“The Land of Morning Calm” and “MA – Cry of Silence” Claim Top Awards at 2024 Busan International Film Festival
The 29th Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) in South Korea awarded its prestigious New Currents Award to two standout films: "The Land of Morning Calm" by Korean director Park Ri-woong and "MA – Cry of Silence" from Myanmar filmmaker The Maw Naing. Both films are second features by their respective directors, gaining international recognition for their powerful narratives.
"The Land of Morning Calm" is a Korean drama that explores themes of economic uncertainty, loss, and societal prejudice through the story of a young fisherman’s mysterious disappearance. Directed by Park Ri-woong, the film received praise from the New Currents jury, led by Iranian filmmaker Mohammad Rasoulof, for its precise pacing and emotional depth. Park's previous film, "The Girl on a Bulldozer" (2021), had already established him as a rising talent in Korean cinema.
"MA – Cry of Silence," a Myanmar-Korea-Singapore-France-Norway-Qatar co-production, tells the story of a teenage textile worker struggling to find her voice amidst political turmoil in Myanmar. The Maw Naing, known for his 2014 debut "The Monk," was lauded by the jury for his film’s "courageous portrayal of resistance to historical and ongoing political challenges under Myanmar’s political junta."
In the festival’s Kim Jiseok Award category, two films shared the honors: "Village Rockstars 2," directed by India’s Rima Das, and Taiwan’s "Yen And Ai-Lee" by Tom Lin. "Village Rockstars 2" is a sequel to Das’s acclaimed 2017 film and continues the coming-of-age journey of Dhunu, a young girl who aspires to become a musician while navigating family responsibilities. "Yen And Ai-Lee" is a black-and-white drama about the strained relationship between a mother and daughter, blending elements of drama and black comedy.
Actor awards went to Yoo Lee Ha of Korea’s "The Final Semester," who won Male Actor of the Year, and Park Seoyun, who was recognized for her performance in the mystery drama "Humming."
"The Land of Morning Calm" also won the KB New Currents Audience Award, while Costa Rica’s "Memories of a Burning Body," directed by Antonella Sudasassi Furniss, took home the Flash Forward Audience Award.
The BIFF Mecenat Award for documentaries went to Korea’s "Works and Days" by Park Minsoo and Ahn Kearnhyung, and Taiwan-Hong Kong-France co-production "Another Home" by Frankie Sin. The Sonje Award, dedicated to short films, was given to "Yurim" by South Korea's Song Jiseo and "A Garden in Winter" by Eléonore Mahmoudian and Matsui Hiroshi from Japan and France.
The festival, which ran from October 2-11, showcased 224 films from 63 countries, with an attendance of 145,238 visitors—up 2% from last year. Despite a 50% cut in government funding, BIFF added more screenings and venues to accommodate increased demand.
As the 29th edition concluded, BIFF confirmed that its 30th anniversary in 2025 will shift to earlier dates. The festival will run from September 17-26, 2025, to avoid clashing with Korea’s Chuseok holiday. The Asian Contents & Film Market (ACFM), the industry counterpart to the festival, will take place from September 20-23.
On the industry side, BIFF saw increased participation, with 2,644 badge holders from 52 countries attending the ACFM. A total of 275 companies participated in the market, including 33 new entrants. The Asian Project Market (APM) held 706 meetings, supporting projects from 17 countries.
As the festival drew to a close, it reaffirmed its position as a key hub for Asian cinema, offering a platform for emerging filmmakers and fostering connections within the global film industry.
Busan 2024 Winners:
New Currents Award
- "The Land of Morning Calm" / Dir. Park Ri-woong (South Korea)
- "MA – Cry of Silence" / Dir. The Maw Naing (Myanmar-South Korea-Singapore-France-Norway-Qatar)
Kim Jiseok Award
- "Village Rockstars 2" / Dir. Rima Das (India-Singapore)
- "Yen And Ai-Lee" / Dir. Tom Lin Shu-Yu (Taiwan)
BIFF Mecenat Award
- "Works and Days" / Dir. Park Minsoo, Ahn Kearnhyung (South Korea)
- "Another Home" / Dir. Frankie Sin (Taiwan-Hong Kong-France)
Sonje Award
- "Yurim" / Dir. Song Jiseo (South Korea)
- "A Garden in Winter" / Dirs. Eléonore Mahmoudian, Matsui Hiroshi (Japan-France)
Actor of the Year (Male): Yoo Lee Ha, "The Final Semester" (South Korea)
Actor of the Year (Female): Park Seoyun, "Humming" (South Korea)
KB New Currents Audience Award: "The Land of Morning Calm" / Dir. Park Ri-woong (South Korea)
Flash Forward Audience Award: "Memories of a Burning Body" / Dir. Antonella Sudasassi Furniss (Costa Rica-Spain)