New York Asian Film Festival continues to break the mold

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By CGTN’s Liling Tan

In the dark and heart-wrenching drama titled “Mad World,” first-time Hong Kong director Wong Chun forays into a subject not often addressed in Asian films—mental illness.

Audiences have called it brave and honest.

“I hope that the film will be a chance for them to understand a bit more of the real situation of mental illness instead of creating stigma or creating labels to the patients,” Wong says. “I have been very conscious if we are dramatizing anything or if we are dramatizing in a good way or the right way.”

Mad World is among 57 films being screened at the 16th New York Asian Film Festival. And the genres run the gamut from thrillers to dramas to romance by up and coming filmmakers from all across Asia.

That includes numerous films from China, Japan, South Korea, and the Philippines, taking viewers from trials and tribulations to hijinks and hilarity.

CGTN Photo

“We went seeking for more rarities, from Southeast Asia in particular, younger filmmakers, films directed by women focusing on female protagonists for example,” says Samuel Jamier, Executive Director of the New York Asian Film Festival.

CGTN Photo

“With the rise of the debate about fair representation of minorities in the US, I think more and more we play a substantial role in bridging these gaps and trying to smooth out differences.”

The film festival, now in its 16th year, has been widely acclaimed for discovering and talent-spotting new Asian filmmakers.