Our senior US critic Tim Grierson flew into New York over the weekend to attend the New York Asian Film Festival (NYAFF) in honour one of Japan’s emerging cinema talents.

NYAFF Rising Star Award

Grierson presented the Screen Rising Star Award to Shota Sometani (pictured), whose credits include Himizu and Wolf Children.

Festival co-founder and co-director Goran Topalovic (centre) was in attendance with a number of guests including director Ryuichi Hiroki (pictured bottom, in hat, with Sometani), whose Kabukicho Love Hotel also stars Sometani and received its New York premiere.

The 14th NYAFF runs until July 11.

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