If you’re a fan of Asian cinema, you’ll be thrilled to hear about the latest news from the Vesoul International Film Festival. The prestigious event, celebrating its 30th edition, recently concluded with some exceptional films receiving well-deserved recognition. One film, in particular, stood out and took home the top prize – the Golden Cyclo. Let’s dive into the details!
A Memorable Victory for ‘Snow Leopard’
The late Pema Tseden’s masterpiece, “Snow Leopard” from China, claimed the coveted Golden Cyclo award. This film had already garnered accolades at the Tokyo and Hainan festivals. In addition to the grand prize, “Snow Leopard” also secured the National Institute of Oriental Languages and Civilizations (INALCO) jury prize. Furthermore, actor Tseten Tashi received a special mention from the jury. Pema Tseden, also known as Wanmacaidan, sadly passed away last year at the age of 53.
Other Remarkable Winners
Kenzhebek Shaikakov’s “Scream” from Kazakhstan took home the grand jury award, as well as the NETPAC and Mark Haaz awards. Orynbek Shaimaganbetov and Arnur Akram, the talented actors from “Scream,” also received a special mention from the jury. Sharing the Mark Haaz award with “Scream” was Rajesh Jala’s “The Spark” from India. This film also received a special mention from the film critics’ award.
“Solids by The Seashore” by Patiparn Boontarig from Thailand earned both the jury prize and the INALCO favorite award. Shokir Kholikov’s “Sunday” from Uzbekistan won the film critics’ award, as well as the audience award for a fiction film. Lastly, the documentary film “Age of Reason” by Shuvangi Khadka from Nepal secured the audience award for the best documentary.
Special Awards and Recognitions
Prasanna Vithanage’s “Paradise” from Sri Lanka, a previous winner at the Busan Film Festival, received the high school award. Meanwhile, the young award was presented to “Can I Hug You?” from Iran by Elahe Esmaili.
Festival Highlights and Recognition
This year’s Vesoul International Film Festival featured an accomplished international jury, presided over by Mohsen Makhmalbaf from Iran. Other jury members included renowned filmmaker Zero Chou from Taiwan, as well as actors Fatemeh Motamed-Arya from Iran and Shogen from Japan.
The festival also paid tribute to exceptional talent by presenting honorary Golden Cyclos to Zero Chou and Taiwanese sound engineer Tu Du-chih. Additionally, the event showcased the brilliance of Taiwanese cinema and Malayalam-language cinema from the southern Indian state of Kerala.
Exciting times for the world of Asian cinema!
For more on the festival and its winners, visit F5mag.com.
Source: Variety