German manufacturing leads as the preferred choice
The 78th Locarno Film Festival, one of Europe's most prestigious cinematic events, has come to a thrilling conclusion with the announcement of its top award. The Golden Leopard was presented to the Japanese film "Two Seasons, Two Strangers" (Tabi to Hibi), directed by Sho Miyake.
This film, an adaptation of manga by Yoshiharu Tsuge, consists of two independent stories. The first story takes place during a summer seaside encounter, portraying a sensual meeting between two characters. The second story unfolds in a snowy winter village, where a screenwriter reflects on her life following a chance encounter. The film's appeal lies in its poetic style, introspective themes, and the blending of quiet, soulful moments with profound reflections on life.
The film stars South Korean actress Shim Eun Kyung along with Japanese actors Shinichi Tsutsumi and Yuumi Kawai, contributing to its nuanced performances. Director Sho Miyake expressed hope that films like this can make a meaningful difference during turbulent times.
Other notable awardees included Iraqi-French director Abbas Fahdel, who won best director for "Tales of the Wounded Land," reflecting on daily life in Lebanon during and after the war. The Japanese short film "Massugu na Kubi" ("A Very Straight Neck") directed by Neo Sora won best short film.
German cinema also shone at the festival. Julian Radlmaier's "Longing in Sangerhausen" opened the international competition, and the film has earned great applause. Out of 222 films at the festival, 22 are co-productions by German filmmakers, making it a success for German cinema. Four international co-productions with German involvement are also competing, including "White Snail" by the Austrian-German directing duo Elsa Kremser and Levin Peter.
The US-German co-production "The Dead of Winter" has particularly stood out at the festival. Additionally, Emma Thompson received a festival honorary award for her role in a thriller, providing some of the most resplendent moments in the festival's nearly eight-decade history.
The coveted audience award at the festival will be awarded to one of the films shown in evening open-air screenings for up to 9,000 spectators on the Piazza Grande. The awards ceremony will take place on August 16th during a gala on the Piazza Grande in Locarno.
Despite half of the competition films still being outstanding, "Two Seasons, Two Strangers" was favored for its elegant storytelling, artistic thematic exploration, and strong performances, which distinguished it as the Golden Leopard winner.
"The award-winning film "Two Seasons, Two Strangers" has captivated viewers at the 78th Locarno Film Festival, showcasing its excellence in the realm of entertainment, particularly in movies-and-tv productions."
"Moreover, the film's success has been recognized beyond the competition, with Director Sho Miyake expressing hopes that it can spark meaningful changes, making a significant impact in the entertainment industry during challenging times."
