On March 6, at the opening ceremony, Kamikura Tsuneyuki, Chairperson, Osaka Executive Committee for the Promotion of Moving Image Culture, gave an opening speech:
“Aiming to be Asian film’s gateway to the world, OAFF has now reached its 15th edition. Films are made to convey to contemporary society what people are thinking now, and we have strived to introduce these films to as wide an audience as possible. OAFF, however, has not been able to realize a number of our planned projects this year. To fight against an invisible enemy, and to minimize the possibility of tragedy, we decided to cancel all filmmaker-in-person events so as to reduce the chance of possible coronavirus infection. Upon asking filmmakers’ understanding, we have decided to focus on our fundamental purpose: screening films which show the many other things which are happening around us.”
On March 15 the winners of this year’s edition were announced. And the winners are:
Grand Prix (Best Picture Award)
“Happy Old Year”, Thailand | Director: Nawapol Thamrongrattanarit
Most Promising Talent Award
Park Sun-joo, Korea｜“Way Back Home” Director
Best Actor
Mase Hidemasa, Japan｜“Kontora” Leading Actor
ABC TV Award
“Write about Love”, Philippines｜Director: Crisanto Aquino
Yakushi Pearl Award
Leon Dai, Taiwan｜“Your Name Engraved Herein” Supporting Actor
JAPAN CUTS Award
“The Murders of Oiso”, Japan, Hong Kong, Korea｜Director: MisawaTakuya
Housen Short Film Award
“Hammock”, Japan｜Director: Kishi Kentaro
Audience Award
“Better Days”, China, Hong Kong | Director: Derek Tsang
