Top Asian Films to Watch at Doc Edge 2024

Doc Edge returns this year featuring 66 local and international films, and the Asia Media Centre is closely monitoring all the films related to Asia and Asian topics.

And So It Begins: the cost of speaking truth to power. Photos: DocEdge.

And So It Begins (Philippines)

In her latest film, director Diaz captures another chapter in the enduring saga of the Philippines as the authoritarian rule of President Rodrigo Duterte nears its conclusion. The film provides unparalleled access to all the major figures in the lead-up to the 2022 presidential election. Diaz employs her sharp observational skills and deep understanding of the socio-political context to explore new forms of narrative as acts of political disruption.

Set amid the Covid pandemic, the film tells a dynamic story of a vibrant resistance movement that challenges the growing threat of autocracy with an exuberant collective spirit. By intertwining various stories during a no-holds-barred race for the country’s highest office, Diaz crafts a striking cinematic portrayal of a nation struggling for its very essence.

Devi: A rebel warrior, a mother, and a sexual violence survivor. Photo: Devidocumentary.com

Devi (Nepal)

Devi, 17, was arrested in 1997 and suspected of being a rebel. She was beaten and raped while in detention. A civil war had just started. Rebel leaders identified her as a rape 'victim'. Devi struggled with despair and social ostracism, joined the rebel frontlines, and progressed through the ranks, eventually becoming a member of parliament when the conflict ended. The film is shot as an immersive verité, following Devi as she consolidates the testimonies of survivors. As she confronts her old lawyer and counsellor, the film delves into highly personal and vulnerable scenes. Devi reconstructs and erases history in her diary, using archives and sweeping imagery to reinvent fate.

Dissidents: Even Exile is Not Safe. Photo: Doc Edge

Dissidents (China/US)

China stands out as one of the most assertive governments in persecuting dissenters beyond its borders, from harassing family members in their homeland to disrupting protests and conducting surveillance on critics overseas. The film tracks three dissidents in America who persist in their struggle for democracy.

A sculpture by an artist is destroyed, a protester faces criminal charges, and a democracy movement suffers a brutal assault. Using close-up observational footage, extensive archival content, and an investigative method, the documentary exposes the global suppression exerted by an authoritarian regime against dissidents striving to sustain democracy during its most challenging times.

Invisible Nation: Taiwan's troubled past and uncertain future come into focus. Photo: Doc Edge

Invisible Nation (Taiwan/US)

With exclusive access to Taiwan’s incumbent president, director Hope delves into the election and presidency of Tsai Ing-wen, Taiwan's first female leader. The film presents a detailed and tense exploration of Tsai's diplomatic navigation amid the immense pressures from both the U.S. and China, all while holding the aspirations of her people.

Amidst global concerns like Russia's invasion of Ukraine, which highlights the constant threat from authoritarian regimes, the documentary emphasizes Taiwan's ongoing fight for sovereignty and its robust democratic values against external intimidation.

Invisible Summit: Reaching the top is only half the battle. Photo: Doc Edge

Invisible Summit (China/Nepal)

Zhang Hong, born into poverty in China and blinded at age 21, is a relentless go-getter. While his wife longs for tranquility, Hong is driven to succeed to validate himself and improve his family's circumstances. Currently working as a blind masseur in Tibet—a common profession for the disabled in China—the 45-year-old is embarking on an extraordinary challenge: climbing Mount Everest. After five years of preparation, he is ready to attempt this feat, hoping it will change his fortunes.

Rather Be Ashes Than Dust: When fear dictates, objectivity retreats. Photo: Doc Edge

Rather Be Ashes Than Dust (Hong Kong)

What challenges do journalists encounter when reporting on the escalating global crises such as war, civil unrest, famine, and hunger? Faced with government oppression and injustice, should they maintain neutrality? What options do they have when governments oppose them?

Though not typically categorized among the most perilous professions, journalists have faced death, abduction, imprisonment, assaults, and accusations of espionage while on duty.

Set against the backdrop of the 2019 Hong Kong protest movement, this film tracks a Hong Kong video-journalist as he narrates his experiences during the protests, culminating in his decision to leave Hong Kong.

This year, from June 19 to July 14, 2024, the films will be screened in three key cities.

Locations include:
- Alice Cinema, Christchurch
- Lumiere Cinemas B, Christchurch
- The Capitol Cinema, Auckland
- The Roxy Cinema 1, Wellington.

From July 15 to 31, during the third week of July, all films will also be available for virtual viewing on the Doc Edge website.

-Asia Media Centre

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