#USA #Culver City #Asian World Film Fest #Taiwanese Cinema #Oscar Submissions

Asian World Film Festival Highlights Taiwanese Cinema

The 11th annual Asian World Film Festival (AWFF) promises an exciting showcase of Taiwanese cinema with its special program, Focus on Taiwan. Scheduled to take place from November 13 to 17 at the Culver Theater in Culver City, this year's edition aims to spotlight the rich culture and creativity of Taiwan.

This unique segment will feature numerous films, some of which have become contenders for prestigious awards. Among the prominent selections is Left-Handed Girl, Taiwan's official submission for the Best International Feature category at the 98th Academy Awards. The film, a poignant exploration of familial bonds, has received accolades at various prestigious film festivals, including the Toronto International Film Festival and the New York Film Festival. Its director, Shih-Ching Tsou, along with editor Sean Baker, an Oscar-winning filmmaker known for his outstanding works like The Florida Project, will participate in a post-screening Q&A session on November 14, followed by a ceremony honoring actress Nina Ye with the Snow Leopard Rising Star Award.

In addition to Left-Handed Girl, the program includes From Island to Island, a documentary that showcases World War II experiences, anticipated to leave a lasting impact. This film also stands as Taiwan's submission for the Best Documentary Feature at the Oscars. The event underlines the breadth of talent within the Taiwanese film industry, featuring directors like Lau Kek-huat, whose work has earned multiple awards. The dynamic drama Side A A Summer Day, directed by Wan Kin-Fai, is another highlight, having clinched the 2024 Golden Horse Short Film Award. This film exemplifies the coming-of-age narratives that resonate universally.

Marching Boys, directed by Jui-Chih Chiang, rounds out AWFF's Focus on Taiwan showcase. This touching youth drama has been nominated for the 62nd Golden Horse Award and will have its U.S. premiere at the festival. The filmmakers involved in Marching Boys will also engage with the audience through discussions following the screening.

Georges N. Chamchoum, AWFF's executive director, stated, "Every year, our Focus on series highlights films that carry the spirit, history, and craft of their home regions. This year's Focus on Taiwan showcases some of the island’s most acclaimed films and is an invitation to see Taiwan through its storytellers." This year, AWFF expands its Focus on initiative to include other countries such as Cambodia, South Korea, and Kyrgyzstan.

The AWFF runs from November 11 to 20, 2025, and will feature 73 films from over 30 Asian countries, emphasizing its position as a key launchpad for films entering the Academy Awards and Golden Globe competitions. A significant portion of films presented at the festival are entries for the Best International Feature Film category, making it a noteworthy occasion for cinephiles and industry professionals alike.

Tickets for the festival are available on the official website, asianworldfilmfest.org, where detailed lineup information can also be found. This vibrant festival not only celebrates cinematic excellence but also fosters cultural exchange between the East and West, making it a vital event on Los Angeles' cultural calendar.

The Asian World Film Festival, established in 2015 by Sadyk Sher-Niyaz, stands as a testament to the power of storytelling in bridging cultures. It remains the only festival in Los Angeles to feature a majority of Asian submissions for the Academy Awards and the Golden Globe's non-English language categories. As the AWFF continues to grow, it highlights the intricate tapestry of Asian filmmaking and invites audiences to immerse themselves in the diverse narratives of the region.

Don’t miss this opportunity to celebrate Taiwanese cinema and engage with its storytellers at the Culver Theater this November!