Full Breakdown
Focus Asia Unveils 2026 Project Lineup at Far East Film Festival
4/14/2026, 6:10:43 AM
Overview of Focus Asia 2026
Focus Asia, the industry segment of the Far East Film Festival (FEFF), has announced its complete lineup for the 2026 edition, featuring 13 projects for the All Genres Project Market and six titles for Far East in Progress. The event is scheduled to take place from April 27 to 29 in Udine, Italy, and includes a new post-production prize supported by Bangkok-based White Light Studio.
Selected Projects for All Genres Project Market
The All Genres Project Market selection was made by a seven-member committee from over 120 submissions across 24 countries. The chosen projects encompass a variety of genres, including drama, coming-of-age, art-house, magical realism, crime, sci-fi, and fantasy. Notable titles include:
- “A Way to Etretat” (South Korea) directed by Su-Won Shin
- “Adarna” (Spain) directed by Lois Patiño
- “Dear Son An” (Vietnam/Germany) directed by Kim Quy Bui
- “Holy Mother” (Indonesia) directed by Sinung Winahyoko
- “I Have to Fuck Before the World Ends” (Italy/Philippines/France) directed by Andrea Benjamin Manenti
- “Naked in Glendale” (China/U.S.) directed by Haohao Yan
- “New Life” (China) directed by Yingtong Li
- “Noodles, Our Love Was Instant and Forever” (Philippines) directed by Whammy Alcazaren
- “Route 7” (Japan) directed by Jinrung Chun
- “Snake in the Dreamscapes” (Taiwan) directed by Lou Yi An
- “Somewhere in the South” (Malaysia/Singapore) directed by Ce Ding Tan
- “UFO Club” (Japan) directed by Milena Kaneko
- “Wake Me Up When the Mourning Ends” (Hong Kong/Italy/Malaysia) directed by Kok Rui Lau
Titles in Far East in Progress
The six titles selected for Far East in Progress, which focuses on Asian films in post-production seeking international distribution, include:
- “Doppel” (Japan/Italy) directed by Jun Tanaka
- “Good Death” (Japan/Taiwan/Poland) directed by Atsushi Funahashi
- “Midnight Sun” (U.S./France) directed by Zhejian Michael Cong
- “Picturehouse” (France/Vietnam/Singapore/Philippines) directed by Nghiem-Minh Nguyen-Vo
- “Sanamsar” (Mongolia) directed by Bat-Amgalan Lkhagvajav
- “The Quiet Applause” (South Korea) directed by Sungbin Byun
A new award, the White Light/Focus Asia Award, valued at $20,000 in professional post-production services, will be given to the strongest project from both the All Genres Market and Far East in Progress.
Institutional Support and New Initiatives
The Italian Ministry of Culture continues to be the primary institutional supporter of Focus Asia, with additional backing from Cinecittà, which provides organizational support and hosts a special opening-night reception. The Italian Trade Agency ICE aims to enhance the participation of senior Asian decision-makers at the market. New programming for 2026 includes a Think Tank on animation, a Box Office Study panel, and a session on vertical content, reflecting the evolving landscape of digital distribution.
Conclusion
The 2026 edition of Focus Asia is anticipated to attract over 200 industry delegates from Europe, Asia, and Canada, showcasing the growing collaboration and interest in Asian cinema on the international stage.
