Always Lalisa

Friday, September 18: This screening will be presented with open captions.

Few artists have achieved the same level of global reach and recognition as Lisa. In fact, there’s no other superstar quite like her. 

Born in Thailand and trained in the fast-paced Korean entertainment industry, Lalisa Manobal spent years becoming the mononymous Lisa we know today. Her debut in the girl group BLACKPINK captured the world’s attention and, as the only Thai artist signed to hit factory YG Entertainment, she carved out a path that was unmistakably her own.

Always Lalisa follows that journey with an intimate and effortless insider’s fluency, moving through Lisa’s milestones — her childhood dance competitions, breakout K-pop debut, and the creation of her own label — while acknowledging that the superstar is navigating uncharted terrain as she aims to break into the Western market.

Documentary filmmaker Sue Kim (TIFF ’24 Official Selection The Last of the Sea Women) is no stranger to the glossy world of K-pop — she was an executive producer on Apple TV’s docuseries K-Pop Idols, profiling established artists navigating rigorous training and demanding industry pressures. Over the course of a year, Kim followed Lisa through ambitious new forays, including a monumental performance at Coachella. Similarly, her role in HBO’s The White Lotus announced Lisa’s clear desire to explore creative territory beyond music.

Drawing on interviews, incredible performances, and behind-the-scenes footage, the film showcases Lisa’s relentless dedication to becoming a versatile artist. For faithful Lillies who have followed Lisa’s journey from the start, this is the ultimate reward. For those learning about her for the first time, it’s an irresistible introduction to her world.

Content advisory: strobe lighting