Osaka 2015 Preview: Most Anticipated Movies

Writer; London/Tokyo (@seven_cinemas)
Beginning life in 2005 as the Korea Entertainment Film Festival, the Osaka Asian Film Festival broadened its outlook in its sophomore year to cover all East Asian cinema, quickly rising to become Japan's premier festival solely covering Asian film. Based in the city of Osaka, the lively, colorful location matches the diversity and richness on offer in the festival's film program.

This year's festival sees a special focus on Hong Kong, Taiwan, and new action films of Southeast Asia. While new works from established veterans like Tsukamoto Shinya and Johnnie To stand out on the bill, there's a fine selection of interesting offerings from emerging talents from across the region.

With the festival kicking off on Thursday, check out the gallery below for a rundown of some of the most anticipated features from the event.
 

Asleep - Director: WAKAGI Shingo, Japan, World Premiere

The opening film comes From Hoshikageno Waltz and Totemu: Song for Peace director Wakagi Shingo and is based on a 1989 novel by cult writer Banana Yoshimoto. While the original book is a collection of three short stories, the film chooses the final one to adapt for the screen.

Terako spends her days contemplating the recent suicide of best friend Shiori while getting into a relationship with a boyfriend whose wife is in an irreversible coma. Falling into deeper and deeper sleeps, Terako deals with death, anxiety and loneliness as the line between the waking and dream world becomes increasingly blurred.

The film stars Ando Sakura, fresh off an impressive, physical performance in 100 Yen Love along with Kore’eda regular Iura Arata.

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