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Shanghai Picks HONG as Asia's Best New Director

Director Hong Hyun-gi presented his feature debut "Thirsty, Thirsty" at the 11th Shanghai International Film Festival (SIFF), winning the Best Director prize in the New Asian Talent section. SIFF, which ran this year June 14 – 22, made the announcement at an awards ceremony on the 21st. Taiwanese film Winds of September captured Best Picture in the same section.

HONG's "Thirsty, Thirsty" had its world premiere earlier this year at Korea's Jeonju International Film Festival in May. It was produced in HD and received funding support from North Jeolla Province and the Korean Film Council.

It tells the story of a soft-hearted, bumbling loan collector and his misadventures as he tries to make his quota. Unable to collect on the debtors he is in charge of, he himself is pursued by a younger loan collector for debts that he owes. The dog-eat-dog tale is enriched by black comedy and a sympathetic view of its characters. It stars Lee Doo-il in the main role.

Director HONG studied at Columbia College in Chicago before joining the Korean film industry as crew. He worked as assistant director on several films by Lee Chang-dong, including "Oasis" (2003) and "Peppermint Candy" (2000).

Nigel D'Sa (KOFIC)

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