Focus Asia Awards Go to First-Time Directors with Prizes for 'Somewhere in the South' and 'Naked in Glendale'
The 2026 Focus Asia event at the Far East Film Festival in Udine, Italy, awarded prizes to two first-time directors. Anthony Chen’s 'Somewhere in the South' won the TAICCA Prize, while Haohao Yan’s 'Naked in Glendale' received the inaugural White Light/Focus Asia Award. Additional film industry developments included a new festival director appointment and sales announcements.
Lear 21 / Wikimedia (CC0)The industry section of the Far East Film Festival, known as Focus Asia, concluded its 2026 edition in Udine, Italy, with both prizes awarded to first-time directors, @Variety reported. Anthony Chen’s project ‘Somewhere in the South’ won the TAICCA Prize, which recognizes the project's potential in the Asian film industry.
Haohao Yan’s project ‘Naked in Glendale,’ described as a Chinese-American coming-of-age project, received the inaugural White Light/Focus Asia Award.
'Naked in Glendale' is produced by Jane Zheng of Seesaw Productions and Julia Xu of Q&A Entertainment. The White Light/Focus Asia Award provides $20,000 in professional post-production services from White Light Studio, which is based in Bangkok. Focus Asia serves as a platform for industry professionals to showcase and develop Asian film projects.
In a related development, Ashutosh Gowariker was named director of the 57th International Film Festival of India, @Variety reported. Sales were announced for the Indonesian action thriller ‘Queen of Malacca’ ahead of the Cannes market. A new Korea-Japan drama venture was formed between companies from Korea and Japan.
Key Facts
Potential Impact
- 01
Potential boost in post-production support for 'Naked in Glendale' project.
- 02
Market opportunities for 'Queen of Malacca' at Cannes.
- 03
Increased visibility for first-time directors in Asian film industry.
- 04
Enhanced international collaboration through new Korea-Japan drama venture.
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