‘Project Y,’ starring Han So-hee, Jeon Jong-seo, wins top honor at London film festival

Actors Han So-hee, left, and Jeon Jong-seo attend an open talk event for the film “Project Y” during the 30th Busan International Film Festival at the Busan Cinema Center in Haeundae District, Sept. 18. Yonhap

The film “Project Y,” starring Han So-hee and Jeon Jong-seo, has won the top award in the competition section at the 10th London East Asia Film Festival (LEAFF), earning international recognition for its artistry and direction.

According to distributor Plus M Entertainment on Monday, “Project Y” received the Best Film in Competition award at the festival, which ran from Oct. 23. LEAFF is one of Europe’s leading showcases for creative and daring works from across Asia, featuring a total of 45 films this year.

Even before its release, “Project Y” had generated buzz after being invited to major festivals including the Toronto International Film Festival and the Busan International Film Festival.

The film’s sharp storytelling and the strong performances of its ensemble cast — Han So-hee, Jeon Jong-seo, Kim Shin-rok, Jung Young-joo, and Kim Sung-chul — have heightened anticipation.

Festival organizers praised the film as “a bold expansion of contemporary neo-noir cinema,” noting its “powerful deconstruction of classic noir conventions and exceptional direction that signal new possibilities for Asian filmmaking.”

Actors Han So-hee, left, and Jeon Jong-seo walk the red carpet during the 30th Busan International Film Festival at the Busan Cinema Center in Haeundae District, Sept. 17. Yonhap

Director Lee Hwan said he was “deeply honored” by the recognition. “Following screenings at Toronto, Busan and Hawaii, it’s truly meaningful to receive this award in London,” he said. “I hope more audiences will watch ‘Project Y’ in theaters and complete the film through their own perspectives.”

“Project Y” follows Mi-seon (Han So-hee) and Do-kyung (Jeon Jong-seo), two women who have nothing but each other, as they attempt to escape their harsh reality by stealing hidden black money and gold bars — setting off a gripping chain of events.

This article from the Hankook Ilbo, the sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by generative AI and edited by The Korea Times.