"Project Y" took home Best Film in Competition at the 10th London East Asia Film Festival (LEAFF).
Directed by Lee Hwan (Park Hwa-young) and led by Han So-hee and Jeon Jong-seo, the neo-noir follows Mi-seon and Do-kyung―two people who only have each other―as they try to climb out of rock-bottom reality by stealing a hidden stash of cash and gold, setting off a relentless chain of events.
LEAFF, which kicked off on Oct. 23, is a leading European showcase for bold, boundary-pushing films from Korea and across Asia. This year’s lineup featured 45 titles.
"Project Y" was one of just eight films invited to compete, alongside Girl from director Seogi and a new feature from Ha Jung-woo, ultimately nabbing the section’s top honor.
“"Project Y" boldly expands the horizons of contemporary neo-noir,” the festival said in a statement, praising the film for deconstructing classic genre conventions and showcasing commanding direction that signals new possibilities for Asian cinema.
Attending the U.K. screenings, director Lee Hwan shared, “After Toronto, Busan and the Hawaii International Film Festival, it’s been a joy to show the film at LEAFF―and an honor to receive this award. I hope more audiences will meet "Project Y" in theaters and complete the film with their own perspectives.”
Following buzzy slots at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) and the Hawaii International Film Festival, the LEAFF win further cements "Project Y"’s craftsmanship and momentum.
Anticipation is high thanks to a powerhouse ensemble―Han So-hee, Jeon Jong-seo, Kim Shin-rok, Jung Young-ju, Lee Jae-kyun, YOOA and Kim Sung-cheol―plus razor-tight plotting and breathless tension.
"Project Y" will hit Korean theaters soon.
(SBS Entertainment News | Kim Ji-hye)