PUNCH 9 FOR HAROLD WASHINGTON is an enthralling cinematic tour de force about Chicago’s first African American Hizzoner, who was a riveting political tour de force. By Gregg W. Morris
It was five-minutes, 38-seconds into this marvel of a film – melancholic yet tempered with cosmic bliss – when I experienced the first swell of an unexpected rapture, brought on by scenes of the spoken-word-like-rapping of Zowie pitching to publishers of adult books about a children’s book she wants published. Her main character may be the only character, and she is a girl whose superpowers are diminishing, and who frequently falls on the floor or to the ground like a klutz at certain moments in the time-space continuum. Audiences need to be ready to deal with otherworldly themes in this film. – By Gregg W. Morris
After screening a record 75 films over 16 days in person and virtually, the 20th Edition closed out an epic run Sunday, August 22, with back-to-back screenings of three thrilling titles: Evan Jackson Leong’s Chinatown-set crime thriller Snakehead; Yoon Jae-Keun’s head-spinning Spiritwalker, winner of the NYAFF 2021 Daniel A. Craft Award for Excellence in Action Cinema; and the NYAFF Closing Film, Kim Ji-hoon’s blockbuster disaster comedy Sinkhole. – By Gregg W. Morris
Has a satisfying finish like a fine wine, it’s aftertaste will be inspiring audiences to revisit it on their home screens and other streaming devices again and again and again.
By Gregg W. Morris
There are horror films and then there are horror films that blow audiences out of their seats – and then comes along a tour de force by a director, writer, producers and cast so compelling that a reviewer like me can’t resort to the conventional film review. The scope and magnitude of the film and the derring-do are just too immense and, dare I say, borderline unique. What is Director Craig Center up to with a movie like 6:45 being released in these horrifying times?
By Gregg W. Morris
Second Wave: More NYAFF news fit to print. This year’s festival will open with the international premiere of Ryoo Seung-wan’s tense political thriller ESCAPE FROM MOGADISH; it will include the North American premiere of Fruit Chan’s new horror masterwork COFFIN HOMES; and it will launch a new Asian American Focus selection. And there is sooooo much more, from August 6 to August 22, 2021. By Gregg W. Morris
Two world premieres, six international premieres, 29 North American premieres, eight U.S. premieres, and nine New York premieres, showcasing the most exciting action, comedy, drama, thriller, romance, horror, and art-house films from East Asia. August 6 – 22. An unprecedented COVID-19 Pandemic and shocking, heinous violence against Asian and Asian Americans in the United States presented enormous challenges in every aspect of American society, let alone film and media. NYAFF is announcing that it is even more committed than ever to increasing exposure of Asian representation on screen and to providing opportunities for audiences of all communities to experience the diversity and brilliance of Asian cinema. – By GreggWMorris
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