The Reel Asian International Film Festival is less than two months away, but that does not mean we cannot start the countdown now! Running from November 6-16, 2014 in Toronto & Richmond Hill, Reel Asian has consistently presented a strong lineup of films over the years. To get us excited for the 18th edition of the festival, Reel Asian provided a sneak peek at five of the films screening this year. We will have to wait until October 8th for the announcement detailing the full slate of titles.

Himalaya Song
Mridu Chandra | USA 2012 | 45:00 | Toronto Premiere |
Reel Asian and the Aga Khan Museum co-present the Toronto premiere of Himalaya Song, a video and narration performance by Mridu Chandra, and featuring live music by Gingger Shankar (vocals/double violin), Dave Liang (piano/electronics). This multimedia performance uses music, storytelling, and video to examine the Himalayas as they undergo major environmental and ecological change.

Dedicated to the preservation of Islamic arts and culture, the Aga Khan Museum will house collections of Islamic art and heritage, including artefacts from the private collections of His Highness the Aga Khan, and opened to the public on September 18th. Reel Asian is the first international film festival to collaborate with the Museum.

The Continent (后会无期)
Han Han | China 2014 | 100:00 | Canadian Premiere |
Novelist-blogger Han Han makes his directorial debut with a road trip film focused on the dreams and confusion of modern Chinese youth. A surprise summer blockbuster hit in China, The Continent features notable stars Chen Bolin and Feng Shaofeng.

Manshin: Ten Thousand Spirits
Chan-kyong Park | South Korea 2013 | 104:00 | Toronto Premiere |
A thought-provoking, sensory documentary from Park Chan-kyong (Day Trip and Night Fishing), the younger brother of Old Boy director Park Chan-wook, Manshin provides an in-depth look at the indigenous religious belief of shamanism, told through the famed shaman Kim Keum-hwa’s life story. Starring Moon So-Ri.

Hunter x Hunter: The Last Mission
Keiichiro Kawaguchi | Japan 2013 | 98:00 | Toronto Premiere |
On the eve of a national tournament, Hunters Gon and Killua battle against rogue Hunters who dabbled with the dark power “On.” A film adaptation of the best-selling manga series Hunter × Hunter, The Last Mission introduces character twists that even followers of the manga would find refreshing.

Manny
Ryan Moore, Leon Gast | USA/Philippines 2014 | 90:00 | Canadian Premiere |
The life of internationally renowned Filipino boxer Manny Pacquiao is the definition of a rags-to-riches story. Now, almost two decades later, the country of 100 million people comes to a complete standstill to watch him fight. This film will be the Opening Night gala film in our Richmond Hill venue.

Reel Asian’s full programming will be announced at the festival press conference on Wednesday October 8, 2014. Tickets for films screening at the festival can be purchased at reelasian.com.