The 19th Busan International Film Festival opened to a controversial film set.
Busan International Film Festival (BIFF), the largest of its kind in Asia, commenced on October 2, 2014 with the world premiere of the highly awaited controversial Taiwanese Cold War film Paradise in Service, set against the backdrop of tension with China. The film, directed by Doze Niu, revolves around the story of a boy and other Taiwanese soldiers that had undertaken military service in the 1960s and 70s, in preparation for a possible war.
The festival, being held from October2-11, 2014 is being co-hosted by Korean actress Moon So-ri and Japanese actor Ken Watanabe, an Oscar-nominee for The Last Samurai in 2004. It opened to an approximate of 5,000 visitors from South Korea and abroad at the outdoor theatre of Busan Cinema Center.
Korean actor Jung Woo-sung, Korean filmmaker Im Kwon-taek, Chinese actress Tang Wei and Korean actress Kim Hee-ae were among those who participated in the festival. Hong Kong-based auteur Ann Hui was facilitated with the ‘Asian Filmmaker of the Year’ title for her contribution to the development of the Asian film industry.
Over the 10 day of the festival, BIFF will screen 314 films from 79 different countries across venues in the city of Busan, including 98 world premieres, which is higher than the films featured in 2013, indicating a rise in participation.
In synchronization with BIFF, various conferences such as the Asian Film Market, Asian Project Market and many forums on the film industry are being held to attract film business personnel from around the world.
Photo Credits: Koreanfilm.or.kr
