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OSAKA ASIAN FILM FESTIVAL 2013
REPORT / March 8 (Fri)

Daily Report – March 8

　

OAFF2013 opened with the opening ceremony and the screening of "Drug War" at Umeda Burg7, with a large audience in attendance.

the opening ceremony

There was big applause when the guests appeared on stage.

　

　

The opening ceremony guests were: director Namewee and actor Christopher Dawns of Malaysia-Taiwan co-production "Kara King", which will have its world premiere at OAFF2013 Competition, and director Junichi Inoue of Special Screenings film "A Woman and War".

　

Director Namewee, the winner of OAFF2012 Most Promising Talent Award winner, comes to OAFF again this year. He said, '"Kara King" will have its world premiere here. People in Osaka will be the first audience for the film. I'll also watch it for the first time.' Mr. Christopher Dawns expressed his delight at his first participation in OAFF.

　

Director Junichi Inoue learned filmmaking under the late Koji Wakamatsu and will show his directorial debut film "A Woman and War". He said, 'I created this film, wondering if people in Asia would accept and enjoy it, just like we in Japan enjoy the films by Johnny To.'

Director Namewee (right) who greeted in Japanese, and Mr. Christopher Dawns (left)

Director Namewee (right) who greeted in Japanese, and Mr. Christopher Dawns (left)

Director Junichi Inoue

Director Junichi Inoue seemed confident and filled with emotion at the fully-packed theater.


　

　

　

　

director Johnny Todirector Johnny Todirector Johnny To

After the ceremony, director Johnny To appeared on stage. He flew from Hong Kong to Osaka just for the OAFF2013 screening.

　

It's been three years since director Johnny To last came to Japan when his "Vengeance" opened the OAFF2010. Because his films were screened at the previous four OAFFs, he has many fans are in Osaka. During his appearance, he received great applause.

　

Director Johnny To in a stylish grey suit said, 'I'm delighted to come back to Osaka today.' OAFF2013 opening film "Drug War" is his fist mainland film. He said, ‘While shooting "Don't Go Breaking My Heart" and "Romancing in Thin Air", I prepared a screenplay about the police in China. Actually the final edition is a bit different from what I was writing back then due to various regulations, but I'm looking forward to seeing how you perceive it here in Japan.'

　

'Screening this film in a film festival proved that the regulations by the Chinese authorities have been loosened. I hope this "Drug War" will be a turning point for other directors to be able to make more police movies freely in China.'

　

'Unlike my previous films, this is an action movie entirely shot on the mainland. When I come to Osaka next time, please let me know what you think of the film.' He promised to come back to Osaka again, and the audience was pleased.


director Johnny To

　

All guests were on the stage for the photo shooting.

All guests were on the stage for the photo shooting. All guests were on the stage for the photo shooting.

　

After the photo shooting, the Japan premiere screening of "Drug War" was held.

OAFF2013 has opened with the opening ceremony and screening in an exciting atmosphere. Enjoy the OAFF2013!

　

Director Namewee tweeted 'Osaka Asian Film Festival 2013 starts with Ramen!'

Director Namewee tweeted 'Osaka Asian Film Festival 2013 starts with Ramen!'