Films are always a unique way of crossing cultural boundaries, as movies are among the most efficient tools to depict societies and culture.

This year 11 films were selected by the Asian Consulates General Club (ACGC) to present the culture and tradition of Asian countries. Showcasing the diversity of the international community in Jeddah, the 6th Asian Film Festival began March 21, at the Malaysian consulate, inaugurated by the feature film “29 February.”

The 11-day festival featured different films and documentaries from Bangladesh, China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Pakistan, Philippines, Singapore and Sri Lanka screened at four venues.

‘29 February’ captured the essence of Malaysian culture and traditions in a colorful depiction. The film portrays the life of Budi whose birthday falls on Feb. 29. It shows how he deals with his fate, including the death of his family and his beloved, a Chinese girl named Lily, while in the backdrop viewers are given a preview of the enormous changes that occurred in Malaysia over the past two decades.

The movie from the Philippines called Baler primarily relays a love story set in the twilight years of the Spanish regime in the Philippines. The story revolves around the daughter of a rebel commander, Anne Curtis, and Celso a half Spanish soldier, who struggle to keep their forbidden love alive despite familial and political tensions, culminating in an almost yearlong blockade known as the Siege of Baler.

“Love is difficult in times of war,” said Lope, a Filipino solider also serving the Spanish army, is a simple yet poignant statement that summarizes the hardships of war for young lovers.

Another movie that also delves into the issue of impossible relationships is the Indian film entitled Barfee, which was a hit among the 200 viewers that evening. The film tackles the theme of breaking society’s constructs regarding what constitutes a normal and abnormal love relationship, by sharing the stories of three young people including a deaf boy.

The Korean Consul General Shin Young-gi welcomed the guests and diplomats on the occasion of the Korean movie night hosted at his residence. Pacemaker is a Korean family drama about the dreams of a marathon runner, who ran all his life as pacemaker for other runners but rises to the challenge of completing the 42.195 km race.

A national athlete, who has no aspirations for a medal or fame, defies all expectations for a personal dream, to win the marathon once for himself.

Commenting on the film, director Kim Dal-Joong, says, “We are all someone’s pacemakers.”

The Sri-Lankan film “Sakman maluwa” (The garden) is a family drama relating a love triangle involving an aging husband, his young wife and the husband’s younger brother.

On the occasion of the Pakistani movie screening, Aftar Khokhar, the Pakistani consul general welcomed his community members and fellow Asian brothers, and invited them to enjoy a journey of spiritual meaning with the movie Kashf.

Kashf, which means unveiling, is a story of universal relevance, exploring basic human questions such as who are we and why are we on Earth.

Meanwhile, the Japanese film “Shodo Girls” casted its magic on the audience at the residence of Jun Yoshida, the Japanese consul general on Mar. 31. The movie is a breathtaking artistic exploration of calligraphy and music. As the protagonist Satoko is mesmerized by the art of calligraphy painting, the viewers find themselves propelled into that creative world as well.

Following the footsteps of Ang Lee’s “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon”, Chinese director, Chen Kaige delivers an outstanding film based on a myth.

The promise is a movie that depicts the story of a week slave called Kunlun, who knows nothing about his past, but possesses a natural gift. The ambitious general Guangming admires Kunlun’s seemingly magical speed and captures him, to send him on a special mission for the Crimson Army.

Based on a popular Bangladeshi novel, the movie Daruchini Dip was screened at the Indonesian Consul General’s residence on Apr. 2. The story revolves around university students, their problems and aspirations to go on a holiday to Saint Martin Island (Daruchini Dip). The movie is a lighthearted and entertaining.

Today the Singaporean film “My Magic” will be presented. The movie captures the story of a former magician and his son. It is a beautiful account of the strong emotional bonds between a son and a single parent.

The last festival film will be screened on tomorrow San Pemimpi (The Dreamer) will take the audience on an unforgettable journey of dreams, genuine love and friendship.

The film festival will conclude with delicious food, representing the hospitality and authentic cuisine of all the member countries.

[email protected]