Asian Cinema at Edinburgh International Film Festival

Yes, it's that time of year again and the Edinburgh International Film Festival is back once more with another typically diverse collection of films on offer. This time they have a number of eagerly awaited Asian movies making their UK premiere:

First up from Japan:

• 100 Yen Love - Sakura Ando starring boxing drama in which a directionless young woman finds herself through becoming a prize fighter. Screening on 22nd June 20.30 / 28th June 13.15
• La La La at Rock Bottom - latest film from Linda, Linda, Linda director Nobuhiro Yamashita in which a recently released ex-con loses his memory and ends up becoming the lead singer of a rock band. Screening on 26th June 18.00 / 27th June 13.15
• Kyoto Elegy - this directorial debut from Kiki Sugino is a clever take on classical Japanese "women's cinema". Screening on 27th June 20.30 / 28th June 16.05  
• Makeup Room - soon to be released in the UK by Third Window Films, the action for this film takes place entirely in the makeup room for a porn shoot. Screening on  20th June 20.45 /  22nd June 18.00
• Our Family - latest movie from Yuya Ishii (Sawako Decides, The Great Passage, A Man With Style) which takes him back to his family drama roots. Screening on 20th June 17.55 / 21st June 18.00
• Parasyte: Part 1 - the first of two films adapting Hitoshi Iwaaki's hit manga starring Shota Sometani (Himizu, Wood Job, Lesson of Evil). Screening on 25th June 23.00 /  26th June 20.45

China:

• Paradise in Service - coming of age story set in a Taiwanese brothel in 1960s and 70s. Screening on 24th June 18.00 / 26th June 20.35
• It's Already Tomorrow in Hong Kong - American indie co-production about a couple who meet in Hong Kong. Screening on 19th June 20.20 / 21st June 15.55
• Brotherhood of Blades - Chinese period action adventure film directed by Lu Yang. Screening on 24th June 20.35 / 26th June 18.10 
• The Iron Ministry - documentary exploration of modern China told through its railways.

Thailand

• How to Win at Checkers Every Time - coming of age tale as 21 year old Oat faces the national service lettery

That rounds out the movies but the festival also has one very special event lined up - an in person interview with Hong Kong director Johnnie To preceded by his film Exiled. 24th June - Exiled screening 18.05, Interview 20.45 (tickets sold separately, discounted joint ticket available).

Tickets are on sale to members from noon today (27 May 2015) directly from the Edinburgh Filmhouse website and public booking will open on Friday 29th May. For further information on all of these films and the festival in general keep an eye on the official Edinburgh International Film Festival Website and we'll be sure to bring you all the latest news as we get it.