Paradise Bags Kim Jiseok Award at Busan International Film Festival 2023

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Indian filmmaker Prasanna Vithanage's latest film, Paradise, has won the prestigious Kim Jiseok Award at the 2023 Busan International Film Festival (BIFF). The film, a poignant exploration of a tourist couple's struggles with societal, personal, and internal challenges, was jointly awarded the prize alongside Mirlan Abdykalykov's Bride Kidnapping.

A Tribute to Asian Cinema

The Kim Jiseok Award, established in 2017, honors the memory of the late Kim Jiseok, who tirelessly championed the growth of Asian cinema. The award recognizes two outstanding films that exemplify the contemporary landscape of Asian cinema. Paradise, produced by Newton Cinema and presented by Mani Ratnam's Madras Talkies, beautifully captures the essence of this vibrant cinematic tradition.

Exploring Paradise

Set in Sri Lanka, Paradise takes viewers on a captivating journey as a tourist couple navigates their way through a web of societal, personal, and internal challenges. The film stars Roshan Mathew, Darshana Rajendran, Shyam Fernando, and Mahendra Perera, and boasts an impressive crew, including renowned cinematographer Rajeev Ravi, editor Sreekar Prasad, sound designer Tapas Nayak, and music director K.

South Asia Premiere at Jio MAMI Mumbai Film Festival

Following its award-winning run at BIFF, Paradise will make its South Asia premiere at the Jio MAMI Mumbai Film Festival in the esteemed Icons: South Asia section. This prestigious platform will provide Indian audiences with an opportunity to experience the film's powerful storytelling and thought-provoking themes.

A Visionary Film

Elated by the recognition, filmmaker Prasanna Vithanage expressed his gratitude and shared his personal connection to the late Kim Jiseok. He said, "After 28 years today, it is ironic to receive this award named after the late Kim Jiseok. Kim was a dear friend to all Asian filmmakers. Kim, I am honored to take you to my home. I would like to thank you, my dear producer Anto Chittilappilly and Newton Cinema, our presenter Mr. Mani Ratnam, Madras Talkies, and the cast and crew of Paradise. This award belongs to you."

Mani Ratnam, the acclaimed filmmaker and presenter of Paradise, praised the film's vision, stating, "When there is turmoil in paradise, both social and economic, when there is a re-evaluation of man-woman relationships, when an old epic gets reflected in today's troubled times, we have Paradise, a film with a vision."

Propelling Paradise to Global Audiences

Anto Chittilappilly, CEO of Newton Cinema, expressed his belief in the film's potential to resonate with audiences worldwide. He said, "We believe this victory will propel the film to audiences worldwide. We are confident that audiences everywhere will enjoy the film as much as our audiences did in Busan."

Other Award Winners

In addition to Paradise, other notable award winners at the BIFF closing ceremony included Iqbal H. Choudhurys The Wrestler, set in Bangladesh, which won the New Currents award in the international competition section, and Mori Tatsutyas Japanese drama September 1923, which also received the same honor.

The Busan International Film Festival 2023 has recognized the exceptional talent of filmmaker Prasanna Vithanage and his poignant film Paradise. The Kim Jiseok Award is a testament to the film's powerful storytelling and its contribution to the rich tapestry of Asian cinema. As Paradise embarks on its journey to audiences worldwide, it carries with it a message of hope, resilience, and the enduring spirit of human connection.