Busan is good

Pusan fest unveils line-up

Contents

PIFF 2007 Overview

 

The 12th edition (Oct 4 – 12, 2007) will showcase the total of 275 films from 64 countries, 193 of which are world, international or Asia premieres. Especially, the fact that 11 films in New Currents section are all either world (8) or international (3) premieres proves PIFF’s role as new Asian talents’ gateway to success in the film industry. Also 10 among 70 films in World Cinema section are world or international premieres, which reaffirms PIFF’s prestigious status.

 

Section	No. of countries	No. of films	World Premieres	International Premieres	Asia Premieres
Opening	1	1	1
Closing	1	1		1
Gala Presentation	4	3	1		1
A Window on Asian Cinema	13	37	7	4	10
New Currents	7	11	8	3
Korean Cinema Today	1	19	6		1
Korean Cinema Retrospective	1	15
World Cinema	44	73	2	8	60
Wide Angle	24	66	35	5	11
Open Cinema	6	6	2	2	2
Flash Forward	14	11	1	2	8
Special Program	3	20	3
Midnight Passion	11	12			8
Total	64	275	66	26	101

 

⊙  New Sections

 

Gala Presentation

Newly-added section, Gala Presentation screens master cineastes’ new or the year’s most-talked-about films, or world/international premieres. This year, two Korean and two Asian films will be presented. There will be one screening per day every day starting Friday. Along with press conferences, affiliated events, Gala Presentation will be a festival within a festival.

 

Flash Forward

Flash Forward is a new world cinema section. Like its film definition of “scenes to arrive,” this section looks into young film auteurs – future leaders of film culture – who are unmistakably gifted. In order to achieve this objective, the first or second feature films of non-Asian filmmakers are selected for this section. Most important elements the selection committee looked for were unique cinematic style, narrative, and subject matter.

 

⊙  Korean Cinema Retrospective

 

KIM Seung-ho: Face of a Father, Portrait of Korean Cinema

Actor, KIM Seung-ho was Korea’s biggest star, people’s actor, and the most representative Korean actor in the 50’s and 60’s. Even though he debuted as an actor in his 20s, it was not until in his mid-50s when he became famous in the film industry. Nonetheless, he succeeded in affirming himself as the real star in history of Korean cinema and also, he attempted to produce films during his late years. This retrospective will provide wonderful opportunity to experience the true passion and charisma of actor Kim Seung-ho.

 

Creating New Culture: Special Presentation of Korean National Asset Films

This year, the office of Cultural Heritage Administration titled 7 Korean films “National Assets” for their unique value as cultural heritage. These 7 films are scheduled to be officially announced in mid-September. This event bears important signification as confirmation of a film’s artistic value and possibility of finding Korean cultural identity through films. Celebrating the national asset registration of these films, PIFF will screen all 7 films in a Korean Retrospective section. 

 

⊙  Special Programs:

 

Edward Yang: Memories of Taipei

PIFF holds a special program in honor of the late Edward YANG, one of Asia’s most prominent filmmakers to remember, who passed away last June. PIFF will hold screenings as well as seminars as homage to him.

 

Three Colors of New Malaysian Cinema

Malaysia is witnessing the emergence of a new film generation today. The directors of Malayan, Chinese, Indian heritage come up with a totally new type of films that deviates from original Malaysian films.

 

Remapping of Asian Auteur Cinema 3 : Dariush Mehrjui

Celebrating 3^rd year of the Remapping of Asian Auteur Cinema series, this year’s Remapping program continues to discover, introduce, and support directors in Asia who are little known abroad despite their influence and importance in their own home countries. Unlike the last two Remapping programs in which three directors were presented, this year the program will concentrate on the accomplishments and influence of one director - Dariush Mehrjui.