Photo/Illutration A scene from Sho Miyake’s “Two Seasons, Two Strangers” ((C) Two Seasons, Two Strangers Production Committee)

In a historic moment, Sho Miyake’s “Two Seasons, Two Strangers” has won the Golden Leopard at the 78th Locarno Film Festival, making him the first Japanese director to claim the top prize in 18 years.

During his acceptance speech in Locarno, Switzerland, on Aug. 16, Miyake, 41, reflected on the power of cinema in turbulent times.

“In a world where so many terrible things are happening, I kept asking myself what cinema can do,” he said, noting that he was constantly reminded of his love and trust in the craft, as well as his love for the world, while making the film.

“If I can share that with others through this completed film, there’s nothing more rewarding,” he added.

“Two Seasons, Two Strangers” is based on two works by renowned manga artist Yoshiharu Tsuge and follows a screenwriter’s aimless journey. The cast includes Shim Eun-kyung, Shinichi Tsutsumi and Yumi Kawai.

The film is scheduled for release in Japan on Nov. 7.

The last Japanese film to receive the Golden Leopard at the festival’s international competition was Masahiro Kobayashi’s “The Rebirth” in 2007.

Previous Japanese winners include classics such as Teinosuke Kinugasa’s “Gate of Hell” and Kon Ichikawa’s “Fires on the Plain.”

In 2015, four cast members from Ryusuke Hamaguchi’s “Happy Hour” jointly won the award for best actress.

This year, Japanese director Neo Sora also took home the award for Best Auteur Short Film with “A Very Straight Neck.”

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