Seoul: Culture Minister Chae Hwi-young has sent a congratulatory message to South Korean film director Jin Mi-song for winning Second Prize in the La Cinef section for student films at this year's Cannes Film Festival, his office said Saturday. In the message sent Friday, Chae commended Jin's film "Silent Voices" for its worldwide impact, achieved through its "quiet but deep resonance" in portraying the everyday lives of an immigrant family.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Chae expressed his admiration for Jin's ability to capture the nuances of individual emotions in his directing. "I send applause of encouragement as your sincere attention and directing ability that delicately captured the various aspects of an individual's emotions led to a precious result on the world stage," he wrote. The minister highlighted the significance of Jin's achievement, stating that it exemplifies the potential of the next generation of South Korean cinema and inspires young filmmakers within the industry.

The La Cinef section is a competition dedicated to works by emerging filmmakers from film schools. This year, the organizers selected 19 student films from a pool of 2,747 global submissions. "Silent Voices" captures a day in the life of a family who emigrated from South Korea to New York, focusing on how the parents and their two daughters silently cope with their distinct daily challenges.