HBO Asia Original Movies GENSAN PUNCH win the prestigious Kim Jiseok Award at the 26th Busan International Film Festival (6-16 October 2021). A Filipino-Japanese film produced and directed by Brillante Ma. Mendoza (Mindanao; Alpha: The Right To Kill;) will air exclusively on HBO GO and HBO in December.
GENSAN PUNCH is one of two winners of this year’s Kim Jiseok Award. Seven nominated films from Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, China, India, Japan, the Philippines and Singapore compete for the prestigious award for the most compelling film that reflects the world of contemporary Asian cinema. The award ceremony took place in Busan, Korea, on October 15.
About victory GENSAN PUNCHthe judges commented, “A very powerful story narrated in a documentary style. This film is not only about a hero who chases victory, but a story that builds relationships between people. Okinawa and Gensokyo are two different worlds, but they are connected to each other thanks to the warmth of their people and their beliefs.”
Inspired by the true story of Naozumi Tsuchiyama, GENSAN PUNCH tell about a Japanese man with a prosthetic leg who travels to the Philippines to train and pursue his dream of becoming a professional boxer. Known as the Gensan Quarter of General Santos City, it has long been known as a hotbed for athletes including presidential candidate Manny Pacquiao. This film raises the issue of discrimination against persons with disabilities, especially in sports competitions.
GENSAN PUNCH show deeply”A Window on Asian Cinema” (Competition) at the Busan International Film Festival and will also be screened in the “Gala Selection” (non-Competition) at the upcoming 34th Tokyo International Film Festival.
Available in English, Japanese and Tagalog, GENSAN PUNCH filmed in the Philippines and Japan, starring Shogen (Death Notes; Street Fighter: Assassin’s Fist), Ronnie Lazaro (Affliction; Manila Kingpin: The Asiong Salonga Story), Kaho Minami (Dream Street; Hotaru), Beauty Gonzalez (The Heiress; Angelito: Trunk Ama) and Vince Rillon (3 Pol Trobol: Huli Ka Balbon!; Ang Probinsyano).
Created and written by Honee Alipio, produced by Takahiro Yamashita and Krisma Maclang Fajardo and executive producers Brillante Mendoza, Simon Crowe and Fumie Suzuki Lancaster.
Several recent HBO Asia Original productions have won awards at international film festivals. One of the lead actors, John Arcilla, from another Filipino production, on the job, won the Coppa Volti at the Venice Film Festival, 11 September.
Watch stream or download GENSAN PUNCH when it airs on HBO GO in December.
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