A Cinema Honorable: Kore-eda Hirokazu's Legacy and the Rise of Yim Soon-rye

The Festival's Tribute: A Master's Journey

As the 37th edition of the Singapore International Film Festival (SGIFF) prepares to roll out its program from October 21 to November 1, a significant spotlight shines on one of cinema's most thoughtful voices—Kore-eda Hirokazu. The festival has awarded him its Cinema Honorary Award, recognizing his extraordinary body of work that has redefined the language of family storytelling in contemporary cinema.

"His films don't just show families; they explore how fragile and complex human bonds can be when faced with the world outside,"

I'm drawn to the quiet profundity of Kore-eda's narratives, where even a child's tantrum or a mother's gaze holds the weight of entire emotional universes. His films like "Nobody Knows", "Like Father, Like Son", and "Shoplifters" have long been considered modern classics, each one peeling back layers of familial love, responsibility, and disconnection.

Look Back: A New Chapter in Manga Adaptations

This year's festival will also feature a special presentation of "Look Back," Kore-eda's first live-action adaptation of a manga—by Fujimoto Tatsuki. This film is more than just another chapter in his career; it's a bridge between the world of visual storytelling and cinema, one that reflects how deeply he continues to explore narrative form.

The story centers on Fujino, an elementary school student whose artistic ambitions are tested when her classmate Kyomoto emerges as a far superior artist. Their rivalry turns into obsession, leading them down paths that neither expected—until a shared dream brings them back together in the most unexpected way. It's a story of creativity, competition, and friendship, told through Kore-eda's lens: intimate, honest, and haunting.

Yim Soon-rye: A Rising Star from the East

Alongside Kore-eda's recognition, SGIFF has also appointed Korean director Yim Soon-rye as the head of its Asian Feature Film Competition Jury. This move is more than a token gesture—it's a nod to the shifting dynamics of Asian cinema and the rising voices that shape its future.

Yim's filmography includes acclaimed works like "Three Friends", "Forever the Moment," and "Little Forest." But beyond her artistic output, what strikes me is her activism. For over a decade, she has led an animal rights association and co-chairs the Korean Center for Gender Equality in Film. Her dual role as filmmaker and advocate speaks volumes about the evolving role of cinema in society—its power not just to entertain but also to inspire change.

Cinema's Future: Industry Days and New Horizons

This year, SGIFF Pro expands its reach with a four-day Industry Days event, showcasing talks from luminaries like cinematographer Ashizawa Akiko and filmmaker Fukada Koji. It's a testament to how the festival continues to evolve, adapting to new technologies and global shifts.

New initiatives such as Off Campus, which pairs film students with industry professionals, and Parallax—an interdisciplinary sidebar exploring AI and immersive tech in filmmaking—demonstrate SGIFF's commitment to fostering innovation. In an age where digital transformation is reshaping entertainment, these programs ensure that cinema remains at the forefront of cultural conversation.

Reflections on Cultural Connection

As I reflect on this moment, what stands out isn't just the accolades themselves, but how they connect past and present. Kore-eda's work has been a touchstone for audiences around the world, reminding us that even in our fragmented, fast-paced lives, there's still space for profound intimacy. Meanwhile, Yim Soon-rye represents a new wave of storytellers who are pushing boundaries—not just in form but in purpose.

Together, they symbolize something essential: that great cinema is not about grand gestures or explosions, but rather about the quiet moments that make us pause, think, and feel. Whether through Kore-eda's lens or Yim's bold storytelling, we are reminded of cinema's enduring power to illuminate truth, no matter how small or hidden it might be.

So as SGIFF rolls out its 2026 lineup, let's not just watch films—let's listen to the stories they tell, and understand how each one contributes to the ongoing narrative of our shared humanity.