Through Rocks And Clouds, a Peru-Chile co-production directed by Franco García Becerra, was awarded best film at the second edition of the Okinawa Pan-Pacific International Film Festival (February 22-March 2) in Japan.
The jury, headed by Philippine filmmaker Brillante Mendoza, described it as: “A beautifully executed film. We found the story clever and compelling, and the film craft and naturalistic performances narrowly set it above the other contenders in this category.”
The film revolves around a young shepherd boy who dreams of his country playing in the FIFA World Cup, while his environment is increasingly threatened by intrusive mining companies and a contaminated lake. It was also awarded the Special Mention in the Generation KPlus section at the 2024 Berlinale.
From Island To Island, directed by Malaysia-born, Taiwan-based filmmaker Lau Kek-Huat, won both the festival’s Jury Award and the Audience Award. The film, which explores the experiences of Taiwanese in Southeast Asia during the Second World War, also won best film and best documentary at last year’s Taipei Film Festival, and best documentary at the Golden Horse Awards.
Best Leading Performance in Cinema At Sea’s competition section went to the young ensemble cast of We Were Dangerous, directed by New Zealand’s Josephine Stewart-Te Whiu.
Pacific Islands Special Awards went to Moloka‘i Bound, from Kanaka Maoli filmmaker Alika Tengan, and animation The Queen’s Flower, directed by Ciara Leinaʻala Lacy, also a Native Hawaiian filmmaker.
Indonesian filmmaker Loeloe Hendra’s Tale Of The Land won a special mention award, following its FIPRESCI award at last year’s Busan film festival. Best Short Film went to Daly City, directed by US filmmaker Nick Hartanto, about a young boy of Indonesian heritage living in America.
Cinema at Sea, which held its first edition in November 2023, focuses on films from the countries of the Pacific Rim and Pacific Islands.
In addition to film screenings, the festival hosts pitching forums, panel discussions and industry networking events. In the festival’s pitching forum, the Best Pitch Award went to The Chimney Sweeper, from Japanese director Shingo Ota.