Japanese, Korean, and Other Asian Films Shines at Cannes Film Festival 2024

The Cannes Film Festival 2024, held from 14 to 25 May, marked a pivotal moment for Asian cinema. From powerful Japanese animations to socially charged Korean dramas and cinematic masterworks from China, Vietnam, and India, this edition of Cannes welcomed an impressive wave of films from the East.

As the festival wrapped up, critics and audiences alike reflected on the growing influence of Asia on world cinema. With numerous nominations and wins across categories, Asian filmmakers played a crucial role in shaping the narrative of this prestigious event.

In this post-event recap, we explore the standout Asian entries, major achievements, and the region’s impact on the Cannes Film Festival awards.

Japanese Cinema: Elegance, Innovation, and Emotion

My Sunshine: Okuyama’s Coming-of-Age Triumph

In the Un Certain Regard section, Hiroshi Okuyama's My Sunshine (ぼくのお日さま) stood out for its delicate portrayal of adolescent love through the lens of figure skating. As the youngest Japanese filmmaker ever selected in this category, Okuyama earned critical praise for his unique voice and emotional storytelling.

Ghost Cat Anzu: Japan’s Animated Gem

Ghost Cat Anzu (化け猫あんずちゃん), co-directed by Yoko Kuno and Nobuhiro Yamashita, made waves in Directors’ Fortnight. The film charmed audiences with its quirky, rotoscoped animation and surreal tale of a cat who lives like a human.

Desert of Namibia: Self-Discovery in a Foreign Land

Also presented in Directors’ Fortnight, Desert of Namibia by Yoko Yamanaka explored youth, identity, and displacement through the powerful performance of Yuumi Kawai. It was celebrated for its raw emotionality and inventive cinematography.

Totemo Mijikai: Animation with Literary Depth

Veteran animator Koji Yamamura returned with Totemo Mijikai, a five-minute animated short fusing contemporary literature and abstract visuals. Shown in the Extremely Short Films category, it was a poetic meditation on the fleeting nature of life.

Studio Ghibli Honoured with the Palme d’Or

One of the festival’s historic moments was the awarding of the Honourary Palme d’Or to Studio Ghibli—the first time the prize was given to a collective. It marked a global recognition of the studio’s decades-long contribution to cinematic storytelling and animation.

Korean Cinema: Power and Precision

I, The Executioner: Noir Returns with a Vengeance

In the Midnight Screenings, Ryoo Seung-wan's I, The Executioner (also known as Veteran 2) delivered gripping action and socio-political commentary. Starring Hwang Jung-min, the film explored the thin line between justice and revenge, earning applause for its dynamic direction and tense screenplay.

Walking in the Movies: Tribute to a Pioneer

Featured in Cannes Classics, Walking in the Movies by Kim Lyang offered a reflective tribute to Kim Dong-ho, the founder of the Busan International Film Festival. The documentary connected personal memory with national cinematic history, resonating with festivalgoers and scholars alike.

Forest of Echoes: Emerging Korean Talent

In the Cinéfondation section, Forest of Echoes by Lim Yoo-ri, a student at the Korean National University of Arts, impressed juries with its bold narrative and social critique. The 22-minute short added another layer to South Korea’s consistent presence at international festivals.

Chinese Cinema: Depth, Vision, and Bold Narratives

Caught by the Tides: Jia Zhangke’s Return to Form

Caught by the Tides, directed by Jia Zhangke, competed for the Palme d’Or and was one of the most talked-about entries. A haunting story of migration, love, and personal loss, it exemplified Jia’s ability to blend social realism with lyrical storytelling.

An Unfinished Film: Lou Ye’s Artful Rebellion

Shown as a Special Screening, An Unfinished Film by Lou Ye provided a meta-cinematic experience, challenging notions of censorship, narrative construction, and creative freedom. Its bold structure drew praise from critics and scholars.

Black Dog: Urban Grit and Humanity

Guan Hu's Black Dog, part of the Un Certain Regard section, was a powerful exploration of marginalised communities and emotional resilience. Its grim yet poetic aesthetic earned it a spot among the top contenders in its category.

South and Southeast Asia: Expanding the Frame

All We Imagine as Light: India’s Resurgence at Cannes

India returned to the main competition for the first time in decades with All We Imagine as Light by Payal Kapadia. A quiet, observational film about female companionship in Mumbai, it was lauded for its feminist perspective and subtle storytelling. It later secured one of the Cannes Film Festival awards, bringing India back into the global cinematic spotlight.

Viet and Nam: Vietnam’s Artful Collaboration

A French-Vietnamese-Philippine co-production, Viet and Nam by Minh Quý Trương, offered a poetic journey through memory and migration. It was celebrated in Un Certain Regard for its hypnotic visuals and introspective mood.

Meeting with Pol Pot: Cambodia Confronts Its Past

In Cannes Premiere, Meeting with Pol Pot by Rithy Panh revisited one of Cambodia’s darkest historical chapters. Through archival interviews, the film exposed the human cost of dictatorship and the importance of truth-telling in post-conflict societies.

Cannes Classics: A Tribute to Asian Legends

Seven Samurai: A Timeless Masterpiece Restored

The 70th anniversary of Akira Kurosawa’s Seven Samurai was marked with a 4K restoration screening in Cannes Classics. The screening drew massive audiences and served as a reminder of the film’s enduring influence on global cinema.

Shanghai Blues: Reviving a Golden Era

Tsui Hark's Shanghai Blues (1984) was also showcased in restored form. With newly mixed multilingual audio and enhanced visuals, the screening celebrated the vibrancy and charm of Hong Kong cinema from the 1980s.

Short Films and Emerging Voices

Across the Waters: Atmospheric and Evocative

Across the Waters by Viv Li, a Chinese-French co-production, competed in the Short Film Competition. Set in a mining community ravaged by sandstorms, the 15-minute piece was praised for its minimalism and emotional intensity.

Banished Love: Chinese Student Filmmaking on the Rise

Banished Love by Xiwen Cong represented China in Cinéfondation. The film examined themes of exile, longing, and interpersonal tension, showcasing the rising quality of student productions in Asia.

Asian Winners at the Cannes Film Festival Awards 2024

Asian films had a major impact on the Cannes Film Festival awards. All We Imagine as Light secured a Jury Prize, while My Sunshine received a special mention for emerging talent. Although the Palme d’Or ultimately went to a European entry, many critics argued that Jia Zhangke’s Caught by the Tides and Viet and Nam were deserving contenders.

The Honorary Palme d’Or for Studio Ghibli was an emotional high point, with a heartfelt speech that acknowledged decades of storytelling magic.

Conclusion: Asia's Dominance at Cannes Film Festival 2024

The Cannes Film Festival 2024 will be remembered as a turning point where Asian filmmakers took centre stage. From restored classics to radical contemporary narratives, from student shorts to honorary lifetime achievements, the East truly defined the global cinematic conversation.

As the curtains closed, one thing became clear: Asian cinema is not a rising wave—it's already reshaping the horizon of world film.

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