Hong Kong Director Ann Hui, 79, Wins Camellia Award at Busan Film Festival
SingTao · 1 SOURCESabout 1 hour ago4 MIN
Summary
The 31st Busan International Film Festival announced on October 11, 2025, that Hong Kong director Ann Hui has been awarded the prestigious Camellia Award . The 79-year-old filmmaker is being honored for her 50-year career in cinema and her contributions to elevating women's status in the film industry . Ann Hui follows in the footsteps of last year's recipient, Taiwanese director Sylvia Chang, who won the award in 2024 . The Camellia Award, presented annually to distinguished Asian filmmakers, recognizes lifetime achievement and artistic excellence . The award ceremony is scheduled for October 6, with the festival running through October 15 in Busan, South Korea .
Key Points
- Ann Hui debuted in 1979 with her feature film "The Secret" (瘋劫) and has since directed 27 feature films and 2 documentaries
- She achieved a rare Grand Slam in Hong Kong cinema, winning Best Film, Best Director, Best Actor, and Best Actress for both "Summer Snow" (女人四十) and "A Simple Life" (桃姐)
- She has received six Hong Kong Film Awards for Best Director and three Golden Horse Awards for Best Director
- Her acclaimed "Vietnam Trilogy" includes "The Arrival" (1978), "The Story of a Discharged Prisoner" (1981), and "Boat People" (1982)
- Previous international honors include the Asia Filmmaker of the Year Award at Busan in 2014 and the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Venice Film Festival in 2020
Why It Matters
The Camellia Award places Ann Hui among the most celebrated Asian filmmakers of her generation, affirming Hong Kong's significant contribution to world cinema . Her recognition at age 79 also highlights the continued relevance and vitality of veteran filmmakers in an industry often focused on younger voices .
The Camellia Award places Ann Hui among the most celebrated Asian filmmakers of her generation, affirming Hong Kong's significant contribution to world cinema . Her recognition at age 79 also highlights the continued relevance and vitality of veteran filmmakers in an industry often focused on younger voices .