Cinema has the power to transform perspectives, broadening our imagination and deepening our understanding of diverse cultures and human experiences. As the Lunar New Year brings about “Transformative Beginnings” this Year of the Wood Snake, Shangri-La Plaza showcases enriching narratives from world cinema with the 19th Spring Film Festival, the most celebrated Chinese-Filipino festival, at Cinema 3 in Red Carpet Cinemas from January 29 to February 2.
Made possible in partnership with the 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, the 2025 edition of the film festival focuses on four must-see films that cover themes like personal breakthroughs and growth, mirroring the transformative energy of the Year of the Wood Snake.
The first in the lineup is Where’s the Dragon?, a 2015 animated comedy film directed by Foo Sing-Choong. Featuring the voice of celebrated Chinese star Zhang Ziyi, the children’s movie centers on a brave 10-year-old girl named Jen who must work with the legendary Zodiac Animals to find the Dragon, restore order to the world, and save humanity. Where’s the Dragon? opens the film fest on January 29 at 4PM and is scheduled for another screening on February 1 at 7PM.
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 7PM, January 30 at 4PM, and February 2 at 4PM.
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 7PM and February 1 at 4PM.
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 7PM.
The Spring Film Festival is also promoting Chinese traditional arts at the Grand Atrium with the Chinese Calligraphy Workshop on February 1 at 1PM 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 5PM. 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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