The best commercial cinema from Asia at Five Flavours - announcing the first titles of the Asian Cinerama section!

At the 18th Five Flavours, as always, there will be no shortage of eye-catching titles, whether they come from the hands of master filmmakers or serve as a ticket to fame for emerging directors. Films representing the commercial side of Asian cinema—currently in its golden age—are rarely shown in Poland. This is a great loss, as they astonish with their power and innovation. It’s safe to say that today the heart of entertainment cinema is in Asia. The Asian Cinerama screenings are, therefore, a rare chance to experience the cinematic thrills enjoyed by audiences in Seoul, Tokyo, or Bangkok. Join us on this exciting journey!

 Old Fox

Lao hu li

dir. Hsiao Ya-chuan

Taiwan, 2023, 112'

[theater screenings+online]

Taiwan, late 1980s. Eleven-year-old Jie lives with his father, Tai-lai, who works as a waiter in a restaurant. Tai-lai dreams of buying the place and starting his own business, but in an era of rapid economic growth and rising prices, this is no easy task—especially for an honest man like him.

Jie soon catches the attention of Xie, a man shaking up the city's real estate market, known to everyone as the Old Fox. Hardened by years of experience and driven solely by economic gain, Xie sees a reflection of his younger self in the boy. Thus begins a battle for Jie's soul. Will he, during this pivotal stage of adolescence, follow the teachings of his new mentor, who impresses him, or will he remain true to the values instilled in him by his father?

“Old Fox” tells a story set during a particular period in Taiwan's history. With a sharp script that avoids easy solutions and a steady directorial hand, this touching work tells important stories in a universal way.

Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In

Jiu Long cheng zhai · Wei cheng

dir. Soi Cheang

Hong Kong, 2024, 126'

[theater screenings+online]

Lok-kwun accidentally finds himself in the Walled City—the most densely populated place on Earth, where criminal triads maintain order. His unexpected arrival in this dangerous corner of the urban jungle serves as a stark reminder that the recent peace is fragile and fleeting.

After two critically acclaimed films that triumphed at festivals, Soi Cheang assembled an all-star cast and turned his attention to commercial cinema. Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In dazzles with its thrilling fight sequences, and its narrative and set design prowess. The re-creation of Hong Kong's infamous district, a labyrinth of narrow streets, captivates and transports viewers back to a harsh past—a far cry from the Hong Kong of today

Shambhala

dir. Min Bahadur Bham

Nepal, France, Norway, Hong Kong, Turkyie, Taiwan, USA, Qatar, 2024, 150’

[only in theatres]

Pema lives in a remote village high in the Himalayas. When Tashi, one of her three husbands, disappears and rumours about her pregnancy begin to spread, she decides to find him. Embarking on a long journey through snow-covered mountain landscapes, Pema seeks to defend her honour and discover more about herself.

“Shambhala”—the first Nepali film to make it to the Berlinale—was shot in one of the highest-altitude villages in the world. The surrounding towering mountains are key protagonists in the story—silent, yet unforgettable. Filled with poetic beauty while grounded in observations of daily life, “Shambhala” portrays the customs and traditions of the Nepalese people. It is also a deeply spiritual experience, prompting reflection on the role of women in traditional communities.

Passes for the 18th Five Flavours Asian Film Festival are available!

Buy the Pass

The 18th Five Flavours Asian Film Festival will take place in a hybrid form:

• Online, available across Poland: 13 November - 1 December 2024

• in theatres: 13-20 November 2024, Warsaw, Kino Muranów, Kinoteka

There are two types of passes available: 

• Five Flavours Pass Onsite+Online for 380.00 PLN – allows admission to all film screenings (with the exception of the opening ceremony) during the festival in the cinemas as well as access to all films on the festival VOD platform. The programme will include at least 40 feature films. The number of passes is limited.

• Five Flavours Online pass for 200.00 PLN – allows to watch all, 32, films available on the festival VOD platform. The number of online passes is unlimited and will also be available for sale during the festival.