Shuhua makes film debut in Happily Ever After at Toronto
K-pop star Shuhua makes her film debut in Happily Ever After, which holds its world premiere in Special Presentations at the Toronto Film Festival, Variety reported on 13 September.
Special Presentations is the festival's showcase for high-profile titles. A world premiere means this is the first public screening anywhere. The slot puts a quiet family story on a large stage.
The film is the second feature from Taiwanese director Feng-i Fiona Roan. It centres on two sisters and the emotional push and pull between them. TIFF's synopsis frames it as an exploration of happiness seen through their lives.
Shuhua, whose full name is Yeh Shuhua, plays the younger sister. She stars opposite Xuan Chen, whose performance is described in the festival listing as a breakout. Shuhua arrives as a Taiwanese singer and TV personality taking her first role in a cinema theatre.
Roan arrives with a strong record. Her directorial debut, American Girl, premiered in the Asian Future section of the Tokyo International Film Festival. It then earned seven nominations at the Golden Horse Awards, Taiwan's leading film prizes, and won three, including best new director.
Casting was fast. Roan told Variety she asked Shuhua to read two scenes and decided on the spot. The story has a personal echo. Shuhua is the middle child in a family of three daughters.
Roan told Variety that bringing her second feature to Toronto as its first stop is very meaningful to her. The festival is often used by film-makers to launch a film before it travels elsewhere.
TIFF has organised three screenings for general audiences. Its listings point to Monday the 14th at 10:00 AM at Scotia 9, Thursday the 17th at 7:30 PM at RA, and Friday the 18th at 12:15 PM, according to TIFF.
What makes this stand out for newcomers is the crossover. A favourite pop performer tries a new craft. A young director returns after a prize-winning start. Fans can watch how both realise that next step in front of a festival crowd.
