A highlight of any Asian film enthusiast‘s calendar, Far East Film Festival (FEFF) has unveiled its 2022 lineup, which comprises 72 films from 15 Asian countries and regions. Of the 42 competing titles, 17 are from Greater China.
Held annually in Udine, Italy, the film festival plays a non-negligible role in promoting East Asian cinema in Europe.
Taking place from April 22 to 30, this year’s festival will go ‘hybrid’ for the second year in a row — a direct result of the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. The festival’s organizers are keeping international audiences in mind by offering online screenings of select films in addition to in-person viewings.
Promotional image for The Italian Recipe. Image via FEFF
On April 22, FEFF will open with the premiere of The Italian Recipe, a Chinese-Italian co-production — a first in the festival’s history. Directed by Hou Zuxin, the rom-com was inspired by the cult film Roman Holiday (1953) and is set amidst Rome’s dramatic landscape. Co-stars Liu Xun and Yao Huang, who shared good chemistry in the hit 2018 film The Crossing, will appear alongside Italian celebrity chef Antonio Cannavacciuolo.
Other anticipated Chinese titles include the coming-of-age animated film I Am What I Am by Sun Haipeng and Jia Ling’s heartwarming comedy Hi, Mom, which was a top-grossing movie in 2021.
Film screenings aside, the festival is also hosting a series of Asia-focused cultural events such as Asian cuisine masterclasses, cultural talks, and exhibitions featuring Asian artists.
Cover image via FEFF’s official website
