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WINNERS : ADFEST’S FABULOUS FIVE HIGHLIGHT THE FILMMAKING EXCELLENCE OF THE FUTURE
After much anticipation, the Fabulous Five of 2020 have been unveiled, with an impressive line-up of works that embody the 2020 theme of "Fired Up". These pieces represent the culmination of the creative vision of young, up-and-coming talent, and their skills across scriptwriting to production and direction. The session was moderated by Diederik van Middelkoop of Amp.Amsterdam, who provided expert insight and commentary throughout the showcase.
Each of the Fabulous Five offers a unique perspective on the theme of "Fired Up", so that the Fabulous Five as group represent the diverse and dynamic approaches of today's emerging creatives. Their session put a focus on authentic storytelling while highlighting the achievements of these young creatives and the skill and talent required to bring their visions to life.
“Ashes” by Apiwat Pattalarungkhan with TJT Creative Lab opened the session with a story surrounding the loss of a loved one who departed this Earth on their way to propose. Using flashbacks and parallel timelines, the creator wove an amalgamation of scenes together, leaving the viewers in a state of suspense as to what will happen. Apiwat noted that compromises must be made to achieve your results when working with limited resources, but you can still be strategically creative to achieve a well-crafted result.
Masashi Fukuda's short film, "Tempest", takes viewers on an emotional journey, delving into the complexities of anxiety, self-harm, and anger issues. The story follows a man and woman who struggle to cope with their mental health issues, while also trying to navigate their relationship with each other. The film is a powerful portrayal of the challenges of managing one's emotions, particularly when living with someone who is also struggling.
The next film, "Crossroad in Jianghu" by Shay Zhao, references the concept of Jianghu, which is deeply rooted in Chinese culture. Jianghu means rivers and lakes, but it is also a metaphor for a comfort zone. Shay Zhao grew up watching martial arts films with her grandfather, and her love for the genre shines through in the film's creative direction and cinematography. The film is a powerful tribute to the spirit of Jianghu and the transformative power of art. It is also is a dedication to the heroes that live inside our hearts and the power of self-discovery.
Ryo Matsumoto's short film, “Last Message”, captures the emotions of love, loss, and longing in its mere five minutes. The film tells the story of a husband who receives a call from his deceased wife on a random pay phone. This chance conversation becomes the couple's final message to each other. Through the use of dialogue and stark visuals, Matsumoto captures the raw emotions of loss and regret. The husband's hesitation to express his love and his final request for the miso recipe, to share with their daughter, underscores the depth of their relationship and the profound sense of loss that he feels. “Last Message” is a touching tribute to the power of love and the importance of cherishing the ones we hold dear.
Yuriko Minami's short film, “Escape Lockers”, is the story of a high school photographer who avoids human interaction and instead captures the world around her through the lens of her camera. The film's protagonist is a social outcast until she meets a cross-dressing boy, whom she stalks and photographs. When the boy is publicly humiliated by his friends, she rushes to his rescue, breaking the barriers of social norms and expectations. Minami's film is a subtle exploration of self-discovery, identity, and the pressures of high school life. The film's creator believes that high school students are often overly critical of each other, which can lead to a culture of closed-off individuals. To capture the emotional depth of the film, the creator worked with young actors to help them express their own experiences and feelings.
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