The Jury awarded the Jury Award to Black Dog, by Guan Hu, for his “mesmerising and post-apocalyptic social tale”. The film tells the story of Lang, a former convict who, upon returning to his hometown on the brink of demolition, takes on the task of capturing stray dogs. After being bitten by a dangerous black dog, the two end up isolated, and an unexpected friendship develops.
Black Dog stands out for its sensitivity in depicting the relationship between man and animal, culminating in a story of redemption and renewal.