Powerful

Gia Huy Receives Special Jury Award at NY Asian Film Festival for Powerful Role in ‘Skin of Youth’

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New York, NY — Vo Dien Gia Huy has garnered acclaim at the 24th New York Asian Film Festival for his captivating performance in “On Ao Tuoi Tre” (Skin of Youth), earning the Special Jury Award. Showcased in the festival’s Uncaged section, the film is celebrated for its exploration of bold and transformative narratives in Asian cinema. The North American premiere occurred on July 24, 2025, and was met with enthusiastic applause and insightful Q&A sessions from both the audience and film industry professionals. Set against the backdrop of 1990s Ho Chi Minh City, “Skin … Read more

Jafar Panahi’s Powerful Win at Cannes Highlights Cinema’s Role in Global Solidarity Amidst Turmoil

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CANNES, France — The 78th Cannes Film Festival concluded with a powerful statement on global awareness and artistic resilience as Iranian filmmaker Jafar Panahi received the prestigious Palme d’Or for his film “It Was Just an Accident,” a work deeply influenced by his own experiences in prison. The film features five characters grappling with a shared trauma, convinced they have identified the prosecutor responsible for torturous interrogations during their arrests. However, since their captor was obscured from view, uncertainty looms over their convictions, creating a poignant commentary on justice and recognition in a flawed system. … Read more

Mascha Schilinski’s ‘Sound of Falling’ Captivates Cannes, Earning Jury Prize for Its Powerful Female Perspective

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CANNES, France — Mascha Schilinski, a 41-year-old director and screenwriter, experienced a surreal moment when her film “Sound of Falling” was awarded the Jury Prize at the Cannes International Film Festival. The filmmaker expressed her joy, stating that having her work featured in the festival’s main competition was a dream come true. This year, Germany was represented by notable filmmakers, including Fatih Akin, whose historical film “Amrum” was screened out of competition, and Christian Petzold with “Mirrors No. 3,” showcased at the Directors’ Fortnight. However, Schilinski stood out as the only German director with a … Read more

Jafar Panahi’s Powerful Return: Iranian Filmmaker Wins Cannes Palme d’Or After Years of Oppression

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CANNES, France — Iranian filmmaker Jafar Panahi captured the prestigious Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival on Saturday for his gripping revenge thriller, “It Was Just an Accident.” This recognition comes after Panahi faced a travel ban in Iran for over 15 years, underscoring both his talent and the struggles he has endured as a dissident artist. The award was presented by actress Cate Blanchett, who lauded Panahi during a ceremony that captivated the audience. The filmmaker’s journey has been fraught with challenges, including a recent imprisonment in Iran that sparked a hunger strike … Read more