We take a look at the Asian films that will be screened at Melbourne Documentary Film Festival (Australia) which will take place in cinemas from July 21 – 30 2023, and online from July 1 – 31, 2023.

Note: the list includes movies made by filmmakers with Asian ancestry or films produced in/about Asia.

In the early 1940s, director Orson Welles navigates his meteoric Hollywood rise. As WWII begins, a Japanese American boy visits abroad, and an African American soldier enlists in the army. As the story heads towards 1947, each character follows their own ambitions in search of their American identity.

American is a compilation of stories leading to the year 1947. The tone of the film is split into two halves, with the first half being about the romantic rise of a great American director, and the second half transitioning into the realities of race and life in the Jim Crow era. In the end, as one American returns home, another American is forced into exile.

All across the globe, Chinatowns are under threat of disappearing – and along with them, the rich history of a community who fought from the margins for a place to belong. Big Fight in Little Chinatown will document the collective fight to save Chinatowns across North America.

Trailer:

Against the backdrop of civil war in the poverty-stricken Central African Republic, a Chinese construction manager and a local African laborer work on opposite ends of the sand supply chain to build a bank. Attempted suicide, failed coup, shutdown of sand market… as deadlines loom, unexpected twists threaten their jobs, relationships, and plans for a better life

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The legacy of Cambodia’s most famous singer lives on years after his death during the Cambodian Genocide.

As the most famous Cambodian artist to ever live, the film touches on the outstanding musical achievements he accomplished during his life. However, it is in the years that followed his passing that we shine the brightest light.

As we delve into the legacy of his music, we discover both the personal endeavors of his family to protect it, and socially, the influence it has had on the spiritual, intellectual and cultural growth and healing of millions of Cambodians worldwide.

An existential journey through the power of healing with enigmatic frontman Damo Suzuki.

Trailer:

A master of Japanese drumming and a Korean adoptee from Minnesota boldly convene an all-female troupe to perform Taiko, the Japanese drumming art that has been off-limits to women for centuries. As the early menace of Covid rumbles in the background, the group faces down hurdles to prepare for a historic performance in snowy St. Paul. Buoyed by dynamic drum performances and do-or-die spirit, FINDING HER BEAT is an energizing and uplifting story of music, cultural expression and sisterhood.

In Singapore there are stilted fish farms dotted along the coast, called Kelongs. Once numbered more than 45, only four remain.

Following Kai and his kelong we see a millennial who gave up his cushy office job to hustle out in the open sea, we learn about the uphill battle to keep traditional fish farming alive – with one key idea at the core “bridging the gap between locals and local seafood”. Sadly the number of kelongs is dropping as they are run mostly by the older generation, with little or no government support. This story is aimed at highlighting the struggle Kai and his community are facing, using the nuances and intricacies of Singaporean culture as backdrop. As well as showcasing the challenges Kai faced upon entering an industry that is so often forgotten by locals.

Education is a rarity for girls in rural Cambodia where Sineang Seab, the daughter of poor civil war survivors grew up. Despite her high academic and professional achievements, Sineang’s defining journey is a triumph over self doubt. ‘Sineang’ was produced with the support of Cambodia Rural Students Trust and Swinburne University PAVE.

Trang Bang, South Vietnam, June 8, 1972. The air force mistakenly drops napalm bombs on a temple sheltering civilians. Among the group of journalists who witnessed the tragedy, the young photographer Nick Ut took the photo of his life that day. In his lens, a naked little girl, trying to escape the flames that were devouring her. This photo, which embodies the “hell of Vietnam”, has been seen around the world; it continues to haunt Kim Phuc’s life every day for the past 50 years, and she has become the “little girl with napalm”.

More information: https://mdff.org.au/