo-hwan’s dictatorship

The personal and the political collide in Nam Arum’s astonishingly assured debut, an astute chronicle of South Korean politics through the lens of family memories. Weaving intimate home videos with poignant archival footage, the film-maker makes tangible the invisible link between the private and the public spheres.

As a family portrait, Nam’s documentary refreshingly moves on from the usual emphasis on generational differences, focusing instead on how youthful idealism metamorphoses over the years. As part of the pro-democracy 386 generation who came of age during Chun Doo-hwan’s military dictatorship, Nam’s parents were politically active as students. Their paths following their marriage, however, took contrasting turns. Once an optimistic investigative journalist, her father chose to become a civil servant instead, and with each change of...

As we have mentioned before, Hong Sang-soo’s style has been dominating the approach of Korean indie films for quite some time now, with a number of productions looking pretty similar, although definitely in a level lower than the prolific auteur. Occasionally, however, we do see an exception in that regard, and “Small Fry” seems to be one of those, particularly due to the rather smart way Park Joong-ha presents his comments in the film. The movie won the Cineteca Nacional México Award and the Best Acting Award for Kim Ho-won from Jeonju.

“Small Fry” is available from Echelon Studios

Actor Ho-joon had received an award for Best Actor in the past, but now his career is in shambles. In order to make ends meet, he runs a YouTube fishing channel, which gets him a bit of money from traffic and sponsors, while also has given him some fame in the particular circle.

Việt and Nam.The fate of modern Vietnam is inseparable from the image. The war was the first large-scale conflict in human history to be captured on film and disseminated in real time. And yet, in cinema, hegemonic representations in the mold of Michael Cimino’s The Deer Hunter (1978) or Francis Ford Coppola’s Apocalypse Now (1979) have engendered a collective derealization in the Western imagination, where Vietnam frequently exists first as a stage for contemporary moral theater and only secondarily as a sovereign nation in its own right; its people are rendered as props, mere shooting targets, denied even a semblance of the on-screen interiority afforded to their foreign counterparts.In the last decade, a growing number of Vietnamese filmmakers have begun asserting agency over how narratives about the country and the lives of its people get told. The recently expanded focus of European filmmaking labs to foster talent explicitly from historically underrepresented regions,...

Mongrel was named best film at the 35th Singapore International Film Festival (Sgiff), with Viet And Nam taking the best director prize for Truong Minh Quy.

The former marks the feature debut directed by Singapore’s Chiang Wei Liang and Taiwan’s Yin You Qiao and stars Thai actor Wanlop Rungkumjad. It explores the struggles faced by migrant workers in Taiwan as they are caught between the need to earn overdue wages and to retain their integrity and humanity.

Mongrelhas previously wonmajor awards including the Camera d’Or special distinction award at Cannes and best new director at the Golden Horse Awards.

Mere hours after Donald Trump was announced as the 47th President of the United States, Google searches for “4B movement” began skyrocketing. A feminist movement originating from South Korea, the r/4bmovement subreddit doubled its users since the election, and TikToks urging more American women to take part have gone viral. Many have already accused the movement of being anti-men and exclusive towards allies. And amidst its popularization, many questions about the movement have sprung up.

“Can I participate in the 4b movement but still love my boyfriend,” one person...

Akira Toriyamas Dragon Ball is a monumental success thats still going strong after more than four decades and five anime. Each new Dragon Ball installment adds to the greater whole and builds upon its predecessor. The original Dragon Ball is by far the simplest of the anime, but the franchise wouldnt be where it is today without its exciting storytelling, unique action sequences, and a wide range of compelling characters. Many of Dragon Balls most beloved characters and individuals who still play an important role in the franchise to this day were introduced back in the original Dragon Ball.

Original Dragon Ball characters like Krillin, Tien, Master Roshi, Piccolo, and even Pilaf are a testament to the animes ability to create engaging individuals who audiences want to celebrate. However, theres also a reality that not every single character can receive a worthy showcase or play a role in the most...

Nam-ra and Su-hyeoks relationship in All of Us Are Dead season 2 could be in trouble given how the first season of Netflixs zombie K-drama ended. With the show having covered all of the source material already, it can be difficult to theorize what will happen in All of Us Are Dead season 2. However, season 1s ending gives some clues regarding where the series is heading next, especially when looking at the differences between All of Us Are Dead episode 12 and the webtoon. In Now At Our School, Nam-ra was found to be the key to a cure.

In the Netflix K-drama, Nam-ras return had nothing to do with a potential cure and more with the existence of other hambies in Hyosan. While these characters are not shown, Nam-ra mentions she has found other people like her. The finale implies that these other hambies helped Nam-ra control her powers, which...

There was an incredible sense of closure when Dragon Balls 21st Tenkaichi Budokai came to an end. The Tournament Saga was such an improvement over the Emperor Pilaf Saga that it bodes well for the franchise's future (obviously). The Red Ribbon Army saga technically started with last weeks The Roaming Lake, despite there being nary a mention of the titular antagonistic force.

Dragon Ball Episode 30, Pilaf and the Mystery Force is another filler episode in fact, its Dragon Balls first episode thats entirely filler yet it beautifully sets up Red Ribbon and the new type of obstacles that lie ahead for Goku. By design, Episode 30 cannot move the story forward. That said, theres a great sense of scope, world-building, and genuine danger that prepares to push Goku out of his comfort zone. Pilaf and the Mystery Force is a wonderful tease of whats to come in Dragon Ball.

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After 40 years of manga, television series, and movies, countless lively characters inhabit the world of Dragon Ball. The show's main cast, affectionately known as the Dragon Team, is composed of Goku and his friends and family, and is famously massive. The heroes who join Goku on the front lines to take on the newest threat to Earth in each arc are a somewhat smaller group known as the Z-Fighters.

With how easily Goku makes friends, especially with those who start as his enemies, it may seem safe to assume that they're all part of his team. However, Goku has in fact made many allies who haven't joined the Z-Fighters. Across the original Dragon Ball, Dragon Ball Z, Dragon Ball Gt, Dragon Ball Super, and the Dragon Ball movies, there are characters who would have made perfect additions to the group, but were ultimately left behind.

Nam Was the First...

There’s something about Romance in the House that makes it feel rather old school and a little bit tone-deaf. There are parts in this show that make me cringe, but not in the way that you want to embrace it, more like in the way you want to stop watching this show. Though I don’t hate it, and there are some things that are fun, like Ae-Yeon’s determination to stay away from her ex-husband—only that’s the whole point of this show—for them to get back together. Anyway, we’re at the midway point of this show now, and I guess the comedy is getting more comedic and the plot a little dense, which I personally don’t love. But alas, this is what we get sometimes, even when you’ve got 3 global idols in your show. So let’s just dive into the special...

One of the most enduring comic relief characters in Dragon Ball is Mr. Satan. Hercule is Videl's father making him Gohan's father-in-law, Goku's brother-in-law and Pan's grandfather is a con artist with a heart of gold who, despite his lack of strength, has repeatedly helped save the universe. His antics tend to get him into potentially life-risking situations, but it always turns out fine for the World Champ.

To the people of the world of Dragon Ball, Mr. Satan, not Goku, is the strongest man alive. Since taking credit for Gohan's victory over Perfect Cell at the Cell Games, he has been worshipped by nearly the entire population of Earth, and has become as rich and famous as possible. Despite his many flaws, Mr. Satan is a fan-favorite for his hilarious antics, his genuine love for his family (including Mr. Buu), and his surprising moments of triumph.

The 2024 Toronto International Film Festival continues to update its robust programming lineup. This year’s Wavelengths and Classics programs boast various hits, now including the North-American premiere of buzzy Cannes title “Viêt and Nam,” directed by Trương Minh Quý.

The Wavelengths lineup tallies 11 features, three shorts programs, and a special in-cinema looped presentation. Wavelengths alums Miguel Gomes (“Grand Tour”), Roberto Minervini (“The Damned”), and Nelson Carlo de los Santos Arias (“Pepe”) return with their respective North-American premieres. Jessica Sarah Rinland is also back to the program with “Collective Monologue.”

There is also the 14-hour documentary “exergue – on documenta 14” from Greek filmmaker Dimitris Athiridi, which will be presented over the course of three screenings.

The program is curated by Senior Curator Andréa Picard and Associate Curator Jesse Cumming, with contributions by Giovanna Fulvi, Nataleah Hunter-Young, and June Kim.

For the shorts selections, the late auteur Jean-Luc Godard’s final film “Scénarios...

Tien Shinhan is Dragon Ball's greatest fighter, with unmatched skill and dedication to martial arts. Tien's unique arsenal of techniques sets him apart from Goku and the rest of the cast, from the Neo Tri-Beam to flight and the Solar Flare. Despite being overshadowed by Saiyans, Tien's fights showcase his incredible skill and determination in the face of incredible odds.

Before power levels and raw strength became the deciding factor in battles for Dragon Ball, a warrior's proficiency in martial arts was their most important attribute. While every fighter on the Dragon Team ranks among the strongest anime characters of all time and among the best fictional martial artists Saiyans like Goku, Vegeta, Gohan, and Broly tend to overshadow their peers because of their overwhelming natural power. However, none of them are the best fighter in the series.

Despite not being a Saiyan or having the ability to transform,...

Ranbir Kapoor, known for being a social media recluse, recently gave fans a glimpse of his intense workout routine, thanks to a video shared by his fitness trainer Nam. The video, posted on the official Instagram handle of Training With Nam, features Ranbir Kapoor performing ring muscle ups, an advanced gymnastic exercise. Captioned “New Day New Skill” and set to Tommy Richman’s “Million Dollar Baby,” the clip garnered attention from fans and celebrities alike, including Alia Bhatt and Arjun Kapoor, who liked the post.

The video captures Ranbir Kapoor in a grey sleeveless T-shirt, black shorts, and sneakers, showcasing his high-octane training routine which includes cycling, jogging, swimming, hiking, and more. His evident dedication and fitness level impressed many, with Alia Bhatt reacting enthusiastically with “Tooooo gooood” accompanied by fire emojis. Other fans and followers commented on his impressive strength and fitness, with remarks such as “You are a fitness freak,...

There are many scenes in the Naruto and Naruto Shippuden eras that are regarded as epic. They include high-octane fights or more sentimental scenes where honest dialogue occurs. It's down to the nuanced and relatively well-balanced story that Naruto creator, Masashi Kishimoto, carved out.

However, there are quite a few moments that fans criminally underrate. It's not their fault, as there is just so much lore. With that in mind, here are some of the scenes from this franchise that deserve a lot more recognition.

Your browser does not support the video tag. Konohamaru's Rasengan Did Massive Damage Naruto's Understudy Teased a Big Future

Series

Episode Title

Episode Number

Air Date

Naruto Shippuden

"Surname is Sarutobi, Given Name, Konohamaru"

161

May 20, 2010

When the Akatsuki invaded Konoha, Konohamaru had to step up. The little kid was always found taunting Naruto that he was better. Naruto took him on as a protg and taught him the Rasengan.

There is definitely a recipe nowadays, particularly from films from Asia, in order to screen in the western-european film festivals. The intensely art-house approach and the focus on the rights of minorities are among the most prevalent. At the same time, and particularly regarding Vietnamese cinema, the curio that was “Taste” seems to have added some elements in the same path, particularly in terms of composition and the mixture of reality with surrealism and the erotic. Minh Quy Truong includes all the aforementioned in his latest work, “Viet and Nam”, which recently had its premiere in Cannes. At the same time, however, the film is so much more. Let us take a closer look at it.

Viet and Nam is screening in Cannes International Film Festival

Nam and Viet are both young miners working 1,000 meters below ground in the mines of a small town that seems to earn its living from coal.

Late 20th-century Vietnamese history casts a trancelike spell across Truong Minh Quy’s “Viet and Nam,” a thickly shadowed exploration – or should that be excavation? — of national trauma and its habit of living on, in spectral form, through subsequent generations. Given an edge of radical newness by its frank, grimily beautiful portrayal of gay lovemaking (seldom have the body-contouring properties of coal dust on sweat-slicked skin been more sensuously explored), still, the rhythms of Truong’s film are slow, and the curtains-drawn darkness of much of its 16mm imagery may induce a state of meandering, semi-directed sleepiness. But then perhaps Truong does not mean us to watch “Viet and Nam” so much as he wants us doze and dream our way in and out of it.

It is 2001 and Nam (Pham Thanh Hai) and Viet (Dao Duy Bao Dinh) — never distinctly identified as such within the film and given a...

The Akira Toriyama Archive frequently unearths rare pieces of artwork from Toriyama's iconic shonen franchise, Dragon Ball. This time, the archive has unveiled a particularly unique gem -- a draft illustration of Goku that was ultimately used for one of the manga's earliest title pages.

Several times a week, the Toriyama Archive publishes a "rare, hard-to-find" image from Toriyama's past. However, each piece is only available on the site for a 24-hour window. As detailed on Dragon Ball's official site, the aforementioned illustration depicts a young Goku with a "determined" facial expression -- one that he often wears when facing a tough opponent. According to the description, the chapter that corresponded with this specific title illustration focused on Goku's fight against Nam (Namu in Japanese). The site's Japanese version describes the image as a "genga" -- a term used for a key animation or illustration produced before the final cleanup and editing takes place.

Set shortly before 9/11, Trương Minh Quý’s Viêt and Nam begins underground with two coal miners, their bodies soaked in sweat and caked in dirt. As they wait for instructions, they talk about a dream — one concerning water, plastic bags, and drowning. In the silence, they comfort each other by caressing each other’s faces. Suddenly, a bell rings. They rebutton their clothes. Moments later, a bomb can be heard exploding in the distance. Only above ground do the details surface: Viêt and Nam are lovers who are on the brink of separation as Nam, influenced by Vietnam’s migrant boom […]

The post “I Don’t Want the Audience to Remember My Film as Just Another Film Banned in Vietnam”: Trương Minh Quý ơn His Cannes-Premiering Viêt and Nam first appeared on Filmmaker Magazine.

Set shortly before 9/11, Trương Minh Quý’s Viêt and Nam begins underground with two coal miners, their bodies soaked in sweat and caked in dirt. As they wait for instructions, they talk about a dream — one concerning water, plastic bags, and drowning. In the silence, they comfort each other by caressing each other’s faces. Suddenly, a bell rings. They rebutton their clothes. Moments later, a bomb can be heard exploding in the distance. Only above ground do the details surface: Viêt and Nam are lovers who are on the brink of separation as Nam, influenced by Vietnam’s migrant boom […]

The post “I Don’t Want the Audience to Remember My Film as Just Another Film Banned in Vietnam”: Trương Minh Quý ơn His Cannes-Premiering Viêt and Nam first appeared on Filmmaker Magazine.

French sales agent Pyramide International has dropped a dark and subtle teaser for “Việt and Nam” a gay drama about two young miners who must complete a mission before fate pulls them apart.

Directed by Vietnamese auteur Trương Minh Quý, the film plays at the Cannes Film Festival in Un Certain Regard with its world premiere on May 22.

Per a synopsis from lead producer Epicmedia: “Nam and Việt, both young miners, cherish fleeting moments, knowing that one of them will soon leave for a new life across the sea. But the departure cannot happen as, lying in a far-off forest is Nam’s father, a soldier, whose remains they’re compelled to find. Together, following the mysteries of memories and dreams, they retrace the path to the past.”

The film is the third feature by Trương Minh Quý, who previously made a splash by taking part in the 2012 edition...

A Killer Paradox is a Netflix thriller that centers around a young guy named Lee Tang’s journey to become a stone-cold murderer. Lee Tang had a super ability to spot evil people and kill them without getting caught, so he soon started working as a vigilante to provide justice to those who deserved it. On his quest, Lee Tang was associated with another vigilante named Roh-Bin, whose intention was to make the world a better place by getting rid of all the bad guys. But in this pursuit, both Tang and Roh-Bin forgot that neither of them was God, that they had no right to decide anyone’s fate, so they had to succumb to the consequences of their actions.

Spoilers Ahead

Who Was Roh-Bin?

Roh-Bin is an interesting character in the series, with his desperate need to do good for society. He idolized Batman, and just like him,...

The Disney+ Korean drama Vigilante has ended with 8 episodes, ready for a quick binge-watch. The show, starring Nam Joo-Hyuk and Yoo Ji-Tae in pivotal roles, is an action thriller about a police officer who decides to take justice into his own hands in a country where the law always sides with criminals. Within the first six episodes, Jiyong is recognised as the Vigilante by Jo Heon, the head of the police force tasked with finding the anonymous man, but he gives Jiyong a chance to stop what he’s doing. In episode 6, Jo Heon is severely injured after some thugs try to break into Miryeo’s office, but his life is saved thanks to Jiyong. Will he recover? and what will he do when he wakes up? Additionally, Jiyong has finally decided to team up with Gang-Ok, his fan and supporter. Together, how much of a difference will the two of them really make?...

Realness Institute collaborating with Brazil’s Projeto Paradiso on this year’s cohort.

African filmmaking agency Realness Institute has selected 15 film producers for the third edition of its Creative Producer Indaba (Cpi), a lab for developing entrepreneurial, leadership and creative skills among producers looking to work on the continent.

Ten of the selected producers are from Africa; five of them will attend the lab with projects, with the other five looking for next films and using the lab to network. The African participants include Tapiwa Chipufa from Zimbabwe, who is working on The Other Half Of The African Sky, billed...

Anchored by the success of its predecessor, Netflix's Strong Girl Nam-soon continues the exciting premise of Strong Girl Bong-soon led by a remarkable cast of Korean stars. 

The series stars Lee Yo-mi in the titular role and is a spin-off of 2017's Strong Girl Bong-soon. It revolves around Nam-soon's journey of self-discovery as she searches for her family while adjusting to her superhuman strength. 

Strong Girl Nam-soon made its debut on Jtbc on October 7. The series is also available to watch on Netflix in selected international territories.

Read full article on The Direct.

Where the Wind Blows is a classic case of a genre clash (or crash) that never quite fully quenches one’s thirst for either. Initial excitement ensues as we enter the much beloved universe of world cinema; dying to sink our teeth into another Parasite or more to the tone of this, Infernal Affairs; yet despite a meaty narrative this fails to fulfill our appetites.

Following law enforcement officer Lui Lok, through the overtly detailed lens of corrupt practices within the police force, we quickly get to grips that Lui and his colleague Nam Kong have amassed influence here. Doing what the hell they want, when they want, – including chain smoking and busting out a tap dance every now and then. Lui’s initial strong sense of justice is put to the test as he experiences the rampant corruption first hand. Quickly he realises he’s going to need back...

Hong Kong star Chow Yun-fat receives Asian Filmmaker of the Year award.

A raft of star actors and directors from across Asia helped open the 28th Busan International Film Festival tonight (October 4), led by Hong Kong film icon Chow Yun-fat.

The acclaimed star of Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon and The Killer took to the stage at the festival in South Korea to accept the honorary Asian Filmmaker of the Year award.

Speaking to a packed audience at the outdoor theatre of the Busan Cinema Center, Chow said: “It’s been exactly 50 years since I started my career as an actor.

It’s no exaggeration to say that Korea’s Busan International Film Festival (Biff) has been through a fair amount of drama this year.

The turmoil started in May when Biff chairman Lee Yong-kwan appointed a close associate, Cho Jongkook, as managing director alongside artistic director Huh Moonyung, a decision that proved highly unpopular with some sectors of the local Korean film industry.

Huh resigned, and in an apparently unrelated development, was accused of sexual harassment by a festival employee around the same time. Lee also resigned, Cho was dismissed by the Biff board, and Oh Seok-geun, director of Busan’s Asian Contents & Film Market (Acfm), who had supported Lee’s decision to hire Cho, also stepped down. By early July, four of the festival’s top management were out of the door.

Fortunately, the festival has a strong layer of middle management with many years experience. When the top brass departed,...

An investigative thriller that happens to be a period drama may bring positive results if the narrative is written and executed well enough. Sacred Games, in the recent past, was the only web series that dealt with both genres effectively. Even though the first season lived up to expectations, the second season was kind of a letdown. Kaala, created and directed by Bejoy Nambiar and Shubhra Swarup, presents this crime investigative saga that spans over three decades. The show is a Disney+ Hotstar Special that was released on September 15, 2023. Kaala is the story of a massive money laundering ring and the cat and mouse chase between law enforcement agencies and the businessman running this racket. In that process an Ib officer comes across a cold secret that might change his perception of things around him.

Ritwik Mukherjee, an officer with Ib Kolkata plans to arrest Naman Arya, the waste recycling king of the city.

Nam Dong-chul appointed acting festival director. Cho Jongkook dismissed as managing director.

Busan International Film Festival (Biff) has formalised procedures for tasking programme director Nam Dong-chul to take on the role of acting festival director today (June 26), amid ongoing issues facing the South Korean festival.

Deputy director Kang Seungah was also tasked with the role of acting managing director at today’s general assembly at the Busan Cinema Center, after a 16:12 vote to dismiss Cho Jongkook after less than two months in the managing director position.

The festival revised its regulations to say: “In the case an accident befalls the festival director,...

South Korea’s Busan International Film Festival has moved to resolve its ongoing management crisis by confirming that managing director Cho Jongkook has been dismissed. He will be replaced by deputy director Kang Seung-ah, who will step in as acting managing director.

In addition, program director Nam Dong-chul will serve as acting festival director, replacing Huh Moonyung who resigned last month.

The moves were voted on at Busan’s second general assembly of 2023 at the Busan Cinema Center today (June 26). Nam and Kang were appointed under an amendment to the festival’s regulations: “In the case an accident befalls the festival director, the program director, and in the case of the managing director, the deputy director, will take over the respective duties.”

The festival also said that chairman Lee Yong-kwan has handed in his resignation.

Busan also said an ‘Innovation Committee’ will discuss the festival’s future development and vision,...

Updated: Some 18 film industry guilds and trade associations are calling for urgent structural reform of the Busan International Film Festival. They point out that this year’s edition of the festival is looming less than 100 days away.

The festival’s management has made a succession of management missteps in recent weeks, including one that resulted in an official apology.

At the beginning of May, a decision to split the festival’s senior management in two by creating a new position for Cho Jongkook, was followed by consternation among guilds and the resignation of festival director Huh Moonyoung.

Festival chairman Lee Yong-kwan offered to resign for his clumsy handling of the situation. But that has not brought back Huh, who is now being investigated by the Center for Gender Equality in Korean Cinema after a complaint by a festival employee.

Huh has not responded to Variety’s emails or messages requesting comment.

The Busan International Film Festival has apologized for its mishandling of the resignation of its executive director Huh Moon-young and related sexual harassment allegations.

“We sincerely apologize over the sexual harassment case that occurred in the workplace,” Biff said in a Korean-language statement on Thursday.

Huh has publicly denied the allegations, though he has not replied to email and telephone requests for comment by Variety.

“We will faithfully conduct an internal probe in line with the Center for Gender Equality in Korean Cinema’s recommendations and come up with a system to prevent recurrences,” the festival said.

Huh announced his resignation on May 11, just days after the festival announced that it would create a joint managerial position and appoint Cho Jong-kook, a close friend of festival chairman Lee Yong-kwan, as managing director. Huh’s resignation was not immediately accepted and two industry guilds threatened to boycott the festival in support of him.

Directed by Vo Thanh Hoa, whose “A Hundred Billion Key” was a huge commercial success, “Hustler vs Scammer” is an action comedy that is already among the 10 highest grossing films of all time at the Vietnam box office.

on Amazon by clicking on the image below

Khoa is an amateur hustler who just can't get a break, with all his efforts resulting in disaster, and his debt increasing. Eventually, he decides to hit on bigger targets and moves to the playground for the rich and famous of Vietnam – Phu Quoc Island. There he stumbles upon a professional scammer, Tu, who, after some tribulations between the two, decides to take him in his group, which includes Uncle Nam and Ma Lai, and train him in order to teach him how to hit bigger fish. The efforts of the group are extravagant to say the least, but success comes consecutively,...

Less than four months from the opening ceremony of the 28th Busan International Film Festival (Biff), widely considered Asia’s most influential festival, the event remains mired in turmoil, with insiders increasingly agitating for a generational change. Korean industry figures tell The Hollywood Reporter they are worried both about the immediate organization of the next festival, set to run Oct. 4-13, and the potential damage to Biff’s global reputation, as allegations of cronyism and sexual misconduct continue to reverberate through the festival’s upper leadership ranks.

On Thursday, the festival’s board officially apologized for the mishandling of a recent sexual harassment allegation, saying that it would designate a sexual misconduct consulting center in the city of Busan to investigate the case.

“We sincerely apologize over the sexual harassment case that occurred in our workplace,” the festival said in a statement, adding that it would “come up with a system to prevent recurrences.

Image Source: Everett Collection

Nam Joo-Hyuk is definitely the internet boyfriend we deserve! Though fans are missing him dearly while he serves his mandatory service in the Korean military (as all able-bodied Korean men must by age 28), they're relying on his his dreamy roles in hit K-dramas like "Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-Joo," "Start-Up," and "The Light in Your Eyes" to keep his face fresh in their minds.

Nam took his dreamboat status to a whole new level through his 2022 role as Yi-Jin on Netflix's romance-drama "Twenty-Five Twenty-One." Whether it's his undeniable chemistry with Kim Tae-ri's Na Hee-Do, the way he blushes adorably in the aspiring fencer's presence, his sad eyes whenever they're forced to part ways, or simply his million-dollar smile, Nam is all fans can think about ever since the show aired. And naturally, fans are wondering about the Korean heartthrob's relationship status. Is he still on the market?...

This year's hybrid edition of Tallinn Black Nights (PÖFF) shows a strong presence of Asian films, as much in competition as in sidebar programs, including the popular genre section ‘Midnight Shivers'. One of the most pleasant surprises so far is the directorial debut “Black Light” by the South-Korean filmmaker Bae Jong-dae which screens in the First Feature Competition, where it celebrates its international premiere. It's not just the flawless script which presents us with many facets of one tragedy, but also the balanced tempo, the synergy of picture and sound and the excellent cast that make this film a beautiful, even if occasionally – tearful watch. But because emotions don't get exploited for the purpose of willful psychological manipulation in the film, actions and reactions played by actors have the quality of unfeigned, real-life situations.

“Black Light” is available from Echelon Studios

How to deal with a personal loss due to a car accident,...

During the week of the Grammys, expect these lively nightlife spots to be buzzing alongside the host of industry-centric parties set to take place across L.A.

Apt 200

With venues in Toronto and Montreal, Apt 200 opened an L.A. outpost in the fall. Set behind a relatively nondescript facade, the club offers a roster of parties and DJ sets, like the newly minted monthly series Jano (Just Another Night Out). “Apt 200 is super supportive of cultural activations like Jano. Their focus is on community, beyond just being another lounge or venue,” says Jano co-founder Aday Living. “I chose Apt 200 [to partner with] because the owners, one of which is Nate Woods, is a creative. He understands integrated culture, [combining] music, fashion, and art…coming from New York, I wanted to attach myself to an independent, curated space.”

Jano debuted in December, and is currently scheduled to happen at Apt 200 on the second Thursday of every month through March,...

Exclusive: Jeremy Swift (Ted Lasso) and Leonardo Nam (Westworld) have joined the cast of The Pocketwatch (working title), a music- and dance-filled original movie sequel to the megahit Descendants franchise at Disney+. Production is underway in Atlanta.

Starring Kylie Cantrall, Rita Ora, Malia Baker and Brandy and written by Dan Frey and Russell Sommer (Magic: The Gathering), The Pocketwatch (working title) follows the story of Red (Cantrall), the rebellious daughter of the Queen of Hearts (Ora); and Chloe (Baker), Cinderella’s (Brandy) perfectionist daughter. When the Queen of Hearts incites a coup against Auradon, polar opposites Red and Chloe must join forces and travel back in time to undo the traumatic adolescent event that set Red’s mother down her villainous path.

Swift will portray Principal Merlin, the principal of Merlin Academy, who does his best to use his own magic to keep powerful, dangerous magic away from his students.

Greenwich Entertainment has picked up all rights excluding TV to the documentary Nam June Paik: Moon Is the Oldest TV, directed and produced by Amanda Kim, which world premiered in U.S. Documentary Competition at the 2023 Sundance Film Festival.

The film will launch its U.S. theatrical release at New York’s Film Form on March 24, being distributed in Canada by Films We Like starting on the same date, ahead of its U.S. broadcast premiere on PBS’ American Masters. Dogwoof acquired UK distribution rights and international sales rights outside of Korea in early January, with a distribution deal and streaming partner for the latter territory to be announced shortly.

The doc tells the story of Nam June Paik, a pillar of the American avant-garde in the 20th century, widely regarded as “The George Washington of Video Art,” who coined the phrase “Electronic Superhighway,” and is arguably the most famous Korean artist in modern history.

Every so often, you’ll see a portrait-of-the-artist documentary that’s so beautifully made, about a figure of such unique fascination, whose art is so perfectly showcased by the documentary format, that when it’s over you can’t believe the film hadn’t existed until now. It feels, in its way, essential. “Nam June Paik: Moon Is the Oldest TV” is like that. Directed by Amanda Kim, it’s a tantalizing portrait of Nam June Paik, the revolutionary Korean-born video artist who, in the late ’60s and ’70s, did nothing less than invent an art form.

When he was first becoming famous, about 50 years ago, you’d go to see a Nam June Paik installation at someplace like the Museum of Modern Art, and it would seem quirky and exotic — a tower of stacked TV screens, all flashing what looked like the squiggly visual equivalent of feedback. It was weird and kind of gripping,...

Fresh off a standing ovation for auteur Lav Diaz’s “When the Waves Are Gone” at the Venice Film Festival, the Philippines’ Epicmedia Productions has revealed a global co-production slate.

Next up is Swiss co-production “Electric Child” by Simon Jacquemet (“The Innocent”), which was presented at the Venice Production Bridge last year. The story revolves around a couple whose child develops an unusual illness. While the mother and baby drift into their own world, the computer-science professor father develops a pact with an A.I. character on a virtual island to save his child. The project, which is starting production imminently, is supported by the Film Location Incentive Fund of the Film Development Council of the Philippines, the Swiss Federal Office of Culture, the Zurich Film Foundation, Filmstiftung Nrw and TV channels Srf and Arte.

Truong Minh Quy (“The Tree House”) is in preproduction on “Viet and Nam,” which follows...