The Busan International Film Festival, celebrating its 30th anniversary, has officially opened amidst warm congratulations from filmmakers both domestic and international.
The opening ceremony of the 30th Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) took place on the afternoon of the 17th at the Busan Cinema Center in Haeundae-gu.
Stars from the 'Can't Help It' team, including Tony Leung, Han Hyo-joo, director Maggie Kang, BLACKPINK's Lisa, director Na Hong-jin, Han So-hee, Jeon Jong-seo, Kim Min-ha, Kim Yoo-jung, Kim Young-dae, Lee Soo-hyuk, Lee Hye-young, Kim Sung-cheol, Jung Soo-jung, Sakaguchi Kentaro, Milla Jovovich, and Ko Kyung-pyo attended the event, adding to the glamour of the venue.
The 30th Busan International Film Festival opened a new chapter in its 30-year history with this ceremony. Actor Lee Byung-hun hosted the opening ceremony, becoming the first male solo host in the festival's history. He greeted the audience by saying, "The dream that started in Busan 30 years ago has now become a film festival representing Asia. It is a pleasure to see everyone here."
He added, "In fact, I am also happy to be standing here. I debuted in 1991, and after filming my first movie in 1995, I have now become a 30-year veteran actor."
He reflected, "Only after 30 years do I feel like I am somewhat of an actor. Interestingly, the Busan Film Festival started almost at the same time as I did. It has grown alongside me. There are several memorable moments from that long journey," expressing gratitude to the audience while sharing past photos.
He continued, "Like you, I wondered what films would be shown from the audience seats and whether I would be able to stand on this stage, and now I am here. Thank you," conveying his heartfelt appreciation.
In particular, Lee Byung-hun remarked, "Time has changed us a lot, but the excitement we feel in front of a film remains the same, both then and now. Tonight, we will witness another beginning together," officially opening the Busan International Film Festival.
This year's festival will showcase 328 works from 64 countries, expanding the screening venues to a total of 7 theaters and 31 screens, including the Busan Cinema Center, CGV Centum City, Lotte Cinema Centum City, the Korean Film Council's standard screening room, Dongseo University's Sohyang Theater Shinhan Card Hall, Busan Citizens Media Center's public hall, and Megabox Busan Theater, enhancing convenience for the audience.
The opening film selected is director Park Chan-wook's new work 'Can't Help It'. 'Can't Help It' tells the story of 'Mansu' (Lee Byung-hun), a company employee who feels satisfied with life, only to be abruptly fired. To protect his wife and two children and to keep the house he worked hard to acquire, he prepares for his own war towards re-employment.
During the opening ceremony, the following awards were presented: △ Asian Film Award (director Jafar Panahi) △ Korean Film Contribution Award (director Jeong Ji-young) △ Camellia Award (director/actor/producer Sylvia Chang) △ BIFF Cinema Master Honorary Award (director Marco Bellocchio).
Sylvia Chang expressed, "I am very grateful to receive such a wonderful award. It is a great honor." She shared, "I did my first work as an actress in 1972, and since then, I have been completely immersed in film. I have worked hard without rest since then. I got married and became a mother in between, but I never gave up on film. I have written scripts, directed, and produced, and I have become even more deeply involved."
She continued, "Was it hard? Of course. But those difficulties became a greater strength for me. In that sense, the camellia flower symbolizes love and dedication for me," she added.
She concluded, "I am excited to share my new work 'Tanyontail' with everyone at the festival. I will be showing 'I Am Still Alive'. I am truly happy. Thank you once again."
This year's festival will feature a newly established competition section, awarding the 'Busan Award' in five categories to 14 Asian works. Director Na Hong-jin will serve as the chair of the competition jury.
Starting with the special program 'Decisive Moments in Asian Cinema', the festival will showcase works such as Italian master Marco Bellocchio's 'Marco Bellocchio, The Film of Fists', French representative actress Juliette Binoche's 'Juliette Binoche, Moving Emotions', a dialogue between emerging female directors and senior directors in Korea titled 'Our Little History, Please Take Care of the Future!', and 'Carte Blanche', where cultural figures from home and abroad discuss films they have selected with the audience, providing a diverse array of special programs fitting for the 30th edition.
[Udong (Busan) = Son Jin-a, MK Sports Reporter]
