Canaria (2018), dir. Daishi Matsunaga
Matsunaga first gained international attention for his 2009 documentary film Pyuupiru 2001-2008" which follows the life of a transgender artist. His first narrative film, Pieta in the Toilet, was released nationwide in Japan in 2015 to great success. His entry in this festival, Canaria, tells a story of loss, sorrow, and new life at a cattle farm in rural Japan.
Benjamin’s Last Day at Katong Swimming Complex (2017), dir. Yee-Wei Chai
One of Singapore's most prolific film directors, Chai has four international feature films under his belt in the horror, comedy and music genres. His entry in this festival, Benjamin's Last Day At Katong Swimming Complex, received the Grand Prix George Lucas Award at the Tokyo Short Shorts Film Festival & Asia 2018.
The Human Face (2017), dir. Aline Pimentel
In this short documentary directed by Aline Pimentel, viewers are invited to experience what is behind every wrinkle on the human face. By considering each and every mark on his sculptures, special make-up effects and hypperrealist sculptor Kazuhiro Tsuji, 2018 Academy Award winner for Makeup in Darkest Hour (2017), transforms a superficial mask into a window to the soul and gives meaning to his own life.
Lies (2015), dir. Naomi Kawase
Kawase's films explore 'reality' while crossing the boundaries of documentary and fiction. She has received international recognition and many awards, such as the Grand Prix at the Festival de Cannes, and she was the first Japanese member selected to sit on the jury at Cannes.