Currently attracting attention as the most important director in the Japanese film industry, director Shō Miyake's directing and starring actress Shim Eun-kyung's film 'Journey and Days' (original title: 旅と日 | Imported/Provided by: Etnine Film, Humanité | Distributed by: Etnine Film | Director: Shō Miyake | Grants: Shim Eun-kyung, Tsutsumi Shin'ichi, Kawai Yumi, Takada Mansaku) won the Golden Leopard Award at the 78th Locarno Film Festival.
'Journey and Days' attracted global attention by winning the Golden Leopard Award (Pardo d'Oro), the main prize in the international competition section, at the 78th Locarno Film Festival held from Aug. 6 (Wed) to 16 (Sat).
'Journey and Days' is the latest work of director Shō Miyake, who is currently receiving significant attention in both Japan and the international film industry, following films like 'Your Bird Can Sing' and 'If You Stare into Your Eyes' as well as 'All of Dawn.' It also stars actress Shim Eun-kyung, who is actively involved in various activities in Japan, and includes a strong performance by Tsutsumi Shin'ichi, a pillar in the Japanese film and drama industry, generating anticipation among domestic and international film fans.
After winning the Golden Leopard Award at the 78th Locarno Film Festival, director Shō Miyake expressed his gratitude, saying, "I sincerely thank the Locarno Film Festival, the staff, and the audience. Before making the film, I deeply contemplated the painful reality of now and what cinema could do in the world, but while making 'Journey and Days,' I rediscovered my love and trust in cinema, as well as my affection for the world. If I can share this feeling through 'Journey and Days,' I would be beyond happy." Additionally, Shim Eun-kyung, who played the role of 'Ri' in the film, also shared her excitement, stating, "It was an honor to portray 'Ri' in 'Journey and Days.' I am really happy that the journey we walked together with the director and staff has yielded such valuable results."
Meanwhile, with this award, 'Journey and Days' has become the fourth Japanese film to win the Golden Leopard Award at the Locarno Film Festival, following director Kiyunaga Deinosuke's 'Hell's Gate' in 1954, director Jitsuzō Akio's 'Mushō' in 1970, and director Kobayashi Masahiro's 'The Anticipation of Love' in 2007.
'Journey and Days' is based on Yoshiharu Tsuge's masterpiece manga 'Seascape (海の景)' and 'Ben-san of Hon'yara Cave (ほんやら洞のべんさん).' Audiences will experience the delicate storytelling and visual magic unique to director Shō Miyake, which guides them on a journey that intersects the ordinary and extraordinary through winter landscapes and summer beach scenes.
Scheduled for release domestically this winter.
[Photo] 'Journey and Days'
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