30th Anniversary of the Busan International Film Festival
President Lee: "Concerns Over the Deteriorating Film Production Ecosystem"
Asks About Production Budgets
Presidential spokesperson Kang Yujeong announced that President Lee Jaemyung and First Lady Kim Hyekyung attended a screening of the anthology film "The Hours of the Theater" at the Cinematheque of the Busan Cinema Center in Haeundae, Busan, on September 20. After watching the film, the President and First Lady also participated in a "Guest Visit" (GV) session with the film's directors and actors.
In a written briefing, spokesperson Kang explained, "This year marks the 30th anniversary of the Busan International Film Festival, which was first held in 1996. The attendance of the President and First Lady at the festival demonstrated their special interest and affection for the Korean film industry and its filmmakers."
"The Hours of the Theater," which the President and First Lady watched, is an anthology film that combines Director Lee Jongpil's "Chimpanzee" and Director Yoon Gaeun's "Naturally." Spokesperson Kang stated, "The film highlights the special relationship between movies, theaters, and audiences, offering a precious moment for viewers to reflect on what it means to watch a movie together in a theater."
During the Guest Visit session, President Lee showed keen interest by asking the directors involved in the production about the film's budget. He emphasized, "Film is a form of comprehensive art and also an industry," and added, "There are concerns about the deteriorating ecosystem for film production, and the government will pay attention to ensure the film industry can grow fundamentally and sufficiently. Congratulations and thanks to the Busan International Film Festival on its 30th anniversary."
Additionally, First Lady Kim shared her impressions, saying, "Watching a film infused with sweat and passion together with the directors and actors makes my heart flutter," expressing both her appreciation and gratitude. One audience member who participated in the Guest Visit session remarked, "It is an honor to watch films by my two favorite directors, and to do so with the President is truly special."
Park Kwangsoo, Chairman of the Busan International Film Festival, said, "Having the President and First Lady with us for the 30th anniversary has been a great encouragement to both filmmakers and audiences. The Busan International Film Festival will continue to serve as a festival for filmmakers worldwide and as a platform for the advancement of the Korean film industry."
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