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Asean film festival and exhibit
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MALLGOERS will have the rare opportunity to see some of Southeast
Asia's most critically acclaimed films in the Asean Film Festival,
which will be held from August 10-13 at The Podium Cinema.

The film festival is in line with the celebration of 39th Anniversary
of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean), and the
upcoming assumption of the Philippine's chairmanship of the Asean
this August. During the same time, there will be an exhibit on
Southeast Asian Art Forms in The Podium's Lounge area.

The films include the silent Filipino film "Maicling Pelikula ng
Ysang Indio Nacional"; Thailand's "The Overture"; and
Cambodia's "Raja Bori," a film by HRH Prince Samdech Krom Preah
Norodom Rannariddh; Singapore's "Singapore Gaga"; Indonesia's "Gie,"
Malaysia's "Potianak Harum Sandal Malam"; Laos' "Lessons in Life"';
and Brunei's "The Caring King." There are also documentaries from
Vietnam in the line-up: "The Hardship of Sand," "The Letters on Sea
Waves," "The Trumpet," and "The Ancient Dance."

Set in the 1980s, the Philippines' "Maicling Pelikula ng Ysang Indio
Nacional," is a silent film directed by Raya Martin with music by
Khwan de la Cruz. The film tells the story of a child bell ringer who
is torn between his duties to the Spanish state and to his Filipino
heritage; the struggles of a pubescent caught in the growing
pressures of the revolution and an actor in a rural community
escaping his troubles soul.

Cambodia's "Raja Bor" tells the story of a young boy and girl who
grow up in awe of the Angkor Wat, one of Cambodia's most sacred
temples. As adults, they are forced to confront the fact that
smugglers in search of valuable artifacts are destroying many of the
ancient Khmer temples. The film is written, produced, and directed by
HRH Prince Samdech Kron Preah Norodom Rinariddh, and celebrates the
real culture, tradition, and civilization of Cambodia.

Thailand's "Overture" revolves around music as it follows gifted
musician Sorn from childhood to old age; from music competitions at
village festivals to a defiant act of protest against the suppression
of Thai music during the years of the Pacific war.

Directed by Thailand's Itthisoontorn Vichailak, "Overture" is based
on the life of Luang Pradit Pairoh, who played the ra-nad-ek (Thai
saxophone). He was the most revered music master during the reigns of
King Rama V, King Rama VI, and King Rama VII.

"Singapore Gaga," the latest work by award winning film maker Tan Pin
Pin, is a whimsical portrait of Singapore through its music and
sounds. It features performances of train announcements (Eating and
drinking not allowed on the stations and trains). Madrasah school
cheers and a performance by avante garde toy pianist Margaret Leng
Tang, among others. It is a tapestry of montages, songs, and cinema
verite vignettes lovingly stitches together.

Indonesia's "Gie" is based on the story of a central yet unknown
political activist/writer in the `60s, the darkest era of Indonesian
history. His life is a clash between the high drama of political
events, and the small world of friendship and romance. He is falling
apart when he sees his constant battle for justice and truth gives
way to another dictatorial regime. As time passes by, the people
around him adjust to the new regime, but he continues to fight. His
uncompromised idealism drives people away. His friends � and even the
woman he loves � reject him. Only the beauty of nature can rescue and
free him. "Gie" is directed by Riri Riza.

Laos's "Lessons in Life" tells the tale of a poor teenage girl, Noi,
who is convinced by a woman in her community to move to Thailand for
a job. After suffering abuse, she escapes with the help of Thai and
Lao authorities, and in the end takes a small boat across the Mekong
River back to Laos.

Screening schedules are as follows: on August 10- "Singapore Gaga" at
9 p.m.; and on August 11 � "Raja Bori," "The Hardship of the
Sand," "The Letters on Sea Waves," "The Trumpet," "The Caring
Monarch," "Gie," and "Pontianak II." Weekend screenings are as
follows: August 12 � "The Hardship of Sand," "The Letters on Sea
Waves," "The Trumpet," "The Caring Monarch," "The
Overture," "Pontianak II," and "Gie"; and August 13 � "Raja
Bori," "Singapore Gaga," and "The Overture." All screenings begin at
1 p.m. and are open to the public.