HONG KONG – “Snow in Midsummer” emerged as the winner of the best film for young cinema competition (Chinese-language) at the Hong Kong International Film Festival. The film, which examines the 1969 massacre of Malaysian Chinese during post-election unrest, offers a somber exploration of the historical event. Liang Ming took home the best director award for “Carefree Days,” while Lyu Xingchen won the best actress award for her performance in the same film. Jason King was recognized as the best actor for his role in “A Journey in Spring.”
In the competition for non-Chinese films, “Sons” directed by Gustav Moeller received the Firebird award. Meryam Joobeur was awarded the best director prize for “Who Do I Belong To,” while Vangelis Mourikis claimed the best actor title for his performance in “Arcadia.” Minna Wuendrich’s portrayal in “Ivo” earned her the best actress accolade. The jury also gave a special mention to Nelson Carlo de los Santos Arias’s “Pepe.”
During the documentary competition, Austrian director Ruth Beckermann’s “Favoriten” unanimously won the Firebird Award. Hong Kong director Wong Siu-pong was honored with the jury prize for “Obedience.” The short film competition saw Margherita Giusti winning the Firebird Award for “The Meatseller.” Jorge Jacome’s “Shrooms” received the jury prize.
The HKIFF48, a 12-day festival that showcased over 190 films from 62 countries and regions, concluded on Tuesday. The event is scheduled to return next year from April 10-21, 2025.
UDINE, Italy – The Far East Film Festival in Udine, Italy, will open with “YOLO” on April 24. The Chinese film, directed by and starring Jia Ling, has become this year’s highest-grossing Chinese title, earning over $500 million at the box office. The film, which is an adaptation of the Japanese film “100 Yen Love,” has been acquired by Sony Pictures for international release.
SEOUL – Something Special, a leading Seoul-based international format agency, and AR Asia Productions, a Hong Kong-based production company, have been chosen by the Taiwan Creative Content Agency (TAICCA) to spearhead its LEAP Creative Lab project. The initiative aims to enhance the creativity of Taiwanese producers through immersive learning experiences and collaborative development opportunities. The year-long program, led by Something Special and AR Asia Productions, will involve various activities throughout 2024. A three-day master class program in Taipei is scheduled for April 10-12, with Korean instructors and 50 producers and selected companies participating.
AYODHYA, India – Filmmaker Priyadarshan has completed a five-part documentary series on the history of the Ram temple in Ayodhya, northern India. The temple, which was consecrated in January, will be the subject of the series set to be aired on state broadcaster Doordarshan. Priyadarshan expressed the challenges faced in sensitively navigating the historical narrative.
This article offers a glimpse into the recent award winners at the Hong Kong International Film Festival, as well as updates on upcoming events like the Far East Film Festival and the LEAP Creative Lab project. It also highlights the completion of a documentary series on the Ram temple in Ayodhya, providing a diverse range of news from the film industry in different parts of the world.