Osaka 2017: Wong Chun's MAD WORLD Takes Top Prize

Director Wong Chun’s debut feature Mad World has been awarded the top prize at Osaka Asian Film Festival 2017. The daring indie drama, which stars Eric Tsang and Shawn Yue, tackles issues of mental illness and the pressures of city life while exploring the relationship between a father and son.

A jury comprised of filmmakers Monster Jimenez and Ho Yuhang and actress Nakanishi Miho offered the prize, stating: “We award Mad World the Grand Prix for its unflinching and sympathetic view of a neglected reality. It is harsh but tender, tragic but hopeful. The film is an act of love."

Other winners included Most Promising Talent for Hong Konger Fish Liew for her excellent performance in Tracy Choi’s Sisterhood and the Yakushi Pearl Award for Filipino actress Iza Caldado for her work in Bliss.

Full List of Winners:

Grand Prix
Mad World (Director: Wong Chun, Hong Kong)

Most Promising Talent Award
Fish Liew
 (Sisterhood, Macao, Hong Kong)

Special Mention
By the Time It Gets Dark
 (Director: Anocha Suwichakornpong, Thailand, Netherland, France, Qatar)

Japan Cuts Award
Love and Goodbye Hawaii (Director: Matsumura Shingo, Japan)

ABC Award
Soul Mate (Director: Derek Tsang, Hong Kong, China)

Yakushi Pearl Award
Iza Calzado (Bliss, Philippines)

Audience Award
29+1 (Director: Kearen Pang, Hong Kong)