Preparations for 20th Busan International Film Festival Go On Despite a Few Setbacks
Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) continues its objective to support filmmakers and showcase Asian films despite complications brought about by various reasons, such as changes in the management and decrease in budget.
BIFF has released a statement on July 24 about the changes in the management. Actress Kang Soo Youn - an executive committee member since 1998 - has been named as the co-director. Aside from her, Lee Myung Shik has been introduced as the deputy director.
For its 20th edition, the largest film festival in Asia will feature 304 films, wherein 121 have their premiere internationally or globally, from 75 nations.
"We didn't want to come up with extra events to greet our 20th birthday," BIFF co-director Lee Yong Kwan says, according to an article published Friday on Korea Joongang Daily. "I have always said, even before the conflict occurred, that I want to operate the 20th edition in a mature way, instead of focusing on just presenting it nicely."
The debut film, "Zubann," of Indian director Mozez Singh - together with producer Guneet Monga - will open the festival.
"It is not easy to select the work of a new director as the opening film," the executive programmer of BIFF, Kim Ji-seok, remarks. "But we had confidence in its producer."
He goes on, "I believe that the film will have a healing effect on the audience. To those who feel like they need to look back on their lives, this film will make you do that: to think about your life and where it is headed."
Established in 1996, the 20th BIFF will run from October 1 to 10. Its primary objective is to promote Asian films and support rising directors.
Submission of entries has ended last July 30 for short films and July 31 for features. This year's edition will give out 12 awards.
