busan project market culminates with stellar wins
an unforgettable evening in busan
After an intense three days of back-to-back meetings at the Asian Project Market, the winners were unveiled in a grand ceremony in Busan, South Korea. This vibrant market is an integral part of the Asian Contents & Film Market, running parallel with the Busan International Film Festival, and it brought together an impressive array of talented filmmakers, eager investors, and industry professionals.
the competition and the winners
Over 30 film projects were pitched by their passionate directors and producers during this event, each seeking vital funding, co-production partners, and international distribution opportunities. The event organizers proudly facilitated a remarkable 706 meetings, underscoring the event’s importance in the global film industry.
The most prestigious accolade, the Busan Award, was taken home by “Kingdom of the Insomniacs”, a compelling thriller-drama by Kang Bo. Meanwhile, “Hum”, a project from the Philippines, distinguished itself by clinching multiple awards, highlighting its universal appeal and excellence.
a closer look at kingdom of the insomniacs
“Kingdom of the Insomniacs”](https://trailers.movieetv.com/search/kingdom-of-the-insomniacs) sets its narrative in an old forest farm beset by insomnia and an eerie aging disease. The plot deepens as a young boy attempts to break free from this malevolent kingdom following his father’s death. This imaginative premise, coupled with the gritty setting, creates an atmosphere ripe for intense drama and psychological conflict. Kang Bo’s unique storytelling and vision certainly captured the jury’s attention, leading to this deserved recognition.
hum: breaking boundaries with a western twist
Hum blazes a trail as a Western, recounting the story of a rodeo couple haunted by their pasts as mysterious ecological shifts threaten their livelihood. This innovative and daring approach to genre storytelling secured “Hum” multiple prizes, signifying its potential impact on both audiences and critics alike.
singapore’s rising star: tan si en
An especially noteworthy accomplishment was achieved by Tan Si En, a Singapore-based producer with an impressive track record. Tan picked up prizes for both of her entries, “Levitating” and “Crocodile Rock,” reflecting her growing influence in the industry. Tan’s past successes include producing Venice award winner “Don’t Cry Butterfly” and Sundance award winner “Pop Aye.” Her recent recognition at the APM underscores her continued ascent in the global film scene.
the rising momentum of asian cinema
The wins at the Asian Project Market highlight the burgeoning talent and vibrant storytelling coming out of Asia. The projects showcased, including “Family at Large” by Kang – starring Hu Ge from “The Wild Goose Lake” and Wen Qi from “Angels Wear White” – underscore a new wave of cinematic talent ready to make their mark globally.
celebrating excellence: a detailed awards list
Below is a detailed list of the winners from the Asian Project Market 2024 Awards:
busan Award
- “Kingdom of the Insomniacs”
- Director: Kang Bo
- Producer: Xie Meng (China)
one cool award
- “Life Redo List”
- Director: Sotoyama Bunji
- Producer: Ide Yoko (Japan)
CJ ENM award
- “Levitating”
- Director: Wregas Bhanuteja
- Producers: Siera Tamihardja, Tan Si En, Patrics Nezan (Indonesia, Singapore, France)
taicca award
- “Until That Day”
- Director: Matsunaga Daishi
- Producers: Ogawa Shinji, Nishikawa Asako, Chang Sanling (Japan, Taiwan)
vipo award
- “Crocodile Rock”
- Director: Kirsten Tan
- Producer: Tan Si En (Singapore, U.S.)
red sea film fund award
- “Making a Sea”
- Director: Lin Htet Aung
- Producer: Mai Meksawan (Thailand)
artekino international award
- Hum
- Director: Don Josephus Raphael Eblahan
- Producers: Hannah Schierbeek, Alemberg Ang (Philippines, U.S.)
songwon award
- “The Birds”
- Director: Sohn Hyun-lok
- Producer: Jo Su-jin (South Korea)
KB award
- “Hellfire Academy”
- Director: Shin Aga
- Producers: Park Doohee, Choi Chan (South Korea)
arri award
- “90 Meters”
- Director: Nakagawa Shun
- Producers: Tsujimoto Tamako, Utagawa Yasushi (Japan)
kongchak studio award
- “Leg”
- Director: Shokir Kholikov
- Producers: Algerim Satybaldy, Paolo Maria Spina, Silvana Santamaria, Johann Chapelan (Kazakhstan, Italy, Germany, Greece)
sorfond award
- “Hum”
- Director: Don Josephus Raphael Eblahan
- Producers: Hannah Schierbeek, Alemberg Ang (Philippines, U.S.)
reflections on the future
As the curtains fall on this year’s Asian Project Market, the palpable excitement and anticipation of what these projects will achieve cannot be overstated. The blend of unique narratives, diverse cultural perspectives, and groundbreaking storytelling techniques points towards a prosperous future for Asian cinema.
The captivating premises of “Kingdom of the Insomniacs” and “Hum,” alongside the other award-winning projects, underscore a commitment to creative excellence. The accolades bestowed upon these projects are not just markers of success but also a harbinger of the impressive strides Asian filmmakers are poised to make on the world stage.
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