The Busan International Film Festival opened with director Park Chan-wook's highly anticipated No Other Choice.
On the 17th, the opening ceremony of the 30th Busan International Film Festival (commonly BIFF) was held at the Busan Cinema Center. Actor Lee Byung-hun served as the sole master of ceremonies, adding significance.
Especially at this BIFF, the Camellia Award went to director and actress Sylvia Chang, the lifetime achievement award went to film director Jeong Ji-young, and director Jafar Panahi received the Asian Filmmaker of the Year award, emphasizing the meaning of "resistance." Sylvia Chang was recognized as a female filmmaker; Jeong Ji-young for presenting a steady body of work from the period when Korean film production was deregulated through the military dictatorship to his current age of 79; and Jafar Panahi, an Iranian, for his relentless efforts for freedom of expression.
Regarding director Jeong Ji-young, Park Kwang-soo, chairman of the Busan International Film Festival, said, "There was a major change in 1986. Until then, only 20 government-approved companies could make films in Korea. But the sudden liberalization of production also brought a period of confusion. From then on there was dialogue between the government and the Korean film community. During this difficult time there was someone who steadied the center. A person who, at the age of 79, is still doing post-production on a new film," he said.
In fact, director Jeong Ji-young is a figure who raised social issues in Korea with numerous works such as Broken Arrow, Namyeong-dong 1985, Black Money, and Boys. He is recently preparing a new film, My Name. At the opening ceremony, host Lee Byung-hun introduced Jeong Ji-young as "a master who sublimated Korean reality into art with deep insight toward social justice" and added, "Korean cinema is developing because of the dedication of senior filmmakers like the director."
On stage, director Jeong Ji-young said, "If I count from when I started as an assistant director, my film life is 50 years. For half a century in film I have only stood beside the camera. My life was communicating with audiences through the language captured by that camera on the screen. Many people have protected me, who simply stood beside the camera. In front of the camera were actors who ran hard for the film, and behind the camera were numerous staff who spent nights with me. The audiences who kindly watched and looked after the films I made—these breaths seem to have put me in this position," he said humbly.
However, he added, "Half a century, 50 years, was not all smooth sailing," saying, "Sometimes I fought rough waves and rowed hard. During the military dictatorship we fought against censorship, and when Hollywood dominated the market we fought against them. We also fought when conglomerates monopolized investment and distribution. Therefore, I did not walk this long and rough river alone; there are countless colleagues, juniors, and seniors. I think I am receiving this award on their behalf."
Jeong Ji-young also did not forget the difficulties of the Korean film industry. "The Busan sea always shows new waves. Korean cinema is the same. Right now Korean cinema is briefly in crisis. But Korean filmmakers are always preparing new, vigorous and desirable films. So I ask the audience who came to enjoy BIFF today and overseas guests: somewhere there are gemlike Korean films, so please find and enjoy them a lot," he emphasized, adding a touching note.
The jury for the newly established BIFF competition section, introduced this year for the first time, was also announced. Led by chairperson Na Hong-jin, the jurors include actor Han Hyo-joo, Yulia Evina Bahrara, Kogonada, Marzieh Meshkini, director Nandika Das, and actor Yang Ka-hui, representing Asian filmmakers.
Among them, director Na Hong-jin, as jury chairperson, said jokingly in his remarks, "I came because they said they would show No Other Choice today without much expectation. Just kidding," delivering a prototypical example of a failed speech and drawing laughter. Lee Byung-hun playfully asked Han Hyo-joo to "fix the ruined-speech makeup," but Han Hyo-joo added, "Makeup will probably be impossible," prompting more laughter.
Executive committee chairperson Jeong Han-seok also emphasized BIFF's resolve on its 30th anniversary. He said, "I took on the role of executive committee chairperson on Mar. 21 and have been running very breathlessly for about six months. It was busy, but it has been a great honor to be part of this historic 30th moment," and added, "We have worked to improve and change many things this year. I think some of that effort has been revealed positively. We promise to always create a prosperous film festival. I am deeply and sincerely grateful," he said in greeting.
He said of the opening film No Other Choice, "Its selection was not at all burdensome. It almost felt like this film was made for the opening ceremony, as if it represents the Republic of Korea. A master director representing Korea, working with Korea's leading actors and outstanding staff, made this film as this year's opening work," he said. Lee Byung-hun, who also plays a lead in No Other Choice, responded nonchalantly, "Is it really that much? I'm really curious," adding more laughter.
Finally, director Park Chan-wook and the lead actors of the opening film No Other Choice took the stage. Director Park Chan-wook quipped in response to Lee Byung-hun's hosting, "From now on, let's just have you keep acting," delivering a 'fact punch' that sent the audience into peals of laughter.
He also reflected, "When they first said they would create a Busan film festival, I worried whether this could happen in Korea and thought it was a reckless undertaking. Thirty years have passed and it became a festival. I really can't believe that my film is being screened as an opening film in the year my film turns 30. I truly consider it an honor," he said with special emotion.
Son Ye-jin added, "It's been a while since I came to the Busan Film Festival. Since it's the 30th anniversary and our film was chosen as the opening film, I will never forget today. It's also very lucky that it's not raining. It's the first time we're showing our film in Korea, and I'm more nervous and excited than when it screened in Venice. Please enjoy it. Thank you," she said.
Park Hee-soon said, "Our film is a black comedy. The most powerful comedy comes at the most dramatic moments. You might be unsure whether to laugh or cry. That's No Other Choice. It's the charm of black comedy. I recommend laughing first. Laugh, enjoy, and have fun, and while listening to the dragonfly, please think about our film again. You will feel a deep pathos," he said confidently.
Lee Sung-min joked, "Lee Byung-hun asked us to be brief before our entrance. He said time was running late and asked for time for interpretation, but that didn't happen," then added, "We are now at an international film festival. I am also very excited and nervous. Please enjoy the film. Please support us so that many people around you can see our film," he added.
Yeom Hye-ran, who appeared to cheers, said, "This is an honorable moment. Are you curious what the director whispered to me? He told me to be sure to say that even though our movie is a Korean film, he considered an outdoor screening and specially added Korean subtitles. Why tell me that, I wonder. You have waited a long time. Let's all dive into director Park Chan-wook's world. Have a great time," showing a cheerful presence as the opening film's lead.
Finally, Lee Byung-hun said, "This is something I have always hoped for. After 30 years of acting, when it actually becomes a reality, I am overwhelmed and moved. I am so happy to now be able to give you the excitement I felt when I first came here as a gift. Above all, I will not forget that because you are here, films and actors can exist. I sincerely thank you," he said.
He continued, "To everyone who loves film: 30 years ago someone dreamed of this. Let's create a film festival in Busan that meets the world. That dream today celebrates its 30th birthday with you. Over the next 10 days this city will be filled with films. On the streets, in theaters, in cafes, wherever you are, you will hear conversations about movies. I hope all those moments become special memories for you," he added.
The 30th Busan International Film Festival runs through the 26th around the Busan Cinema Center.
[Photo] OSEN reporter Min Kyung-hoon.
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