Environmental sensibility in Focus: Environment section at the 18th Five Flavours!

At a time of growing anxiety about the welfare of our planet, the Focus: Environment section presents unconventional, experimental, and genre-defying cinema that brings solace. Nothing counteracts fear better than disarming laughter, but we will also seek to relieve tension in stories that affirm the presence of nature, and the majesty and power of the elements will be presented in a performative form that captures their complex essence. However, the storylines selected for the section reveal not so much the image of nature itself, but the character of our relationship with the environment. 

We invite you to revisit Bong Joon-ho’s 2006 cult monster movie “The Host”, which depicts both literal and symbolic environmental destruction caused by harmful human actions. Meanwhile, “Mermaid Legend” is a 1980s forgotten classic, a revenge film with anti-nuclear and anti-patriarchal themes, rediscovered after four decades. This screening is sure to leave a lasting impression on our audience! Like hardly any other film, “Mermaid Legend” invites you to explore the beauty of the ocean with its’ exquisite and ominous sounds that eerily foreshadow the Fukushima disaster of 2011.

The Focus: Environment section will also feature the comedy ‘Killer Romance’, an explosive blend of feminist rom-com and emancipatory musical, with anti-patriarchal and pro-environmental themes woven into the background. In his intriguing debut ‘Monism’, Riar Rizaldi proves that it is nature itself that must sometimes be given a voice to recreate the complexity of its presence. His artistic vision of Merapi, the world’s most active volcano, takes on a hybrid form—blending elements of horror, trance performance, ritualistic practice, and documentary observation.

Mermaid Legend 

Ningyo Densetsu

dir. Toshiharu Ikeda

Japan, 1984, 110’

[only in theatres]

Migiwa is a sea pearl diver who, along with her new husband, forms a harmonious duo.  By chance, they both become involved in a conspiracy by developers, as a result of which only the woman survives. Armed with a harpoon, she vows revenge and enlists the forces of nature as her ally. Toshiharu Ikeda’s cult eco-thriller returns after four decades, now restored and more powerful than ever -  a phenomenal revenge cinema that fascinates with its audiovisual layer, ominously referencing the 2011 Fukushima nuclear disaster.

The screening of ‘Legend of the Mermaid’ at Five Flavours is a huge and unique experience!

The Host

Gwoemul

dir. Bong Joon-ho

South Korea, 2006, 120'

[only in theatres]

When a massive creature emerges from the Han River, panic grips the people of Seoul—no one knows what it is or who its next victim will be. Tragically, Hyun-Seo, a bright and lovable child, is pulled into the river’s icy depths. Her not-so-perfect family embarks on a chase to rescue their youngest from the monster’s clutches. But how much can they accomplish when facing such a terrifying and powerful opponent?

“The Host” is a masterpiece monster film, a perfect blend of genre cinema with sharp political and social commentary. It is an exhilarating film with dazzling visuals and a multi-layered narrative through which Bong has taken Korean cinema to new heights.

Killing Romance

dir. Lee Won-suk

South Korea, 2023, 106’

[theatre screenings+online]

Yeo-rae was a star adored by the entire country. Her good fortune came to an end when a film she starred in failed miserably. However, this sudden career break seems to mark the beginning of a true love story—Yeo-rae meets a wealthy and handsome man. But is he really the perfect man? From a pastiche musical to an eco-thriller where a vengeful ostrich takes center stage, “Killing Romance” shifts tones and genres at a frenetic pace, offering a colourful, imaginative portrayal of contemporary South Korea's problems.

Monisme

dir. Riar Rizaldi

Indonesia, 2023, 116’

[theatre screenings+online]

Merapi is Indonesia’s most active volcano—a captivating mountain surrounded by numerous beliefs, but also a site of conflict. In “Monism”, Riar Rizaldi portrays Merapi as a living organism imbued with spiritual presence. Balancing between ethno-fiction, spiritual horror, and performance, the film is a unique phenomenon, blending magic with scientific thought, all to transformatively capture the essence of the Merapi environment. 

“Monisme” is one of the most organic film projects in recent years - rich in philosophy and belief, it invites us to explore how the language of film and ritual practices can push the boundaries of storytelling. The film will also represent Indonesia in the competition section - New Asian Cinema.

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.