How Will Korean Films Do at Cannes?
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Turning to the cultural scene - Two Korean works are competing with 20 other films at this year's Cannes Film Festival vying for the coveted Palme d'Or prize.
Son Heekyung explains what their chances are at one of the world's most prestigious film events.
The 12-day annual film festival is rolling in the resort town of Cannes in southern France.
Famous actors, directors and industry bigwigs from the world over attended the opening ceremony.
Celebrities came out decked out in their finest threads.
Opening night wrapped up with the screening of the festival opener "My Blueberry Nights", the first English-language film by Hong Kong director Wang Jiawei (Wang Kar-wai).
Korea has in this year's event two films in the main competition section.
They are Lee Chang-dong's love story "Secret Sunshine", and Kim Ki-duk's drama "Breath".
Both directors have won awards at prestigious film festivals like Venice and Berlin.
"In the past, Korean films that competed for the main prize dealt with Korean tradition and culture. But not anymore. Both "Secret Sunshine" and "Breath" tackle universal subjects such as the relationship between humans and God. The screening of Korean films at prestigious events like Cannes will upgrade their stature as well as that of directors".
The Korean filmmakers are up against tough competition facing big names like Emir Kusturica, Quentin Tarantino and Wang.
But movie critic Kang says the Korean directors stand a good chance in the competition as their films were chosen for their distinct color and characteristics.
"At this year's Cannes Film Festival, many prominent directors are competing for the prize, so for now, I find great importance in taking part in the event".
"Secret Sunshine" is about a widow who forms an unlikely relationship with a man after moving to a remote village with her son.
"Breath" is about a sculptor trapped in a dull marriage who grows obsessed with a death row inmate.
"In history, two Korean films have won prizes at the Cannes Film Festival, the director's prize went to "Chihwaseon"'s Im Kwon-taek in 2002, and the Grand Prix to "Oldboy" two years later.
The big question that looms on many minds now is can a Korean film or films do it again this year?
Son Heekyung, Arirang News.
Video by following the link below
Son Heekyung explains what their chances are at one of the world's most prestigious film events.
The 12-day annual film festival is rolling in the resort town of Cannes in southern France.
Famous actors, directors and industry bigwigs from the world over attended the opening ceremony.
Celebrities came out decked out in their finest threads.
Opening night wrapped up with the screening of the festival opener "My Blueberry Nights", the first English-language film by Hong Kong director Wang Jiawei (Wang Kar-wai).
Korea has in this year's event two films in the main competition section.
They are Lee Chang-dong's love story "Secret Sunshine", and Kim Ki-duk's drama "Breath".
Both directors have won awards at prestigious film festivals like Venice and Berlin.
"In the past, Korean films that competed for the main prize dealt with Korean tradition and culture. But not anymore. Both "Secret Sunshine" and "Breath" tackle universal subjects such as the relationship between humans and God. The screening of Korean films at prestigious events like Cannes will upgrade their stature as well as that of directors".
The Korean filmmakers are up against tough competition facing big names like Emir Kusturica, Quentin Tarantino and Wang.
But movie critic Kang says the Korean directors stand a good chance in the competition as their films were chosen for their distinct color and characteristics.
"At this year's Cannes Film Festival, many prominent directors are competing for the prize, so for now, I find great importance in taking part in the event".
"Secret Sunshine" is about a widow who forms an unlikely relationship with a man after moving to a remote village with her son.
"Breath" is about a sculptor trapped in a dull marriage who grows obsessed with a death row inmate.
"In history, two Korean films have won prizes at the Cannes Film Festival, the director's prize went to "Chihwaseon"'s Im Kwon-taek in 2002, and the Grand Prix to "Oldboy" two years later.
The big question that looms on many minds now is can a Korean film or films do it again this year?
Son Heekyung, Arirang News.
Video by following the link below
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