Introduction to the Busan International Film Festival
The Busan International Film Festival (Biff) has recommended Jung Hansseok as the new festival director. This decision is set to be finalized next week. Jung has been the Korean cinema programmer at Biff since 2019 and has a rich background in film, having worked as a journalist and film critic for the Korean film publication Cine21.
Background and Experience of Jung Hansseok
Jung’s experience in the film industry is extensive. He has been a jury member of several notable film festivals, including the Buil Film Awards, the Jeonju International Film Festival, and the Seoul Independent Film Festival. Additionally, he has acted as a consultant for the Florence Korea Film Festival and the Asian film prices in Hong Kong. Biff has praised Jung for his ability to spotlight trends in Korean cinema and bridge the domestic film industry with the festival.
The Selection Process
The final selection process for the festival director is set to take place at the second general assembly of the festival, which will be held on March 20 at the Busan Cinema Center. This appointment comes almost two years after a series of top-level resignations that shook the festival. The role of the festival director has been vacant since then, with temporary appointments made to oversee the festival in the interim.
Previous Challenges and Interim Appointments
In 2023, Nam Dong-Chul, an experienced Biff programmer, was appointed to oversee the 28th edition of the festival. The following year, the former senior programmer Pak Dosin and Kang Seung-AH were brought in to manage the festival after the appointment of a permanent festival director was postponed. A seven-member committee was established to find a new festival director, and after a rigorous selection process, two candidates were shortlisted. The chairman, Park Kwang-Su, has now elected Jung as the final candidate.
Looking Forward to the 30th Edition
The appointment of Jung as the festival director comes before the milestone 30th edition of Biff, which is scheduled to take place from September 17 to 26. This edition will be held two weeks earlier than usual to accommodate Chuseok, the Korean Thanksgiving holiday season. Last year’s edition featured 224 films from 63 countries, a 2% increase from the previous year. Despite a 50% reduction in national government subsidies, Biff was able to expand its selection and add a new event location to cope with the increase in screenings.
Conclusion
The appointment of Jung Hansseok as the new festival director is a significant step forward for the Busan International Film Festival. With his extensive experience and background in film, Jung is well-equipped to lead the festival into its next chapter. The 30th edition of Biff promises to be an exciting and memorable event, and with Jung at the helm, the festival is poised for continued success and growth.
