Osaka Asian Film Festival to feature 7 Taiwanese films

Taipei, Feb. 17 (CNA) Seven Taiwanese films will receive their Japanese premiere at the Osaka Asian Film Festival (OAFF) 2025 next month, including "Yen and Ai-Lee" (小雁與吳愛麗) by director Lin Shu-yu (林書宇) and "Family Matters" (我家的事) by director Pan Ke-yin (潘客印), which are in the running for awards.

The OAFF on Feb. 14 announced shortlisted films in the Competition section, which included "Yen and Ai-Lee" and "Family Matters," Taiwan's Ministry of Culture said in a recent press release.

According to the event's website, the Competition section presents films completed after Sept. 30, 2023 that have not yet been released in Japan. The OAFF jurors will choose the winners of the Grand Prix and Most Promising Talent Award from these films, according to the website.

"Family Matters" received the Outstanding Screenplay Award at the Taipei Golden Horse Film Project Promotion in 2024, and the screening at OAFF will mark its world premiere, according to the MOC press release.

Meanwhile, "Yen and Ai-Lee" won the Kim Jiseok Award at the Busan International Film Festival, with veteran actress Yang Kuei-mei (楊貴媚) named best supporting actress at Taiwan's Golden Horse Awards last year for her performance in the film.

In the "Special Program: Taiwan Movies on the Move 2025" section, five other Taiwanese productions will be screened alongside the aforementioned two films, including "Blind Love" (失明), "Breezy Day" (晚風), "The Chronicles of Libidoists" (破浪男女), "Cupcakes, Lonely Cats" (寂寞貓蛋糕), and "Dead Talents Society" (鬼才之道).

Screenings will take place at Theatre Umeda Cinema and ABC Hall during the festival, which runs from March 14-23.

For more information, visit the OAFF's website (https://oaff.jp/en/oaff2025/)