Asian Cinerama: Growing Light Concludes with Screenings and Talks
Eight films and three in-depth exchanges invited audiences to reflect on life’s journeys through the lens of Asian cinema.
Organised by the Asian Film Awards Academy with the support of the Hong Kong Creative Cultural Industries Development Agency (CCIDAHK) and the Film Development Fund, and with MCL Cinemas as venue partner, the second week of Asian Cinerama: Growing Light ran from 8 to 12 September. Five packed screenings — including two special additional shows of At the Bench and Blue Gate Crossing — gave audiences more chances to experience the richness of Asian cinema. The programme also welcomed special guests from across the region: Korean director Seo You-min, Japanese director Satoko Yokohama, and Thai actor Pae Arak, who connected with audiences through university talks and post-screening Q&As.
The week began with the talk “A Veteran Screenwriter on the Rise of Korean Cinema,” moderated by Yimin Chen, Programme Director of the BA (Hons) in Film and Television. Director Seo looked back on her career as a screenwriter and filmmaker, discussing works such as April Snow, The Last Princess, and her latest adaptation Secret: Untold Melody. She explained that love stories have always been at the heart of her writing — inspired by her own sense of romance and her wish to bring comfort to audiences. Citing Bong Joon-ho’s words, “The most personal story is the most universal,” she encouraged students to draw from their own lives and be honest in their storytelling.
Seo also shared insights into how screenwriting operates within the Korean film industry, giving students a practical perspective on the profession. She urged aspiring filmmakers to write every day and start from smaller projects like short films to build experience. The Q&A was lively, with students expressing that they left with clearer inspiration and direction for their own creative journeys.
Another highlight was the post-screening Q&A of Seaside Serendipity, joined by director Satoko Yokohama. Adapted from a manga known for its distinctive style, the film was originally considered for a studio shoot but was ultimately filmed on the shores of the Seto Inland Sea to capture the natural beauty of the landscape. Asked about the many characters in the story, Yokohama cited her love for the American film Short Cuts, where characters appear only briefly yet leave lasting impressions. She explained that she wanted to capture something similar: from a child’s perspective, adults often appear and disappear without explanation, but these fleeting encounters quietly shape one’s growth.
The Thai comedy Will You Marry Monk? brought laughter to the theatre, followed by an engaging Q&A with lead actor Pae Arak. Playing a monk was a fresh and unusual role for audiences, and Pae admitted it was also a unique challenge for him — from shaving his eyebrows to keeping his robe in place during filming. He recalled the fun of shooting comedic scenes, noting that while the cast often burst into laughter behind the camera, they remained focused once the cameras rolled. Pae also spoke warmly about working with co-star Orm, describing her as like a “little sister” both on and off screen. His favourite scene, a heartfelt dialogue with her character, was particularly moving to film. He added that a month of shooting together in Japan helped him and the crew form close friendships that remain strong today.
The week closed with another university talk, “From Japan’s Indie Scene to the Berlinale,” where Satoko Yokohama returned to share her career path, moderated by Hong Kong director Eric Tsang. She revealed that she first dreamed of becoming a singer and moved to Tokyo for auditions, but after discovering independent cinema and art there, she decided to pursue filmmaking. Though she often doubted herself, encouragement from mentors gave her confidence — including her producer, who pushed her to try commercial film. Her first attempt, Bare Essence of Life, starred Kenichi Matsuyama. While it did not succeed at the box office, Yokohama said the true value of her films lies in presenting the moments and subjects she personally finds worth sharing with audiences. She encouraged students to treasure their ideas during their school years, as inspiration often strikes before one fully steps into society, and to keep creating with passion and courage.
Across eight films and three talks, Asian Cinerama: Growing Light offered Hong Kong audiences and students the chance to revisit their own life journeys through stories from across Asia. The programme closed on a high note, leaving audiences inspired by the diversity and vitality of Asian cinema.
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