Samurai Marathon

Q&A with Bernard Rose and Nana Komatsu; Nana Komatsu will receive the Screen International Rising Star Asia Award

British director Bernard Rose (Immortal Beloved), producer Jeremy Thomas, and composer Philip Glass bring Japanese history to exhilarating life with this lavish jidaigeki (period drama), set against the 1850s arrival of the infamous “black ships” that prompted an end to Japan’s centuries of isolation. When feudal lord Itakura Katsuakira decides to prepare his samurai troops for the onslaught of modernization by having them compete in a marathon, his independent-minded daughter Yuki (Nana Komatsu, in a breakout role) secretly joins the race. Things get complicated when the shogun’s spies mistake the run for an uprising and send in a squad of assassins to quell it.

Want more out of opening night? Add the “Night Market” to your screening ticket! The New York Asian Film Festival kicks off every year with its signature Night Market, taking place from 9:30pm-11:30pm. Inspired by the bustling bazaars that are a staple in countries such as Taiwan, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Thailand, etc., this event follows the festival’s opening night film with delicious food from New York City’s best and brightest Asian restaurants, including Olive BBQ Chicken (Korean Fried Chicken), Zai Lai (Homestyle Taiwanese Food), Karlsballs (Tako-yaki), Twin Marquis (Dumplings and Noodles); a prime beverage and dessert selection; and live music—all against the backdrop of an Asian cinema-themed art gallery.