Of 193 professionals, 36 countries, and 461 business meetings, Vietnamese directors made their mark at the 23rd Asian Project Market (APM). The Asian Project Market — the largest investor market for film production in Asia, and sponsored by the Busan International Film Festival — took place virtually from 26th to 28th of October. Although the number of selected projects decreased from that of the previous year's to 21 projects, this year's APM consolidates its position as the largest investment and co-production market in Asia with a high rate of business meeting arranged per project despite entirely virtual events.
This year's winners include “Rom” director Tran Thanh Huy and “KFC” director Le Binh Giang, both of which show the notable growth of the Vietnamese film industry. Other awardees include “Duelist” director Lee Myung-se and Indian director Kislay. Kislay's project “Commodity” has been particularly recognized as a highly-anticipated project for its promising artistic quality.
But without further ado, the award winners in depth:
(*Project / Director / Country)
Busan Award: “Commodity” / Kislay / India
Busan Metropolitan City sponsors the Busan Award committing $15,000 USD to a project chosen from the official APM line-up. Busan Metropolitan City administers additional annual funds to lend stronger financial support to promising filmmakers participating at APM.
CJ Entertainment Award: “Tick It” / Tran Thanh Huy / Vietnam
CJ Entertainment Award commits 10,000USD in cash to an international project. The ‘First Look Option' regarding production, investment, sales and distribution of the awarded project may be bestowed by CJ ENM through discussions between the winner and CJ ENM before presenting the award.
ArteKino International Prize: “Who Created Human Beings” / Le Binh Giang / Vietnam, Singapore
ARTE Kino awards 6,000EUR in cash to a project chosen from the official APM line-up. The winner may allow the screening of the film on the ARTE Kino Festival website (internet non-exclusive rights with a restrictive number of viewings for 30 days).
MONEFF Award: “Nowhere To Hide â…¡” / LEE Myungse / S. Korea
MONEFF Award commits 20,000 USD in post-production service and facilities, especially editing or VFX to a project chosen from the official APM line-up.
