Apartment 1303, directed by Ataru Oikawa, 2007, JapanWhile celebrating her new apartment with her friends, a young woman suddenly and inexplicably leaps from the balcony, killing herself. Unconvinced that it was a suicide, the victim's sister searches for the sinister truth behind the tragedy. Her investigation into the apartment reveals a dark history and the existence of an unspeakable, powerful evil. What fate awaits the next tenant in this tale of terror?
Autumn Moon (Qiu Yue ), directed by Clara Law, 1992, Japan
When Japanese tourist Tokio travels to Hong Kong, he unexpectedly begins a relationship with 15-year-old Wai, a Chinese girl who cares for her ailing grandmother. Wai invites Tokio for a home-cooked meal, sparking a new friendship. As her family prepares to immigrate to Canada, Wai forms a surprising bond with the young man. This tender coming-of-age story explores the differences in Asian cultures and the joys and sorrows of young love.
Carnival in the Night, directed by Masashi Yamamoto, 1982, Japan
Punk rocker Kumi Ota (Kumiko Ota) leaves her son with her ex-husband and embarks on a long, strange trip through the underbelly of early 1980s Tokyo in this mishmash of narrative and documentary from indie maverick Masashi Yamamota. Featuring a cast of locals from the Japanese punk scene, Yamamota's cult hit is shot in gritty 16 mm black-and-white. The film was an official selection at the Berlin International Film Festival.
The Third Heaven (Los 3 Cielos) directed by Octavio Gasca Holguin, 2007, Japan
The ghost of a young man observes and protects a living woman named Doris in this delightful Mexican drama. Though Doris can't see him, the ghost has fallen in love and spends his time keeping an eye on her as she goes about her daily life. Originally enchanted by her beauty, he grows to love her spirit as well, and as he waits for the eventual day when she'll join him in the afterlife, he considers the meaning of life and love.
Scrap Heaven, directed by Sang-il Lee, 2007, Japan
Humiliated and dejected by his failure to handle a bloody bus hijacking, desk cop Shingo (Ryo Kase) is easily coaxed by one of the victims, Tetsu (Jô Odagiri), into taking part in an underground revenge-for-hire operation. Scribbling on bathroom walls to advertise their business, Shingo and Tetsu journey down a dangerous path and discover who they truly are. Director Sang-il Lee's stylish thriller also stars Chiaki Kuriyama of Kill Bill fame.
Tequila 5, directed by Luis Monterrubio, 2005, Mexico
Love is like a shot of tequila -- strong, hot and intoxicating. For four lonely singles living in Monterrey, Mexico, love will not only make them drunk with passion, it will give them courage to do the impossible and experience something beautiful. That is, until the day love makes them desperate, miserable and downright crazy! Luis Felipe Ibarra stars in this modern-day romance where love tastes great, even when it's hard to swallow.
The Orchestra of Piazza Vittorio, directed by Agostino Ferrente, 2006, Italy
After rounding up musicians from a thriving immigrant neighborhood in Rome to create the eclectic Orchestra di Piazza Vittorio, filmmaker Agostino Ferrente captured their heartwarming individual stories in this captivating documentary. The film reveals that, for many members of the group -- which is made up of Muslims, Jews, Christians, Hindus and atheists from 11 countries -- making music is as second nature as breathing.
Traces of Stones (Spur der Steine), directed by Frank Beyer,1966, Germany
A married East German Communist Party secretary finds himself disgraced, his morals scrutinized and his career in shambles after his affair with a young woman is exposed. Meanwhile, a construction foreman -- who happens to be an outspoken critic of the government -- professes his love for the woman, sparking a complicated love triangle. Banned for 25 years, this 1966 drama released after Germany's reunification met with critical acclaim.
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