Everything is ready in Udine for the 19th edition of the Far East Film Festival, Europe’s largest festival dedicated to the popular cinema of the Far East! From 21 - 29 April, there will be 83 films screened (including Herman Yau’s adrenaline-pumping Shock Wave), 12 planets explored, 4 world premieres, 12 international premieres, 25 European ones and 22 Italian ones, which gives a good idea of the incredible vitality of Asian cinema.

For the occasion, Udine will become a “magnet”, and not just for film buffs: for 9 days there will be a festival within the festival, transforming the city into an outpost of Asian Style, thanks to the Far East Events offering no less than 100 attractions throughout the heart of the city.

In addition to FEFF Market, which hosts Asian-themed stalls in the first weekend of the festival (21-23 April) and the best creations of local designers in the second weekend (28-30 April), don’t miss the eagerly awaited Far East Cosplay Contest which will add a splash of colour to Piazza San Giacomo on 25 April and will see the winners rewarded with 2 intercontinental flights.

The church of San Francesco will be transformed for the occasion into a gaming room where the sacred and the profane will mix in a kaleidoscope of arcade games, indie and retro showcases, Oculus Rift offering augmented reality, workshops and conferences on gaming culture. Oriental culture will be explored from every point of view: a section dedicated to food to learn how to recognise its distinctive flavours; 2 whole days dedicated to the wellness derived from ancient Asian traditions with a series of conferences, meditations and massages; a “green” space to immerse yourself in the rituals associated with the world of plants and flowers.

In addition, there will be many other workshops offering ‘hands-on’ chances to learn about the customs passed down through the centuries in Asia, with a strong focus on art and on children. Piazza San Giacomo will host dances and martial arts demonstrations, which are planned to take place during the public holidays and in the afternoon (4-6 p.m.).

Every evening, there will be Oriental musical Happy Hours, while the FEFF Nights will make you dance in the company of artists like Rea K (Sri Lanka), Nakadia (Thailand) and Kaitaro (Japan).

This is truly a festival not to be missed, an opportunity to meet directors and actors in an informal and lively atmosphere, a chance to savour a city on a human scale offering an unexpected charm in these Far Eastern days!