Tag: Asian Cinema

Films

Female-Driven Crime Noir ‘Project Y’ Wins Best Film at 10th London East Asia Film Festival

Tanisha Cardozo

Director Lee Hwan’s crime noir ‘Project Y,’ featuring Han So-hee and Jeon Jong-seo, has won the Best Film award at the 10th London East Asia Film Festival (LEAFF) held on November 2, 2025, in London. Celebrated for its gripping narrative and innovative female-centric storytelling, the film impressed the jury with a fresh take on noir, centering women’s experiences in a story of ambition, betrayal, and survival.

Set against the contrasting backdrop of Seoul’s glamorous yet gritty Gangnam nightlife, ‘Project Y’ follows childhood friends Mi-sun (Han So-hee) and Do-kyung (Jeon Jong-seo), both in their early thirties. Facing the harsh realities of poverty, the duo plans a high-stakes heist to steal hidden cash and gold bars worth 8 billion KRW, seeking one last chance at freedom. What unfolds is a suspenseful chain of events filled with tension, moral ambiguity, and shifting loyalties.

The jury praised the film for subverting traditional noir tropes, putting female agency and perspective at the forefront. By exploring ambition, survival, and ethical complexity through strong female leads, ‘Project Y’ opens new possibilities for storytelling in Asian cinema.

Supporting performances by Kim Shin-rok as the senior figure Ga-young and Kim Sung-cheol as the antagonist “Boss To” heighten the stakes, while Lee Hwan’s signature realistic and intense directorial style elevates the film’s impact.

LEAFF also honored Kang Yoon-sung’s ‘Run to The’ with the Future of Asia Cinema Award, and closed with the sold-out screening of ‘Kokuho’ by Korean-Japanese director Lee Sang-il. Executive Director Jeon Hye-jung highlighted the festival’s growth into a key platform for Asian cinema in the UK, applauding the daring experimentation and anticipating continued innovation in the years ahead.

With its bold narrative, powerful female leads, and stylish execution, ‘Project Y’ marks a milestone in Asian crime cinema, establishing a new benchmark for the genre on the international stage.

Entertainment

Huma Qureshi Receives Face of Asia Award at the Busan Film Festival

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Written by Intern Queeny George M.H, Team Allycaral

Huma Qureshi has added another significant achievement to her growing list of accolades, as she was honored with the Face of Asia Award at the prestigious Busan Film Festival in South Korea. The recognition comes as her film Bayan is being screened at the festival, drawing global attention to Indian storytelling and talent.

In a deeply emotional and inspiring acceptance speech, Huma expressed her gratitude and dedicated the award to young girls across the world. “This is my first experience in Busan, and this award is very special to me,” she said on stage. “My father was born in Nizamuddin, Delhi, and my mother was born in a village. I was always told that becoming an actress was beyond my reach. That’s why seeing myself here today is a big deal.”

Her powerful message resonated with many, as she opened up about the societal and cultural barriers she faced during her journey to becoming an actress. By sharing her story, Huma not only celebrated her own success but also encouraged young girls to believe in themselves, no matter their background.

The Face of Asia Award is presented to artists who represent the spirit and diversity of the continent, and Huma’s journey from Delhi to the global stage truly embodies that vision. Her performance in Bayan and her growing influence as an actress, producer, and advocate for women’s empowerment continue to solidify her position as a force in global cinema.

As she stood on the Busan stage, Huma Qureshi wasn’t just receiving an award—she was passing the torch to the next generation of dreamers.