Singapore Submits ‘Apprentice’ for Foreign-Language Film Oscar

September 17, 2016

The Singapore Film Commission has selected director Boo Junfeng’s film “Apprentice” as the country’s official submission to the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in the best foreign-language film category. Mr. Boo’s film is a psychological drama about a young correctional officer who is transferred to Singapore’s top prison, where he develops a friendship … More Singapore Submits ‘Apprentice’ for Foreign-Language Film Oscar

Kaori Momoi: The Art of Playing a Prostitute

April 1, 2016

Japanese actress Kaori Momoi is in Hong Kong this week to present her film “Hee” at the 40th Hong Kong International Film Festival. “Hee” had its premiere at the Berlin International Film Festival in February, and the Hong Kong screening marks the film’s Asian premiere. Ms. Momoi both directed the film and took the lead … More Kaori Momoi: The Art of Playing a Prostitute

‘The Assassin’ Wins Big at Asian Film Awards

March 19, 2016

The martial-arts drama “The Assassin” took top honors at the 10th Asian Film Awards on Thursday, winning eight prizes including best film, director and actress. Taiwan director Hou Hsiao-hsien’s sword-play art-house film stars actress Shu Qi as an expert assassin in 9th-century China. The film also won awards for best supporting actress (Zhou Yun), cinematography (Mark Lee … More ‘The Assassin’ Wins Big at Asian Film Awards

Raman Hui Named Director of the Year

October 23, 2015

Hong Kong filmmaker Raman Hui was named director of the year by movie-industry group CineAsia. Mr. Hui directed the 3-D fantasy-action hit “Monster Hunt,” China’s biggest blockbuster this year. The film, which opened in July, went on to earn 2.44 billion yuan (US$383.9 million) and claimed the title of China’s No. 1 box-office hit of all time.  “CineAsia is … More Raman Hui Named Director of the Year

Taiwan Names ‘The Assassin’ as Its Oscar Entry

September 11, 2015

Taiwan selected “The Assassin” as its official foreign-language entry for the 2016 Academy Awards. Director Hou Hsiao-hsien’s art-house martial-arts film stars actress Shu Qi as an expert assassin in 9th-century China. Mr. Hou won the best-director award for the film at the Cannes Film Festival earlier this year. “‘The Assassin’ was selected because the film’s technical aspect has … More Taiwan Names ‘The Assassin’ as Its Oscar Entry

‘The Assassin’ Gains an Audience in China

September 5, 2015

Filmmaker Hou Hsiao-hsien’s “The Assassin” continues to gain a steady following at the mainland China box office since its opening on Aug. 27. In its first nine days of release, the Taiwanese director’s art-house sword-play film starring actress Shu Qi has earned 54.91 million yuan (US$8.62 million), according to website ChinaBoxOffice. The film, which earned Mr. Hou … More ‘The Assassin’ Gains an Audience in China