WHY ASIAN CINEMA

Summer '06, the NoDa Film Festival celebrated the amazingly rich world of Asian cinema. There's something for everyone – from the jaw-dropping frantic kung-fu films to serene coming of age stories. We showcased both classic directors like Akira Kurosawa and hip newer films like Chungking Express and Battle Royale.

If you're new to the wonders of Asian cinema, you wouldn't believe the marvels that practically jump off the big screen. This isn't Hollywood fare in another language – it's a singular and sophisticated film culture, one that has American filmmakers desperately trying to play catch up. And if you're already an Asian film enthusiast, we had many hard-to-find gems that you couldn't find anywhere else!

Jeff Jackson
Director, NoDa Film Festival