After seeing the "Little Yellow Duck," catch a movie — the Kaohsiung Film Festival also goes for a healing vibe

Travel Center / Comprehensive Report

The Yellow Duck in Kaohsiung has shown its "healing" effect, and the upcoming 2013 Kaohsiung Film Festival is following suit with a healing theme, launching a "Family Boost" film series. Among the highlights is Jellyfish Eyes, directed by Japan’s leading artist Takashi Murakami, which, like the duck, has the power to soothe the soul. Advance tickets for the film festival go on sale at 12:30 PM on the 30th, and there’s also a fun activity where you can watch the trailer and win great prizes.

▲ Still from the healing film Jellyfish Eyes. (Photo / fromthe Kaohsiung Film Festival Facebook fan page)

This year’s Kaohsiung Film Festival rides the wave of warmth and healing brought by the little duck. The Family Boost film series, themed around "Children's Imaginary Kingdom," features films such as Jellyfish Eyes, Kick Scooter Boy, and Cool-B 3D: The Great Class Hunt. Takashi Murakami’s Jellyfish Eyes, which he spent nearly 10 years planning, combines live-action and animation, set against the backdrop of the 311 earthquake in Japan, and features a variety of super-cute alien jellyfish. Viewers will find it both heartwarming and amusing.

▲ Still from the healing film Jellyfish Eyes. (Photo / from the Kaohsiung Film Festival Facebook fan page)

In addition to the family film series, the festival also offers various themed series such as "Tribute to the Masters: The Musical Ukiyo-e of John Waters," "Life in Variation: Hirokazu Kore-eda," and "People Power: Voices from the Margins." Organizers said that from now until October 21, there’s an activity where you can watch trailers and win prizes. The public just needs to watch the trailers online and leave comments for a chance to win great prizes, including high-end headphones worth NT$5,000.

The Kaohsiung Film Festival runs from October 18 to November 3, with screenings at the Kaohsiung Film Archive and Dream Mall Cinemas. Advance tickets go on sale at 12:30 PM on September 30 at all ibon locations nationwide. For details, please visitthe official website of the "2013 Kaohsiung Film Festival."

▲ Activities at the 2013 Kaohsiung Film Festival. (Photo / from the Kaohsiung Film Festival Facebook fan page)