Japanese films took home two of the three awards handed out at the Asian New Talent Awards at the 14th Shanghai International Film Festival on Friday.

Japanese director Syoutarou Kobayasi wins for Best Feature Film at the Asian New Talent Awards at the Shanghai International Film Festival on Friday. [Pang Li/China.org.cn]

“Kaasan Mom’s Life” by Syoutarou Kobayasi was named the Best Feature Film for its “rich motional elements and melodramatic conflicts,” as a jury put it.

“It is unbelievable for me to get this award,” Kobayasi said, adding he hoped Chinese audiences like his movie.

“Birth Right,” a film about abduction from Japanese director Naoki Hashimoto, was given the Jury Prix. The jury said the serious and uncompromising style made them believe the director would have a bright future.

Taiwan director Teng Yung-Shing was named Best Director for his film, “Return Ticket.” He accepted the honor with a tearful “Thank you.”

This year, nine films from India, the Philippines, Iran, China and Japan competed. Acclaimed director Iwai Shunji of Japan chaired the jury.

“It was really difficult for us to select three from the nine films,” Shunji said. “But you should keep faith in yourself whether you win an award or not. You should not take an award as a direction pointer. Winning an award or not, you should be yourself and continue walking down your own patch.”

This year, the Asian New Talent Awards also launched a “Star Hunter” section to highlight 10 talented young actors. Winners this year came from mainland China, Taiwan, Thailand, Singapore and Japan.

Italian actress and producer Maria Grazia Cucinotta, who presided over the selection, said that she plans to make a film in Shanghai and would cast one of the young talents for a leading role.