Aung Phyoe, Myanmar filmmaker won the Crystal Globe with his debut film Fruit Gathering at Karlovy Vary International Film Festival on July 11, 2026. (KVIFF Official Website)
On July 11, Myanmar filmmaker Aung Phyoe won the Crystal Globe, the highest award at the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival (KVIFF), for his debut feature Fruit Gathering. The prestigious prize was presented during the festival’s closing ceremony on Saturday in the Czech spa town of Karlovy Vary.
Set in present-day Myanmar, Fruit Gathering tells the story of two young women employed at a textile factory whose friendship gradually develops into a deeply personal and emotionally complex relationship. The jury praised the film for its subtle storytelling, noting that it begins as a reflective exploration of labour, companionship and everyday life before naturally evolving into an intense drama centred on obsession and queer desire.
Accepting the award, Aung Phyoe expressed his surprise and gratitude, describing the recognition as a significant milestone in his career. The Crystal Globe marks the director’s first major international accolade, as Fruit Gathering is also his debut feature film. Alongside the trophy, the award includes a cash prize of 25,000 US dollars.
Founded in 1946, the KVIFF is the Czech Republic’s largest film festival and is widely regarded as the leading cinematic event in Central and Eastern Europe. It is recognised as one of the world’s A-list film festivals, placing it alongside internationally renowned events in Cannes, Berlin, Venice, Locarno, San Sebastián, Shanghai and Tokyo.
The festival has long served as an important platform for emerging and established filmmakers alike, attracting directors, producers, distributors, sales agents and journalists from around the world. Its international competition has built a reputation for spotlighting distinctive voices in world cinema, making a Crystal Globe victory a major achievement for any filmmaker. With Fruit Gathering, Aung Phyoe’s debut has earned both critical acclaim and global recognition, placing Myanmar cinema in the international spotlight.
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