Winners of the Far East Film Festival 2026: a review of the complete list

By Agustin Miller

The Far East Film Festival (FEFF), held in Udine, Italy, concluded last Friday with the presentation of awards to the most outstanding productions. In this 28th edition, the Japanese film fujiko, directed by Kimura Taichi, won the Golden Mulberry Audience Award, a recognition that highlights the emotional connection that the film has managed to establish with viewers.

The film, which is Kimura's second work, is set in Japan in the 1970s and 1980s. Through the story of a middle-aged single mother, the director addresses the difficulties faced by a woman in a society that still clings to traditional concepts about the female role. The cast includes actors such as Yuki Katayama and Lily Franky, who add depth to this family narrative.

Documentaries and other awards

The Silver Mulberry 2026, another of the festival's most important awards, was awarded to the documentary The Guardians of Seoul, directed by Kim Jong-woo, Kim Shin-wan and Cho Chul-young. This work captures the events of December 3, 2024, when thousands of South Korean citizens took to the streets in response to President Yoon Suk Yeol's unexpected declaration of martial law. Critics have praised the documentary for its focus on a crucial and surreal moment in recent South Korean history.

The Black Dragon Award, which recognizes excellence in criticism, was shared between The Guardians of Seoul and fujiko, which underlines the impact of both productions on the public and critics. As for the Crystal Mulberry, it was distributed among four films: Blades of the Guardians: The Wind Rises in the Desert, my name, Tunnels: sun in the dark and The king's guardian, which reflects the diversity of film proposals presented at the festival.

The White Mulberry Prize, intended for the best debut feature, was awarded to Unidentified murder by Kwok Ka-hei and Jack Lee, while The Guardians of Seoul received a special mention. Furthermore, the award for best screenplay went to Tunnels: sun in the dark, with a special mention for We are all strangers by Anthony Chen.

Recognitions and projections

As part of the ceremony, the Golden Mulberry Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to renowned Japanese actor Koji Yakusho and famous Hong Kong martial arts filmmaker and choreographer Yuen Woo-ping. Chinese actress Fan Bingbing was also recognized for her outstanding performance, highlighting the importance of Asian figures in the current film landscape.

During this edition of FEFF, a total of 75 films were screened, including eight world premieres and 18 international premieres. Organizers reported that attendance was notable, with approximately 70,000 visitors enjoying the festival's various activities and screenings, an increase compared to the previous year.

Sabrina Baracetti, president of FEFF, highlighted the success of the event, mentioning the presence of Asian cinema superstars and the variety of talents emerging from the region. “We have had full theaters throughout the festival,” he stated, underlining the commitment to continue promoting Asian cinema in future editions.

The next edition of the Far East Film Festival will take place from April 23 to May 1, 2027, with Hong Kong as the focus country. This announcement anticipates a new meeting for lovers of Asian cinema and the celebration of its rich cultural diversity.

The festival has been a meeting point for Asian cinematography, highlighting its relevance on the international scene.