Director
“When life hits a low, just say: I’m heading out.” Bhutan, Istanbul, Hokkaido, Siberia...Follow the protagonists in these films as they set off—whether in search of something, or simply trying to escape. Let their journeys lead you into unfamiliar lands and unexpected moments. As the new year begins, take a step away from the noise. Give yourself the gift of a healing journey—a chance to reset, rediscover, and roam free.
The word “Take Off” carries dozens of meanings—departure, revelation, flight, transformation. Depending on context, it shifts and expands, just like life itself, which rarely conforms to a single shape. We’ve selected ten films, each capturing a different form of transformation. Some tell stories of letting go—of setting off alone on a pilgrimage or retreating into the solitude of the forest. Others follow companions on creative journeys, documenting their explorations along the way. Some films bring us back to the uncertainty of a world shaken by a virus—where vaccines and rapid tests posed impossible questions, and the path forward in a post-pandemic world came without instructions. In these moments, a bit of fantasy in the everyday—or a drink-fueled moment of self-reflection—might just offer clarity. And the journey of transformation doesn’t end with life itself. What do we leave behind? What do we carry with us? Eventually, we arrive at heaven’s door—and perhaps, rebirth.
As a child, Lunar New Year was filled with rituals that stretched on forever: visiting flower markets on the first day, returning to Mom’s hometown on the second, sleeping in without guilt on the third, welcoming deities and appeasing spirits on the fourth, and opening shop on the fifth in hopes of great fortune. Especially after years of turbulence, watching a festive film during the holidays has become both a small indulgence and a quiet affirmation that life still holds its rhythm. A moment to feel that flutter of the heart, or to follow one’s instincts without question— letting that sense of tradition, pure and timeless, softly settle in, like a long-lost lover returning, slowly making their way toward us…
Answer the call of instinct—leave behind the trivialities of daily life and embark on a pilgrimage of encounters with nature and literary exploration. On these journeys of adventure, where limits are tested and boundaries redefined, the soul is transformed. These inseparable life experiences continue to inspire others to move toward distant light. As we listen to their stories, may we too be moved to shoulder our backpacks—and set out to meet a new version of ourselves.
Life is a single, unhesitating swallow. Through eating and drinking, we connect with the world—not only to survive, but to nourish the soul. To speak only of pleasure is far too simplistic. The more important question is: why does something taste good to you? Why does something feel satisfying to drink? The answers lie in culture, in history, in human connection, and in the act of self-realization. They are part of an ancient, cosmic inquiry—one that has been unfolding for as long as we have existed.