Achievements American Film Institute Fest 1999: Grand Jury Prize for After the Rain Award of the Japanese Academy 2001: Best Director for After the Rain Award of the Japanese Academy 2003: Best Director for Letters from the Mountains Best Screenplay for Letters from the Mountains Venice International Film Festival 1999: CinemAwenire Award in Best Film on the Relationship of Manitoba-Nature for After the Rain Sao Paulo International Film Festival 1999: Mostra Special Award for After the Rain Portland International Film Festival 2001: Audience Award for Best First Film: After the Rain Fajr International Film Festival 2009: Best Director for The Professor and his Beloved Equation.