Hong Sangsoo Honored with Berlin Film Festival Screenplay Award... Winner for 2 Consecutive Years (Comprehensive)

"Momentary gaps woven between actions... Creating moments revealing hidden truths in human life"
Golden Bear awarded to director Rad Jude for 'Bad Luck Banging or Loony Porn'

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Director Hong Sangsoo lifted the trophy at the Berlin International Film Festival for the second consecutive year.

On the 5th (local time), at the 71st Berlin International Film Festival, which ended, Director Hong received the Silver Bear for Best Screenplay for the film 'Introduction.' Following last year's Best Director award for 'The Woman Who Ran (2019),' he won again for two consecutive years.

'Introduction' is Director Hong's twenty-fifth feature film. It highlights the journey of young Yeongho as he searches for his father, lover, and mother, divided into three segments. The cast includes Shin Seok-ho, Park Mi-so, Ye Ji-won, Ki Ju-bong, Seo Young-hwa, Kim Min-hee, and Jo Yoon-hee. Kim Min-hee is also credited as the production manager, acting as an on-site producer.

The jury praised, "This screenplay weaves the fleeting gaps that occur between actions beyond simply conveying the story or efficiently developing the narrative," adding, "It creates moments where the hidden truths within human life suddenly emerge brightly and clearly."

'Introduction' received acclaim immediately after its screening at the festival. Screen Daily praised it, saying, "Every single element makes you deeply contemplate." Variety commented, "Hong's specialty in depicting the interactions of relationships is well expressed," and added, "It feels like having a lunch accompanied by soju and then briefly dipping into the cold sea." Deadline reported, "It feels like an appetizer but offers the sensation of having enjoyed various main courses."

Director Hong has a deep connection with the Berlin Film Festival. Five of his works have been invited to the competition section: 'Night and Day (2008),' 'Our Sunhi (2013),' 'On the Beach at Night Alone (2017),' 'The Woman Who Ran,' and 'Introduction.' Director Hong won the Silver Bear for Best Director for 'The Woman Who Ran,' and Kim Min-hee won the Silver Bear for Best Actress for 'On the Beach at Night Alone.'

This year's festival was held online to prevent the spread of COVID-19. It is reported that Director Hong did not visit Berlin.

Meanwhile, the top prize, the Golden Bear, went to 'Bad Luck Banging or Loony Porn,' directed by Radu Jude and starring Katia Pascariu. The Jury Grand Prix was awarded to Ryusuke Hamaguchi's 'Wheel of Fortune and Fantasy,' and the Best Director award went to Denes Nagy for 'Natural Light.'