Asian superheroes highlighted at Pusan 2008

by Chris MaGee

Here's news not only for fans of Japanese cinema, but for fans of Asian cinema in general. Rodney Perkins at Twitch has word of a very interesting programme that's been scheduled at the 12th Annual Pusan International Film Festival coming up in South Korea. "Superheroes in Asia" highlights the little known masked and caped crusaders from such diverse countries as India, Malaysia, The Philippines, Thailand, Hong Kong and Korea. Of course Japan is on the list with screenings of episodes of Gekko Kamen, The Moonlight Mask (above) and the Kamen Rider.

I have to be honest and say that the tokusatsu superhero shows from Japan are still pretty much an unknown area for me, so I'm a little envious that the folks in Pusan get to have such a comprehensive introduction to the genre.

Check out the press release from PIFF 2008 about "Superheroes in Asia" and the other great programmes they have lined up here.