The Far East Film Festival returns to Udine with its 28th edition, scheduled from April 24 to May 2, 2026, confirming itself as the most important European event dedicated to Far Eastern cinema. Founded in 1999, FEFF has gradually built a central position on the international stage, becoming a key observatory of developments in the Asian film industry and a cultural bridge between East and West. For nine consecutive days, the Friulian capital transforms into a true hub of global cinema, attracting enthusiasts, critics, industry professionals, and international stars.
The 2026 edition features an განსაკუთრებით rich program, with over 70 films from more than ten Asian countries, including South Korea, Japan, China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and several emerging Southeast Asian film industries. The festival has always stood out for its inclusive editorial approach, placing auteur cinema alongside mainstream productions without hierarchy, offering a comprehensive and authentic overview of the many facets of contemporary Asian cinema. Among the most anticipated screenings are We Are All Strangers by Anthony Chen, selected as the opening film, Tunnels: Sun in the Dark by Bui Thac Chuyen, and popular cinema titles such as Ah Girl and The Old Man and His Car. Alongside the official selection, the program also includes retrospectives, special events, documentaries, and experimental works, reflecting the festival’s commitment to exploring every narrative and stylistic dimension.
Great importance is also given to the presence of international guests, which helps make FEFF not just a film festival but a cultural event with global scope. Among the key figures of this edition are Fan Bingbing, an icon of contemporary Asian cinema; Kōji Yakusho, who will receive the Golden Mulberry for Lifetime Achievement; and director Wim Wenders, attending to celebrate the Japanese actor. Particularly anticipated is the participation of South Korean actor Yoo Yeon-seok, one of the most prominent faces of the contemporary Hallyu wave, whose presence highlights the growing influence of the Korean audiovisual industry on the international stage. His attendance represents not only a draw for audiences but also a sign of the strong connection between the festival and the evolving dynamics of Asian production.
However, the Far East Film Festival is not limited to screenings. The entire city of Udine is involved in a rich calendar of side events, ranging from meetings with directors and actors to masterclasses, from industry panels to cultural and gastronomic initiatives inspired by Asia. The main venues remain the Teatro Nuovo Giovanni da Udine and the Cinema Visionario, symbolic locations of the festival that become central hubs of a shared experience capable of bringing together audiences and creators. This widespread dimension helps create a unique atmosphere, where cinema becomes an opportunity for exchange, dialogue, and discovery.
At a time when audiovisual consumption is increasingly dominated by digital platforms, FEFF strongly reaffirms the value of the shared cinematic experience, positioning itself as a physical space for encounters between different cultures and languages. Its importance lies not only in the quality of its programming but also in its ability to anticipate trends and promote film industries that are still underrepresented in Europe. With its 28th edition, the Far East Film Festival once again confirms its strategic role on the international scene, transforming Udine, for nine days, into a global crossroads of imaginaries and narratives from the East, and offering European audiences a privileged glimpse into the future of world cinema.
