Thanks to the generous funding support from the Asia New Zealand Foundation, Doc Edge is thrilled to announce the participation of filmmakers from the Asia film selection at the 19th edition of the Doc Edge Festival. These filmmakers will attend their premieres, host Q&A sessions, and network with New Zealand and international filmmakers at the industry forum, enriching the festival experience for all attendees.

The Oscar-qualifying Doc Edge Festival returns from 19-30 June in Ōtautahi Christchurch, bringing the city to life with an array of activities including film screenings, an Awards Ceremony, an Immersive Exhibition, a Schools Programme, live events, an Industry Forum, a Pitching Competition, a Market, and networking opportunities. Following Christchurch, the festival will continue in Wellington (3-14 July) at The Roxy Cinema and Te Auaha Gallery, and in Auckland (3-14 July) at The Capitol Cinema and Auckland Central Library. For those outside these centers, the festival offers a Virtual Cinema experience from 15-31 July.

“We’re really excited to be supporting the Asian Films at Doc Edge Festival,” says Asia New Zealand Foundation Arts Director Craig Cooper. “These films perfectly represent the diversity and depth of the filmmaking coming out of Asia, and we’re confident they will spark important conversations among audiences.”

Asia Film Selection at Doc Edge:

And So It Begins by Ramona S. Diaz

This documentary delves into the Philippines’ political landscape as President Rodrigo Duterte’s reign ends. Diaz offers unbridled access to key figures during the 2022 presidential election, capturing the socio-political dynamics with her keen observational eye.

Devi by Subina Shrestha

The film follows Devi, who, after being arrested and raped during the 1997 civil war in Nepal, rises through the rebel ranks to become a member of parliament. Shot in an immersive verité style, it portrays Devi’s journey to empower other survivors.

* Director Subina Shrestha will attend the festival in New Zealand and join an Industry Forum panel.

Dissidents by Yi Chen

This documentary follows three Chinese dissidents in America who continue their fight for democracy against a backdrop of harassment and surveillance from the Chinese government.

* Director Yi Chen will attend the festival in New Zealand.

Girl of Wind by Nanhsi Yuen and Zhing Deng

Yang Yang, a lonely deaf girl, often climbs with her bare hands on top of 500 tall buildings in the city. By chance, Nanhsi, met her and the two started to share a special life journey together.

* Director Nanhsi Yuen and Producer Zhing Deng will attend the festival in New Zealand and join an Industry Forum panel.

Invisible Summit by Lixin Fan

This film follows blind masseur Zhang Hong, who aspires to climb Mount Everest. It captures his five-year preparation and the challenges he faces in this extraordinary endeavour.

* Lixin Fan will attend the festival in New Zealand and join an Industry Forum panel.

Rather Be Ashes Than Dust by Alan Lau

The film explores the dangerous profession of journalism, focusing on the Hong Kong protests of 2019 and the personal story of a journalist forced to flee.

The Eye and I by Hsin-Chien Huang

An immersive exhibition exploring surveillance and its influence on various aspects of life, enhanced by Jean-Michel Jarre’s music.

21-22 China by Thierry Loa

An immersive meditative journey through China, highlighting the impacts of urbanisation and industrial development.

Reimagined Volume II: Mahal by Michaela Ternasky-Holland

Inspired by Philippine mythology, this immersive story explores the cosmic consequences of grief among deities.

Yatra by Hemal Trivedi

This short film follows a young Indian-American medical student seeking closure in India, only to encounter an indigenous girl who prompts her to confront her past.

* Director Hemal Trivedi attend the festival in New Zealand and join an Industry Forum panel.

Additionally, Yulan Chang, Director at CNEX Foundation Taipei Office, will join a panel in the Industry Forum.

The Asia New Zealand Foundation Te Whītau Tūhono is New Zealand’s leading authority on Asia, providing experiences and resources to help New Zealanders build their knowledge, skills, and confidence to thrive in Asia.

Tickets are now available to book for all sessions via the festival’s website. Stay updated with the latest news and announcements by visiting docedge.nz and following Doc Edge on Facebook, X, Instagram, and YouTube.

Film stills are available here.

 

2024 KEY DATES & VENUES

Christchurch: 19 – 30 June, HOYTS, Lumiere Cinemas, Alice Cinemas,
Christchurch Art Gallery, Town Hall, Tūranga (Central Library), and other locations
Auckland: 3 – 14 July, The Capitol Cinema, Auckland Central Library
Wellington: 3 – 14 July, The Roxy Cinema, Te Auaha Gallery
Nationwide: 15 – 31 July, The Virtual Cinema

 

For media enquiries contact:

Michelle Lafferty at Elephant Publicity
michelle@elephantpublicity.co.nz | +64 27 295 6450