Singaporean-South Korean Drama Film "Ajoomma" Coming to Philippine Cinemas on March 15

TBA Studios has acquired exclusive Philippine theatrical distribution rights to the lighthearted family drama “Ajoomma”, which will be released on March 15, 2023. Directed by Singaporean filmmaker, He Shuming, his feature debut film, tells the story of a middle-aged, Korean-drama-obsessed widow from Singapore who travels out of the country for the first time to Seoul, and ends up getting lost. Her journey becomes an unexpected road of self-discovery, as she comes to terms with the life she truly wants for herself, beyond her roles of daughter, wife, and mother. 

The director shared that the story is inspired by his own mother’s fascination with Korean dramas. “While the premise seems to be timely given the popularity of Korean pop culture sweeping through all of Asia and beyond, it merely serves as an undertone for the film, which is about a middle-aged Singaporean woman learning to navigate life beyond her duties as a mother, a housewife, and a caretaker.”

The film stars veteran Singaporean actress Hong Huifang as the titular ‘ajoomma’ (Korean for middle-aged ‘auntie’) and is supported by a cast of well-known South Korean actors like Kang Hyung-suk, senior actor Jung Dong-hwan, and Yeo Jin-goo.

“Ajoomma” had its world premiere at the 27th Busan International Film Festival last October 2022. Since then, the film has racked up numerous awards and recognitions, including four nominations at the 59th Golden Horse Awards. It was also selected as Singapore’s entry for the Best International Feature Film at the 95th Academy Awards. “Ajoomma” is produced by Cannes award-winning director Anthony Chen and has the distinction of being the first film to be co-produced between Singapore and South Korea.

Photo and video credits to TBA Studios.