Agency for Cultural Affairs announces 2018’s winners for the ACA Film Awards

 

October 6, 2018 Ryukyu Shimpo

 

On October 5, the Agency for Cultural Affairs (ACA) announced the winners of 2018’s ACA Film Awards, which recognizes outstanding documentary films.

The grand prize was awarded to Cinema Okinawa’s “Mabui Gumi: The History of Immigration Separation to Nouvelle-Calédonie.”

This film tells of the hardships by Okinawans who immigrated to Nouvelle-Calédonie at the beginning of the 20th century.

It won because it “Thoroughly unearths the history of immigration that wasn’t very well known until now.”

 

Yoshiaki Hongo, 64, who directed “Mabui Gumi” said, “I’m nothing but happy.

I am honored.” Up until now, Hongo has worked on three films that are staged in Okinawa.

Unlike his other films, this winning film not only details historical facts, but also incorporates the feelings of Nouvelle-Calédonie people originally from Okinawa, such as the feelings toward parents, ancestors, and family.

He said, “Nothing can beat how happy I would be if some places said they’d like to show the film again because of this award.”

 

Former Ryukyu Shimpo Vice President Ken Miki, 78, who is the writer and editor of the film said, “I’d be happy if this serves an opportunity for the history of immigration from Okinawa to Nouvelle-Calédonie to become widely known by many people.”

 

There were two films that received the award of excellence.

The first was TBS Television’s “The Man Most Feared by U.S. Military, His Name was Kamejiro.” This film follows the life of politician Kamejiro Senaga, who was the symbol of the resistance movement in Okinawa under U.S. military rule.

The second film was SKMTDOC, LLC’s “Ryuichi Sakamoto: CODA.” Produced by a U.S. company, this film closely follows musician Ryuichi Sakamoto.

Both films, which won an award, are related to Okinawa.

 

The grand prize winner is bestowed two-million yen, while the award of excellence winner receives one-million yen.

On October 25, there was a presentation ceremony, while on October 28, there was a film screening event in Tokyo commemorating the awards.

 

(English translation by T&CT and Chelsea Ashimine)

 

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