Japanese filmmaker Taichi Kimura emerged as the biggest winner at the 28th edition of the Far East Film Festival held in Udine, with his emotionally rich drama Fujiko claiming the prestigious Golden Mulberry Audience Award. The festival concluded on May 3, celebrating a wide spectrum of Asian cinema and storytelling.
Fujiko, Kimura’s second feature film, is a heartfelt family dramedy set across the 1970s and 1980s in Japan. The story follows a single mother navigating societal expectations during a time when women’s independence was still evolving. The film features a strong ensemble cast including Yuki Katayama, Lily Franky, Tsuyoshi Ujiki, Keiko Takeshita, Kayoko Kishimoto, and Issey Ogata.
The Silver Mulberry Award, the festival’s second-highest audience honor, went to the powerful documentary The Seoul Guardians, directed by Kim Jong-woo, Kim Shin-wan, and Cho Chul-young. The film documents the dramatic protests that erupted in Seoul on December 3, 2024, following a controversial declaration of martial law by President Yoon Suk Yeol. Praised for its immersive storytelling, the documentary also shared the Black Dragon Critics Prize with Fujiko.
The Crystal Mulberry Award for third place was uniquely shared among four films: Blades of the Guardians: Wind Rises in the Desert by Yuen Woo-ping, My Name by Chung Ji-young, Tunnels: Sun in the Dark by Bui Thac Chuyen, and The King’s Warden by Chang Hang-jun.
In other major categories, the White Mulberry Award for best debut feature was presented to Unidentified Murder by Kwok Ka-hei and Jack Lee, with a special mention for The Seoul Guardians. The Best Screenplay award went to Tunnels: Sun in the Dark, while Anthony Chen’s We Are All Strangers received a special mention.
The festival also honored cinematic legends with lifetime and achievement awards. Renowned Japanese actor Koji Yakusho and martial arts film pioneer Yuen Woo-ping were recognized with Lifetime Achievement honors, while Chinese star Fan Bingbing received an award for outstanding contribution to cinema.
According to festival organizers, this year’s edition showcased 75 films from 12 countries, including multiple world, international, and European premieres. Attendance saw a notable rise, with around 70,000 visitors participating in screenings and events throughout the festival.
Festival president Sabrina Baracetti highlighted the diversity and strength of Asian cinema, emphasizing the event’s commitment to supporting filmmakers from the region. It was also announced that the 29th edition of the festival will take place from April 23 to May 1, 2027, with a special focus on Hong Kong cinema.