Busan festival under fire for fielding Netflix title as opener
The Busan International Film Festival has picked the historical action thriller Uprising as its opening gala film. But this choice has stirred up some controversy because the film is from Netflix, the global streaming giant and not any critically acclaimed independent South Korean venture. Critics are saying that opting for a film that won't even hit theaters and will be available online in just a few weeks is setting a pretty worrying precedent.
Festival programmers defended their choice amid criticism
Despite the criticism, festival programmers have defended their decision. They highlighted that the festival has a history of featuring TV series and also hosts a content awards ceremony open to films, TV series, and online content. Festival programmer Park Dosin expressed his views at a press presentation for Uprising on Wednesday, stating that he enjoyed the film and was able to "forget about the format while watching it."
'Uprising' director and festival programmer discussed industry challenges
Kim Sang-man, the director of Uprising , acknowledged the current difficulties in the industry but viewed them as a normal process. "We all know that the industry is having a hard time at the moment. But this is a normal process," said Kim. "It is not like the film industry is going to disappear." Meanwhile, Park emphasized that Busan's position as a supporter of independent film remains unchanged despite their controversial selection.
'Uprising' showcases South Korea's mainstream film industry expertise
Uprising is a testament to the craft and experience of South Korea's mainstream film industry. The film was co-written and produced by Park Chan-wook, known for his work on Oldboy and Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance. It features leading movie star Gang Dong-won in the role of a rebellious slave, with Park Jeong-min also playing a significant role. Despite not being present at the Busan press event, veteran Chan-wook's influence was felt throughout the filmmaking process.
