Helping launch Asia's rising film stars onto the world's entertainment scene is one of the major aims of the Shanghai International Film Festival. The most outstanding filmmakers and actors around Asia in the past year have been recognized with the "Asian New Talent Award".

Nine films from China, India, Iran, Japan and Philippines have been competing for this year's Asian New Talent Award.

The film "Return Tickets" won director Teng Yung Shing from Taiwan island the "Best Director Award". It tells about the daughter of migrant workers dreaming of returning home.

The movie impressed the jury with a strong personal signature and an excellent control of all the dramatic elements.

Best Feature Film Award went to Japanese director Shoutarou Kobayashi's production "Kaasan Mom's Life".

The heartwarming picture portrays mother-of-two Rieko Saibara who supports her family by drawing cartoons.

Both the winners receive a prize of 150 thousand RMB.

"Birth Right" by another Japanese director Naoki Hashimoto won the Jury Prix Award. A total of ten young actors were crowned "Asian New Stars".

"Asia New Talent Award" was initiated to discover and support upcoming talented Asian filmmakers back in 2004.