Uzbek family drama Sundaydirected by Shokir Kholikov, was named Best Film by the Asian New Talent section of the 25th Shanghai International Film Festival, which honors distinctive work by emerging regional filmmakers.
Sunday tells the story of an elderly couple living a peaceful life in a remote village, with their eldest son nearby and their youngest son working abroad. It shows the conflicting dreams and dramas between two generations.
The jury of Asian New Talents awarded the prize for best director to two filmmakers: Aisultan Seit from Kazakhstan for Qas; and China’s Luo Dong won for Be able to.
The best actor award went to 10-year-old actor Yue Hao, who plays the lead role in the Chinese film Daydreaming. The best actress award went to Sorour Peyrovani, the protagonist of the Iranian film 1.5 HP.
“Every movie in the (in the lineup) is very insightful with mature technology. The subject is also contemporary, to express the profound thinking of society and humanity,” said Aktan Arym Kubat, chairman of the jury of the Asian New Talent section. “I have encountered many difficulties, but remain obsessed with filming excellent works. So I really hope that the young and talented filmmakers like you can continue to create and contribute to the film industry. “
In their official joint statement, the Asian New Talent jury said: “The work of the new directors is quite mature and the subjects are also innovative. They don’t look like newbies anymore.”
The jury of Shanghai’s main competition, led by legendary Polish filmmaker Jerzy Skolimowski, will award the festival’s top prize, the Golden Goblet Awards, on Sunday.
Shanghai Asian New Talent Section Awards
Best Movie
Sunday dir. Shokir Kholikov (Uzbekistan)
Best Director (joint winners)
Aisultan Seit for Qas (Kazakhstan)
Luo Dong for Be able to (China)
Best Actor
Enter Yue Hao Daydreaming dir. Wang Zichuan (China)
Best Actress
Sorour Peyrovani 1.5 HP dir. Rasool Kahani (Iran)
Best screenplay
Chen Xiaoyu for Get out of the boat (China)
Best cameraman
Davod Malek Hosseini for Cause of death: unknown dir. Ali Zarnegar (Iran)
