In a significant leap for the film industry, the Juree Asia Awards 2023 unveiled its top prizes during a pioneering virtual ceremony streamed on TikTok LIVE and Viddsee.com. This first-of-its-kind event embraced the digital realm to connect with audiences worldwide.
Celebrating Cinematic Achievements
Gold Prize: A Story of Compassion and Struggle
Taiwanese filmmaker Shih-Han Tsao‘s ‘Neko and Flies’ clinched the Gold Prize. This touching film depicts the life of an intellectually-challenged prostitute in a derelict ship, under the care of the altruistic fisherman Chuang. Shih-Han Tsao expressed profound appreciation for the international exposure provided by Viddsee, saying, “The powerful narrative of this short film intertwines the challenges faced by a harbor guard, foreign fisherman, and a female sex worker, crafting a story that is both poignant yet warm. I would like to express my gratitude to Viddsee for showcasing my work on a global stage, allowing it to be embraced internationally.”
Silver Prize: A Riveting Cross-Border Odyssey
Indonesian filmmaker Haris Supiandi’s ‘Sweet Squad’ earned the Silver Prize. It portrays the perilous journey of a young sugar courier navigating the treacherous Indonesia-Malaysia border.
Grand Prize in Vertical Storytelling: A Dystopian Adventure
The Grand Prize for Vertical Storytelling went to ‘Bilbo’ by Rizza Joy Santiago from the Philippines. Set in a post-apocalyptic realm, it follows Carlo and his companion robot Bilbo on a happiness quest. Santiago shared her emotional bond with the film, remarking, . “This film is ingrained in my heart as a simple story that echoes what it means to pursue happiness. It is something that we all have to go through differently, yet again we all understand that the path will not be easy. I wish this film can give comfort to someone’s journey, for those fighting to find happiness and someone to fight with them.”
International Judges Impressed by Film Quality
Tim Redford, a prominent figure in the short film festival scene, praised the submissions saying I was blown away by the overall quality of this year’s films at Viddsee’s Juree Awards Asia 2023. The quality of the projects is undeniable, the stories were strong, inspiring & well executed.
TikTok Collaboration: Elevating Vertical Storytelling
This year’s event highlighted a unique partnership with TikTok, focusing on the importance of vertical storytelling in today’s digital landscape. This collaboration aims to celebrate creators who excel in this innovative format.
A Conduit for Diverse Narratives and Social Issues
Kenny Tan, Vice President of Studios at Viddsee, commented on the diversity and caliber of the films,“Our second Asia edition has proven to be incredibly rewarding, attracting a high volume of diverse, high-quality films from around the region. Juree was established not only to discover new and aspiring talents, but also to encourage and support creators on their content creation journey.”
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Audience Choice Awards: Honoring Indonesian Creativity
Indonesian filmmakers dominated the Audience Choice Awards, with ‘Kinanthi’ by Philipus Maliobowo and ‘A Shuttlecock For Tomorrow’ by Ryandira Rahardjo winning in their respective categories. Singapore’s ‘The Note’ by Jen Nee Lim also received special recognition for its poignant narrative on HIV stigma.
Delve Deeper into Juree Asia Awards 2023
For further insights into the award-winning films and their creators, visit Juree Asia Awards 2023. This platform provides an extensive look at the talented filmmakers whose stories captivated both audiences and judges at this year’s festival.
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