The cinematic adaptation of Tatsuki Fujimoto's acclaimed one-shot manga Look Back continues to earn critical acclaim internationally. During the 83rd Venice International Film Festival, the live-action feature was honored with the student jury's prestigious UNIMED Award. The Mediterranean Universities Union recognized the project for championing cultural diversity, freedom of artistic expression, and intercultural dialogue through its evocative storytelling.
Festival Recognition and Director's Acceptance
An international jury comprised of 25 students representing 16 UNIMED-associated universities across seven countries selected the winner. Acclaimed filmmaker Hirokazu Kore-eda, who directed, edited, and wrote the screenplay for the adaptation, accepted the award during a ceremony at Sala Laguna on the Lido di Venezia. This latest accolade follows notable showcases at both the 79th Cannes International Film Festival and ahead of its upcoming screening at the London Film Festival.
The narrative explores a delicate decade-long bond between two contrasting creators. Fujino, a confident artistic talent, crosses paths with Kyōmoto, a reclusive admirer of her work. Together, they forge a powerful partnership defined by a shared passion for crafting manga, though external pressures soon challenge their creative harmony.
Star-Studded Cast and Crew
The feature brings together exceptional talent both on and off screen. Aju Makita stars as Kyōmoto alongside Natsuki Deguchi as Fujino. Behind the camera, Kore-eda assembled an elite crew including composer Yūta Bandō, director of photography Senzo Ueno, and art director Shinsuke Kojima. The production also features unique contributions from musician Kenshi Yonezu, actress and singer Tōko Miura, and animator Yōko Kuno, who directed a distinct rotoscoped sequence produced by Shinei Animation.
