News

“Rhapsody of Love” – publicly billed as the first Asian Australian romcom – is frankly a misnomer. Joy Hopwood’s sophomore film is neither romantic nor funny. It instead plays like a cheaply-made, feature-length porn video without the joys of sex. Defined by flat acting, mindless editing, and an even more awkward script, “Rhapsody of Love” is a textureless digital piece that panders to tropes than to quality.

“Rhapsody of Love” review is part of the Submit Your Film Initiative

The film opens with Ben’s (Benjamin Hanly) wedding to Natasha (Jessica Niven). While he celebrates his wedding day, his forever-single best friend Jessica Flowers (Kathy Luu) wallows in the corner. A series of couples unfold from here. Ben’s wedding videographer, Justin (Damien Sato), cannot take his eyes off of Jessica despite his relationship with baking influencer Victoria (Lily Stewart). Victoria’s eyes drift as well, locking on the drinks waiter.

"He kissed you because his heart told him to. It's about time you start listening to yours..." Quiver has unveiled an official trailer for an Australian indie romantic comedy titled Rhapsody of Love, the second film made by filmmaker Joy Hopwood. The film follows an events planner named Jess, played by Kathy Luu, and a photographer named Justin, played by Damien Sato, who can't deny the sparks between them despite one small hitch – the photographer's girlfriend. The main cast also includes Joy Hopwood, Lily Stewart, Khan Chittenden, and Benjamin Hanly. This reminds me of Daniel Radcliffe's What If, which is also about falling for someone already in a relationship, and navigating that tricky situation. Looks good. Here's the official trailer (+ poster) for Joy Hopwood's Rhapsody of Love, direct from YouTube: Romance, work and life all collide when an events planner and wedding photographer meet and ignite sparks in this uplifting romantic comedy film.

Wift (Women in Film Television) Nsw has welcomed eight new team members as the state chapter seeks to broaden its influence.

Lgbtqi+ advocate Nicole Pastor, grants manager Nicole Pesa, copywriter Karen Witt, Indigenous awareness representative Ljudan Michaelis-Thorpe, industry connect Georgina Lloyd, and diversity advocates Aska Karem, Bolude Watson, and Kathy Luu are part of an expanded team to be led by Wift Australia Nsw representative Yolandi Franken.

They join Nsw Events team co-chair Vanessa Klingler and team member Sally Williams.

Franken, who recently took over from Megan Riakos as the Nsw representative, currently holds the roles of Nsw Board member, co-chair of events (Nsw committee), interim secretary of Wift Australia board, and chair of Wift Virtual (national).

She said the Nsw team was made up of members who had reached out and offered support and those that have been there since Wift Australia was formed.

“There is strength in numbers...

Rhapsody of Love is independent through and through.

Independently funded, self-distributed, and with a diverse cast and crew, the film is determined to forge its own path.

Rhapsody of Love makes its theatrical debut June 24 in Dendy theatres and tells the story of four couples navigating different stages of their relationships.

The rom-com stars Kathy Luu and Damien Sato in headline roles with support from Ben Hanly, Lily Stewart, Jessica Niven, Tom Jackson, Joy Hopwood, and Khan Chittenden.

The central plot follows events planner Jess (Luu) who falls for photographer Justin (Sato) only to find he is already in a relationship.

For writer, director, producer and star Joy Hopwood, the film’s diversity was a key consideration, with the project dubbed the ‘1st Asian-Australian romantic comedy’.

“I think it’s important to have diversity because it reflects our society as it stands today, and it’s important for everyone to feel that they belong,...

Joy Hopwood’s Asian-Australian rom-com Rhapsody of Love follows the lives of four couples at different stages of their relationships and how sometimes life presents love when we least expect it.

Events planner Jess (Kathy Luu) meets photographer Justin (Damien Sato) at the wedding of her best friend Ben. Ben and Natasha are perfect for each other, but can they both support each other’s career aspirations. Then there’s Phil, always saying the wrong thing and looking for his next date.

The film will make its world premiere at the Gold Coast Film Festival April 24, 5.45pm @ Hota.

The post ‘Rhapsody of Love’ (Trailer) appeared first on If Magazine.

Damien Sato and Kathy Luu.

Actor, writer and producer Joy Hopwood is directing her second feature, Rhapsody of Love, a rom-com starring Asian-Australians Damien Sato and Kathy Luu.

Further reflecting the project’s diversity, producers Hopwood and Ana Tiwary have hired women in key creative roles.

Now shooting in Sydney, the plot follows four couples at different stages of their relationships and examines how love sometimes develops when it is least expected.

The ensemble cast includes Lily Stewart, Khan Chittenden, Benjamin Hanly, Jessica Niven, Tom Jackson, Hopwood, Amanda Benson, Sam Wang, Erica Long, Michael Giglio and Andrew Wang.

Among the heads of department are Aftrs graduate Goldie Soetianto as Dop, sound recordist Lara Cross, set designer Jessie Singh and editor Jon Cohen.

Asked on Facebook if Rhapsody of Love would be more relatable than Crazy Rich Asians, Luu, whose credits include The Good Place, Fighting Season and The Unlisted, said:...