Ronny Sianturi
The 28th edition of the Far East Film Festival (FEFF), a premier cinematic event celebrating Asian cinema, concluded on Friday night in Udine, Italy, with Japanese director Kimura Taichi’s poignant drama Fujiko taking home the prestigious Golden Mulberry Audience Award. This marks a significant recognition for Taichi’s second feature film, a deeply humanistic portrayal of a middle-aged single mother navigating the complexities of 1970s and 1980s Japan. The film’s triumph underscores the enduring appeal of character-driven narratives that explore societal shifts and individual resilience.
The Golden Mulberry Audience Award, voted on by festival attendees, is a testament to Fujiko‘s ability to connect with a broad international audience. The film’s narrative delves into the life of its protagonist as she strives to establish her independence and secure a future for herself and her child in a society still grappling with the nascent stages of women’s liberation. Starring Yuki Katayama in a pivotal role, alongside a distinguished cast including Lily Franky, Tsuyoshi Ujiki, Keiko Takeshita, Kayoko Kishimoto, and Issey Ogata, Fujiko offers a nuanced and empathetic look at a woman’s journey through a period of significant social and cultural transformation. The film’s success at FEFF highlights the festival’s commitment to showcasing diverse voices and stories from across Asia, resonating with audiences through its universal themes of family, identity, and perseverance.
A Deep Dive into the FEFF Awards
The Far East Film Festival, now in its 28th year, has solidified its position as a crucial platform for introducing Asian cinema to European audiences. Held annually in Udine, the festival screens a curated selection of films, ranging from major studio productions to independent gems, with a strong emphasis on discovery and cultural exchange. This year’s edition, which ran from [insert approximate start date, e.g., April 20th] to [insert approximate end date, e.g., April 28th, 2026], showcased an impressive array of cinematic talent from across the continent.
Silver Mulberry Awarded to "The Seoul Guardians"
Securing the Silver Mulberry, the festival’s second most coveted audience award, was the compelling documentary The Seoul Guardians. Directed by Kim Jong-woo, Kim Shin-wan, and Cho Chul-young, the film offers a searing and immersive account of the extraordinary events of December 3, 2024. On this date, the streets of Seoul became the stage for mass protests against the declaration of martial law by then-President Yoon Suk Yeol, a moment that sent shockwaves through South Korea. The Seoul Guardians has garnered significant critical acclaim for its powerful and unflinching depiction of this tumultuous period, presenting it as one of the most surreal yet ultimately uplifting episodes in recent South Korean history. The film’s ability to capture the raw emotion and collective spirit of the South Korean people has resonated deeply with critics and audiences alike.
Interestingly, The Seoul Guardians also shared the Black Dragon critics’ prize with Fujiko, indicating a strong consensus among both the festival’s jury and its audience regarding the exceptional quality of these two distinct cinematic works. This shared recognition underscores the diverse range of narratives that FEFF champions, from intimate family dramas to politically charged documentaries.
A Surprise Tie for the Crystal Mulberry
The third-place Crystal Mulberry Audience Award saw an unexpected and notable tie, with four films sharing this distinction. This unprecedented outcome highlights the exceptionally high caliber of films competing for audience favor in this year’s festival. The four films honored with this shared award were:
- Blades of the Guardians: Wind Rises in the Desert, directed by the legendary martial arts choreographer and filmmaker Yuen Woo-ping.
- My Name, a film by Chung Ji-young.
- Tunnels: Sun in the Dark, directed by Bui Thac Chuyen.
- The King’s Warden, a film by Chang Hang-jun.
The shared award for the Crystal Mulberry suggests a broad spectrum of audience preferences and a testament to the diverse storytelling approaches present at FEFF 28. The inclusion of Yuen Woo-ping’s action-oriented film alongside more introspective dramas and thrillers demonstrates the festival’s expansive scope.
Jury Recognizes Debut Talent and Screenwriting Prowess
Beyond the audience awards, the festival’s jury also presented several significant accolades, recognizing outstanding directorial debuts and exceptional screenwriting.
White Mulberry for Best Debut Film
The White Mulberry prize, bestowed upon the best debut film, was awarded to Unidentified Murder by Kwok Ka-hei and Jack Lee. This award signifies the emergence of promising new talent within the Asian filmmaking landscape and highlights the festival’s role in nurturing and promoting emerging directors. Notably, The Seoul Guardians received a special mention in this category, acknowledging the powerful impact of the documentary’s debut from a directorial perspective.
Best Screenplay Award
The Mulberry for best screenplay was presented to Tunnels: Sun in the Dark by Bui Thac Chuyen, recognizing the film’s exceptional narrative construction and thematic depth. A special mention in this category was given to Anthony Chen’s We Are All Strangers, acknowledging its sophisticated and resonant storytelling. These screenplay awards underscore the importance of compelling narratives in captivating audiences and fostering critical engagement.
Lifetime Achievement and Outstanding Achievement Awards
FEFF 28 also celebrated the remarkable careers of established figures in Asian cinema with its prestigious Lifetime Achievement and Outstanding Achievement awards.
-
Golden Mulberry Award for Lifetime Achievement: This year, the esteemed Lifetime Achievement award was bestowed upon two titans of Asian cinema: the legendary Japanese actor Koji Yakusho and the immensely influential Hong Kong filmmaker and martial arts choreographer Yuen Woo-ping. Their contributions to cinema, spanning decades and genres, have left an indelible mark on the global film industry. Yakusho, known for his versatile performances in films like Shall We Dance? and Babel, and Yuen Woo-ping, whose groundbreaking choreography in Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon and The Matrix redefined action cinema, are celebrated for their enduring impact and artistic excellence.
-
Golden Mulberry for Outstanding Achievement: The Golden Mulberry for Outstanding Achievement was presented to acclaimed Chinese actress Fan Bingbing. Her career, marked by captivating performances in a wide array of international and domestic productions, has established her as one of the most recognizable and celebrated actresses in Asia. This award recognizes her significant contributions and ongoing influence in the film industry.
Festival Statistics and Future Outlook
The 28th Far East Film Festival concluded with a strong showing, both in terms of film selection and audience engagement. According to FEFF organizers, the 2026 edition presented a comprehensive program featuring 75 films. This diverse lineup included eight world premieres, eighteen international premieres, twenty-one European premieres, and twenty Italian premieres, representing a total of twelve countries.
The festival reported a significant uptick in visitor numbers compared to the previous year, with an estimated 70,000 people attending the various screenings and events. This robust attendance underscores the growing international appeal and importance of FEFF in the global film festival circuit.
FEFF President Sabrina Baracetti expressed her satisfaction with the festival’s success, stating, "We had superstars of Asian cinema and we had blockbusters. We had films that celebrate the diversity of talent the region continues to produce and we had full houses all festival long. Tonight’s winner’s once again reflect the strength of Asian cinema and our dedication to celebrating and promoting these filmmakers will continue." Her remarks highlight the festival’s dual commitment to showcasing established stars and emerging talents, while also emphasizing its unwavering dedication to the promotion and celebration of Asian cinematic artistry.
Looking ahead, the organizers have already announced the dates for the 29th edition of the Far East Film Festival, which will take place from April 23 to May 1, 2027. The festival also revealed that the upcoming edition will have a special focus on Hong Kong cinema, promising a deep dive into the rich and diverse cinematic heritage of the city. This announcement signals an exciting future for FEFF, further solidifying its role as a vital nexus for Asian cinema on the international stage. The continued success and growth of FEFF, as evidenced by its record attendance and the enthusiastic reception of its diverse program, point to a bright future for Asian films and the festivals that champion them.
