Who decides the winners of this year’s Far East Film Festival? While the spirit of FEFF remains proudly democratic – with the audience alone determining the winners of the top three prizes – two expert juries will also be selecting special awards.

Among the 49 competition titles (from a total lineup of 77), the three most-voted films by the public will receive the Golden Mulberry, Silver Mulberry, and Crystal Mulberry. Meanwhile, two dedicated juries composed of respected film professionals will present additional awards.

The prestigious Mulberry for Best Screenplay will once again be awarded by the jurors of the “Sergio Amidei” Gorizia International Award: acclaimed screenwriter Massimo Gaudioso (longtime collaborator of Matteo Garrone), screenwriter Silvia D’Amico, and director Francesco Munzi.

The White Mulberry for Best Debut Film will be judged by a separate panel that includes Kim Yutani (programmer at Sundance Film Festival), Sakoda Shinji (international film consultant), and beloved Japanese celebrity Megumi.

Megumi – an actress, pop idol, producer, and entrepreneur born in 1981- has made headlines with her involvement in the celebrated Japan Night at the Cannes Film Festival, which will now make its debut at FEFF in Udine.

“I’m deeply honoured and thrilled to join the FEFF jury,” says Megumi. “I’m also excited to bring Japan Night to Udine for the first time. It’s a wonderful opportunity to share Japanese cinema and culture with international audiences, and to celebrate the signing of a co-production agreement between Italy and Japan.”

For more information, follow the Far East Film Festival.

Image courtesy of the Far East Film Festival

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