It is time to dive into the sea of movies with Park Chan-wook's ‘Nothing Can Be Done’. The Busan Film Festival has raised its sails and begun a vigorous journey.
On the afternoon of the 17th, the opening ceremony of the 30th Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) was held at the Busan Haeundae Cinema Center.
Before the opening ceremony, domestic and international actors including Son Ye-jin, Yeom Hye-ran, Park Hee-soon, Lee Sung-min, Kim Yoo-jung, Kim Young-dae, Jang Mi-hee, Bae Jong-ok, Yeon Woo-jin, Kim Yoo-jung, Kim Sung-cheol, Lee Yoo-mi, Shin Ye-eun, Rowoon, Jeon So-ni, Yeo Su-jeong, Kim Min-ha, Bang Min-ah, Jeon Jong-seo, Han So-hee, Go Kyung-pyo, Yoo Ji-tae, Hong Kyung, Shim Eun-kyung, Ha Jung-woo, Kim Dong-wook, Jo Woo-jin, Lee Soo-hyuk, Lee Gyu-hyung, Han Hyo-joo, Jung Joon-ha, Gong Min-jeong, Jung Woo, Jung Soo-jung, Hwang Woo-seul-hye, Justin H. Min, Milla Jovovich, Yang Ga-wi, etc., walked the red carpet.
Directors Park Chan-wook, Michael Mann, Maggie Cheung, Na Hong-jin, Jeong Ji-young, Guillermo del Toro also attended. BLACKPINK's Lisa made a guest appearance, adding glamour to the red carpet.
Lee Byung-hun, who hosted the opening ceremony solo, said, “The small dream that started in Busan 30 years ago has now transformed into a grand festival and become a representative of Asia. I too have become a 30-year veteran actor since filming my first movie in 1995. The Busan Film Festival and I have grown together. There are particularly memorable moments in that long journey,” he said.
He continued, “When I first came here, I wondered if I could stand on stage or see my face on the screen. But here I am. Time changes us a lot, but the excitement of movies remains unchanged and always brings a new beginning. I am about to embark on another beginning,” announcing a vigorous start.
The Camellia Award was presented to Taiwanese actor and director Sylvia Chang. He expressed, “I am very grateful to receive such a wonderful award. It is a great honor,” and added, “I made my first work as an actor in 1972, and I have been completely immersed in movies since then. I have worked hard without rest since then. I got married and became a mother in between, but I never gave up on movies.”
He continued, “I have written scripts, directed, and produced, and I have become even more deeply involved. Was it hard? Of course. But those difficulties became a greater strength. In that sense, the camellia flower symbolizes love and dedication for me. I want to share my new work with everyone at the film festival with excitement. I want to show that I am still alive. I am truly happy. Thank you once again,” he added.
The Achievement Award, given to individuals who have contributed to the widespread introduction of Korean cinema, was awarded to director Jeong Ji-young, who has been making films for 50 years.
Director Jeong Ji-young said, “If we start from director Jo, it has been 50 years since I started making films,” and added, “There were actors who worked hard in front of the camera, and there were staff who stayed up all night with me behind the camera. The audience who has watched my films has allowed me to be here.”
He continued, “The past half-century has not been smooth. Sometimes I fought against rough waves and rowed hard. I did not cross that rough river alone; there are senior colleagues and juniors. I receive this award on their behalf,” and stated, “Korean cinema is currently facing a crisis, but Korean filmmakers are preparing strong and desirable films. To the audience who came to enjoy the Busan Film Festival today and to the overseas guests, there are gem-like Korean films, so please find and enjoy them.”
The Asian Film Award, given to individuals who have shown the most outstanding activities in the development of the Asian film industry and culture, was awarded to Iranian master director Jafar Panahi.
Director Jafar Panahi said, “I thank the Busan Film Festival for this award. I participated in the first film festival, and I feel honored to be part of the Busan Film Festival celebrating its 30th anniversary,” and added, “When I came to Busan with my first film, I vowed to return home and create the best film festival in Asia. However, I have been imprisoned for 17 years since then and could not return. At that time, I could not leave my country.”
He continued, “Over the past 30 years, Korea has tirelessly worked and fought for freedom, for the freedom of film. This is not the end. We must challenge and move forward for the freedom of expression in filmmaking. This award is dedicated to all independent films on the front lines of that struggle,” he shared meaningful thoughts.
Meanwhile, this year's Busan Film Festival opened with Park Chan-wook's film ‘Nothing Can Be Done’.
The opening film ‘Nothing Can Be Done’ tells the story of a company employee, Munsu, who felt that life was satisfying enough to feel that he had achieved everything, but suddenly gets 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. Actors Lee Byung-hun, Son Ye-jin, Lee Sung-min, Yeom Hye-ran, and Park Hee-soon collaborated on this film.
Director Park Chan-wook expressed, “When the Busan Film Festival first started, I thought it was a reckless endeavor, but 30 years have passed, and it has become a large film festival. I cannot believe that my film has been selected as the opening film in the year it turns 30. I sincerely consider it an honor,” he shared his thoughts on being selected as the opening film.
Son Ye-jin said, “It has been a long time since I came to the Busan Film Festival. It is the 30th anniversary, and being selected as the opening film makes today unforgettable. It is also lucky that it is not raining. This is the first screening in Korea, and I am more excited and nervous than in Venice. Please enjoy it,” she urged.
Park Hee-soon said, “Although we appeared in the trailer for 1%, our movie is a black comedy. The strongest comedy comes at the most dramatic moments. It might be confusing whether to laugh or cry. Nothing can be done. That’s the charm of black comedy. I recommend laughing first. Enjoy it, and when you go home, listen to Cho Yong-pil’s ‘Dragonfly’ and think about it again. You will feel a deep pathos,” he confidently stated.
This year, the Busan Film Festival will meet audiences with a total of 328 films from 64 countries, including 87 films in the Community BIFF section and 32 films in the Neighborhood BIFF section. It will be held until the 26th at the Cinema Center area.
[Yang So-young, Star Today Reporter]
