Each year, the Film Discussion co-chairs select films based on life in Asia, usually with Asian directors/producers, but sometimes by Western filmmakers who have spent many years in an Asian country. These films are typically well known because they have won recognition either by being nominated for an Oscar or having received European and/or national awards, and on occasion because they had a major impact on a nation’s film-going audience. The actors and actresses in these films are typically well-established stars in the relevant Asian country, but also may be ingénues whose superb performances bring these characters to life. The films are mostly fiction but can be documentaries. They can be chosen to broaden knowledge of an Asian country, be it relevant to issues of the day or historical; to tell a really good story; or to show the human condition unique to the country or universally. We have chosen films from a wide range of countries in South, South-East, Central and East Asia.
Members watch the film on their own, in their homes, before attending the discussion. The film discussion is held at the host’s home, or on Zoom. If in-person, it typically starts at 10:00 am with coffee/tea & Asian snacks and the discussion is held from 10:30 am to 11:30 am. If on Zoom, the attendees are sent a Zoom link a few days before the discussion date.
Our recent film list:
2012 – 2013
The Betrayal (Laos)
Osama (Afghanistan)
The Lady (Myanmar)
Shall we Dance (Japan)
2013 – 2014
Masquerade (Korea)
English – Vinglish (India)
The Debut (Philippines)
Water (India)
2014 – 2015
From Mao to Mozart (China)
The Lunch Box (India)
The Rocket (Laos)
Mao’s Last Dancer (China)
2015 – 2016
Ode to my Father (Korea)
Nabat (Azerbaijan)
Scent of Green Papaya (Vietnam)
2016 – 2017
Coming Home (China)
Born into Brothels (India)
The Bow (Korea)
JIRO Dreams of Sushi (Japan)
2017 -2018
Fireworks Wednesday (Iran)
The Road Home (China)
Viceroy’s House (India/Pakistan)
Sweet Bean (Japan)
Kundun (Tibet)
2018 – 2019
Crazy Rich Asians (USA/Singapore)
36 Chowringhee Lane (India)
Shoplifters (Japan)
Joy Luck Club (USA/China) – October
Bad Genius (Thailand) – November
2020
The Farewell (USA/Hong Kong)
Parasite (South Korea)
American Factory
Gully Boy (India)
Burning (South Korea)
One Child Nation (China/US)
Swing Kids (South Korea)
A Sun (Taiwan)
2021
Cake (Pakistan)
Dangal (India)
Kartini (Indonesia)
Silent Waters (Pakistan)
PK (India)
Better Days (China & Hong Kong)
Tokyo Story (Japan)
Ramen Shop (Singapore & Japan)
2022
Mango Dreams (India)
Taxi Driver (S. Korea)
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter, and Spring (S. Korea)
The Lovers and the Despot (North Korea)
Secret Superstar (India)
Lunana: A Yak in the Classroom (Bhutan)
2023
Drive My Car (Japan)
King of Masks (China)
Tangerines (Georgia)
Decision to Leave (South Korea)
Made in Bangladesh (Bangadesh)
Return to Seoul (Korea)
Shoplifters (Japan)
2024
The First Farewell (China)
The Wedding Banquet (Taiwan)
Minari (Korea)
Hunger (Thailand)