Project Y-Wins Best Film at London East Asia Film Festival 2025

• At the 10th London East Asia Film Festival (LEAFF) 2025 , Korean filmmaker Lee Hwan’s “Project Y” won the Best Film Award , earning acclaim for its bold, female-led storytelling and innovative take on the noir genre . The ceremony, held in London on 2 November 2025 , marked a defining moment for Asian cinema , highlighting the rise of women-centric narratives in global film.

Exam-Oriented Highlights

Plot and Themes

• Set in Seoul’s Gangnam nightlife , “Project Y” follows two childhood friends, Mi-sun (Han So-hee) and Do-kyung (Jeon Jong-seo) , who plan a high-stakes heist involving 8 billion KRW in hidden gold and cash . As their ambition collides with betrayal and survival, the story explores moral conflict, desperation, and resilience . The film’s emotional depth and realistic storytelling earned it widespread praise from critics and audiences alike.

Redefining Noir Through a Female Lens

• “Project Y” breaks traditional noir conventions by placing female agency at its core. The film’s portrayal of women navigating ambition in a patriarchal world has been described as a landmark in feminist Asian cinema . Director Lee Hwan , known for “Park Hwa-young” and “Adults Don’t Know” , was commended for combining social commentary with cinematic tension , while the lead performances of Han So-hee and Jeon Jong-seo were praised for their emotional power.

Festival Highlights

• LEAFF 2025, celebrating its 10th anniversary , continues to serve as a vital cultural bridge between Asia and Europe . Alongside “Project Y” , the film “Run to The” received the Future of Asia Cinema Award , reflecting the festival’s focus on emerging voices and innovation in Asian filmmaking.