‘Project Y’ Wins Best Film at London East Asia Film Festival 2025

At the 10th London East Asia Film Festival (LEAFF), Korean director Lee Hwan’s “Project Y” won the Best Film Award for its bold, female-driven narrative and reinvention of the noir genre. The award ceremony, held in London on 2 November 2025, marked a milestone moment for contemporary Asian cinema, with the film standing out for its emotional depth and genre-defying approach.

A Gripping Tale of Ambition and Survival

Set in the neon-lit nightlife of Seoul’s Gangnam district, “Project Y” follows two childhood friends, Mi-sun (Han So-hee) and Do-kyung (Jeon Jong-seo), who risk everything in a daring heist to steal hidden cash and gold worth 8 billion KRW. Their quest for freedom spirals into a tense web of betrayal and survival. The story’s grounded realism and raw emotional energy captivated the festival’s jury and audiences alike.

Redefining the Noir Genre Through a Female Lens

The film received praise for challenging traditional male-dominated noir conventions. By placing female agency and perspective at the centre, “Project Y” reimagines the crime genre through themes of resilience, power, and ethical struggle. Critics hailed its nuanced portrayal of women navigating ambition and desperation in a world stacked against them, positioning it as a landmark in feminist Asian cinema.

Performances and Direction

Han So-hee and Jeon Jong-seo deliver powerful performances, their chemistry driving the narrative’s emotional intensity. Supporting actors Kim Shin-rok and Kim Sung-cheol deepen the film’s tension, portraying complex figures of loyalty and threat. Director Lee Hwan, known for his realist storytelling in “Park Hwa-young” and “Adults Don’t Know”, once again demonstrates his ability to blend social commentary with cinematic intensity.

Exam Oriented Facts

• “Project Y” won Best Film at the 10th London East Asia Film Festival (LEAFF) 2025.
• The film is directed by Lee Hwan and stars Han So-hee and Jeon Jong-seo.
• It is a female-led noir exploring themes of ambition, betrayal, and survival.
• LEAFF 2025 also honoured “Run to The” with the Future of Asia Cinema Award.

Festival Highlights and Future Outlook

The 2025 edition of LEAFF celebrated a decade of championing Asian cinematic innovation. Executive Director Jeon Hye-jung praised the festival’s evolution into a key cultural bridge between Asia and Europe. With “Project Y”’s triumph, Korean cinema reaffirmed its global creative influence, highlighting new directions for female-led storytelling and genre experimentation in world cinema.