Busan is good

Kim Dae-seung's 'Trace of Love' to open PIFF

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Director Kim Dae-seung's melodrama, "Trace of Love," will open the 11th Pusan International Film Festival (PIFF), which begins in the southeastern port city on Oct. 12. Chinese director Niang Hao's box-office hit comedy "Crazy Stone" has been selected to close the festival in a ceremony on Oct. 20.

The 11th PIFF, considered one of Asia's most important film festivals, will feature 245 films from 63 countries during the nine-day event. This year, 155 of the films will be premiering for the first time in Busan. A majority, or 55 percent of the films, are from Europe, 29 percent from Asia and the rest from North America and Africa.

The opening film “Trace of Love” is a melodrama set in a lush landscape background and stars Yoo Ji-tae, Kim Ji-soo and Uhm Ji-won. Kim, who worked as assistant director for the legendary director Im Kwon-taek, has gained critical acclaim for his films, murder-mystery “Blood Rain,” and romantic drama “Bungee Jumping of their Own.”

“Crazy Stone,” a low budget comedy written and directed by mainland Chinese director Ning Hao, is reportedly this year's highest grossing domestic film in China. The film, about the comedic adventures of a gang of thieves who are plotting to steal a jewel, has attracted audiences for its dark humor.

Hong Kong star Andy Lau's company Focus Films produced “Crazy Stone.” Lau is also this year's recipient of the Asian Filmmaker of the Year award, in recognition of his dedication and promotion of Asian films as an actor and producer.

The Korean Cinema Award goes to Martial Knaebel, director of Fribourg International Film Festival and Ken Terawaki, former director-general of Japan Department of Cultural Affairs for promoting Korean films abroad.

There are special programs at PIFF to be held, such as “Remapping of Asian Auteur Cinema,” featuring classic films, and the “Korean Cinema Retrospective,” showcasing Korean films produced during the Japanese occupation.

The Korean Cinema Retrospective will feature late director Shin Sang-ok's 1961 film, “Bound by Chastity Rule,” for the first time. The Korea Film Archive worked to restore the film for 3 years, after it was discovered at the Chinese Taipei Film Archive.

Audiences will also be treated to the “Special Tribute to French Cinema,” featuring 10 classic and modern French masterpieces; and “Midnight Passion,” featuring latest cult films from around the world.

The PIFF is also launching the Asian Film Market, a total market covering financing, production, post-production and sales, for the first time this year.

The source of news : Korea.net  September 13, 2006