The 19th Spring Film Festival, a Chinese-Filipino festival, will be held at Shangri-La Plaza from January 29 to February 2, 2025. The festival, partnered with Ateneo de Manila University Ricardo Leong Center for Chinese Studies, Ateneo Celadon, Embassy of the Republic of China, and Film Development Council of the Philippines, will feature four films focusing on personal breakthroughs and growth. The first film is Where’s the Dragon?, a 2015 animated comedy about a 10-year-old girl named Jen who must work with Zodiac Animals to find the Dragon and save humanity. The festival will open on January 29 at 4 PM and run until February 1 at 7 PM.
Written and directed by Adrian Kwan, Find Your Voice is a 2020 Hong Kong drama film about a group of troubled students given one last chance to avoid expulsion: joining a choir trial program for an intercollegiate competition. Their journey of self-discovery begins when a world-renowned conductor, played by Hong Kong superstar Andy Lau, steps in to be their mentor. Catch Find Your Voice on January 29 at 7 PM, January 30 at 4 PM, and February 2 at 4 PM.
Spanning three decades, two generations, and three cities, Somewhere Winter (2019), directed by Wang Weiming, explores the enduring love between An Ran, a student at Beijing Normal University, and Qi Xiao, a Taiwanese photographer. Adapted from the best-selling novel by Rao Xueman, the poignant romance movie portrays the emotional complexities of a relationship torn apart by family dynamics and political shifts. Somewhere Winter hits the Red Carpet Cinemas on January 30 at 7 PM and February 1 at 4 PM.
The 2023 Hong Kong comedy drama One More Chance directed by Anthony Pun completes the festival’s 2025 lineup. It features renowned actor Chow Yun-fat who plays the role of Fai, a compulsive gambler who finds a new purpose when he’s given the chance to connect with his autistic son. See One More Chance on the big screen on January 31 and February 2, both at 7 PM.
The Spring Film Festival is also promoting Chinese traditional arts at the Grand Atrium with the Chinese Calligraphy Workshop on February 1 at 1 PM and a wushu exhibition featuring Filipino wushu athlete Agatha Wong, who’s a five-time gold medalist in the Southeast Asian Games, and the Wushu Federation of the Philippines on February 2 at 5 PM. While at it, make sure to sample some snacks and other goodies at the Spring Bazaar on February 1 and 2.
Ring in the Lunar New Year with a deeper appreciation for world cinema and Chinese culture. Don’t miss the 19th Spring Film Festival at Shangri-La Plaza for free only from January 29 to February 2!
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