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Myanmar-Set ‘Fruit Gathering’ Wins at Karlovy Vary: ‘Harrowing Drama of Obsession and Queer Desire’
Aung Phyoe's "Fruit Gathering", set in contemporary Myanmar, won the Crystal Globe, the top prize, at the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival on Saturday. The film follows the bond that develops between two young women working at a textile factory, which the jury said "begins as a lush and meditative portrait of work and friendship before morphing, unexpectedly and organically, into a harrowing drama of obsession and queer desire". Phyoe used the win to highlight the difficulty of making films in Myanmar, noting the lack of support and the need to keep political themes "very subtle".
The jury, comprising Justin Chang, Amanda Nell Eu, Pavel Rejholec, Nadia Turincev and Eskil Vogt, also recognised several other titles. "The Guest", starring Trine Dyrholm, took the Special Jury Prize and $15,000, with Mads Mengel named best director. Anna Schinz won best actress for "A Happy Family" by Jan-Eric Mack, while Ghassan Saad was named best actor for "Pipes", directed by Karim Kassem.
Explained simply
Karlovy Vary International Film Festival is one of Europe's most prestigious annual film competitions, held in the Czech Republic. Its top prize, the Crystal Globe, is widely recognised as a major honour in international cinema.
Aung Phyoe's "Fruit Gathering" is set in contemporary Myanmar and follows two young women who work together at a textile factory. The film initially appears to be a meditative story about their work and friendship, but gradually becomes an intense drama exploring obsession and desire between the characters.
Myanmar's film industry operates under significant constraints, including limited government funding and restrictions on overtly political content. Success at a major international film festival is noteworthy for a Myanmar filmmaker because it brings attention to cinema from a country where creative freedom is restricted.