Awards

Winning film festival as huge as Short Shorts & Asia it’s a huge honor and dream comes true. I’m surprised how much Japanese audience felt emotions while watching my film. I saw people crying for a first time because of our fictional characters and theirs true emotions. All festival experience was really special for me. It gave me a courage to do more and more films. Hope that it’s not mine last time here.
(Extend version bellow)
it was my first film and if you making it first time you never ever thinking of huge film festivals. You are to overwhelmed with writing a script and working on set. So you can imagine how it fell when I got information about being selected. It was my dream festival for international premiere and it happened. I never thought about winning it – it was impossible for me that first time filmmaker can win festival like this. I still can’t believe it. But it happened, because I worked with really talented people whose love cinema and who have always given me strength and courage to make difficult decisions.
The crew was so strong that if one of them were missing, the film would never have come out like this

・Anything you would like to share about your film?.
Our film was made with almost zero budget but when you working with experienced crew it’s possible to make wining festival film. Due to cost cuts, we haven’t had money for full equipment. So we made decision that we will not using film lights on set. Everything was made witch natural lighting. Witch documentarian style of shooting scenes that gave unique outcome.

・Any filmmakers or films that have inspired your work?
I really liked “Digital Diary”. Minimalistic story with a main character which you don’t like him, but after while – I found a feeling in him that happened to me more than once. Tragic love story will always be touching, but if film is made as good as this one – it will remain in memory and heart forever.

＜Profile＞
Mateusz Rybinski
Born in 1999, a second-year student of film directing in Poland. “Hedgehog’s Dilemma” is his debut short film. Currently, he is working on a short documentary set in South Korea. It tells the story of an 18-year-old girl who moves to the other side of the world to hear “I love you” from her mother.

The news of this win is certainly very joyful and touching for me. I immediately informed the two main actors of this film, Ira and Valen, and congratulated them both. They are two young women who greatly inspire me. I also want to thank the entire festival team who have worked very hard and remained consistent in organizing the festival. Thank you for giving such a great opportunity and inspiration to filmmakers. This award makes me even more confident that the film *Maybe Someday* will have the chance to be watched by more people and have a wider impact. I hope this film can spark many discussions about how the living spaces we inhabit can be more inclusive.

・Anything you would like to share about your film?
There are many anxieties and questions in my mind that I always find difficult to answer, including why I have been given so many opportunities to befriend friends with different abilities. I believe that these opportunities come to provide further opportunities. For me, this film is that opportunity: an opportunity for me, for Ira and Valen, the two actors in this film, and for the world to see every human being living in it more positively.
Many of the dialogues and scenes in this film come from Ira and Valen. I discovered Ira when I watched a video of her climbing a cliff, and Valen is a professional judo athlete. It is not easy for them to express how difficult it is to be a blind teenager. There are many dreams they doubt, but they always believe that opportunities will come to them. This film is a reminder for me to always be brave, to try, and to believe in dreams.

・Any filmmakers or films that have inspired your work?
Honestly, the films that have greatly inspired me in making movies are Japanese films, especially dramas. I highly admire directors Hirokazu Koreeda and Naomi Kawase. My creative process has grown alongside Asian films. I see the complexity of humans in their daily lives, and I learn how human relationships continue to grow and conflict. I really enjoy films that deeply explore characters and depict everyday stories yet can take you on a profound emotional journey. So when I heard that this film would be screened in Japan, I was very happy because I would finally be able to see the city that produced the filmmakers who have inspired me.

＜Profile＞
Praditha Blifa Rahayu
Graduated from Jogja Film Academy and has made several short films, like ‘The Envelope of Grief’ that become popular short in Vidsee 2021 and has been widely discussed in Indonesia. Her latest short film ‘A Girl’ has just won the Grand Winner award at the Indonesian Film Festival, Australia 2023.

I would like to express my gratitude once again for receiving this prestigious award.
This award was received together with all the people who were involved in “Sen.” I don’t think it would have been possible without each person’s participation.
My long-awaited directorial debut, I was filled with happiness throughout the production period. I would like to thank you again for giving me this opportunity.
I’ve always dreamed of making an original Japanese musical movie.
I created this film based on a subject that I had to draw from because of the artist that I am. I will be happy if this film remains in everyone’s hearts for a long time to come.
With the kind words I have received from everyone in my heart, I will continue to work hard every day so that I can return this kindness in the near future.

・Anything you would like to share about your film?
The point of this film is the battle we face that is close to us.
How do we deal with it? Our unchanging everyday life. Is it okay to leave it as is?
And I also wanted to include the Japanese countryside in my film.
For me, who moved to Japan from Myanmar, I find the Japanese countryside surrounded by nature very relaxing. It somehow resembles my hometown.
Although the distance between each house is far, the distance between our hearts is close. A place like that is so relaxing. I wanted to incorporate that feeling into the film.

・Any filmmakers or films that have inspired your work?
To start, director Steven Spielberg.
Honestly, I didn’t step into this world with the aim of becoming a director. In the first place, I wasn’t watching Steven Spielberg’s films from the perspective of being a director myself, but was just influenced by it as part of the audience.
When I met the director and was directed by him, I was overwhelmed by his greatness. The experience is still etched in my mind, and it had a considerable influence on this shoot.

＜Profile＞
Win Morisaki
Born in 1990 in Myanmar, 33 years old. His Hollywood debut was in 2018, as one of the main casts of “Ready Player One” by Steven Spielberg. He won the New Actor Award at the 43rd Japan Academy Film Prize for “Listen to the Universe.” He has worked in various fields including the main characters of musicals, and this is his first film as a director.

QUINCY:
It is an absolute honor to win the Audience Award! While we were in Japan, I was so moved by how connected I felt to the audience and their reception to the themes of the film. Speaking a different language and being from a different culture never felt like a barrier to our shared human experience and that realization is something I will carry with me always.
DENZEL:
For Quincy and I, BRAND NEW is a personal project birthed from our past encounters and shared trauma – cultural experiences that have plagued us as Black men. During our time in Japan, it truly blew our minds to witness how our story transcended such cultural barriers and identified with so many people across the globe. Not only is it an honor to receive this award… but more so a treasured gift to have met so many people who felt “seen” after watching our film. Thank you!

・Anything you would like to share about your film?
QUINCY:
We made this film with the hope of telling a deeply personal and singular story that also invited different audiences into our perspective, and being programmed in SSFF and the added bonus of winning the Audience Award is affirmation that we achieved that at some level.
DENZEL:
Throughout the film, our protagonist, Antoine, makes several mentions of Japan which is purely an extension of Quincy and I’s admiration for all things Japanese. There’s something so incredibly divie to go from having those bread-crumbs sprinkled throughout to then premiere our film in Tokyo, Japan! And our producer Yuki Maekawa-Ledbetter got the chance to bring a film back to her home country! Serendipitous, indeed.

・Any filmmakers or films that have inspired your work?
QUINCY:
I’m inspired by far too many filmmakers and films to name; however, my own inspirations for BRAND NEW were films like Juice by Ernest Dickerson and the visual approach to action I’ve seen in the works of Robert Bresson.
DENZEL:
Definitely JUICE by Ernest Dickerson was a big inspiration for us! Along with Steve McQueen’s directorial approach and Barry Jenkins’ consistently earnest portrayal of Black vulnerability.

＜Profile＞
Quincy Ledbetter & Denzel Whitaker
Quincy Ledbetter is an award winning filmmaker, musician, and artist based in New York by way of Woodbridge, Virginia, best known for an experimental animated film THE BLACK DISQUISITION.
Denzel Whitaker is a California born, LA based actor and director, known for TRAINING DAY, THE GREAT DEBATERS, and BLACK PANTHER.

First and foremost, we are incredibly grateful and pleasantly shocked to have won this award. We’ve seen so many remarkable short films featured at this festival, and we’re genuinely impressed by their quality. To be recognised with the Audience Choice Award means a great deal to us. It’s especially heartwarming to know that there are audiences who appreciate and connect with our work.

・Anything you would like to share about your film?
In the context of our story, “Harvard” represents more than just an aspirational dream for the mother. It symbolizes all the often unrealistic goals that we might impose on ourselves or our children. Through this short film, we aim to explore the pressures and expectations that come with such dreams. Our hope is that “Road to Harvard” serves as a reflective piece, encouraging audiences to consider the broader societal implications of these aspirations and the impact they have on individual lives.

・Any filmmakers or films that have inspired your work?
I personally adore the films of Shuichi Okita. He is probably my favourite film director regardless of nationality. But at the same time, it would be tonally off to say that Road to Harvard is inspired by him, as Okita sensei work often infuses a lot of humour into deeply human stories.
In the end, I guess I’m just hoping my films can have the same effect as his, delivering stories that are both entertaining and significant to audiences.

＜Profile＞
Dan Chong
Born in the island of Borneo, raised in the metropolitan West Malaysia, and having spent two years of his life in the United States, Dan understands the unique cultural landscape of Malaysia and aims to bring it into his films. Especially by tackling themes that he felt are prevalent among Malaysians.

I’m very happy that everyone chose this film, and I’m filled with gratitude.
I really appreciate that feeling.

“Cafuné” is a Portuguese word used to gently run one’s fingers through the hair of a loved one, such as a child, lover, or family member.
It refers to the gentle motion of patting your head to help you fall asleep.
It’s a really powerful thought, but I think people can find life through prayer.

I would be happy if this movie has the power to move your heart even a little.

・Anything you would like to share about your film?
We can’t ever come back to today.
We can’t go back to yesterday, we can’t go back to the day before yesterday, we live like that every day.
Even so, I’m sure there will be moments in your life when you make a mistake, regret it, and wish you could go back.
But instead of being sad about not being able to go back, I want to cherish the ability to be sad.
That’s how I want to live my life, and I hope that through this film I can convey that even a little.

・Any filmmakers or films that have inspired your work?
I encountered photography before I encountered film, and am active as a photographer.
I have met many people through photography.
During that time, I had so many encounters with people, emotions, and scenery.

I believe that each of those encounters has given me who I am today, so the thing that has had the most influence on who I am today are each and every one of the encounters I had through photography.

＜Profile＞
Sara Masuda
Born on September 12, 2001. 22 years old director lives in Tokyo. Her work includes still photography for film promotion, corporate advertisements, artistic photography, and CD jackets. In 2021 she held a solo exhibition écran [écran]. In November, she was featured in the Shibuya Street Gallery, an official program of the Shibuya Art Festival, her work “Where is Deep Breath” was posted on digital signage throughout Shibuya. She is also active as a videographer and works as director and cinematographer for music video. As of 2024, she has more than 153,000 followers on Instagram.

I want to say a hugest thank you to everyone at SSFF for this honour. Slick Films, Dolphragon, and our investors for supporting the film and encouraging us on this journey. To Bryony Pullizzi, our producer, thank you for leaving no stone unturned in getting this film made. A big thanks, of course, to Rhys Chapman, our director, and the hardworking crew and cast, especially James Nelson-Joyce, who was the most generous actor I’ve had the gift of working with. To my city Liverpool, we couldn’t have made this film without your spirit, community, and genuine generosity. Also a big shout out to my acting coach Lucy Russel who helped me get ready to play Ryan. Finally, I wouldn’t be here without the support of my mum, dad, brother, and my beautiful wife. From the bottom of my heart, thank you.

＜Actor’s Profile＞
Lewis Ian Bray is a neurodivergent actor and writer from northwest England. He got his start at YEP, the Young Everyman Playhouse, and went on to become their first-ever Ignition Artist. He developed and devised his highly acclaimed one-person show, Cartoonopolis, which enjoyed a sell-out run and a tour. He went on to perform in various professional productions within The Everyman and Playhouse.
In 2018, he won the BBC Norman Beaton Fellowship, where he spent five months with the BBC Radio Drama Company, acting alongside some of his heroes, including Sir Derek Jacobi.
Since then, Lewis has been involved in various film and television projects, leading to Ryan Can’t Read. During this time, he also started his own production company, Scribble Pictures.
Lewis will be appearing in the new Channel 4 drama Patience.

Being part of such a wonderful film and winning the Best Actor Award at such a prestigious film festival is incredibly moving and an honor. I am deeply grateful to Director Jeonghui An, who supported me from preparation to the end of filming. I also remember the staff who endured the cold with me. Thank you all so much. Filming during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic presented many challenges, but thanks to the excellent direction, we were able to create a great piece and ultimately receive this award at such a fantastic festival. I will always remember this moment with gratitude as I continue my career. Thank you very much!

＜Actor’s Profile＞
Eun Ji Lim is a South Korean actress. She has acted in various roles in film, television, and theater for about a decade since majoring in acting at Kyonggi University. She can currently be seen in the Korean TV show Chief of Staff, streaming on Netflix.

I am really happy to receive such a wonderful award.
Makoto is the kind of girl who is confused and anxious as a teenager, but still runs with all her might for her beloved science fiction and for the person she wants to protect, Shinichi. I gained a lot of courage while playing this character.
And filming for “Future! Future!” is an unforgettable experience of my youth as I ran around the beautiful scenery of Hiroshima with the whole crew.
I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the producers, directors, and staff who helped me, and everyone involved at SSFF & ASIA.

＜Actor’s Profile＞
Ren Komai. Born in 2000. Born in Aomori Prefecture.
Entered the entertainment industry after being scouted in 2013.
In 2015, she was selected as an exclusive model for Nicola. Made her first appearance in the movie “Sailor Suit and Machine Gun – Graduation,” which was released in 2016. She has won many awards including the New Actor Award for her starring role in the movie “Itomichi” [2021].
Appeared as the heroine Mikako Mugito in the movie “Stuffed animals and people who talk are kind” [2023].
In recent years, she has appeared in the movie “Buzzy Noise.”

It’s a tremendous honor to win this award — nobody goes through with the gigantic effort of making a film with the expectation of being applauded on stage. It’s wonderful, humbling, and encourages me to keep making work. As a filmmaker from the US telling a story with a group of Nigerian dancers, receiving this award in Japan is a reminder that specific stories can be universal, and resonate anywhere in the world.

・ Anything you would like to share about your film?
I first learned about Leap of Dance Academy in 2020, during the first summer of the pandemic.
I was immediately curious about how ballet had travelled the world like a seed in the wind, blowing from Europe to the US, and then, eventually making an impression on a young Nigerian man who starts his own ballet academy. To me, the core of the story is about inspiration — and how exciting and infectious it can be.

・Any filmmakers or films that have inspired your work?
I love the feeling of being gripped by a film. I first felt that through music videos in the 1990s — especially with the self-contained worlds of Michel Gondry and Spike Jonze. I also feel inspired by the relentless spirit of Werner Herzog, the universes of Jeunet & Caro, and the human stories Sean Baker. My favorite films from the last few years are Past Lives, Anatomy of a Fall, and All That Breathes.

＜Profile＞
Jacob Krupnick
Jacob Krupnick creates cinematic stories told through movement and dance. Using the world as a stage, his unconventional collaborators move through busy spaces, sparking delight and curiosity — while exploring deeper questions about identity and public space.

He’s currently working on a followup to his debut feature, Girl Walk // All Day.

It’s a dream come true to win the Animation Competition Best Short Award, as SSFF & ASIA is recognized as the top festival for short films in Asia. Moreover, Japan is widely recognized for its incredible contribution to the animation artform. We couldn’t be prouder and we are thrilled that our film was able to touch the jury, the festival’s team and the Japanese audience!

・Anything you would like to share about your film?
We believe our film shares a universal story of grief, and how imagination, through film animation, can help in healing. Our film is inspired by several women, including co-director Alexandra, and Jean-Sébastien’s mother, who are both cancer survivors. But the film is dedicated to Claude, Jean-Sébastien’s father, who recently died of the disease.

・Any filmmakers or films that have inspired your work?
We’ve been fans of animation from a very young age, watching children cartoons which were often made in Japan! The aesthetic of “A crab in the pool” is also inspired by 90s animated series from MTV Liquid Television.

＜Profile＞
Alexandra Myotte & Jean-Sébastien Hamel
Alexandra Myotte and Jean-Sébastien Hamel are a duo of writers-directors based in Montreal. Their award-winning animated short films and web series have been featured in numerous festivals around the globe. Their latest film No Title (2021) has won multiple awards.

I would like to thank my grandmother and mother who raised me as a happy kid, also my partner June Sham (as Production Manager in this project) and the entire production team for their continued encouragement and efforts in realizing this creative vision. Special thanks are also owed to editor Allen Leung for his invaluable guidance and for instilling confidence throughout our creative process. I am deeply honored that this film was selected by the Short Short Film Festival and received this prestigious award. The festival staff demonstrated professionalism and care in providing clear guidelines and oversight throughout the competition and awards ceremony. It has been a truly enriching experience to participate in this event.

・ Anything you would like to share about your film?
“HoManHo in HoManTin” was shot in Ho Man Tin, an ordinary Hong Kong residential area with deep personal significance as my birthplace and childhood home.
This short film was shot entirely with a mobile phone, taking the audience along for treasure hunt in a candid, spontaneous way; the stripping down of techniques remind us of our humble beginnings. The coming of age leads us all into a maze where we feel lost, and this film aims to recall that limitless imagination for possibilities from our childhood. Born and bred into this city’s heartbeat, let us find the direction of our hearts.
I filmed this film to express my gratitude to my hometown, and to record it during this time of change in Hong Kong. I wanted to capture Ho Man Tin from both a child’s imaginative perspective, as well as through the nostalgic lens of an adult. This place will always hold dreams and passion for me despite transformations.

・Any filmmakers or films that have inspired your work?
Tim Burton, Michel Gondry and Spike Jonze are modern filmmakers who deeply inspired me through their ability to craft surreal stories in imaginative, fantastical yet humorous ways that compel self-reflection. Their films undoubtedly expand our creative thinking.

＜Profile＞
Wai Yee Chan
Born and raised in Hong Kong. She graduated from Hong Kong Art School in 2007, majoring in digital imaging and films. She began her career in films since graduation and has mainly taken roles as an Assistant Director. Her recently directed films ‘LemonMilk’, and ‘Life of Cloud’ earned her multiple awards and accolades.

I am very happy to receive the Excellence Award.
First of all, let me take this opportunity to once again thank the actors, Hakuba Ito and Mizuki Sakurako, and all the of the other cast and crew.
Thank you all very much!
This award is a turning point for me as I continue to make films.
My next film will also be about Tokyo.
I will work hard every day to surpass what I have accomplished with this film.

・Anything you would like to share about your film?
The key theme of “Tokyo I Love Yous” is “light”.
Light travels at a speed of 300,000 kilometers per second.
The stars that the characters wish upon are so far away that it takes years for their light to reach us.
One of the key themes of this film is the overlapping time between the light of the stars and the lives of two people in the future.
I hope you notice the “light” in the stage lighting , the streetlights on the highway, and the aerial shots of Tokyo, that all represent the stars.
I think the real appeal of short films is that even strong artistic expressions are accepted.
I think it is a fresh attempt to express the teenage scene on the stage as a mental landscape.
“Light” connects the past, present, and future of the two actors.

・Any filmmakers or films that have inspired your work?
One of my major influences is the director Hirokazu Kore-eda.
Ever since I skipped school to see “Maborosi” at the theater, I have seen every film he has made.
I have always felt that his films are honest in the way that he looks at things that might otherwise be overlooked and touches on the richness and subtleties of everyday life.
I have worked in the production of documentaries and other TV programs, and I feel a sense of empathy with the fact that my background is very close to his.

＜Profile＞
Kaita Tawara
He has a 15-year career as a cinematographer. This is the second short film he directed. Now he is preparing to shoot a feature film.

Thank you for choosing me for this award. First of all, I would like to thank my mother for creating an environment where I can be serious about what I love to do, my brother for starring in the film, and the Singapore cast and crew. Lastly, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all of the SSFF staff for giving me the opportunity to cross the seas and screen this film, which I produced as the culmination of the seven years I spent in Singapore, to people from different parts of the world.

・Anything you would like to share about your film?
A key point in this film is the smell which is transmitted through the images and sounds. In addition to telling the main story, we tried to convey the feeling of the place by giving the viewer a sense of the food and the atmosphere. We hope that through this film, viewers will be exposed to the diverse culture of Singapore and feel its warmth and challenge themselves to step out of their own comfort zone.

・Any filmmakers or films that have inspired your work?
I am most influenced by the Singaporean master filmmaker Eric Khoo. I interned with him for about two years and experienced firsthand the importance of diverse cultures and the stories that are rooted in them. This experience strengthened my desire to talk about the culture and stories that I experienced in Singapore, which led me to create this film.

＜Profile＞
Izumo Kawabe
An 18-year-old student aspiring to become a director and director of photography, living in Singapore. He has been working as a storyboard artist/bilingual script supervisor/behind-the-scenes video creator/production assistant under Eric Khoo production, Singaporean director and producer credited for the revival of the Singapore film industry. He will be attending New York University Tisch Film & Television from 2024. He has 8+ years of visual storytelling experience directing, filming, editing, and producing video content on YouTube such as travel videos. Half a year of internship experience in marketing team of Grab, the largest super-app in Southeast Asia.

Thank you very much for selecting our film “10 Days to Eternity” for the 4th HOPPY HAPPY AWARD. At the award ceremony, Mr. Ishiwata, President of Hoppy Beverage Corporation, told us that he had all of the employees watch the selected movies and they unanimously chose “10 Days to Eternity”! I was deeply moved by the sincerity of the selection process. I will do my best to respond to his sincerity in the production of my new film next year.

・Anything you would like to share about your film?
I believe that the most important things in this world are “family” and “the memories of our life”. Tokamachi City in Niigata Prefecture, where the film is made, is covered in snow and has a unique landscape. In this region, there is a unique technique called “Yuki sarashi” (snow bleaching) in which kimonos are turned white by exposing them to snow. I wished that our memory which is unknowingly soiled, would be purified, and that this would be done by our family.
What is truly important in this world?
I hope you will watch this film and think about this question with me.

・Any filmmakers or films that have inspired your work?
I am inspired by a variety of films and directors, but I am supported by Krzysztof Kieslowski, who I have learned so much from since I started making films, the Coen Brothers, who are always innovating, Stephen Daldry, John Carney, Wim Wenders, among others. When I am working on a screenplay, I watch the movie “Stand by Me” whenever I am unsure of the structure or the descriptions. This is because it’s a film with a miraculous balance of story, cinematography, acting, structure, theme and emotional balance.

＜Profile＞
Qurata Kenji
Film director and screenwriter. Winner of the Grand Prix at the Sundance NHK International Filmmaker Awards. Winner of awards at international film festivals, for the movies “EVERYTIME WE SAY GOODBYE” and “Novela Picaresca”. He also made the T.V. show “Futari Monologue”, and the feature film “MANKAI MOVIE A3!”. He wrote the screenplay for “DitO” directed by Takashi Yuki.

Mika Simmons
Mika Simmons is a British actress and filmmaker.

Her directorial debut, ‘Rain Stops Play’, won the Silver Remi for best comedy at Houston World Film Festival and in 2019 and was nominated at BAFTA qualifying Underwire Festival and CBFF.

In 2021 Mika won Best International Director for her second short ‘Breach’ at Portland Film Festival.

It was such an honor to fly all the way to Japan and receive this kind of recognition, especially with the huge influence that Japanese Culture has over my work. I really hope this will serve as a small bridge between our countries for future collaborations. With this Minister’s Award, Japan has showed care for a modern issue such as global warming.

・Anything you would like to share about your film?
Local Warming is a film shot in a romantic style: a small crew of filmmakers arrived in an unknown town and convinced its folks to make a movie! Some kids helped producing, some locals helped acting, and all together we made the magic happen!

・Any filmmakers or films that have inspired your work?
Federico Fellini, Werner Herzog, Roy Anderson

＜Profile＞
Manuel Vitali
Manuel Vitali is an Italian director who pursued cinema after studying animation and storyboarding. He has written and directed over 20 short films, most of which have been international collaborations, and now he is currently working on his first feature project.

The whole team was absolutely thrilled to hear the news about the win. I got involved with the film because I knew of Fionn’s strength as a writer and his musical genius. So for the film to be recognised for its musicality and approach to sound has been fantastic.

・Anything you would like to share about your film?
The film was made on a very small budget, and wouldn’t have been possible without many favours and the generosity of all the creative minds that came on board to lend a hand. We had a really amazing time making the film and to see it being received so well around the world has made it all the better.

・Any filmmakers or films that have inspired your work?
I’ve always been drawn to weird, wonderful worlds that directors can create with their films. The work of Michel Gondry and Spike Jonze were very influential for me, in proving that incredibly meaningful, beautiful films can also be hilarious and ridiculous and fun. More recently, the work of Daniels (Daniel Kwan and Daniel Sheinert) have been really inspirational.

＜Profile＞
Dave Fox
Dave Fox is a writer/director from Dublin. Dave has a talent for creating character-driven pieces that are visually impactful and memorable whether comically or emotionally charged. His portfolio speaks to his adept ability to create likeable and unique characters and his innate understanding of comedy.

BYEONGJUNE KIM
Born in Korea, 1994
Active as an artist since 2019
Artist work : https://vimeo.com/maybemorethat

Kairi Manabe & Yoshihiko Yamamoto
Kairi Manabe：Born in Miyazaki Prefecture. After several setbacks, he moved into the advertising industry. He usually works in video and copywriting. Major works include “Yukimichi kowaii” (AUTOWAY), “18 no kojiki” (Study Supplement), “Jikanjiten” (Current Location), “SHINSEKAI” (Radwimps), and “MY WEAR” (Goldwin). Currently, he is a member of the creative studio PARTY.

Yoshihiko Yamamoto：Director of TV commercials, series and music videos. He was born in Fukuyama City, Hiroshima, 1979 and his family own a Sento (traditional public bath) business.
He made debut as TV series director with a Hulu production “Momo-ume” in 2021.

I am deeply honored to have received this prestigious award from the audience. Their appreciation for my film fills me with immense gratitude. I humbly thank all those who took the time to watch and support my work, and I am incredibly grateful to the festival for this recognition.

・Anything you would like to share about your film?
For my second semester at the Vienna Film Academy, I completed the project “Piece by Piece” – a short film we shot over the course of just two days without any budget. To my surprise, this low-resource production was later selected to screen at numerous film festivals.

・Any filmmakers or films that have inspired your work?
The films of Abbas Kiarostami, one of my cinematic heroes, never fail to inspire me.

＜Profile＞
Reza Rasouli
Reza Rasouli, born in Iran, is a director and screenwriter. Since 2019 he has been living and working in Austria, where he is currently studying directing at Filmakademie Wien.