Festival News – Page 16

Sistar performed some of their hits and dance routines to an adoring crowd

October 8, 2012February 1, 2015

The 17th Busan International Film Festival

BIFF 2012 at Haeundae (해운대) Beach

While most film festivals promote themselves as bigger and better every year, the 17th installment of the Busan International Film Festival is certainly living up to the hype. With the first non-Korean hosting the opening ceremony in the form of Chinese actress Tang Wei, with the festival spread out across 10 days (as opposed to 9 in 2011), and with 132 world and international premieres, BIFF 2012 has done an incredible job in cementing itself as one of the key film festivals throughout Asia. The popularity of this years installment is acutely visible, as online tickets sold out rapidly whilst the 20% allocation at the event disappeared by mid-morning.

There were a lot of events to be had during the opening weekend of BIFF 2012. While Haeundae Beach was the host for several interviews and performances, the screenings themselves also often sported Q & A sessions with directors, producers and/or the stars themselves to an unprecedented degree in BIFF’s history. It was also common to walk into or past coffee shops and see film-makers meeting and conversing, creating a very relaxed atmosphere with their approachable demeanor.

On Friday the 5th, a private party was held for those that work within the film industry as well as journalists, while the cast of Kim Ki-duk‘s latest feature, the incredibly successful Pieta (피에타), were also in attendance.

Actress Jo Yeo-jeong co-hosts the Lotte Red Secret Party

Saturday the 6th saw two events take place. The Lotte Night Party – Red Secret was hosted by The Servant (방자전) actress Jo Yeo-Jeong and gave awards to those who had contributed significantly over the past year. Among those receiving awards were notable screenwriters and actors, including host Jo Yeo-Jeong and A Muse (은교) actress Kim Go-eun (김고은). Also in attendance were actor/director Yoo Ji-tae (유지태) and his wife, as well as Ahn Seong-gi (안성기), and former BIFF director Kim Dong-ho (김동호). Yet the most memorable event at the Red Secret party was the arrival of now-global-megastar Psy, who performed several of his hits as well as the groundbreaking Gangnam Style to a rapturous crowd.

Psy performs for the emphatic crowd

The second party of the night was held by CJ Entertainment, and the style was markedly different.

Sistar performed some of their hits and dance routines to an adoring crowd

In terms of performers parody group The Wonderboys were amazing fun as well as providing some great music to warm up the crowd for the main act – Kpop superstars Sistar. The quartet sang some of their most famous hits accompanied by their signature dance moves that had the crowd chanting their names. In attendance were a variety of people involved in the film industry including REALies president Kim Ho-seong and renowned editor Lee Sang-min. There were also a whole host of film and television stars, including the cast of period drama-comedy Masquerade (광해, 왕이 된 남자) – Lee Byeong-heon (이병헌), Ryoo Seung-ryong (류승룡) and Jang Gwang (장광) – as well as TV star Kim Min-jong (김민종) and As One (코리아 ) actor Lee Jong-suk (이종석).

Actress Go A-ra was a delight

However a genuine highlight of the night was actress Go Ah-ra (고아라) (star of Pacemaker (페이스메이커) and Papa (파파)), who was incredibly kind, courteous and humble, giving genuine insight into the differences in working in the Korean film and television industries.

Sunday night saw the Korean Film Council (KOFIC) event, which saw fellow The Good, The Bad, The Weird (좋은 놈, 나쁜 놈, 이상한 놈) actors Song Kang-ho (송강호) and Jeong Woo-seong (정우성) attending, in addition to a myriad of other stars and members of the film industry.

And so ended the first weekend of the 2012 Busan International Film Festival. With the incredible selection of films, variety of events in which the public could have access to members of the film industry, and unprecedented popularity, it is difficult to imagine how BIFF will grow and improve in with future installments but one thing is for certain – the BIFF team will undoubtedly find a way.

Festival News Festivals 2012

July 22, 2012February 1, 2015

— Leave a Comment

PiFan 2012 – Opening Ceremony

PiFan 2012

On Thursday, 19th of July the opening ceremony of the Bucheon Fantastic Film Festival (PiFan) got underway in glamorous style.

Luckily the torrential rain held off for the red carpet event, which saw an interesting mixture of up-and-coming stars like PiFan Lady Park Ha-seon, and A-listers, such as Ha Ji-won, Ahn Seong-gi and Ha Jeong-woo. All the stars in attendance looked stunning in their various gowns and suits, making fans squeal with delight. Having been to the film festivals in both Busan and Jeonju, I was unsure of how Bucheon would carve out a unique identity against such heavyweights, and it interestingly seems to occupy somewhat of a middle ground between the two – lavish, but not to the extremes of Busan, and intimate, though not in the independent manner of Jeonju.

PiFan Lady Park Ha-seon (박하선)

Ahn Seong-gi (안성기)

Ha Ji-won (하지원)

Ha Jeong-woo (하정우)

After posing for cameras and conducting brief interviews, the stars all entered the Bucheon Gymnasium for a spectacular show and an awards ceremony, which was then followed by the premiere of Horror Stories (무서운 이야기). The film is highly appropriate given that the festival focuses on genre films, and generally seemed to go down well with the audience. Horror Stories (무서운 이야기) is an interesting take on the horror genre as four different directors have amalgamated their work into a coherent whole, as a young girl must tell horror stories to her kidnapper in a desperate attempt to save her life.

The PiFan awards ceremony and screening of ‘Horror Stories’

After the screening there was a special dinner event for celebrities and press, where I was fortunate enough to (briefly) share a table and some makkoli with director Kim Han-min and Japanese actor Ryohei Otani, who were a delight. Still hot from their success on Arrow, the Ultimate Weapon (최종병기 활), they informed me that their new film, based on famed Admiral Yi-Sun-shin, was due to start filming this winter and will certainly be one to watch out for upon release.

For the full photo gallery, please visit the official facebook page here.

Festival News Festivals 2012

Dr. Daniel Martin, director Lee Myeong-se, and the very talented translator

January 27, 2012February 3, 2015

— 2 Comments

London-Korean Film Night, Jan 2012 – ‘Duelist’ (형사) and Q+A with director Lee Myeong-se (이명세)

On Thursday the 26th of January, the Korean Culture Centre in London held the first of twelve planned Q+A film nights with legendary Korean directors.

A month dedicated to director Lee Myeong-se (이명세)

For January’s edition the director in question was Lee Myeong-se (이명세) in conjunction with his 2005 film ‘Duelist’ (형사). Presiding over the event was Dr. Daniel Martin who introduced both the film and the director, giving the history and context to Lee Myeong-se’s (이명세) illustrious career and auteuristic sensibilities.

The film was very well-received by the audience, and during the following Q+A Lee Myeong-se (이명세) was in good humour throughout and very entertaining.

Dr. Daniel Martin began the Q+A with some questions about Lee Myeong-se’s (이명세) career, and particularly the actors that he has worked with. The director replied that he wanted to work with Ahn Seong-gi (안성기) as the actor had a very strong image as a good man in Korean cinema, and that his roles were limited due to typecasting. Director Lee wanted to change that and play with such preconceptions and cast him in Nowhere to Hide. In addition, Director Lee also cast his own mentor in a comedic role, as he had always had ambitions to be an actor; yet his mentor later revealed the role reversal, where Director Lee had to give instruction, had made him rather uncomfortable. In regards to using younger actors, Director Lee said he was impressed with Ha Ji-won’s (하지원) TV drama work and Kang Dong-won (강동원) had acted well in a prior film and had the ‘look’ he wanted.

For his next project, Director Lee stated he is planning an action film titled ‘Mr. K’ and jokingly claimed that it will surpass the James Bond films.

Dr. Daniel Martin, director Lee Myeong-se, and the very talented translator

When asked about why he is concerned with the artificiality of cinema rather than attempting to achieve realism, Director Lee answered that he didn’t watch films when he was young which he is now grateful for as he wasn’t exposed to the conventions of cinema. Instead he is inspired by poetry and other creative works in discovering ‘what makes a film’.

In regards to the wide variety of music from other cultures and eras within ‘Duelist’ (형사), Lee Myeong-se (이명세) replied that if he likes music and it fits with his vision within a film, then he will use it regardless of faithfulness to an era.

Quizzed about his own martial arts prowess, Director Lee explained that he, like all Korean men who have undertaken military service, is a black belt in Taekwondo. However if he were to give a display, it would be highly comedic.

Following this, the director very kindly gave autographs and pictures to those who attended – including me!

Me with director Lee Myeong-se!

Next month, the Korean Cultural Centre will be dedicated to director E J-yong with the Q+A to be held on February the 23rd alongside the screening of his 2009 film Actresses (여배우들).

Festival News

Jeon Chan-il (전찬일) introduces Dance Town (댄스 타운)

November 6, 2011February 4, 2015

— Leave a Comment

LKFF Day 3 – Mise-en-scene 1, Detective K (조선명탐정: 각시투구꽃의 비밀) and Dance Town (댄스 타운)

Protestors stand up to police at Trafalgar Square

Day 3 of the London Korean Film Festival was based solely at the Institute of Contemporary Arts (ICA), with a backdrop of anti-capitalist protests through the Trafalgar Square and the Westminster area. Except for the film screenings themselves, it was a fairly uneventful day.

First was a showing entitled ‘Mise-en-scene’, which comprised of short films including Park Chan-kyong‘s (박찬경) and Park Chan-wook‘s (박찬욱) Night Fishing (파란만장), Negligence of Duty (Social Service Agent), Promise, Hideout and City.

Detective K (조선명탐정: 각시투구꽃의 비밀) was the second screening, a comedy set during the Joseon Dynasty about corrupt government officials.

Jeon Chan-il (전찬일) introduces Dance Town (댄스 타운)

Lastly was festival favorite Dance Town (댄스 타운), but before it began, film critic and festival programmer Jeon Chan-il (전찬일) introduced the film. He informed the audience that Dance Town was the third film in a trilogy, preceded by Mozart Town (모차르트 타운, 2008) and Animal Town (애니멀 타운, 2009). The films examine city life in a low-budget, social realist aesthetic for which director Jeon Kyu-hwan (전규환) has become renowned. Dance Town is something of a festival darling, as the film has been invited to several notable international festivals and received plenty of awards and critical acclaim. Jeon Chan-il explained that he and the director are friends, and that Jeon Kyu-hwan wishes for audiences to form opinions of Dance Town in a non-political fashion, and to focus on the characters and situations that arise. This is/was easier said than done, as the film is extremely critical in its examination of the society/culture in Seoul and the governmental treatment of refugees.

Festival News Festivals 2011

The Korean Cinema Forum debates the industry

November 5, 2011February 4, 2015

— Leave a Comment

LKFF Day 2 – Korean Cinema Forum, Sunny (써니), and The Front Line (고지전)

The Korean Cultural Centre in London

Day 2 of the London Korean Film Festival kicked off at the Korean Cultural Centre, which is just around the corner from Trafalgar Square.

The Korean Cinema Forum was chaired by Tony Rayns, and he was joined by director Kim Han-min (김한민), lecturer and author Dr. Choi Jin-hee (최진희), and film critic and festival programmer Jeon Chan-il (전찬일). The forum was an interesting discussion about the Korean film industry, however it was severely hampered by time constraints so that only 2 questions from the audience were taken. The main points from the forum were:

Dr. Choi Jin-hee claimed she believes Korean cinema is not going through a ‘Korean New Wave’, as the ‘Korean Wave’ generally refers to the period in the 1990s (and perhaps the early 2000s). Instead, she posited that this period is more likely a ‘Korean Renaissance.’ However, Jeon Chan-il slightly disagreed with this term, as while he acknowledged the output was changing, he felt it wasn’t a radical enough change to warrant a label of such magnitude. Kim Han-min diplomatically straddled both arguments, claiming that Korean films are constantly changing due to the nature of the industry as it is constantly redefining and restructuring itself.

The Korean Cinema Forum debates the industry

At this point chairman Tony Rayns provided a context for the discussion, asserting that it’s important to be aware of how Korean history has shaped the industry. He pointed to 1993 as a pivotal year as the military government, which highly regulated and censored media production, changed into a democratic ‘people’s government’, when the regulations were dropped. Yet even with this new freedom, Korean producers didn’t have the skills and experience to make films, and so the industry floundered somewhat until it had been restructured. Jeon Chan-il slightly disagreed on the date, stating 1992 was actually the beginning of change in the industry.
A member of the audience asked why the Korean film industry was so fixated on producing ‘blockbusters’, as it was often the mid-level budgeted films that were so successful. The questions took 25 minutes (!) to answer, but generally the panel agreed that companies that tried to produce blockbusters often went bankrupt, while low/mid-level budget films were often sleeper hits, including Kim Han-min’s Arrow, The Ultimate Weapon (최종병기 활) and Sunny (써니 ). Kim Han-min also claimed that sometimes Korean audiences were fickle and unpredictable, so it is difficult to determine what will be a successful/profitable film. Dr. Choi Jin-hee referred to the power of word-of-mouth, which is one of the main reasons why films such as Silenced (도가니) and Sunny were so popular.
A final question from the audience asked how a fledging director/producer could get the funding for a project in Korea. Kim Han-min stated that there are various routes, including self-finance, internships, and scholarships amongst others. Dr. Choi Jin-hee also pointed out that screen writing competitions are a good way of entering the industry, as auteur Kim Jee-woon (김지운) found success via this avenue.
Dr. Daniel Martin introduces the ‘North and South’ debate

Next was the option to either stay at the centre to watch Kim Han-min’s Hand Phone (핸드폰), or to travel to the Institute of Contemporary Arts to view Sunny (써니 ). I opted for the latter. The cinema screen/room was quite small, but helped to create an intimate atmosphere. The film was incredibly well received by the audience, who were very vocal in their praise of the film and applauded during the final credits.

Following this, was a screening of Korean war film The Front Line (고지전). Prior to the screening, Dr. Daniel Martin gave a brief but informative introduction to the ways in which the North and South of Korea have been represented in Korean cinema. He pointed out that not all Korean films deal with these issues as many non-Koreans believe, but that the films that are produced are of high quality. Dr. Martin highlighted that the representation of the north has changed, as the vilification ceased a long time ago even as far back as 1954. Instead, films often posit that very little separates the people of each country, and that themes of ‘brotherhood’ or common goals are emphasised.

Dr. Martin then introduced The Front Line which also proved popular with the audience, with some members visibly wiping away tears as they left the cinema.

Festival News Festivals 2011

LKFF Day 1 - SHINee fans show their devotion

November 4, 2011February 4, 2015

— Leave a Comment

LKFF Day 1 – SHINee, War of the Arrows, and Q + A with Kim Han-min (김한민)

The London Korean Film Festival began today on a rather overcast and wet Thursday in Leceister Square.

LKFF Day 1 – SHINee fans show their devotion

The festivities began with a concert by Kpop sensations SHINee. As you may have heard, the furore surrounding the group resulted in the Odeon website crashing due to demand, and even despite this the tickets were still sold out within an hour. The fans were in high spirits, dancing and singing while they queued for hours. Also noteworthy was that so many people from different cultural backgrounds attended the concert, which is a testament to not only SHINee’s appeal and the influence of the Korean Wave, but London’s multiculturalism as well.

SHINee fans perform for the crowd

After the concert, the opening gala (and European premiere) commenced. But before Arrow, The Ultimate Weapon (최종병기 활) began, SHINee joined the audience (leading to most of the girls being told to remain in their seats), and director Kim Han-min (김한민) humbly introduced his film and stated he would stay after the credits for an audience Q +A. Arrow is an action/adventure film set during the era of the Manchurian invasions of Korea. When the Manchurians attack a village and steal a bride on her wedding day, it’s up to her brother and husband-to-be to track down the soldiers and retrieve her. The film was incredibly well-received by the audience, judging by the laughter/gasps during the film and the thanks given to the director directly after.

Tony Rayns poses questions for director Kim Han-min

Next was the Q + A session with director Kim Han-min, who was very humble and polite throughout. During the event, the following interesting pieces of news were revealed:

Arrow, The Ultimate Weapon (최종병기 활) is intended as the 1st in a trilogy of tales set in the 16th century.
Park Hae-il (박해일) initially rejected the role of Nam-i (남이); but with persuasion from director Kim Han-min, he signed on to the film. Kim Han-min joked that thanks to his influence, Park Hae Il is now rich and famous.
Kim Han-min is keen on sports, and regularly does yoga and cycling.
He shot Arrow, The Ultimate Weapon (최종병기 활) within 4 months, and it debuted in Korea a month later – quite an astonishingly short time span.
He admitted that he is often quite a controlling director, but with Arrow he had a wonderful team and was less so; he also plans to work with the same team again on future projects.
American film production companies are interested in buying the rights to Arrow, The Ultimate Weapon (최종병기 활) and re-making it set in Europe – Kim Han-min expressed his dislike of this idea, and vowed to fight it as much as he can.

Festival News Festivals 2011

Stockholm International Film Festival 2011

October 28, 2011February 4, 2015

— Leave a Comment

Stockholm International Film Festival to Screen 6 Korean Films

From the 9-20th of November, the Stockholm International Film Festival (SIFF) will showcase over 170 films from 44 different countries.

Stockholm International Film Festival 2011

According to the official press release, festival director Git Scheynius claimed the 22nd edition of the event,

“is the meeting point for next generation’s film creators. Our 22nd program is fully loaded with strong titles and fresh newcomers and this year we are happy to present more female directors than ever.”

As part of the ‘Asian Images’ category, 4 films will represent the Korean industry. Kim Ki Duk‘s Arirang (아리랑), which won the ‘Un Certain Regard’ at Cannes earlier this year, will be screened alongside Dance Town (댄스 타운), The Day He Arrives (북촌 방향), and The Yellow Sea (황해). All 4 of these films have been touring the international festival circuit this year, and are being well received by audiences and critics alike.

In the ‘Twilight Zone’ category, tongue-in-cheek B-movie Invasion of the Alien Bikini (에일리언 비키니) will be screened, as well as action/comedy Bloody Fight in Iron Rock Valley (철암계곡의 혈투).

Tomas Alfredson’s Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy will open the festival, while Pedro Almodóvar‘s The Skin I Live In will close it.

Isabelle Huppert will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award alongside her new film, and Alejandro González Iñárritu will claim the Visionary Award.

For more information, visit the official site (here), the facebook page (here), and the official Kobiz report (here).

For a cheeky bit of fun, see below for the trailer of Invasion of Alien Bikini.

Festival News Festivals 2011

October 27, 2011February 4, 2015

— Leave a Comment

Cork Film Festival 2011 to screen 2 Korean Films

Poster for the Cork Film Festival, designed by Jimmy Lawlor

From November 6-13th, the Corona Cork Film Festival (CFF) will get underway, celebrating Irish filmmakers and also showcasing international films.

The festival opening gala will be Like Crazy (USA, 2011) which received the Grand Jury prize at Sundance Film Festival, while Toomelah (Australia, 2011, Official Selection Un Certain Regard at Cannes) will close the event. Highlights will also include a focus on Romanian Short Films, an exploration of the Japanese Film Festival 2011, and a retrospective on Portuguese filmmaker Edgar Pera.

As for the offers from Korea, CFF will screen Jeon Kyu Hwan‘s (전규환) Dance Town (댄스 타운) and Hong Sang Soo‘s (홍상수) The Day He Arrives (북촌 방향). Both films have been making waves internationally through festivals during the past few months.

See here for the incredibly designed interactive festival programme.

Also, as a taster for the CFF, see below for trailer of The Day He Arrives.

Festival News Festivals 2011

October 27, 2011February 4, 2015

— Leave a Comment

Tokyo International Film Festival 2011 to Show Variety of Korean Films

TIFF Tokyo 2011

The Tokyo International Film Festival (TIFF), which runs from the 22nd – 30th of October, will play host to a variety of Korean films.

Monster movie Sector 7 (7광구) featuring Ha Ji Won (하지원) will be screened, as will international favorite The Yellow Sea (황해). In addition, sci-fi drama Two Rabbits in Osaka and romantic-drama One Shining Day (눈부신 하루) will also be showcased in the ‘Winds of Asia-Middle East – SUGINO Kiki: Muse of the Asian Indie Cinema’ category. This section will be a celebration of actress Sugino Kiki.

As part of the ‘Winds of Asia-Middle East – Discovering Asian Cinema: Film History A La Carte’, the newly restored Kim Ki Young 1961 classic Hyeon-hae-tan Knows (현해탄은 알고 있다 ) will be screened.

For the full Kobiz report, please visit here.

Festival News Festivals 2011

October 27, 2011February 4, 2015

— 1 Comment

SHINee (샤이니) fans crash Odeon server for London Korean Film Festival 2011

The London Korean Film Festival is due to commence November 3rd

When the London Korean Film Festival announced that SHINee (샤이니) would be opening the 2011 event, fans clamored for information about purchasing tickets. The official facebook page quickly became awash with fans desperate for information. However, after it was announced that the tickets were on sale, the Odeon server crashed due to the unprecedented demand. Both the LKFF and Odeon have said that once the server is up and running again, tickets will be available to purchase (here).

SHINee at LKFF 2011

SHINee have also made a short greeting film about visiting the festival, and how they are excited to meet British fans (here). After the concert, it has been reported that the group will then watch the opening film War of the Arrows (최종병기 활) (aka Arrow: The Ultimate Weapon).

The LKFF runs from November 3rd – November 17th, and will showcase some of the latest blockbusters and classic films from Korea. There will also be competitions for fans to enter and win prizes. For more information, visit the official LKFF page, the LKFF facebook page, and Hanguk Yeonghwa’s reports (here and here).

Festival News Festivals 2011