The Gospel Of The Beast, directed by Sheron Dayoc from the Philippines, achieved great success at the first edition of the Ho Chi Minh City International Film Festival (HIFF) in Vietnam by winning the Golden Star Award for Best Southeast Asian Film. This recognition demonstrates the quality and creativity of Filipino cinema on an international stage.
Nicole Midori Woodford’s collaborative work, Last Shadow At First Light, which involved Singapore and Japan, received various accolades during the festival’s Southeast Asia competition. It stood out by winning the Jury Prize, best cinematography for Hideho Urata, best screenplay for Nicole Midori Woodford herself, and best visual effects for Laokoon VFX. This triumph showcases the ability of different countries to come together and create outstanding pieces of cinematic art.
Recognition and Diversity
The film Oasis Of Now, directed by Chee Sum Chia from Malaysia, not only secured awards for best director but also best actress for Vietnam’s Tạ Thị Dược, who portrayed an immigrant character in the movie. The recognition of these talents from various countries underscores the festival’s commitment to celebrating diversity and exceptional performances in the film industry.
Singaporean drama Wonderland was another standout at the festival, with Mark Lee winning the award for best actor and Peter Yu for best supporting actor. Additionally, Rawipa Srisanguan from Thailand was honored as the best supporting actress for her role in Solids By The Seashore. These awards recognize the talent and dedication of actors from different regions in delivering memorable performances.
Technical Excellence
In the technical categories, Indonesian action drama 13 Bombs was celebrated for best sound design by Wahyu Tri Pournomo and best editing by Hendra Adhi Sussanto. The meticulous attention to detail in sound and editing showcased in this film demonstrates the importance of technical aspects in creating a successful cinematic experience.
The festival also recognized international collaborations, such as the Japan-Philippines co-production Blue Imagine, which won the award for best original score by Yuji Wantanabe. This acknowledgment highlights the benefits of cultural exchange and collaboration in the film industry.
The festival’s First or Second Film Competition saw emerging filmmakers from outside Southeast Asia being awarded. City Of Wind from Mongolia’s Lkhagvadulam Purev-Ochir and Night Courier from Saudi filmmaker Ali Kalthami were recognized as the best films in this category. This demonstrates the festival’s commitment to nurturing and celebrating emerging talent from diverse backgrounds.
The Ho Chi Minh City International Film Festival has not only recognized and awarded outstanding films and performances but has also showcased the diversity, innovation, and technical excellence present in the global film industry. The festival’s commitment to celebrating international collaboration, emerging talent, and cultural exchange makes it a significant event in the world of cinema.