Hirokazu Kore-eda’s latest film set for release on Friday, June 8th, ‘Shoplifters,’ wins the “Palme d’Or” – the highest honor, at the “71st Cannes Film Festival”. “Shoplifters” is the first Japanese film to take home the award since Shohei Imamura triumphed at the “50th Cannes Film Festival” for “The Eel” in 1997, an achievement in 21 years.
■Comment from Hirokazu Kore-eda
My legs are shaking. I’m so happy that I can be up here. Whenever I take part in this film festival, I feel that I am encouraged to continue creating more movies. I also feel that movies have the power to connect people who are in conflict in a divided world. I want to share the courage and hope which I received from this award, with my staff and the cast members, up and coming young directors, and also with the other two directors who were unable to attend the ceremony.