AceShowbiz - The 28th edition of the Far East Film Festival (FEFF) concluded in Udine, Italy, with the Japanese drama Fujiko by Kimura Taichi winning the prestigious Golden Mulberry Audience Award. This accolade is the festival's highest honor voted by attendees, recognizing the film’s emotional resonance and cultural significance.

Fujiko, Kimura’s second feature film, is a heartfelt family dramedy set against the backdrop of 1970s and 1980s Japan. It centers on a middle-aged single mother navigating societal challenges during a period when women's liberation was still a contentious issue. The film stars Yuki Katayama, Lily Franky, Tsuyoshi Ujiki, Keiko Takeshita, Kayoko Kishimoto, and Issey Ogata, who collectively bring depth and nuance to this intimate story.

Taking second place with the Silver Mulberry Audience Award was The Seoul Guardians, a documentary directed by Kim Jong-woo, Kim Shin-wan, and Cho Chul-young. The film provides a compelling account of the December 3, 2024 protests in Seoul, sparked by the sudden imposition of martial law by President Yoon Suk Yeol. Critics have praised the documentary for its immersive portrayal of this extraordinary and uplifting moment in South Korea’s recent history. Notably, The Seoul Guardians shared the festival’s Black Dragon critics prize with Fujiko.

The third-place Crystal Mulberry award was uniquely shared among four films: Blades of the Guardians: Wind Rises in the Desert by Yuen Woo-ping, My Name by Chung Ji-young, Tunnels: Sun in the Dark by Bui Thac Chuyen, and The King's Warden by Chang Hang-jun. This unexpected outcome highlighted the diversity and strength of the festival’s selections.

In the jury-decided categories, the White Mulberry prize for best debut film went to Unidentified Murder, directed by Kwok Ka-hei and Jack Lee, with a special mention awarded to The Seoul Guardians. The Mulberry for best screenplay was presented to Tunnels: Sun in the Dark, which also received a special mention alongside Anthony Chen’s We Are All Strangers.

Honoring lifetime achievements, FEFF bestowed the Golden Mulberry Award to celebrated Japanese actor Koji Yakusho and renowned Hong Kong filmmaker and martial arts choreographer Yuen Woo-ping. Additionally, acclaimed Chinese actress Fan Bingbing received the Golden Mulberry for outstanding achievement, recognizing her significant contributions to Asian cinema.

According to the festival organizers, the 2026 edition showcased a total of 75 films from 12 countries, including eight world premieres, 18 international premieres, 21 European premieres, and 20 Italian premieres. Attendance increased compared to the previous year, with approximately 70,000 visitors attending screenings and events throughout the festival.

FEFF president Sabrina Baracetti highlighted the festival’s vibrant atmosphere: “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.” She emphasized that the winning films reflect the enduring strength of Asian cinema and reaffirmed the festival’s commitment to promoting these filmmakers on the global stage.

Looking ahead, the organizers announced that the 29th edition of the Far East Film Festival will be held from April 23 through May 1, 2027. The festival’s country in focus for that year will be Hong Kong, promising another celebration of the region’s cinematic excellence.