Hollywood star Milla Jovovich has arrived in Busan.
On the 18th, a press conference for the 30th Busan International Film Festival's invited film 'Protector' was held at the Busan Cinema Center's BIFF Hall. Director Adrian Grunberg and actress Milla Jovovich attended.
'Protector' depicts the intense and merciless chase action of Nikki Halstead, a former U.S. special forces agent, who must find his daughter Chloe, kidnapped by a criminal organization, within 72 hours.
Milla Jovovich, who visited Seoul eight years ago, said, "I had the best experience. My husband and I wandered around Seoul for a few days, and I remember visiting a pie shop where they recognized me and kept serving me pies. I would love to visit that pie shop again if I get the chance," adding, "It is an honor to be in Busan and participate in the opening ceremony, and I met many wonderful actors. Thank you for the invitation."
Director Adrian Grunberg stated, "It’s not the first time to address themes like human trafficking or war in films. Such issues exist in Mexico, where I live. However, when I read the script, I found that 'Protector' respects these elements while blending dramatic and action elements well. Although it is an action movie, I wanted to convey empathy for the theme. Many parents will feel satisfied, and I believe the audience will enjoy it."
Milla Jovovich also shared, "When I first received the script and read it, I felt it was beautifully written. It was longer than the current version and a beautiful piece that evokes poetic emotions, and I hope that sentiment is well conveyed. I wish it reaches audiences worldwide. The director and the screenwriter and I constantly discussed what the most important core of this story is. The conclusion was that it is a story about a mother fighting desperately to save her daughter."
She added, "I also have three daughters. I hope this movie resonates not only with parents who have children but with everyone else as well."
She continued, "We filmed six days a week and had night shoots for four weeks. It’s challenging for a 40-year-old star to handle such a schedule. I lost 10 kg. When you do night shoots, you sometimes have nightmares. So, every night, I discussed action scenes with the director, which allowed me to express the film's expressions and scenes more meticulously. It was a character that required delicate emotional portrayal, so I felt challenged, but through collaboration with the director, we created an unforgettable film."
Milla Jovovich also mentioned K-content.
She joked, "Since I have three kids, I rarely watch anything on TV that isn't related to cartoons, but my five-year-old daughter keeps playing the Netflix animation 'K-Pop Demon Hunters,' so I only hear that."
She continued, "Sometimes, mainstream content in the U.S. seems childish to me. Just look at Korea's 'Squid Game,' which is my favorite work. After all the kids went to sleep, I watched seasons 2 and 3 first, then got hooked and watched season 1. I was so happy to see Lee Byung-hun in person yesterday. 'Parasite' won an Oscar. Just this shows that Korean works are global. I think it's a time to learn about Korean cinema."
The 30th 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 around the Busan Cinema Center.
[Yang So-young, Star Today Reporter]
