The Land Of Morning Calm, a film by Korean director Park Ri-woong, and MA Cry Of Silence, directed by Myanmar’s The Maw Naing, were the proud recipients of the prestigious New Currents Awards at the conclusion of the Busan International Film Festival (October 2-11).
Chaired by exiled Iranian filmmaker Mohammad Rasoulof, the jury commended The Land Of Morning Calm for its exploration of themes like economic uncertainty, loss, xenophobia, and societal prejudice within a rural coastal community. The film was hailed for its unwavering narrative.
In addition to the New Currents Award, The Land Of Morning Calm also secured the KB New Currents Audience Award and the Netpac Award.
MA Cry of Silence, a poignant story following a young Burmese woman navigating life in a new city while working in a garment factory, was celebrated for its brave depiction of resistance against historical and contemporary political challenges under Myanmar’s political regime. The film was a collaboration between Korea, Singapore, France, Norway, and Qatar.
The Kim Jiseok Awards, recognizing accomplished filmmakers, honored Indian director Rima Das’ Village Rockstars 2, a sequel to her award-winning 2017 film, alongside Taiwanese director Tom Lin Shu Yu’s Yen And Ai Lee, a contender for multiple awards at the upcoming Golden Horse Awards.
The jury for the Kim Jiseok Awards, comprised of esteemed individuals Christian Jeune, Prasanna Vithanage, and Shin Suwon, lauded Village Rockstars 2 as a genuine and poetic portrayal of everyday life through the eyes of a young girl, showcasing the harmony between humanity and nature. They also praised Yen And Ai Lee for its powerful depiction of a complex mother-daughter relationship with bold and impactful performances.
Among the other awards distributed, the FIPRESCI Award was bestowed upon Tale Of The Land directed by Indonesia’s Loeloe Hendra. The first-ever Documentary Audience Award was claimed by Jo Seyoung’s K Number, shedding light on the experiences of Korean adoptees.
The Final Semester, a compelling narrative following a young novice worker, emerged as a standout winner at the festival, earning accolades such as the DGK Plus M Award, KBS Independent Film Award, Songwon Citizen Critics Award, and Actor of the Year for Yoo Lee Han’s outstanding performance. For a comprehensive list of award winners, refer below.
In our upcoming wrap story, we will delve deeper into this year’s Busan International Film Festival and the remarkable films that captivated audiences.
BIFF AWARD WINNERS 2024:
New Currents Award: The Land Of Morning Calm, dir: Park Ri-woong (Korea) MA – Cry Of Silence, dir: The Maw Naing (Myanmar, Korea, Singapore, France, Norway, Qatar)
KIM Jiseok Award: Village Rockstars 2, dir: Rima Das (India, Singapore) Yen and Ai-Lee, dir: Tom Lin Shu-Yu (Taiwan)
BIFF Mecenat Award: Works And Days, dir: Park Minsoo, Ahn Kearnhyung (Korea) Another Home, Frankie Sin (Taiwan, Hong Kong, France)
Sonje Award: Yurim, dir: Song Jiseo (Korea) A Garden In Winter, dirs: Eléonore Mahmoudian, Matsui Hiroshi (Japan, France)
Actor of the Year Male: Yoo Lee ha, dir: The Final Semester (Korea)
Actor of the Year Female: Park Seoyun, Humming (Korea)
KB New Currents Audience Award: The Land Of Morning Calm, dir: Park Ri-woong (Korea)
Flash Forward Audience Award: Memories Of A Burning Body, Antonella Sudasassi Furniss (Costa Rica, Spain)
Documentary Audience Award: K Number, Jo Seyoung (Korea)
FIPRESCI Award: Tale Of The Land, dir: Loeloe Hendra (Indonesia, Philippines, Taiwan, Qatar)
NETPAC Award: The Land Of Morning Calm, dir: Park Ri-woong (Korea)
DGK PLUS M Award: The Final Semester, dir: Lee Ran-hee Red Nails, dir: Hwang Seulgi
CGV Award: Fragment, dir: Kim Sung-yoon
KBS Independent Film Award: The Final Semester, dir: Lee Ran-hee
CGK Award: Waterdrop, cinematographer: Kang Jongsu
Critic b Award: Inserts, dir: Lee Jong-su
Chorokbaem Media Award: Waterdrop, dir: Choi Jongyong Fragment, dir: Kim Sung-yoon
Watcha Short Award: Lost Target, dir: Kim Dongeun
Songwon Citizen Critics’ Award: The Final Semester, dir: Lee Ran-hee
Busan Cinephile Award: No Other Land, dirs: Basel Adra, Hamdan Ballal, Yuval Abraham, Rachel Szor
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In conclusion, the Busan International Film Festival showcased a diverse array of compelling films that captivated audiences and celebrated the talents of emerging and established filmmakers. The award winners demonstrated exceptional storytelling, bravery in tackling societal issues, and outstanding performances that left a lasting impression on the festival’s attendees. As the festival comes to a close, the cinematic world eagerly anticipates the next wave of groundbreaking films and narratives that will continue to shape the landscape of international cinema.
