The Shanghai International Film Festival crowned Zhong Kaifeng's debut film Atlantic Rhapsody with the top Golden Goblet award, as announced by the jury on Saturday night.
Jury's Unified Vision
Jury head Tony Leung Chiu-wai, along with directors Guan Hu, Aktan Arym Kubat, Déa Kulumbegashvili, Fernanda Valadez, producer Dora Bouchoucha, and actress Xin Zhilei, set out to find films that would surprise them. Zhong's film, which deals with themes of memory and time through the journey of a young man played by Wang Yitong, searching for his father amidst China's industrial boom, fit the bill.
“Through a bold experimental approach, the director explores the absurdity of human life, while the outstanding cinematography and editing create a uniquely compelling visual experience,” the jury said in a statement. Zhong was visibly emotional during the announcement at the Shanghai Grand Theatre.
Director's Emotional Speech
In his acceptance speech, Zhong thanked his family for their support through years without income. He expressed that Atlantic Rhapsody doesn't provide answers but encourages persistence, love, and belief.
More Wins for Atlantic Rhapsody
Hao Jiayue's cinematography in Atlantic Rhapsody also earned him the Best Cinematography award, marking a double victory for the team.
Highlights from the Festival
The festival showcased 12 films from 15 countries. The Jury Grand Prix was awarded to Nicolás Rincón Gille's Iluminada (Belgium), while Best Director went to Morocco's Yassine El Idrissi for Halima. Khadija Amari took Best Actress for her role in Halima.
Zhang Songwen won Best Actor for his role in Secret in the Box, a Hong Kong-set film by Frankie Tam Kwong Yuen. The jury praised his intense performance that enhanced the film's literary depth.
2026 SIFF Golden Goblet Winners
- Best Feature Film: Atlantic Rhapsody (China), directed by Zhong Kaifeng
- Jury Grand Prix: Iluminada (Belgium), directed by Nicolás Rincón Gille
- Best Director: Yassine El Idrissi, Halima (Morocco)
- Best Actor: Zhang Songwen, Secret in the Box (China/Hong Kong)
- Best Actress: Khadija Amari, Halima (Morocco)
- Best Screenplay: Reis Çelik, Night of Blindness (Turkey/Germany)
- Best Cinematography: Hao Jiayue, Atlantic Rhapsody (China)
- Outstanding Artistic Achievement: The Miserable Mother (Germany/France), directed by Susanne Heinrich
Source: https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/atlantic-rhapsody-top-prize-shanghai-film-festival-1236626495/
