The 11th Edition of the Asian Film Festival Barcelona #AFFBCN arrives today at Manifesta 15’s headquarters. The event specialising in Asian cinema presents a programme that includes more than a hundred films from around 25 countries across Asia, in which historical narrative, gender issues and drama fill the cinematographic proposal of this edition with its content.

On Thursday the 2nd of November and Friday the 3rd of November, the following short and feature films will be screened. One hour before the screenings, the doors of our headquarters will open for anyone who is interested in seeing the findings of the pre-biennial research participants. Come and visit us!

• 2/11 at 19.00. Un Soroll Llunyà.

SPECIAL SECTION. Adrià Guxens / China / Year: 2023 / Duration: 24' / Language: VOSE / Genre: Short film.

Synopsis

It is the first time that Jun works as a seasonal worker in the rice planting campaign. Despite being a young second-generation Chinese man, Jun has never had a real interest in rice culture, as he has always been distant from his Asian origins, even though his own grandmother, who lives in China, has worked in the industry all her life. However, sharing your days with a family of farmers who have also been growing rice for generations will gradually make you question what your true roots are. But he won't do it alone. He will be accompanied by the constant buzzing of mosquitoes, the roar of tractors and, yes, also the continuous calls of his mother.

• 2/11 at 19.00. The Breaking Ice.

OFFICIAL PANORAMA SECTION. Anthony Chen / China, Singapore / Year: 2023 / Duration: 97' / Language: VOSE / Genre: Drama.

Synopsis

In the cold and wintry Yanji, a city located on the northern border of China, the young urbanite Haofeng, visiting from Shanghai, feels lost and adrift. By chance, he goes on a guided tour with Nana, a charming tour guide who instantly fascinates him. She introduces him to Xiao, an affable but frustrated restaurant worker. The three quickly bond over a weekend. As they confront their individual traumas, their frozen desires slowly melt as they seek freedom from a frozen world.

• 3/11 at 19.00. Urban Interpretation – Muntadas in Hanoi.

SPECIAL SECTION. Nông Nhật Quang / Vietnam / Year: 2023 / Duration: 7'10'' / Language: VOSE / Genre: Documentary.

The renowned Spanish conceptual artist Antoni Muntadas embarks on a unique experience when traveling to Hanoi for the first time. Delving into the essence of this city, Muntadas immerses himself in its vibrant market and wanders contemplatively through its quiet cemetery as he usually does whenever he visits a new city. Through his quirky, introspective observations amidst the dense traffic of the city centre, this documentary is an exploration of the urban landscape and the essence of life in Hanoi.

• 3/11 at 19.00. Peafowl (공작새).

SPECIAL SECTION. Byun Sung-Bin / Korea / Year: 2022 / Duration: 115' / Language: VOSE / Genre: Drama.

Synopsis

Myung is an expert in waacking, a type of voguing with a lot of poses. She has a lot at stake in the dance battle finale, because if she wins, the grand prize will cover the cost of the sex reassignment operation. However, Myung also has other challenges to face. Her father, with whom she wasn't in good terms with, has just died; and it is up to her, as an only child, to perform a traditional dance ritual at his funeral, which means undertaking an unpleasant trip back to her rural origins. Through it all, Myung has the support of a spiritual guide to defiantly face any opposition, coolly and confidently, staying true to herself, but also shedding some of her sharpest armor. In this way, she begins a winding path towards enlightenment, a journey in which she will soon be followed by the entire town.

📍Former Gustavo Gili publishing house. C/del Rosselló, 87-89, Barcelona.

Free entrance.

No prior registration is required.

More information here.