This year BAPFF showcases some incredibly strong female performances and storylines.
From the captivating drama Mustang (Qatar, Turkey, France, Germany) through to The Assassin (Taiwan) and its tale of a lethal and mysterious female assassin, strong women feature prominently in BAPFF 2015 offerings.
Mustang is a gripping tale of youthful rebellion set in a village by the Black Sea where five sisters spark controversy after cavorting with local school boys. Artful, award-winning performances and a beautifully shot narrative are reminiscent of Sofia Coppola’s Virgin Suicides.
Motherland (Turkey, Greece) is Director Senem Tüzen’s first feature. It is a complex and brave portrait of humanity’s struggle between modernity and conservatism, as a mother and daughter confront the darker corners of each other’s inner worlds.
Lorna (Philipines) is a feel-good celebration of freedom and flirtatiousness anchored by an amazing performance from Shamaine Buencamino and keeps the jokes and one-liners coming thick and fast. The sophomore film from young indie writer/director Sigrid Andrea Bernardo (Anita’s Last Cha-Cha) is a charming comedy drama.
The Gulls (Russian Federation) is the feature debut from young writer-director Ella Manzheeva and showcases an affecting performance by international fashion model Eugeniya Mandzhieva. The drama takes place on the edge of the Caspian Sea.
Manzheeva and Mandzhieva will both attend the Australian premiere screening of the film on Wednesday 25 November at Palace Barracks.
Rounding out the top five list of impressive performances by women is The Assassin (Taiwan). It follows the story of a lethal and mysterious assassin Nie Yinniang, who in the dying days of the Tang Dynasty is charged with a mission to kill the governor of Weibo – the man to whom she was once betrothed. Spreading chaos through the court as she inches closer to her target, Nie finds herself torn between the demands of her heart and the impossible yoke of duty.
There will be two opportunities to watch this hypnotically paced film at BAPFF, with drinks and light refreshments ahead of a gala screening at Palace Barracks on Friday 27 November and a second screening the following evening at GOMA. Cinematographer Mark Lee Ping-bing will attend the Friday night screening.
For details and to book:
MUSTANG
https://brisbaneasiapacificfilmfestival.com/film-archive/mustang/
MOTHERLAND
https://brisbaneasiapacificfilmfestival.com/film-archive/motherland/
THE GULLS
https://brisbaneasiapacificfilmfestival.com/film-archive/the-gulls/
LORNA
https://brisbaneasiapacificfilmfestival.com/film-archive/lorna/
THE ASSASSIN
https://brisbaneasiapacificfilmfestival.com/film-archive/the-assassin/
