Takeshi Kitano Receives Lifetime Achievement Award In 24th Film Festival In Italy

The 24th Film Festival held in Italy awarded the famous Japanese movie filmmaker, actor, presenter, and comedian, Takeshi Kitano with the lifetime achievement award for his efforts and dedication towards the betterment of the industry for more than three decades.

Kitano, known for his performance title Beat Takeshi in Japan, was honored with the Golden Mulberry Award for Lifetime Achievement for his “personal and universal stories, which amused and entertained audiences across the globe,” a presenter said ceremony announced.

“Many Italian film fans have had a childhood filled with his films. The biggest Kitano film fan club is located in Italy. It’s a sort of Kitano culture in Italy,” the presenter said.

The Far East Film Festival focused on recognizing films produced in Asia was held from April 22nd for nine consecutive days at Udine.

“Thank you (granting me) this wonderful recognition,” said Kitano during the ceremony that he watched online from Japan and received an overwhelming round of applause from the crowd present at the event. “I would like to travel to Italy with a brand new film (next time) and show my gratitude and apology,” he added.

“Hana-Bi,” the movie directed by Kitano, won the Golden Lion award in the year 1997, and again, six years later, the film “Zatoichi” saw Takeshi win the Silver Lion for Best Direction.

In the war movie “Merry Christmas Mr. Lawrence,” Kitano was a character who was awarded the Legion of Honor, France’s most prestigious honor, in the year 2016.

Another exceptional talent from the Japanese film industry to win the same lifetime achievement award from Far East Film Festival is Mamoru Fujisawa, also known professionally as Joe Hisaishi, who’s composed for several Studio Ghibli Films and worked with Jackie Chan.

Source: Kyodo

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