Patrick Frater Asia Bureau Chief “Snow in Midsummer,” which quietly probes the 1969 massacre of Malaysian Chinese during post-election turmoil, was named the winner of the best film for young cinema competition (Chinese-language) at the Hong Kong International Film Festival. Liang Ming was named best director for “Carefree Days,” while the film’s female lead Lyu Xingchen collected the best actress award.
Jason King won the best actor award for his performance in “A Journey in Spring.” In the equivalent competition for non-Chinese films Gustav Moeller’s “Sons” was named the Firebird winner. Meryam Joobeur won the best director award for her “Who Do I Belong To.” The best actor award went to Vangelis Mourikis for his role in “Arcadia.” Minna Wuendrich was named best actress for her performance in “Ivo.” The jury also gave a special mention to “Pepe,” directed by Nelson Carlo de los Santos Arias.
In the documentary competition, the jury unanimously awarded the Firebird Award to “Favoriten,” by Austrian director Ruth Beckermann.
Hong Kong director Wong Siu-pong took the jury prize with “Obedience.” Margherita Giusti received the Firebird Award in the short film competition with “The Meatseller.” The jury prize went to “Shrooms,” by Portuguese director Jorge Jacome.
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