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The 28th Far East Film Festival (FEFF) concluded its Udine run, awarding its top Mulberry Audience Award to the Japanese family drama 'Fujiko'. The festival drew over 20,000 attendees and announced plans for its 29th edition in 2027, which may include a focus on Hong Kong cinema. Lifetime achievement honors were awarded to actors Yakusho Koji and Fan Bingbing, and director Yuen Woo-ping.
Facts First
- 'Fujiko', a Japanese family drama, won the festival's top Mulberry Audience Award.
- The Korean documentary 'The Seoul Guardians' placed second and shared the press-voted Black Dragon prize with 'Fujiko'.
- Yakusho Koji, Fan Bingbing, and Yuen Woo-ping received Golden Mulberry Awards for lifetime achievement.
- The festival drew over 20,000 attendees and featured 75 films from 12 countries.
- The 29th edition is scheduled for April 2027 and may focus on Hong Kong cinema.
What Happened
The 28th Far East Film Festival (FEFF) concluded its run in Udine, Italy. The festival's top audience prize, the Mulberry Audience Award, was given to 'Fujiko', a Japanese film directed by Kimura Taichi and based on his family history. The Korean documentary 'The Seoul Guardians' placed second. Four films tied for third place: 'Blades of the Guardians: Wind Rises in the Desert', 'My Name', 'Tunnels: Sun in the Dark', and 'The King's Warden'. 'The Seoul Guardians' and 'Fujiko' also shared the Black Dragon prize, awarded by accredited press members. Additional awards included the White Mulberry Award for best first feature going to 'Unidentified Murder', and the Mulberry Award for best screenplay going to Bui Thac Chuyen for 'Tunnels: Sun in the Dark'. Golden Mulberry Awards for lifetime achievement were presented to actors Yakusho Koji and Fan Bingbing, and director Yuen Woo-ping.
Why this Matters to You
If you are a fan of East Asian cinema, this festival's award winners may highlight new films and directors to seek out for your viewing. The strong attendance and online viewership suggest these films are reaching a wider international audience, which could make them more accessible to you through streaming or specialty theaters in the future. The festival's planned focus on Hong Kong cinema for its 2027 edition may offer a curated look at a significant film industry for interested viewers.
What's Next
The 29th edition of the Far East Film Festival (FEFF29) is scheduled to run from April 23 to May 1, 2027, in Udine. Festival organizers have indicated that ideas for the next edition include a focus on the 30 years since the handover of Hong Kong. An exhibition by illustrator Chihoi at the festival's Visionario cinema will run until May 24, 2024.