Musicals, dramas, comedies, and thrillers are just some of the genres coming Chicago’s way from overseas during the ninth season of Asian Pop-Up Cinemas. For another month between September 10th to October 10th, the non-profit Sophie’s Choice film organization has brought another eclectic slate to the Windy City. Each season, Asian Pop-Up Cinema is the film series that cultivates American interest and understanding of Asian culture through movie storytelling. 

This season’s seventeen thoughtfully curated films, many making their Chicago premiere, represent authenticty and high art. Each week of this season highlights a different geographic location. Screenings are spread across AMC River East 21, the Gene Siskel Film Center, Harold Washington Library Center, Alliance Française de Chicago, the Chinese-American Museum, Illinois Institute of Technology, School of the Art Institute, and Midwest Buddhist Temple.

Some upcoming features for Season Nine include four musicals that call back to the Hollywood era of the genre. Spot the influences in Japan’s Can’t Stop the Dancing, South Korea’s Swing Kids, Hong Kong’s Office and the Philippines’ Miss Granny. October is Filipino American History Month and the film offerings follow suit to celebrate. The schedule features two award-winning films Signal Rock and Miss Granny from the Philippines. Also fitting the calendar, the popular “Movie with Mooncakes” free screening returns with a showing with internationally known Zhang Yimou’s spectacular Shadow to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival.

Season Nine will also honor one of Hong Kong’s legendary stars, Kenneth Tsang Kong (The Attorney) with the Lifetime Achievement Award; and the notable Philippines actor Christian Bables (Signal Rock) with the Bright Star Award. Award ceremonies will take place on the same night of their screenings.

Full film details, trailers, plus information on special guests, are below and available at www.asianpopupcinema.org.

Tickets for Asian Pop-Up Cinema — Season Nine are on sale now. Individual tickets range from $8-$15, with discounts available for seniors and students at AMC. Other non-AMC screenings are either admissions free or donation at $10 basis. A limited number of free tickets are available to students on a first-come, first-served basis. All tickets and events info are available at www.asianpopupcinema.org/tickets

ABOUT SOPHIA’S CHOICE / ASIAN POP-UP CINEMA

Asian Pop-Up Cinema, a semi-annual Asian Film Festival, is the brainchild of Sophia Wong Boccio, founder of Sophia’s Choice, a Chicago-based 501 C (3) not-for-profit incorporated in 2015 with the multi-pronged mission of cultivating an interest in and understanding of Asian cultures via a diverse offering of Asian films; connecting the Asian film industry with local Chicago film professionals, educators and students; and promoting Chicago as a destination for international visitors.

ASIAN POP-UP CINEMA — SEASON NINE SPONSORS & PARTNERS

Hong Kong Economic & Trade Office, New York; ADG Group; Choose Chicago; BMO Harris; Korean Film Council; Japan Information Center; Illinois Institute of Technology; Gene Siskel Film Center and Host Hotel: The Whitehall Hotel