"52Hz, I Love You,” the latest cinematic production from Taiwanese filmmaker Wei Te-sheng (魏德聖) that is named after the fabled world's loneliest whale, and other original Taiwanese films are set to headline the 12th Osaka Asian Film Festival from March 3 through 12.
The "52Hz” in the movie title refers to the unusual frequency with which one "off-tune” whale attempts to locate its brethren. Unfortunately, this pitch is of a much higher frequency than that used by whales with similar migration patterns, leading scientists to conclude that the 52-hertz Whale may be the only individual emitting a whale call at this pitch.
Wei said that he believes the plight of the 52-hertz Whale may echo those of isolated urban dwellers who are similarly unable to find a mate. The director added that beyond the 30 to 40 age group sandwiched between familial and social pressure to start a family, he also dedicates the film to those battling stigmatism for same-sex partnerships.
Osaka will also showcase "After Spring, the Tamaki Family… (海的彼端),” which explores the past and present of those "stateless people” who immigrated from Taiwan to Okinawa during World War II, and "Yamato (大和),” a four-way drama production among Japan, Taiwan, the Netherlands, and the United States about a teenage girl living close to the Yamato US military base north of Tokyo.
What's more, "10,000 Miles (一萬公里的約定)” by filmmaker Simon Hung (洪昇揚) has been selected by the official competition and is a running contender for the Grand Prix and Most Promising Talent awards. The story is loosely based on the early life of Taiwanese endurance athlete and Silk Road Ultramarathon veteran Kevin Lin (林義傑).
Read more about the Taiwanese lineup for the 12th Osaka Asian Film Festival here: http://www.oaff.jp/2017/en/program/index.html.