Have you ever found yourself asking who’s an international film player these days? Want to know which Japanese film won the grand prize at one of the most prestigious festivals in the world? Can you guess which Korean actress has now won awards in both Korea and Japan? And what makes this film so unique that everyone in the world is already buzzing?
Shim Eun-kyung’s recently released Japanese film, Travel and Days, has just bagged The Golden Leopard at the 78th Locarno International Film Festival, Switzerland – a huge achievement for the actress and all her team.
About the Film: Story, Cast, and Direction
Travel and Days is a Japanese movie that has brought recognition to the nation, thanks to its intriguing narrative and directing style. The film stars Shim Eun-kyung, a very famous Korean actress who is noted for her chameleon-like acting abilities, creating unforgettable performances for which she has received awards in Korea and Japan.
The director of the film is Sho Miyake, a young and emerging filmmaker who is presently sharing the limelight at various international film festivals for his idiosyncratic way of telling stories.Although the film is a mixture of different genres in both drama and human emotions, Travel and Days is an impressive cinematic experience, which is recognized for its skillful documentation of life’s sometimes small but profound moments.
Award Details: Golden Leopard Recognition
We are incredibly proud to announce that Travel and Days received the coveted Golden Leopard award, the top honor awarded by the 78th Locarno International Film Festival in Switzerland! The Golden Leopard is awarded to films of exceptional artistic quality, creativity and storytelling excellence, ranking them among the greatest films of all time.
While the Golden Leopard recognizes the talents of the cast and crew, it also points to the value of a film that touches international audiences and elevates the status of Shim Eun-kyung and director Sho Miyake as global filmmakers!
Actor’s Statement: Shim Eun-kyung’s Thoughts on the Honor
In speaking about the honor, Shim Eun-kyung expressed her thoughts at the Independent Jury Award ceremony in Korean to engage audiences around the world.
She stated, “I’m really glad I had an opportunity to work on a film that is very dear to me and hope that our story travels even further through the Locarno International Film Festival.”
Her thoughtful words show not only pride in her project, but also what it means to share heartfelt stories across cultures, reinforcing the film’s international significance.
Locarno Film Festival Overview: A Hub for Artistic Excellence
Founded in 1946, the Locarno International Film Festival is one of the most prestigious cinema events in the world. It is also among the six largest festivals on the globe. The festival takes place once a year in Switzerland, and has also garnered a reputation for its unique celebration of art and creative storytelling. The festival offers opportunities for both new and established filmmakers to display their unique visions.
In its decades-long history, Locarno has achieved a reputation for cultural prestige, providing a gathering place for cinephiles, critics, and industry professionals from all over the globe. An award win at Locarno, especially a win such as the Golden Leopard, is often viewed as a benchmark in a filmmaker’s career.

Collaboration Significance: Director Sho Miyake and Shim Eun-kyung
The collaboration between director Sho Miyake and Shim Eun-kyung has generated a lot of international buzz. Miyake is an important new voice in the global film world with his unique style, which certifies him to be one of the best emerging directors working today.
Shim Eun-kyung has carved her place as an innovative actress by winning Best Actress awards in Korea and Japan, making her the first Korean actress to win both Best Actress awards in those two countries. Her inclusion will only give the film currency and recognition.
Additionally, their collaboration has been engaging critics and viewers around the world because Travel and Days has been viewed as significant artistically, and that has boosted its international recognition.
Release Information: Anticipated Premiere in 2025
Travel and Days is set for a domestic release in late 2025. While the exact dates have not yet been determined, the film is expected to go in to theatres in Japan first, which may be followed by screening in other locations, including Korea.
Travel and Days is getting a lot of attention and anticipation following its international visibility at the Locarno Film Festival, and the enthusiastic collaboration between Shim Eun-kyung and director Sho Miyake. Audience members around the world are eager to see the acclaimed and recognized film.
Conclusion
This was a very special achievement for both Shim Eun-kyung and the director, Sho Miyake, since their film won at the 78th Locarno International Film Festival. The Golden Leopard recognized not just the film’s artistic excellence but also the increasing international recognition afforded to unpretentious emotional storytelling.
Its domestic release is being much anticipated all over the world. Love and respect will last forever for a film that stands for cross-cultural collaboration and that culture in itself brings attention to the universal appreciation of cinema. The film will overshadow ” Travel and Days” among international cinema circles and will win hearts and critics.