Taiwanese filmmaker Sylvia Chang has been awarded the 2025 Camellia Award for her groundbreaking contributions across generations and roles, paving the way for Asian women in cinema. The Camellia Award, presented by CHANEL in partnership with the Busan International Film Festival, honors women whose cultural and artistic impact shapes the film industry.

At the 30th BIFF Opening Ceremony on September 17 at the Busan Cinema Center, Chang received the award from Claus Oldager, Managing Director of CHANEL Korea, who highlighted her achievements as both a creator and a trailblazing woman in film.

In her acceptance speech, Chang expressed gratitude and reflected on her decades-long journey balancing her roles as actress, director, producer, wife, and mother, while maintaining her passion for filmmaking. She said that challenges fueled her persistence, likening her devotion to cinema to the camellia flower, a symbol of love and passion.

Chang has been a pioneering figure in Asian cinema for over 50 years, appearing in more than 100 films and directing acclaimed works such as 20 30 40 (2004), Murmur of the Hearts (2015), and Love Education (2017). Her career has amplified the voices of Asian women filmmakers, and she has mentored emerging talent across the continent.

Her international recognition includes the Chevalier of l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres from France, the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Asian Film Awards, and the Golden Mulberry Award for Lifetime Achievement from Udine’s Far East Film Festival.

The Camellia Award, inspired by Gabrielle Chanel’s favorite flower and Busan’s official flower, celebrates women’s artistic and cultural contributions in cinema. Last year, Korean production designer Ryu Seong-hie was the inaugural recipient.

The 30th Busan International Film Festival runs from September 17–26, featuring a special talk with Chang on September 19 at Cinema 2 in the Busan Cinema Center.

Featured image courtesy of the Busan International Film Festival

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