Feature Narratives/2022/Canada/117min /Directed by Anthony Shim

Described by Variety as “graceful” and “moving”, this is a beautiful study of the relationship between an immigrant Korean mother and her son, both of whom are caught between cultures and traditions.

With the story commencing in the 1990s, this tender and resonant new Canadian work is underpinned by understated and sparkling performances by the two leads Choi Seung-yoon as the single mother and Ethan Huang as her son. 

Together they navigate a world and situation that they neither fully understand and vice-versa. 

Populated with scenes of wonderful innocence, especially in Seung-yoon’s performance, Riceboy Sleeps has such a lovely tone and texture – not in the least assisted by being shot on 16mm.

The winner of more than 20 international awards and critical and audience favourite of dozens of film festival internationally, Riceboy Sleeps is classic film festival fare and a great taste of contemporary Canadian and international fusion cinema.