Zhang Yimou defends artistic freedom amid Busan festival controversy
Jury president Zhang Yimou addressed the controversy surrounding Hur Jin-ho's film 'The Assassin(s)' at the Busan International Film Festival, questioning historical truth and defending creative freedom as the jury evaluates 14 competition entries.
Zhang Yimou, president of the Busan International Film Festival's competition jury, defended artistic freedom amid a growing backlash against a film depicting a political assassination. Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, Zhang stated he had not watched 'The Assassin(s)' but was aware of the public debate surrounding it, citing an old Chinese saying that creative work 'originates from life, yet transcends life'.
Film at center of debate reopens historical wounds
'The Assassin(s)' is a thriller about the Aug. 15, 1974 shooting of first lady Yuk Young-soo, wife of former President Park Chung-hee. The official inquiry held gunman Mun Se-gwang solely responsible for the shooting, but Hur Jin-ho's film declines to say who was behind the attack. Detractors argue the open ending points the finger at Park or his government, leading to a defamation complaint from a former People Power Party Seoul city councilor. Conservative groups filed the complaint against the filmmakers, prompting police investigations and calls for screenings to be canceled.
Jurors defend artistic responsibility amid backlash
Fellow juror July Jung, director of 'Next Sohee', responded to the climate of criticism. She said filmmakers bear all responsibility for the worlds they create and that backlash can intimidate filmmakers despite believing cinema is an artistic creation. "Honestly, the emotion I feel these days is, as the jury president said, a film is a film," Jung stated. Chinese director Bi Gan, another juror, said he looks for bold films that break barriers and express emotions without hesitation when judging competition entries.
Busan jury evaluates 14 films in second year of competition
The seven-member jury is assessing 14 entries in the festival's main competition, which launched last year to highlight outstanding Asian films. Zhang Yimou heads the panel, which includes directors and producers from across Asia. The full jury lineup is as follows:
Tran Thi Bich Ngoc said BIFF provides a crucial opportunity to bridge cultural and economic gaps for filmmakers across the region. The Directors Guild of Korea condemned attacks on individuals that have crossed the line. The jury will evaluate 14 films for the Busan Award as the 31st Busan International Film Festival runs through Oct. 15.
