DIRECTORIAL SYMPHONY

KORE-EDA HIROKAZU

The inaugural Ho Chi Minh City International Film Festival (HIFF 2024) is honored to announce the participation of world-renowned Japanese director, Kore-eda Hirokazu, as a distinguished icon of global cinema. Kore-eda Hirokazu, a leading figure in Japanese cinema, is celebrated worldwide for his unique style of portraying human life through simple yet profound narratives.

At HIFF 2024, director Kore-eda Hirokazu will be featured in the “Directorial Symphony” category, a tribute to his talent and contributions to the film industry. This category aims to honor a distinguished director whose films exhibit artistic quality, thematic diversity, and a storytelling style that significantly impacts the world of cinema. It not only celebrates cinematic masterpieces but also offers professionals and audiences a chance to engage closely with international cinematic excellence.

Kore-eda Hirokazu’s expected presence at HIFF promises to elevate the festival’s atmosphere, inspiring future generations of filmmakers. This event presents a precious opportunity for filmmakers to learn from and explore the artistry of this acclaimed director from Asian cinema. Additionally, it grants Vietnamese cinema enthusiasts their first opportunity to meet and interact with him through direct dialogues.

The gala night in honor of Kore-eda will take place on the evening of April 11, 2024.

Born on June 6, 1962, in Tokyo, Japan, Kore-eda Hirokazu embarked on his cinematic journey as an assistant director, later directing numerous documentaries for television. His debut feature film, Maborosi (1995), competed for the Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival, marking the beginning of a nearly 30-year career filled with notable works such as After Life (1998), Still Walking (2008), Air Doll (2009), Shoplifters (2018), and most recently, Monster (2023), which was screened in Vietnam.

Kore-eda’s films frequently contend at top film festivals like Cannes and Venice, achieving prestigious awards including the Palme d’Or for Shoplifters (2018), the Jury Prize for Like Father Like Son (2013), and Best Actor for Nobody Knows (2004) and Broker (2022), with his latest script for Monster winning Best Screenplay. He has also been an Oscar nominee for Best Foreign Language Film with Shoplifters (2018).

His work often delves into societal issues in Japan, such as child abandonment in Nobody Knows, child trafficking in Broker, and a family of shoplifters in Shoplifters. Despite focusing on humanity’s indefensible flaws, Kore-eda Hirokazu portrays each character with empathy and a non-judgmental perspective, showcasing the inherent humanity within.