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Busan International Film Festival kicks off on Wednesday
  • October 07, 2021 | Broadcasting/Other

Busan International Film Festival kicks off on Wednesday

Updated: 2021-10-06 09:56:00 KST
 

 

The 26th Busan International Film Festival will start with the screening of South Korean director Im Sang-soo's "Heaven: To the Land of Happiness." The movie depicts the life of an old prisoner who escapes from prison after being diagnosed with a terminal illness, and a man who suffers from a rare disease, but steals drugs because he has no money.

"I could not hope for more because the movie has almost all the perfect requirements as the festival's opening film."

"Anita", a Hong Kong film, will be screened as the closing film of the festival.

This year, a total of 2-hundred-23 films are to be showcased, slightly fewer than in previous years, but the festival includes a vast number of movies created by renowned directors. A number of award-winning films from international film festivals, such as "Titane", which won the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival, and 'The Hand of God', which received the Grand Jury Prize at the Venice Film Festival, will also be presented.

Japanese film director Ryusuke Hamaguchi, who received attention for clinching awards at the Cannes and Berlin Film Festival, will take part in a special event which includes the screening of two of his celebrated movies, as well as a special talk with South Korea's, Bong Joon-ho.

"Director Ryusuke Hamaguchi was originally a big fan of director Bong Joon-ho, he even gave a movie commentary on "Memories of Murder" at the Busan International Film Festival."

Also drawing attention is the "On Screen" section, which shows dramas released on OTT platforms. The Netflix series "Hellbound" and "My Name" will be screened.

The film festival, which runs until the 15th, will be joined by not only South Korean filmmakers, but also dozens of foreign directors. Due to the pandemic, only half of the capacity seating in theaters will be available. However, the opening and closing ceremonies and other on-site events will take place as usual. Choi Min-jung, Arirang News.