Hong Kong filmmaker Ann Hui to receive Camellia Award at Busan International Film Festival

Hong Kong director Ann Hui will be recognised at this year's Busan International Film Festival for her decades-long commitment to advancing women's representation in cinema. The Camellia Award will be presented at the 31st edition of BIFF, which runs from 6 to 15 October in the southeastern port city of Busan, according to the festival organisers.

Hui has directed 27 feature films and two feature-length documentaries since her 1979 directorial debut with "The Secret". Her career achievements include the Asian Filmmaker of the Year Award at BIFF in 2014 and the Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement at the Venice International Film Festival in 2020.

Named after Busan's city flower, the Camellia Award is given to filmmakers who have made significant contributions to elevating the status of women in the cinema industry. In a statement, Hui reflected on receiving the honour at this stage of her career. "In my previous years, I felt unwilling to receive such taking-stock prizes because I wished to continue making movies," she said. "Now that I am nearly eighty and find it difficult to make a film, I think the prize comes just in time for me to appreciate it more."

The recognition underscores BIFF's focus on celebrating filmmakers whose work extends beyond the screen. Hui's influence across Hong Kong cinema and the broader Asian film landscape has positioned her as a mentor figure for emerging directors navigating the industry. The award places her alongside other celebrated Asian filmmakers previously honoured by the festival, reinforcing BIFF's role as a platform for recognising influential voices in regional cinema.