“Master of horror” is not traditionally an accolade recognised by the world’s leading film competitions, but for Kiyoshi Kurosawa, it’s proved something of a boon.
Ever since finding himself in the unique position of having a different film screening at each of Berlin, Cannes and Venice in 1999 (for License to Live, Charisma and Barren Illusion respectively), he’s gone from strength to strength on the film festival circuit. And on September 13 this year he might have scored his biggest win yet. Taking home the Silver Lion for Best Director at Venice for new historical thriller Wife of a Spy, Kurosawa now adds the coveted award to a trophy cabinet already well-stocked with prizes from Cannes, Chicago and the Japanese Academy Film Awards. Few could argue with those credentials.