Movies of War

The 32nd edition of the Vesoul International Film Festival of Asian Cinema once again transformed the quiet French town of Vesoul into a vibrant crossroads of cultures, ideas, and cinematic discovery. Over eight days, the festival reaffirmed its reputation as one of Europe’s most dedicated platforms for Asian cinema, welcoming filmmakers, critics, and audiences eager to engage with a rich and diverse programme. This year’s selection reflected the breadth and vitality of contemporary Asian filmmaking. Fiction features, documentaries, and emerging voices were presented across carefully curated sections that highlighted both established auteurs and new talents. The official competitions showcased bold storytelling and strong visual identities, while thematic strands invited audiences to explore genre cinema, regional filmmaking traditions, and socially engaged narratives. Together, these sections created a panoramic view of Asia’s cinematic landscape: intimate, political, poetic, and formally adventurous. Wang Bing receives the honorary Golden Cyclo for his lifetime achievement©️JFMaillot A major highlight of the festival was the presence of celebrated Chinese filmmaker Wang Bing, who presided over the international jury. His participation underscored the festival’s longstanding commitment to serious cinematic dialogue and to honouring artists whose work expands the language of film. Alongside the international jury, youth, critics’, and specialized juries brought multiple perspectives to the awards, encouraging lively exchanges between filmmakers and audiences. NETPAC Jury ExperienceServing on the NETPAC Jury was a particularly meaningful dimension of the festival. The jury brought together passionate cinema professionals: Gavin Lee, a Chinese festival programmer and producer, and Guillaume de Seille, a French film producer, creating a space for generous exchange and thoughtful debate. Our conversations extended well beyond evaluation, becoming shared reflections on storytelling, cinematic language, and the cultural resonance of the films we encountered. The process of deliberating together and selecting the winning film for the NETPAC Award was shaped by mutual respect and a collective love for Asian cinema. It was wonderful to spend this time in dialogue with such committed colleagues, discovering how different perspectives enrich the act of judging and celebrating film. Team of Before the Bright Day by Tsao Shih-han ©️FICAV Awards HighlightsThe festival’s awards once again celebrated films distinguished by artistic courage, emotional depth, and cinematic originality. The top honour, the Cyclo d’Or, was awarded to Riverstone by Lalith Rathnayake (Sri Lanka), a work noted for its sensitivity and visual power. The Grand Prix du Jury recognized Kurak, praised for its strong narrative voice and cultural texture. The NETPAC Jury Award went to Before the Bright Day by Tsao Shih-han(Taiwan), a film that stood out for its formal confidence and emotional resonance. Audience enthusiasm was reflected in the fiction prize for Full Plate, while the Youth Jury honoured Hassan for its immediacy and human insight. Together, these award-winning works embodied the diversity and vitality that define contemporary Asian cinema.The full list of awards can be viewed herehttps://www.cinemas-asie.com/media/attachments/2025/02/19/communique—2025-awards-english.pdf Beyond competition screenings, the festival fostered a spirit of encounter. Directors, producers, and actors participated in discussions, roundtables and Q&A sessions, creating an atmosphere where cinema was not merely consumed but thoughtfully shared. Riverstone screening at Musée Guimet of Paris the 7th march 2026©️FICAV The festival’s influence extends beyond its closing night. Selected works continue to travel to partner venues, including presentations in Paris at institutions such as the MuséeGuimet, ensuring that these films reach wider audiences and continue the conversation sparked in Vesoul. The FoundersSince its inception, the festival has been lovingly guided by its founders, Martine Thérouanne and Jean-Marc Thérouanne. Their vision and dedication have shaped the event into a cultural bridge between Asia and Europe. More than administrators, they have nurtured the festival with personal warmth and unwavering commitment, treating it like a living creation that grows each year through passion and care. Their work has cultivated an environment where filmmakers feel welcomed, audiences feel engaged, and cinema is celebrated as a shared human experience. The Spirit of Vesoul No account of the festival would be complete without acknowledging the remarkable hospitality extended by Noé Samson, Head of Hospitality, and his dedicated team. Our interactions began well before the festival opened, and from the earliest correspondence to the final farewell, their precision, responsiveness, and quiet efficiency were constant. Every logistical detail was handled with clarity and care, allowing guests to focus entirely on cinema and dialogue. Even under the inevitable pressures of a busy international festival, they displayed grace, composure, and unfailing warmth. It is this blend of professionalism and genuine attentiveness that transforms a well-run festival into an unforgettable experience. Closing ceremony : the Spirit of Vesoul ©️JFMaillot What ultimately distinguishes the festival is its human warmth. The people of Vesoul embrace the event with genuine enthusiasm, turning screenings into communal celebrations of storytelling and cultural exchange. Visitors often leave with a deep sense of admiration — not only for the films they have discovered, but for the generosity and love of cinema shared by the Vesoulians. In Vesoul, cinema is more than an art form; it is a collective joy that connects people across borders and sensibilities, making every edition feel both intimate and unforgettable. Raman ChawlaNetpac Jury Chairperson 32nd Vesoul International Film Festival of Asian Cinema Tags:Before the Bright DayWang Bing