Mr. Tree directed by Han Jie won best director award in 9th International Film Festival of Asian Pacific countries "Pacific Meridian" in Vladivostok.

The closing ceremony of the 9th International Film Festival of Asian Pacific countries "Pacific Meridian"was held in a large hall of the "Ocean" cinema at Vladivostok on 16th. Chineese Director Han Jie won best director award for his film Mr.Tree. The Jury cited that the award was given to Mr.Tree for the poetic view of the contemporary chinese social issues. Mr Tree produced by Jia Zhangke, also won the Jury Grand Prix and Award for Best Director in the Shanghai International Film Festival.About his film Han said at Shanghai that life itself was what inspired him to write the story."China's urbanization has seen a huge number of young people flock to big cities, leaving children and aging parents in their rural hometowns," he said. "We often read news about the migrant population and their uncertainties. I have been to many abandoned villages and seen that contrary to collapsed houses, trees still flourished. So Tree as the name of my protagonist has more symbolic meanings." Mr Tree also received critical acclaim in the Toronto and Locarno Film Festivals,
Other award winners are:
• The Special Jury Award
For a complete picture of social thai issues told in a short form
Pimpaka Towira
My father
• Best Short Award
For an excellent direction in the very beginning of the career
Halima Ouardiri
Mokhtar
• Best Actress Award
For profound psychological analysis and internal integrity of the created image
Fanny Mallette
Familiar grounds (En terrains connus)
• Best Actor Award
For a unique talent for transformation
Wang Baoqiang
Mr. Tree.
“9288 km” Award from the Governor of Primorsky Territory
Michele Placido
• The Audience Choice Award for the Best Russian Film
Alexander Gordon
Brothel Lights
• Yul Brynner Award
For great perspectives and genuine talent
Dmitriy Vyskubenko
My dad Baryshnikov
• Festival Grand Prix for the Best Feature
For highly artistic coverage of modern australian aboriginal issues
Ivan Sen
Toomelah
.Award for Contribution to World Cinema
Liza Minnelli
Before the closing ceremony a traditional Red Carpet rolled out for the dignatories including, Sergey Stepanchenko, Alexander Pyatkov, Alexander, and Harry Gordon, Lisa Arzamasova, Rock Brynner, Liza Minnelli and other well-known and beloved masters of Russian cinema, and filmmakers from other countries, including the most awaited guest of the festival Italian actor and director Michele Placido. The highlight of the evening was the performance of Liza Minnelli, who sang three songs: "Cabaret", "Maybe this time" and "New York, New York".