These are our five recommended Asian films from the Santa Barbara International Film Festival, taking place from February 7 – 17, 2024 in Santa Barbara, USA.

Andragogy by Wregas Bhanuteja – Indonesia | 2023 – 111 minutes

Prani, a middle school counselor, faces public backlash when a viral video exposes her controversial disciplinary actions. Amidst family troubles and societal scrutiny, she fights for justice whilst shielding her husband from knowing. (SBIFF 2024)

Trailer:

Ashima by Kenji Tsukamoto – USA | 2023 – 86 minutes

A year in the life of thirteen-year-old elite rock climber Ashima Shiraishi as she balances fame, career, and trying to be a regular kid. The film follows Ashima as she travels from New York to South Africa—and a stopover in Spain—with her father coaching her as she boldly climbs precarious boulders. (SBIFF 2024)

City of Wind by Lkhagvadulam Purev-Ochir – Mongolia, Portugal, Netherlands, Germany, Qatar, France | 2023 – 103 minutes

Ze is a timid seventeen-year-old shaman. He studies hard at school to succeed in the cold, callous society of modern Mongolia, while communing with his ancestral spirit to help those in his community. But when Ze encounters Maralaa, his senses are awakened and another reality seems possible. (SBIFF 2024)

Trailer:

Green Night by Han Shuai – Hong Kong | 2023 – 92 minutes

Trapped in a life of oppression under her Korean husband, a Chinese woman sets out on a thrilling adventure with a mysterious green-haired girl. (SBIFF 2024)

Trailer:

Mimang by Kim Tae-yang – Korea | 2023 – 92 minutes

MIMANG tells the story of a long relationship and the eventual changes and distance. Follow along, almost as if eavesdropping, as a young man and woman meet by chance and stroll through Seoul’s changing streets, reminiscing about love and loss.

Trailer:

More information: https://sbiff.org