Asian Pop-Up Cinema is set to hold its 10th anniversary gala on Saturday, April 5, 2025, with filmmakers, actors, and cinephiles in attendance to celebrate the milestone, emceed by Fox 32’s Joanie Lum.
The centerpiece of the event features a conversation with the directors of six films in this year’s 19th Asian Pop-Up Cinema festival, representing six different regions throughout Asia.
Tickets (starting at $350) AVAILABLE HERE.
Saturday, April 5, 2025
5:30 – 11:00 PM
CineCity Studios Chicago
2429 W. 14th St.
BEHIND THE LENS: SIX DIRECTORS, SIX PERSPECTIVES
Moderated by Asian Pop-Up Cinema founder and executive director Sophia Wong Boccio, “Behind the Lens: Six Directors, Six Perspectives” presents a wide-ranging conversation about the Asian film industry and its role in global cinema. The panel guests include:
- Anselm Chan, director of THE LAST DANCE: EXTENDED VERSION (Hong Kong)
- Junichi Yasuda, director of A SAMURAI IN TIME (Japan)
- Tom Lin Shu-Yu, director of YEN AND AI-LEE (Taiwan)
- Lee Mi-Rang, director of CONCERNING MY DAUGHTER (South Korea)
- Sengedori Janchivdotj, director of SILENT CITY DRIVER (Mongolia)
- Donie Ordiales, director of CROSSPOINT (The Philippines / Japan)
Celebrity guests include THE LAST DANCE: EXTENDED VERSION star Michelle Wai, who received the Festival’s Extraordinary Actors Award at a screening of her film; Yuno Sakura, star of A SAMURAI IN TIME; Kimi Hsia, star of YEN AND AI-LEE; Oh Min-Ae, star of CONCERNING MY DAUGHTER; lead actor Tuvshinbayar Amartuvshin of SILENT CITY DRIVER; and CROSSPOINT stars Sho Ikushima and Kei Kurosawa. Also set to attend are Consul General Wang Baodong, Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China in Chicago; Maisie Ho, Director and Head of Office for the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in New York; Deputy Consul-General Naoya Kishi of Japan; Deputy Consul General Saeed Ali, Consulate General of Pakistan in Chicago; Consul Battsetseg Tuvshingtugs, Consulate of Mongolia in Chicago; and Deputy Consul General Joonseok Wee, Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Chicago. The Gala co-chairs are Elizabeth Jia and Bart Moy, directors of Sophia’s Choice Governing Board.
The 19th Asian Pop-Up Cinema Festival runs from March 20 – April 13, 2025. For the full schedule of screenings, guests, and other programming please visit VISIT HERE.
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