Eye Catcher Grand Award – In-Development Project (Short Film)
奪目大獎 – 發展中項目（短片）

Comment by Jury 評審評語：
For a project that embarks on a seemingly physical journey but goes beyond to discuss the metaphysical link between human identity and our birth places. A story unravels through metaphors and existential reverberations to convey a profound sense of emotional displacement between two intimate mother and daughter relationships. Against a complex geosocial backdrop that reveals migrant culture and fringe economics, the themes expand to explore the bigger traumas of economic migrants so pertinent in the world today.

Comment by Jury 評審評語：
For a WIP project that aims to capture a rare archive of historical Hong Kong boat architecture juxtaposed with the local traditional arts that are slowly losing relevance to the globalisation and commercialisation of culture and real estate. A provocative overlay of sociopolitical tensions between the transforming city and a fading generation of artisans, the project possesses subtle sophistication that could benefit from more refinement, a clearer artistic direction and higher level of production value. Nevertheless, the jury finds inspiration in its purpose and believes in its potential.

Eye Catcher Grand Award – In-Development Project (Feature-Length Film)
奪目大獎 – 發展中項目（長片）

Comment by Jury 評審評語：
For a project that bravely confronts ennui and existentialism with Hong Kong’s geopolitical turmoil. The ambitious script challenges psychological, neo-noir narratives and the period romance genre towards a global production and audience. A rousing contrast between chaotic, colourful voyages and the tenderness of desire, the depiction of humanity is both mysterious and melancholic. 

Eye Catcher Grand Award – Work-in-Progress Project (Feature-Length Film)
奪目大獎 – 製作中項目（長片）

In the spirit of collectivity to support these deserving works in progress, the jury wishes to jointly confer the WIP Feature Film award and prize money to CraSEAy CleanUppers, First Fight and When Strange Wind Blows: A Family Portrait.

Comment by Jury 評審評語：
For the environmental, social and political impact that these films strive to make onto the public consciousness, these films question society’s priority on economic progress in relation to sea pollution, worker rights and the care of a struggling family unit. Each film possesses a different kind of potential in terms of audienceship, narrative scope and artistry.

Winning directors who have residency in Hong Kong will receive a one-year membership for free generously provided by Soho House Hong Kong.