Japanese boy named best actor at China film gala

A 12-year-old Japanese boy has been awarded the best actor prize in a major film festival in China.

Hajime Yoshii was chosen as best actor in the international category in the 20th Golden Rooster and Hundred Flowers Film Festival, in Hefei, Anhui Province.

Yoshii plays the lead role in a film titled "Eclair--Okashihoroki."

The film is set in Ishinomaki City, Miyagi Prefecture, one of the areas worst-hit by the March earthquake and tsunami. It depicts how an orphaned boy grew up in the days immediately after World War 2 by finding comfort in sweets and developing relationships with people through sweets.
The film was shot last year in Ishinomaki with around 400 local residents taking part as extras.

Although its screening was delayed because of the disaster, it is now being shown across Japan.

The film's producers say Yoshii's winning of the award brings joy to the people of Miyagi, who warmly supported the shooting of the film. They say they'll work to release the film in many more locations.

Sunday, October 23, 2011 11:50 +0900 (JST)